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Turkmenistan and its neighbours on the Caspian Sea: a comparison of resort areas
18.08.2026The resorts on the Caspian Sea are shared amongst the five coastal states – Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Each country is developing its own resort infrastructure, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In Turkmenistan, the main resort remains the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone near Turkmenbashi. The area features hotels, health resorts and water parks, and the length of its well-maintained beaches reaches around 25 kilometres. The zone is aimed, amongst others, at foreign tourists. In Kazakhstan, holidaymakers are welcomed by Aktau, with its high-class hotels and well-equipped beaches, as well as the Kenderli resort area south of Zhanaozen, with its sandy beaches and warm summer climate. In Russia, resort life on the Caspian Sea is centred in Dagestan – in Makhachkala, Kaspiysk and Derbent. In the Astrakhan Region, tourists are drawn not to beach holidays but to nature-based holidays: fishing and holiday camps in the Volga Delta. In Azerbaijan, the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula – Bilgah, Nardaran and Shuvalan – are popular, as are the resorts further south, in the Lankaran area, where the coastline meets the foothills of the Talysh Mountains. In Iran, the resort area covers the provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan. In Mazandaran, tourists are welcomed by Ramsar and Noshahr, whilst in Gilan it is the port town of Anzali. These regions are renowned for their green landscapes and mild climate. Each of the five Caspian countries is developing its own model of tourism – ranging from large-scale resort areas to eco-tourism and fishing holidays.
The ‘Bagdan’ company is expanding its confectionery production
18.08.2026The ‘Bagdan’ confectionery factory, which has been operating since 2017 in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, produces sweets. The production process utilises vacuum-drying technology, which preserves up to 95 per cent of the nutritional benefits of fruit and berries without the use of artificial preservatives, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The range includes sweetcorn sticks, nuts and Turkish delight with various fillings. The products are sold throughout the country, and there are around 20 branded retail outlets in Ashgabat. The company plans to expand its exports to CIS countries, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
A rail tour to Kunya-Urgench is to be organised in Turkmenistan
18.08.2026From 28 to 30 August 2026, the magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’, published by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, is organising a tour to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Participants will travel by rail to the historical monuments of the ancient city and explore its architectural and cultural heritage. The magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’ also organises domestic tourist itineraries to the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Koytendag valleys and other destinations. Both rail and road transport are used for these trips.
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed the development of bilateral relations
18.08.2026On 17 August, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova held a meeting with Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of Turkmen-Emirati cooperation and prospects for its development, as well as the organisation of joint events. Particular attention was paid to cooperation on international and regional forums, the expansion of trade and economic ties, and the development of cultural and humanitarian contacts. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening friendly relations and developing bilateral partnership.
A meeting took place between the Turkmen Ambassador and Iran’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
18.08.2026On 16 August 2026, I. Gayipov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, met with Mehdi Sobhani, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation, as well as topical issues of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties and to strengthening the role of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The interlocutors reaffirmed their readiness to develop relations on the basis of good neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust.
New rules on the cross-border movement of animals have been introduced in Turkmenistan
18.08.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan has approved new regulations governing the import and export of wildlife, their parts and products derived from them, including rare and endangered species. The order has been registered with the Ministry of Justice and has come into force. Its provisions apply to both individuals and legal entities, regardless of their form of ownership, reports the IIC of Turkmenistan. The cross-border movement of animals is permitted for scientific research, participation in international exhibitions, exchanges between zoos and private ownership. The document does not regulate commercial import and export operations. To obtain a special permit, applicants must submit veterinary certificates, documents proving the animal’s origin, and approvals for species listed in the Red Book or protected under the CITES Convention. Applications are processed within 30 days, and the permit is issued for a period of one month. The regulations also set out veterinary and sanitary requirements for the transport and keeping of animals. Checks at border crossing points are carried out by the State Customs Service and the State Veterinary Service of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and China are strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector
18.08.2026Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to the Turkmen branch of ‘Sinopec Petroleum Technology Corporation’. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the company’s current operations and spoke highly of its contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. According to him, the convergence of the strategy to revive the Great Silk Road with the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative creates favourable conditions for the implementation of joint projects. During the meeting, they also discussed issues relating to quality control of the work being carried out and compliance with applicable regulations in the conduct of business activities.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed cooperation in equestrian sports
18.08.2026On 15 August, a meeting took place in Tehran between I. Gayipov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Iran, and Mahmoud Heydari, President of the Equestrian Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of equestrian sports and events held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The Iranian counterpart was presented with an invitation to take part in international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses, which will take place from 4 to 6 September 2026 in the Netherlands. M. Heydari thanked the Turkmen side for the invitation, noting the importance of promoting Ahal-Teke horses on the world stage and developing equestrian sports. The Iranian side also proposed exploring cooperation between the Aba Annayev International Horse Academy and relevant Iranian institutions, as well as organising joint equestrian competitions in both countries.
