News
Turkmenistan Confirms Readiness to Supply Electricity to Azerbaijan
24.06.2026During a state visit to Baku, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the country's readiness to supply electricity to Azerbaijan. In particular, the initiative involves utilizing the capacity of a 1,574-megawatt power plant currently under construction on the Caspian Sea coast, according to the TDH news agency. During talks with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the parties discussed the development of the Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania transport corridor, which will connect the Caspian and Black Seas. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the project will create additional opportunities for expanding trade and investment cooperation. Promising areas of cooperation also include the oil and gas, chemical, and textile industries, as well as the transport and transit sector. The Turkmen side proposed intensifying the work of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Transport and Logistics and the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. In addition, the President of Turkmenistan put forward an initiative to hold a meeting of the heads of the Caspian littoral states in October 2026 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The parties also paid special attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the organization of Culture Days in both countries and the construction of a mosque in the city of Fuzuli. The state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan is ongoing.
Turkmen actor wins Best Actor award at festival in Russia
23.06.2026Turkmen actor Chary Berdiev has received the main award for Best Actor at the first Mari International Ethnic Film Festival, which was held in Yoshkar-Ola, Russia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The jury praised his performance for its expressive and dramatically structured portrayal of a prominent Eastern poet and thinker in the feature-length Turkmen-Uzbek film “Magtymguly Fragi.” The festival showcased 6 feature films and 14 short films. The feature film competition included works presented within the framework of the first Open Eurasian Film Award “Diamond Butterfly,” held under the auspices of the Russian Ministry of Culture.
Turkmenistan and Poland discussed the development of cooperation in the field of migration
23.06.2026On June 22, 2026, a working meeting was held in Warsaw between the Head of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, A. Sazakova, and the Head of the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland, Robert Bagan. This was reported by the press service of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the two sides confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation in the areas of peace, security, and sustainable development. They also discussed prospects for interaction within the global migration system. As a result of the negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the State Border Guard Service of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Poland on cooperation in the field of migration. The document provides for the expansion of information exchange and best practices, the holding of joint consultations and expert meetings, as well as the development of professional contacts between specialists. The parties noted that the signing of the Memorandum contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation and forming an international legal framework for interaction in the field of migration. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed confidence in the further development of partnership and the implementation of joint initiatives.
The Minister of Finance of Turkmenistan held a meeting with representatives of the World Bank
23.06.2026Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Mammetguly Astangulov, held talks with World Bank representatives Andrey Mikhnev and Indira John-Abraham, according to the IIC. The parties discussed the implementation of a cooperation roadmap, including digital transformation, the development of a “green” economy and the transport sector, as well as Turkmenistan’s participation in regional initiatives such as REMIT and the “One Health” program. Special attention was given to the integration of the country’s macroeconomic indicators into World Bank analytical materials, improving environmental sustainability, reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, and modernizing water resource management. The parties also agreed to intensify efforts to improve the investment climate and strengthen the country’s position in the “Business Ready” ranking.
Azerbaijan will continue to support Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality
23.06.2026In Azerbaijan, they support and will continue to support Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a briefing for representatives of the press, according to the TDH news agency. During his remarks, Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasized that interstate relations are based on shared history, cultural and spiritual values. It was also noted that the initiative to build a mosque in the city of Fuzuli, proposed during the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan in July last year, is currently being implemented. Speaking about humanitarian cooperation, Ilham Aliyev said that cultural events are regularly held between the two countries. Recently, Days of Azerbaijani Culture were held in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, while last year Days of Turkmen Culture took place in Baku and Ganja. Ilham Aliyev also noted that Baku and Ashgabat, as well as Arkadag and Fuzuli, are sister cities, reflecting the development of intercity ties and bilateral cooperation. The President of Azerbaijan thanked the Turkmen side for supporting Azerbaijan’s admission as a full member of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The development of cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, which is strategic and long-term in nature, was also discussed. Ilham Aliyev noted that both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan possess significant energy resources and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. At the end, Ilham Aliyev conveyed his best wishes to the Hero-Arkadag and the people of Turkmenistan.
Digital transformation of statistics: a new project of Turkmenistan and the World Bank
23.06.2026The State Committee of Turkmenistan on Statistics and the World Bank have signed a consulting cooperation agreement for 2026–2027 aimed at modernizing the national statistical system and introducing digital solutions. This was reported by the IIC. The project also envisages aligning macroeconomic indicators with the international 2025 System of National Accounts (SNA-2025) standard. Within the framework of the cooperation, updates are planned for methodologies used to calculate GDP, price indices, and purchasing power parity. Special attention will be given to the digitalization of data collection through a transition to the CAPI system and the use of the Survey Solutions platform. The implementation of the program is expected to improve the accuracy and transparency of statistics, as well as ensure its integration into international reporting. Training of specialists and pilot studies are also planned.
Turkmenistan and the EU held the 18th Human Rights Dialogue
23.06.2026The 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place on June 22 at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan took part in the event. The Dialogue was opened with welcoming remarks by the co-chairs — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service of the European Union Dietmar Krissler. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of human rights, including the improvement of national legislation, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring gender equality, and protecting human rights and freedoms. The Turkmen side presented information on the implementation of national programs and action plans in the field of human rights, the development of the legal system and democratic institutions. Representatives of the European Union informed participants about the provisions of the EU Gender Equality Strategy presented on March 5, 2026. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and prospects for further collaboration. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in continuing the dialogue and developing partnership in areas of mutual interest.
