News
Rare bats were exhibited in Turkmenistan
28.12.2025A new exhibition dedicated to rare species of bats has opened at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. Using 3D printing, models of the common long-winged bat, Blasius's horseshoe bat and the southern horseshoe bat, which inhabit the Kov-Ata cave, have been created, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. There are 19 species of bats in the country, which play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, the colony in the Baherden cave destroys about 1.5 million insects per night, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. These animals navigate in the dark using echolocation. Scientists note seasonal migrations: the colony in Kov-Ata stays from February to October, then moves to other regions. Blasius's horseshoe bats live in northern Khorasan in Iran in winter, about 100 km from the border. Bat populations are declining due to the use of chemicals in agriculture. Six species are already listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. Zoologists emphasise the importance of protecting them as part of the natural environment.
Turkish pharmaceutical company signs export contract with Turkmenistan
27.12.2025Turkish pharmaceutical company ‘Türk İlaç ve Serum Sanayi A.Ş.’ (TRILC) has signed an export contract worth $4.994 million with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, according to a report published on 26 December on the KAP platform, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Agreement provides for the supply of medicines and serums, with deliveries and payments to be completed by February 2026. The order has already been officially received, and production and logistics will be carried out according to schedule. TRILC, based in Ankara, manufactures a wide range of medicines and is also involved in the import, marketing and representation of pharmaceutical, veterinary and cosmetic products.
The UN adopted two resolutions on the initiative of Turkmenistan
27.12.2025The UN General Assembly unanimously approved two Resolutions proposed by Turkmenistan: ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)’, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council. During his speech, Rashid Meredov congratulated President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the country's foreign policy victory. In response, the Head of State expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Turkmen people to all countries that supported Turkmenistan's initiatives and emphasised the country's readiness to continue active cooperation with the UN. The meeting also noted that 2025 was a year of significant events for Turkmenistan, including the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. Over the past year, 44 meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, 11 meetings of the State Security Council and 24 state meetings were held to discuss key issues of domestic and foreign policy. According to the government, the national economy showed high growth rates in all sectors. Salaries, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships were paid on time. In addition, new laws were adopted to promote the development of the state.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector
27.12.2025The pharmaceutical industry of Turkmenistan is strengthening regional cooperation: an agreement has been signed in Tashkent combining the scientific potential of Uzbek universities and investments from Turkmen businesses. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The document provides for the joint production of medicines, technology transfer and the training of Turkmen personnel at relevant educational institutions in Uzbekistan. The key partner is the Pharmaceutical Technical University within the framework of ‘Tashkent Pharma Park,’ a modern international-level educational, scientific and production cluster. The ‘Altyn Kanun Maslahat’ division will be responsible for project support, providing consulting and support to businesses and students. The partnership will allow Turkmenistan, which is developing a medical cluster in Arkadag, to integrate more quickly into the regional drug safety system and build on existing development models.
The UN unanimously supported Turkmenistan's initiatives on energy and transport
27.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan significantly strengthened the political and legal foundations of international cooperation. This was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking at the ceremony ‘International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast steps of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A key result of the year was the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of a number of resolutions put forward on the initiative of Turkmenistan. They were co-authored by dozens of states, which testifies to broad international support and recognition of the country's foreign policy initiatives. The adoption of two UN General Assembly resolutions on 15 December 2025 was noted separately: ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)’. These documents are aimed at strengthening global energy security and forming long-term guidelines for the development of international transport corridors. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the resolutions are practical in nature and provide for specific implementation mechanisms, including analysis of the current situation in the energy and logistics sectors, the activities of specialised UN structures created on the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the development of infrastructure ensuring connectivity at the national, regional and global levels. The decisions taken have formed a solid legal basis for the development of international energy and transport interconnectivity and confirmed Turkmenistan's active participation in the development of solutions to key issues of sustainable development.
The New Year's performance ‘Winged Steeds’ attracted audiences in Ashgabat
27.12.2025The New Year's circus performance ‘Winged Steeds’ took place in Ashgabat. The programme became one of the festive events of the winter season, according to IIC. The highlight of the evening was the performance of the national equestrian group ‘Galkynysh’. The artists presented elements of horseman riding on Ahal-Teke horses. The group is a six-time world champion and winner of the Monte Carlo festival in 2025. The performance was opened by aerial gymnast Aylar Bebilova. The programme also featured aerial gymnasts, tightrope walkers, jugglers and acrobats. The audience was treated to performances with animals, including Indian monkeys and German poodles. Representatives of a circus dynasty — a mother and daughter — took part in the show. A separate episode was a snake dance performed by young gymnasts, symbolising the end of 2025 and the transition to 2026, whose symbol is the horse. The finale of the evening was the appearance of Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk riding Ahal-Teke horses. The ‘Winged Racers’ programme will run in Ashgabat until 11 January.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan presented the results of the foreign policy course
27.12.2025A ceremony entitled International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan’ was held in Ashgabat, at which Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, announced the main results of the country's foreign policy activities, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Turkmenistan's current foreign policy is based on three interrelated principles: neutrality, peace and trust. According to him, it is these approaches that shape the image of the state as a responsible member of the UN and a reliable partner in solving pressing international issues. Rashid Meredov stressed that the past year was marked by the active promotion of neutrality as an effective diplomatic tool. He stated that the work done contributed to a deeper understanding by the international community of the importance of Turkmenistan's neutral status as a factor in ensuring security, peace and sustainable development. Hundreds of events were organised in Turkmenistan and abroad as part of the implementation of the country's foreign policy initiatives. Particular attention was paid to interaction with the international media and expert circles in order to explain the content and practical significance of the policy of neutrality. The results of the year confirmed the sustained interest and positive assessment of Turkmenistan's foreign policy in the international arena, as well as its contribution to the development of a culture of dialogue between states.
