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The Heads of the MFA of Turkmenistan and Ghana held telephone negotiations
14.11.2025On 13 November, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors confirmed the desire of both countries to further develop bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The effective coordination between Turkmenistan and Ghana in multilateral forums, primarily within the framework of the United Nations, was noted. A separate item of discussion was the preparation for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat presents its digital transformation strategy on the international stage
14.11.2025Turkmenistan considers digitalisation to be one of the key drivers of national development and is consistently implementing major projects to modernise the telecommunications sector. This was stated by Minister of Communications Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev, speaking at the International Startup Forum organised as part of the ‘Türkmentel–2025’ conference. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to the minister, digital transformation is enshrined as a key area of state policy. Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev outlined the main priorities of the digital agenda: Infrastructure: modernisation of the telecommunications network, participation in international projects to create digital transit corridors, expansion of the use of the ‘TürkmenÄlem52E’ satellite to improve Internet access in remote regions. Digital services: introduction of modern digital platforms in education, healthcare and public administration. Human capital and inclusion: training of specialists in the field of ICT and AI through educational programmes and internships abroad, development of digital inclusion and reduction of the digital and gender gap. The minister paid special attention to international cooperation. He emphasised that the partnership between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and UNDP has become a striking example of effective joint work. The Minister of Communications reported that, together with UNDP, a project to introduce a system of interdepartmental interaction had been completed, which significantly increases the transparency and efficiency of data exchange between government agencies.
The Heads of the MFA of Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed the further development of the partnership
14.11.2025On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held telephone negotiations with Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current dynamics of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation and identified potential for its further expansion. They emphasised the high level of political interaction and mutual interest in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two close states. During the conversation, the Diplomats also exchanged views on preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and Estonia strengthen cooperation in the field of digital governance
14.11.2025As part of the UNDP project ‘Assistance in the implementation of a pilot system of interdepartmental electronic information exchange in Turkmenistan’, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Communications and the e-Governance Academy (Estonia). This was reported by IIC. The document aims to develop a long-term partnership in the field of digital transformation of public administration, including the organisation of specialised training and consulting programmes. The signing was held during the ‘Türkmentel-2025’ International Exhibition and Scientific Conference, which underscores the strategic importance of the agreement for strengthening the country's capacity for innovation and promoting digital initiatives. The signing of the Memorandum was another step in the UNDP programme to support digital transformation in Turkmenistan. In line with the UNDP's global Digital Strategy, the organisation promotes the development of inclusive, sustainable and secure digital ecosystems.
The UN and Turkmenistan strengthen partnership to protect the rights of women and children
14.11.2025A working meeting between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, and Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, was held at the Women's Union of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Dmitry Shlapachenko expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for dialogue and noted the significant contribution of the Fund to strengthening children's health and creating conditions for their well-being. Welcoming the UN coordinator, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised that Turkmenistan, as an active member of the UN since the early years of independence, is systematically developing its partnership with the Organisation in a wide range of socially important areas. The parties discussed preparations for the international conference on the role of women in modern society: developing international cooperation for sustainable development, scheduled for December in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. It was noted that the forum is particularly relevant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status, enshrined in three UN General Assembly resolutions, and the 80th anniversary of the Organisation itself. Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasised that ‘Avaza’ has strengthened its status as a venue for major international meetings. As proof, he cited the high-level conference held in August and the Avaza Political Declaration adopted by the participants, which reflects the international community's support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and sustainable development. During the discussion, the role of women leaders actively involved in the country's development was emphasised, from public policy and business to social initiatives. Strengthening their status and promoting the principles of gender equality remain strategic objectives reflected in the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the state's international commitments. It was noted separately that Turkmenistan initiated the creation of the Central Asian Women's Dialogue, a regional platform aimed at developing women's participation in ensuring peace, security and sustainable growth. The project was implemented with the assistance of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy and UNDP.
The ‘Silk Way Star’ music marathon will conclude with a grand finale
14.11.2025The final show of the ‘Silk Way Star’ international music competition will be held on 22 November, according to the project organisers. Singers from 12 countries will compete for the title of ‘Asia's Leading Vocalist,’ according to the competition's official website. This season, performers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Malaysia and the Republic of Korea took part in the competition. The main feature of the final will be the opportunity for viewers to influence the outcome of the competition — the winner will be determined not only by the jury, but also by online voting, which will take place on the official ‘Silk Way Star’ website.