A “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow” event was held in Ashgabat
23.06.2026A “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow” event took place in Ashgabat at the “Memory Alley,” which was inaugurated in May last year as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The commemorative event was organized by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, media outlets, schoolchildren from Ashgabat, their teachers and parents, as well as volunteers from the public organization “Ýeňme.” The Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, delivered a welcoming speech. As part of the event, a memorial service was held for fallen soldiers, after which participants observed a minute of silence in their memory. Students of the Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School named after A.S. Pushkin recited poems from the wartime period. The event concluded with a flower-laying ceremony.
27 deals concluded on the Turkmenistan Commodity Exchange over the week
23.06.2026A total of 27 transactions were registered on the trading floor of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan over the past week, according to the news agency TDH. For foreign currency, entrepreneurs from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan purchased liquefied gas, hydrotreated diesel fuel produced by the State Concern “Türkmennebit,” as well as liquefied gas, desulfurized diesel fraction from the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa,” and motor oil. In addition, denim and knitwear products, plain-dyed and jacquard terry textiles, wheat flour, cotton fiber, and cotton yarn were sold for export. Buyers included companies from Turkey and Ukraine. The total value of foreign trade transactions exceeded 62 million 520 thousand US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased cottonseed oil, cotton yarn, and cotton fiber for more than 56.454 million manats.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea Expand Business Partnership
23.06.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, Begench Durdyev, held a meeting in Seoul with Lee Sang-jun, Vice President of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). The main focus of the talks was the preparation of joint economic events within the framework of the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, which will take place in September, according to the IIC. During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic cooperation with the Republic of Korea. According to him, KITA’s participation will contribute to the effective preparation of upcoming business forums and meetings. Lee Sang-jun confirmed the South Korean business community’s interest in expanding cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. He noted that the Republic of Korea views Turkmenistan as a strategic partner with significant economic and resource potential. The parties also discussed promising areas of cooperation, including energy, the petrochemical industry, modernization of transport infrastructure, urban development, and the advancement of smart city technologies. It was noted that the technological capabilities of the Republic of Korea and the economic potential of Turkmenistan create favorable conditions for the implementation of joint projects. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordination in preparation for the events related to the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit.
Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Strengthens Bilateral Relations
23.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan on a state visit on June 22. At Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the head of state was welcomed by Azerbaijani officials, according to the State News Agency TDH. Subsequently, negotiations between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, were held at the Zagulba Palace in both narrow and expanded formats. The heads of state discussed the development of cooperation in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, energy, transport and logistics, and cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within international organizations and platforms. Welcoming the Turkmen delegation, Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the current visit of the President of Turkmenistan and expects further strengthening of bilateral ties. The Azerbaijani President also emphasized the significance of the documents being signed and cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan views Azerbaijan as an important strategic partner and is interested in further expanding cooperation. The head of state thanked the Azerbaijani side for supporting Turkmenistan’s international initiatives and confirmed readiness to deepen cooperation in all key areas. Particular attention during the talks was paid to the development of transport and transit routes. The importance of the Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye corridor was highlighted, as well as the initiative to establish a Caspian Sea–Black Sea transport corridor along the Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania route. The President of Turkmenistan proposed holding a high-level meeting of the Caspian littoral states on Caspian Sea issues in October 2026 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in the electric power sector, the oil and gas and chemical industries, the textile sector, and agriculture. The role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was highlighted separately. During the visit, a ceremony was held to transfer the oil tanker “Dostluk” from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan as a gift. Following the symbolic commissioning of the vessel, Ilham Aliyev presented the relevant certificate to the President of Turkmenistan. Following the talks, the heads of state signed a Joint Statement. In addition, a package of bilateral documents was signed covering cooperation in the fields of energy, industry, transport, agriculture, healthcare, sports, social protection, customs affairs, and foreign policy coordination. Speaking to the media, the President of Azerbaijan stated that the parties had discussed a broad range of issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their intention to develop cooperation in strategically important areas. The President of Turkmenistan noted that important agreements had been reached on the development of trade and economic ties, energy cooperation, and transport and transit corridors. “We agreed to work closely together on the creation of East–West transport and transit corridors through the territories of our countries,” the President of Turkmenistan emphasized. As part of the visit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the Victory Memorial Complex, laid a wreath in memory of Azerbaijan’s national heroes, and paid tribute to the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan continues.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Sign New Agreements
23.06.2026Following high-level talks held in Baku, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan signed a package of bilateral documents aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation. This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a Joint Statement. In the presence of the heads of state, the parties exchanged intergovernmental and interagency agreements providing for cooperation in customs information exchange and customs statistics. Memorandums of Understanding were also signed in the fields of sports, labor and social protection, healthcare, and agriculture. The package of documents included agreements on cooperation in food security, energy, and economic interaction. In addition, the parties approved a Cooperation Program in the industrial sector for 2026–2028, a memorandum between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, as well as a Cooperation Program between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2026–2029.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