The KIDS EXPO 2026 chess festival is to be held in Ashgabat
17.08.2026From 19 to 22 August, Ashgabat will host the international fair ‘KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children’. The highlight of the sports programme will be a major chess festival featuring renowned international guests, according to the Orient news agency. Two grandmasters, both former world junior champions, will be visiting Turkmenistan: Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation, and Ilaha Kadimova, Women’s Grandmaster and Secretary-General of the Turkic Chess Association and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation. They will conduct training masterclasses for the country’s women’s and junior national teams. The centrepiece of the festival will be the ‘Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026’ international rapid and blitz tournament, which will take place on 19–20 August. Interactive zones will be set up for visitors to the exhibition at the ‘Chess Island’ venue: - a 30-minute crash course in chess; - a simultaneous blindfold chess session led by experienced masters; - quizzes with prizes, games against professionals and a themed photo zone. On 19 August, as part of the business programme, an international round-table discussion will take place with representatives from chess federations in 11 countries. Participants will discuss the experience and prospects of introducing chess into the region’s school curricula. The tournament is organised and supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Turkic Chess Association (TCA), the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) programme of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Freedom Group of Companies, and TurkmenExpo. The chess festival, held as part of KIDS EXPO 2026, aims to promote chess among children and young people in Turkmenistan and to expand international sporting and educational cooperation.
Ten transactions were concluded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange
17.08.2026Ten transactions were concluded over the course of the week on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Foreign companies from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan purchased, in foreign currency, knitted goods, waffle fabric, cotton yarn, cotton lint, cleaned cotton spinning waste, liquorice root extract, as well as liquorice roots and rhizomes. The total value of the transactions exceeded $2,247,000. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased cotton fabric worth 260,000 manats.
Turkmenistan is strengthening international cooperation
17.08.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by events in the fields of international cooperation, environmental diplomacy, regional development and sport. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 12 August, events dedicated to Caspian Sea Day took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The main event was the scientific and practical conference ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’. The forum was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, scientific institutions, diplomatic missions, and international and regional organisations. Participants discussed issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of rare species of flora and fauna, the establishment of a Caspian scientific partnership, and the development of trade, economic and transport links between the Caspian states. Particular attention was paid to the role of young people in combating climate change and ensuring environmental security. As part of the events, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, held meetings with representatives of the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The parties discussed the sustainable development of the Caspian region, environmental protection and environmental diplomacy. Sports competitions were also held at ‘Awaza’, involving heads and representatives of diplomatic missions from foreign countries and international organisations. Another significant event was the working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Mary velayat and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, the Hero Arkadag held negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic ties, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline project, transport and electricity infrastructure, as well as digital cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ fibre-optic communication line project and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor. The parties also discussed the training of specialists for the gas sector, increasing the number of Afghan students in Turkmenistan, the development of industrial infrastructure in Herat Province, and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. Following the meeting, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document provides for joint work to establish infrastructure in Herat Province to supply industrial enterprises, power stations and the population with Turkmen natural gas. On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the city of Arkadag. He familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting with the heads of the relevant agencies. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor, presented plans for a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex. Issues relating to the development of football were considered separately. D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Hero Arkadag asked that the athletes be wished every success in their upcoming competitions. During the meeting, the pace of construction of the second phase of the project, as well as the quality and timing of their commissioning, were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of the specialised school’s operations, its curriculum, and the provision of digital updates to parents regarding pupils’ academic progress and discipline. In addition, it was announced that the name of the 30,000-seat mosque currently under construction in the city – ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ – had been registered. A proposal to grant the madrasah being built next to the mosque the status of a higher education institution was also considered. On 14 August, a festive sadaqah was held in the town of Arkadag to mark the registration of the ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ mosque. Those attending the event also visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers.
Turkmenistan will present new initiatives at the UN General Assembly session
17.08.2026At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan will present initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and security, and promoting preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, and climate and humanitarian cooperation. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Among the proposals is the holding of intergovernmental consultations on the preparation of a Universal Peace Strategy based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan will also propose declaring 2027–2037 ‘The United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy’ and establishing, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Work will continue on implementing President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality. In particular, there are plans to discuss the creation of an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy within the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention will be paid to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Turkmenistan will advocate for the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. A dialogue among international experts on issues of digital trust and the responsible use of AI is also planned to take place in Ashgabat. In the field of preventive diplomacy, Turkmenistan will propose that the UN General Assembly consider a draft resolution on ‘The Role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia’. Transport and trade logistics will feature prominently on the agenda. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035’, as well as work on the creation of the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. A proposal will be put forward to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. In addition, the country will propose the creation, under the patronage of the UN, of a trans-regional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. The environmental and climate agenda will also remain a priority. Turkmenistan will propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and put forward initiatives to strengthen climate resilience in regions affected by drought and water scarcity. There are also plans to hold consultations on the preparation of the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. In the humanitarian sphere, Turkmenistan will continue to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and cooperate with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women within the framework of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. At the same time, youth participation in international and regional initiatives under the ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ agenda will be expanded. In the field of international law, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. As part of the preparations for this, it is proposed to hold an International Forum in Turkmenistan on the interrelationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development. Turkmenistan will also continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and its participation in the activities of other bodies within the UN system. As part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, preparations are under way to put forward Turkmenistan’s candidacy for election to the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032, as well as to other elected bodies of the United Nations.
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