News
Air Belgium prepares to launch cargo flights via Ashgabat
28.06.2026Belgian airline Air Belgium is planning to launch cargo flights via Ashgabat International Airport, preliminarily as early as the beginning of August. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. Preparations for the launch were discussed during a meeting in Brussels between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, and the CEO of Air Belgium, Georges Chazaty. The parties summarized the results of the airline chief’s visit to Turkmenistan, following which an agreement was signed to begin cargo transportation through Ashgabat. Main attention was paid to organizational and technical aspects of launching the flights, as well as the possible holding of a symbolic opening ceremony. A representative of Air Belgium noted the logistical potential of Ashgabat Airport and its readiness to handle cargo operations. In turn, the Turkmen side emphasized the country’s development as a transit hub between Asia and Europe and its course toward expanding international transport connectivity. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in implementing the agreements and further developing cooperation.
Flower-Laying Ceremony Held in Ankara at the Monument to Turkmen Poet
28.06.2026On June 26, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Türkiye organized a flower-laying ceremony at the monument to the Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, located in Turkmenistan Park in central Ankara. The IIC reported this. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, Turkish writers and public figures, students, members of the Turkmen diaspora, and media representatives. Speakers highlighted the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy's literary legacy for world literature and spoke about the events being held throughout 2026, which has been declared under the slogan: "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses."
Turkmenistan and the EBRD: Preparations Underway to Expand Investment Cooperation
28.06.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its investment cooperation with international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the state news agency TDH reports. The information was presented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov at a government meeting, where he briefed participants on preparations for the visit of the EBRD President to Turkmenistan next month. An expanded working meeting has already been held in Ashgabat with the participation of representatives of relevant government agencies and the EBRD. The parties discussed the coordination of bilateral documents that are expected to be signed during the upcoming negotiations. A package of agreements has been prepared covering the energy sector, transport and logistics, environmental initiatives, and the financial and banking sector. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the successful long-standing cooperation with the EBRD and instructed officials to continue developing the partnership.
Turkmen Chess Player Wins Gold at the 5th Rigo Janos Memorial GM-B Tournament
28.06.2026Turkmen grandmaster Meilis Annaberdyev won the international 5th Rigo Janos Memorial GM-B chess tournament, which concluded on June 26 in Balatonlelle, Hungary. The news was reported by the Turkmenportal news website. After nine rounds, Annaberdyev scored 6 points out of a possible 9, finishing first among ten participants from Hungary, Belarus, Greece, India, Poland, and Turkmenistan. He also gained 12.1 FIDE rating points, the highest rating increase among the tournament's medalists. Meilis Annaberdyev has held the title of International Grandmaster since 2022 and is among Turkmenistan's strongest chess players. His achievements include medals at international competitions, including the Chess Olympiad, as well as victories and podium finishes at major international tournaments.
Turkmen Judoka Wins Gold at the Judo Grand Prix in China
28.06.2026Turkmen judoka Maysa Pardaeva won the gold medal at the Judo Grand Prix taking place in Qingdao, China. The news was reported by the Turkmenportal news website. In the final of the women's 57 kg weight category, she defeated France's Martha Fawaz to claim the top spot on the podium. The Qingdao tournament concludes on June 28 and serves as the second event in the qualification cycle for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The 21-year-old athlete has previously achieved success on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the Grand Slam tournament in Ulaanbaatar. In 2024, Pardaeva also represented Turkmenistan at the Paris Olympic Games.
Turkmenistan and the WCO Expand Cooperation in Customs Digitalization
28.06.2026A bilateral meeting was held in Brussels between Maksat Khudaýkulyyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, and Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, also participated in the talks, according to the Orient News Agency. The parties noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the World Customs Organization has reached a new qualitative level over the past year. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to the WCO for its support in organizing an international conference in Ashgabat dedicated to the activities of customs training centers. Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the digitalization of customs procedures and the training of customs personnel through the WCO Regional Training Centre in Turkmenistan. The parties positively assessed the results of joint educational programs implemented during 2025–2026. Within these programs, Turkmen customs officers received training in risk management, data analysis, release time measurement, and the digital transformation of customs processes. The discussions also focused on further strengthening human resource capacity. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to send representatives to participate in the WCO Career Development Programme for 2026–2027, including short-term internships. Ian Saunders highly praised the ongoing reforms in Turkmenistan's customs system and recalled his previous visit to the country, including a tour of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, which he described as an important transport hub for the region. The WCO leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the educational center in Ashgabat and promoting its best practices throughout the region.