Turkmenistan and Niger are committed to strengthening interparliamentary cooperation
14.11.2025On 13 November, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova accepted the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Niger to Turkmenistan, Seydou Zatou Ali. This was reported by TerraNews. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Speaker of the Mejlis congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and expressed confidence that his activities would contribute to the further development of partnership relations between the two countries. During the conversation, Seydou Zatou Ali was informed about the key areas of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, as well as the work of the Mejlis in the field of lawmaking. The interlocutors noted the potential for exchange of experience between the parliaments of Turkmenistan and Niger, and discussed prospects for deepening cooperation and strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of the two states.
Prospects for Turkmen-Qatari cooperation discussed in Ashgabat
14.11.2025On 13 November, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Rashid Meredov, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan, Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the conversation, the Diplomat presented copies of his credentials. Congratulating the Ambassador on the start of his activities in Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov expressed his readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in the implementation of his mission aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues related to Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, including interaction in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The conversation also touched upon the participation of the Qatari delegation in upcoming events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to actively contribute to the further strengthening of partnership relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar.
Turkmenistan presented its cultural vision at a congress in Tashkent
14.11.2025The International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’ was held in Tashkent at the Centre for Islamic Civilisation. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov, is participating in the event. This was reported by IIC. The opening ceremony began with the screening of a documentary film and the reading of a welcome message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the participants of the forum. During the first plenary session, Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov delivered a speech. He noted that spiritual heritage serves as one of the most important foundations uniting the peoples of Central Asia, and that the continuity of generations is manifested in the education of young people based on the principles of humanism, honesty and unity. The Head of the Turkmen Ministry of Culture emphasised that the works of the region's outstanding thinkers — Omar Hayyam, Alisher Navoi and Dovletmammet Azadi — are an integral part of the common cultural wealth, and their ideas about dignity, patriotism and kindness remain relevant in the modern world. During the meeting, the ministers of culture of other countries in the region discussed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation and jointly preserve the spiritual heritage of Central Asia.
NOKIA strengthens technological partnership with Turkmenistan in the energy sector
14.11.2025At an international forum in Ashgabat, a representative of NOKIA presented technological solutions for the energy sector in Turkmenistan and discussed prospects for expanding cooperation with Turkmen partners. This was reported by TerraNews. The expert noted the high level of organisation of the forum and emphasised that NOKIA has been cooperating with the state-owned company ‘Altyn asyr’ for more than 20 years. During this time, a significant part of the national telecommunications infrastructure has been built using the company's equipment. One of the key areas of current cooperation is the development of a fifth-generation (5G) network throughout the country. As the NOKIA representative noted, the introduction of 5G technologies will contribute to the digital transformation of various industries, including the fuel and energy complex (FEC). For enterprises located in remote areas, it is especially important to ensure stable communication and digital monitoring. In this regard, NOKIA offered the Turkmen side cooperation in the implementation of projects on video surveillance of infrastructure facilities, as well as in the field of technical support for logistics and navigation solutions for the energy sector. NOKIA confirmed its readiness for further fruitful cooperation with Turkmen partners.
‘Yutong’ presented transport solutions at the ‘Türkmentel–2025’ and ‘ITTC–2025’ forums
14.11.2025Two major international forums are being held in Ashgabat: ‘Türkmentel–2025’ and ‘ITTC–2025’. Among the participants is ‘Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co., Ltd.,’ one of the world's leading manufacturers of buses, electric buses and trolleybuses. ‘Yutong’ products are supplied to more than 120 countries, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘Yutong’ buses have been operating in Turkmenistan since 2012. During this time, cooperation has covered a wide range of models: from city and intercity to tourist buses, including options with environmentally friendly technologies. In 2016, school buses were delivered to the country under a grant programme and distributed across all velayats to ensure the safe transport of children. A year later, in 2017, a large batch of ‘Yutong’ vehicles was used during the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. Since 2023, electric buses of this brand have been operating in the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag, symbolising Turkmenistan's commitment to environmentally friendly and innovative transport solutions. And in 2025, 700 modern ‘Yutong’ city buses were put into service on Ashgabat routes. As noted by the company, ‘Yutong’ pays special attention to improving the comfort and safety of passenger transport. The models supplied to Turkmenistan meet and even exceed Euro 5 standards, which is particularly important in terms of environmental sustainability.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the development of energy and humanitarian projects in the region
14.11.2025On 11 November, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, held a meeting with Eduards Stiprais, Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia, and Gilles Bertrand, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan. This was reported by TerraNews. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on topical issues on the regional agenda, including water cooperation, cross-border interaction, and the implementation of large-scale energy and transport projects. The European side noted the importance of the EU-Central Asia regional platform on Afghanistan and expressed interest in the practical steps being taken by countries in the region to strengthen cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline project, which aims to connect energy suppliers and consumers in Central and South Asia. According to preliminary estimates, its implementation will create thousands of jobs and provide Afghanistan with stable transit revenues, contributing to the strengthening of energy security in the region.
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