Japanese expert gave a lecture on traditional crafts for Turkmen students
26.12.2025Yuki Tokunaga, a specialist from Tokyo University in Japan and founder of the ‘Culpedia’ portal, gave a lecture on ‘Japanese Culture from the Perspective of Traditional Crafts’ to students and teachers at the Turkmen State Institute of Culture. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The specialist is known for his research and projects on the preservation of traditional crafts and intangible cultural heritage, as well as his lectures on cultural exchange and strengthening international friendship. His presentations on the revival of disappearing crafts are of particular interest to young people. Following the lecture, the expert noted the high level of interest among Turkmen students in world culture. He also attended a performance by the ‘Miras’ folk-dance ensemble, familiarised himself with the practical classes of the Department of Restoration and Museum Studies, and showed interest in the exhibition of national artefacts.
Deputy EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan outlines priorities for cooperation
26.12.2025Deputy Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan Maciej Adam Madalinski officially took office on 1 September this year. The Diplomat gave an interview to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Deputy Ambassador, in his first months on the job, he held a series of meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as with representatives of partner countries' embassies and international organisations. In addition, Madalinski took part in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society,’ held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Speaking about his first impressions of the country, the EU representative noted the hospitality of the Turkmen people, the national cuisine and the developed urban infrastructure. He stressed that he intends to visit all regions of the country and get to know its peculiarities more deeply. Madalinski named support for the private sector, the development of trade and transport, ‘green’ transformation and interaction with civil society as key achievements in cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. He also highlighted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's programme ‘Consulting for Small Businesses in Turkmenistan,’ implemented with EU support in 2018–2025. In the field of ecology and climate, the Diplomat highlighted the project ‘EU for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action’, aimed at developing renewable energy and reducing emissions. Among the key events of 2026, the Diplomat announced the first ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ Business Forum, scheduled for March 2026, as well as the preparation of the ‘EU-Central Asia’ Women's Forum and the participation of Turkmen youth in the Civil Society Forum in Bishkek. The possibility of holding a high-level meeting in Brussels is also being discussed. In conclusion, Maciej Adam Madalinski noted the symbolism of jointly celebrating the International Year of Peace and Trust and expressed his hope for further deepening of the dialogue between the European Union and Turkmenistan.
Turkmen student awarded first-class diploma at ‘New Science Award 2025’ competition
26.12.2025Mukam Saryev, a student at the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, won the ‘New Science Award 2025’ International competition, which was held in the Russian Federation. This was reported by the IIC. The fourth-year ‘Biology’ speciality student was awarded a first-degree diploma for his research work, which was highly praised by the expert jury. Students and young researchers from various countries took part in the competition, presenting their developments in the field of natural sciences. As a result of the competition, the Turkmen student's research was included in a collection of the winners' works and placed in the official archive of the ‘New Science Award’, confirming its scientific and practical significance. Mukam Saryev's achievement reflects the high level of training of specialists at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, as well as contributing to the development of international scientific cooperation and strengthening the position of Turkmen science and education system in the international arena.
The Turkmen Agricultural Institute hosted an international conference
26.12.2025The Turkmen Agricultural Institute hosted the Second International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘The Role of Biotechnology in the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Sector.’ This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age.’ The forum was attended by representatives of 88 universities and research centres from 14 countries, including Turkmenistan, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, India and Pakistan. The plenary session was opened by the rector of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute, D. Yolov. Foreign experts then gave presentations via video link on the application of biotechnology in the agricultural sector. The conference continued in three sections: ‘Genetics and Innovation in Agrobiotechnology’, ‘Bioresources, Bioremediation and Sustainability’, and ‘Education and Capacity Building in the Agro-Industrial Complex.’ A total of 260 reports were presented. The best presentations were reviewed at the final meeting. The event included an exhibition of scientific developments and projects in the agro-industrial complex. Following the conference, participants noted the practical focus of the discussions and the importance of such meetings for the development of agricultural science and inter-university cooperation.
Diplomats and representatives of international organisations honoured in Turkmenistan
26.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution on awarding the commemorative silver medal ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’ (‘30 Years of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’) to Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organisations accredited in Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The award was given for their contribution to strengthening the independence and legal status of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, promoting a policy of Peace and Trust, as well as for many years of state and public activity. The decision was timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. Among those awarded were the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States, Azerbaijan, Iran, Germany, Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkey and Japan, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the UNICEF representative in Turkmenistan, and the Head of the Asian Development Bank Representative Office. Citizens of Turkmenistan were also awarded the commemorative medal, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, as well as specialists in the field of state protocol and international relations.
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