In Vienna, the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society was honored
27.06.2026A ceremony to award the Golden Insignia — the Grand Cross of the Order of Malta of the Federal State and City of Vienna — took place at the Vienna City Hall. The award was presented to the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, Neda Berger. It was awarded by decision of the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, for her contribution to the development of cultural cooperation between Vienna and Ashgabat, according to the IIC. The ceremony was conducted by Vienna City Councillor for Culture and Science Veronika Kaup-Hasler. She noted Neda Berger’s many years of work in strengthening humanitarian ties between the two countries, highlighting in particular the organization of Viennese Balls in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Austria, Hemra Amannazarov, who congratulated Neda Berger on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan and emphasized her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian cultural dialogue. Expressing gratitude to the Vienna authorities for their high appreciation of her work, Neda Berger thanked them for their support of joint cultural projects. Concluding the ceremony, she read a poem dedicated to the history of the Viennese Balls in Ashgabat and to the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Austria.
Ashgabat and Seoul discuss cooperation in the customs sphere
27.06.2026On June 25, a working meeting was held via videoconference between representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Korea Customs Service as part of preparations for the first “Republic of Korea – Central Asia” summit. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights protection at the border. The document is aimed at strengthening the legal framework for cooperation and improving the effectiveness of controls over the cross-border movement of goods, as well as protecting economic interests and consumer rights. The continuity of dialogue was noted, beginning with the 2018 meeting in Busan and continuing through specialized training events in 2019. The participants expressed their intention to finalize the text of the memorandum in the near future for its signing at the summit in Seoul, scheduled for September.
A meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
27.06.2026On June 26, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan, the United Nations, and its specialized agencies. The importance of long-standing cooperation was noted. During the meeting, initiatives of Turkmenistan and United Nations resolutions aimed at developing energy and transport corridors, as well as strengthening peace and sustainable development, were reviewed. Special attention was given to the initiative to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law,” which, as noted, would contribute to strengthening trust and the international legal framework for cooperation. The sides also discussed aligning national plans with the Sustainable Development Goals, improving legislation in line with international standards, digitizing the information systems of the national parliament, and developing electronic document management. The importance of seminars and meetings held in these areas was emphasized. At the end of the meeting, D. Gulmanova congratulated Dmitry Shlapachenko on his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.
The Turkmenistan delegation completed training at a seminar in Italy
27.06.2026Lecturers from the S. A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University took part in a training seminar under the “Building a Resilient Institutional Dialogue (BRIDGE)” project, held from June 14 to 20 in Bologna, Italy, within the framework of cooperation in the “Italy – Central Asia” format. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was organized under the coordination of the European Union and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Before the start of the in-person program, participants completed a two-week online course on regional cooperation, environmental issues, and water resource management. At the Institute of Asia of the University of Bologna, representatives from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan presented projects in the fields of agriculture and water-saving technologies. Italian experts delivered lectures on precision farming, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. Practical sessions were also held on combating drought, implementing modern irrigation systems, and preparing international projects. As part of the seminar, participants visited the regional government of Emilia-Romagna, the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo irrigation canal, the ACQUA CAMPUS research center, the Codigoro pumping station, and the Salvi Vivai nursery, where they became acquainted with European agricultural standards, innovative hydraulic solutions, and water-saving technologies. At the end of the program, participants were awarded international certificates.
Turkmen students awarded the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship”
27.06.2026A ceremony for awarding the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship” was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan. The laureates included 10 Turkmen students and school pupils who achieved outstanding results in studying the Chinese language, culture, and traditions, according to the information agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, delivered a welcoming speech. He congratulated the awardees and noted the development of Chinese–Turkmen cooperation in the field of education. According to the diplomat, interest in studying the languages and cultures of both countries continues to grow. He stated that more than 10,000 Turkmen citizens are currently studying at universities in the People’s Republic of China, while the number of Chinese students in Turkmenistan is also increasing. The ambassador emphasized that academic exchange contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Ji Shumin noted that cooperation has been supported by agreements reached during the March visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese ambassador expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan for supporting joint educational initiatives, and also thanked teachers for their work. At the end of the ceremony, the diplomat wished the laureates success in their studies and expressed confidence that the younger generation will continue to strengthen friendship between Turkmenistan and China.
Turkmenistan participates in sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization
27.06.2026On June 25 in Brussels, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization, the 147th and 148th sessions of the WCO Council began. A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Chairman of the State Customs Service Maksat Khudaýkuliyev, is taking part. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The sessions will last until June 27 and bring together representatives of customs administrations from various countries to discuss strategic directions for the development of the global customs system. Turkmenistan’s participation highlights its course toward integration into the international customs system, modernization of border infrastructure, and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation within the WCO framework. As part of the visit, a meeting is also planned with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, where discussions will focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, the implementation of organizational standards, and the development of human resources.
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