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Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed the development of bilateral relations
12.08.2026On 11 August, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the state of and prospects for Turkmen-Saudi relations, as well as issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to political and diplomatic dialogue and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. The participants also discussed cooperation within the framework of international organisations and current issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular contacts and joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan organised a ‘Back to School’ campaign
12.08.2026The Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation ‘Ýeňme’ and the Turkmenistan Centre for the Support of People with Disabilities, organised a ‘Back to School’ charity campaign. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The initiative is now in its fifth consecutive year and aims to support children with disabilities and those from socially vulnerable families ahead of the new school year. As part of the event, EU Ambassador Beata Peksa and staff from the diplomatic mission met with the children and presented them with school rucksacks containing essential school supplies. An interactive programme featuring games, music and competitions was also organised for the participants. ‘Always be curious, ask lots of questions, and never stop learning,’ said Beata Peksa. The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan continues to support inclusive education, equal opportunities for children and the activities of local civil society organisations.
Turkmenistan’s private sector is expanding production and exports
12.08.2026In Turkmenistan, the private sector is expanding its production capacity, introducing modern technologies and adopting new market mechanisms. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Entrepreneurs are playing a part in supplying the food market, promoting import substitution and increasing exports. Domestic enterprises are also obtaining international quality and safety certificates, including ISO and HACCP. Particular attention is being paid to the agro-industrial sector and the food industry. Greenhouse farms ensure year-round vegetable production, which makes it possible to supply the domestic market and expand export deliveries. The private sector is also involved in the development of the electronics industry and the diversification of the economy. The next area of focus is the introduction of digital systems in line with the objectives of Turkmenistan’s National Programme for Socio-Economic Development for 2022–2052.
Commercial gas production has commenced at the ‘Magtymguly’ field
12.08.2026Production well No. A8, with a depth of 4,981 metres, has been drilled at the ‘Magtymguly’ gas field in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. The daily output amounted to over 1.3 million cubic metres of natural gas and around 130 tonnes of gas condensate, according to the website of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. The field is located within the ‘Block 1’ contract area. The well is in the initial stage of development, so production volumes are expected to increase in the future. The work is being carried out under a Production Sharing Agreement between the Malaysian company ‘PETRONAS Çarigali’ and the state-owned concern ‘Türkmennebit’. This year marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. During this period, five platforms have been constructed in the Caspian Sea and the coastal zone, and around 40 exploration, appraisal and production wells have been drilled. Joint production has exceeded 44 billion cubic metres of gas and 16 million tonnes of liquid hydrocarbons. A gas processing plant and an onshore gas terminal have also been commissioned. The next phase involves the development of the 19th and 20th offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea and the conduct of 2D seismic surveys in blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14.
An OSCE course on inspection methods has concluded in Ashgabat
12.08.2026A five-day training course on risk analysis and screening methods at international airports, organised by the OSCE Centre in collaboration with the Turkish International Academy against Smuggling and Organised Crime (TADOC), has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Twenty representatives from the Transport Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Service, the State Customs Service and the Aviation Security Service of the ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ agency took part in the training. TADOC experts familiarised the specialists with modern methods of detecting contraband, assessing risks when analysing flights, passengers, cargo and luggage, as well as identifying suspicious behaviour and conducting interviews. Particular attention was paid to checking travel documents and identifying methods used to conceal narcotic substances. The practical session took place at Ashgabat International Airport, where participants practised search and inspection techniques in real-life conditions. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that the course reflects the practical implementation of the provisions of the Tirana Declaration on strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime.
The private company ‘Parahat’ is expanding its production and exports
12.08.2026The private company ‘Parahat’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, is expanding its food production and increasing its exports. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The company produces juices, drinks, dairy products, meat products and confectionery. Local fruit and vegetables, which are stored in modern cold stores, are used in the production process. The production processes are equipped with digital technologies and modern machinery. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 40,000 litres of juice per day. ‘Joş’ and ‘Eçil’ juices, ‘Han’ iced tea, and ‘Özi’ and ‘Arma’ drinks are supplied to overseas markets, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Other brands include ‘Süýtli dere’, ‘Däp’, ‘Ýeserje’, ‘Güneşli’, ‘Köşüli’, ‘Eşretli’ and ‘Halal’. The company also intends to increase its production capacity and expand the geographical reach of its exports of Turkmen products.
Italian Sports Day is to be held in Ashgabat
12.08.2026The Italian Embassy in Turkmenistan will host ‘Italian Sport Day’ in Ashgabat on 21 August. The event will take place from 18:00 to 19:00 at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event is being organised in collaboration with Turkmen Expo as part of the specialised exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Kids’. Admission is free for all. Italian Sport Day in the World is held as part of an international initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In 2026, events are being held with the participation of Italian diplomatic missions and cultural centres in various countries. The event in Ashgabat aims to develop humanitarian and youth ties between Turkmenistan and Italy.
Hero Arkadag proposed setting up a Turkmen-Afghan commission
12.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has proposed the establishment of a Turkmen-Afghan commission on economic cooperation. This was reported by TDH. The proposal was put forward during negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs, as part of a working visit to Afghanistan. The parties discussed joint projects and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, including the TAPI gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission line and the fibre-optic communication link. The Afghan side expressed its willingness to consider the proposal.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have agreed on gas supplies to Herat Province
12.08.2026The state-owned concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s state-owned corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the gas sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the document, the parties have agreed to collaborate on the development of relevant infrastructure in Herat Province, as well as on the supply of Turkmen gas to industrial enterprises, power stations and the general public. The signing ceremony took place during a working visit to Afghanistan by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the visit, the parties also discussed the progress of construction of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the potential of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ corridor and other international transport corridors. The significant role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in realising the region’s transport and logistics potential was also highlighted.
The international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is set to open in Ashgabat
12.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international trade fair is set to open in Ashgabat shortly. More than 100 exhibitors, including local and international companies, will take part in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Among the participants already registered are: - the Russian companies ‘Vertera’ (healthy food for children), ‘ROXY-KIDS’ (products for newborns), ‘Splat’ (oral care products) and ‘Uvelka’ (ready-made breakfasts); - the Turkish company ‘Wee Baby’ (products for newborns); - German companies ‘Sanosan’ (cosmetics for babies, children and mothers) and ‘VARTA’ (household batteries); - the Japanese company ‘Omo-Oso’ (hypoallergenic nappies); - Iranian companies ‘Kalleh’ (dairy products), ‘Port de Kalleh’ and ‘Sorima’ (yoghurt production). The French Institute in Turkmenistan, the Italian Embassy, the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan, the American Centre in Turkmenistan, UNICEF and other international organisations will also be presenting their stands at the exhibition.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to Japan paid tribute to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
12.08.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan took part in commemorative ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mark the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of those cities. The events took place on 6 and 9 August 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The ceremonies were attended by the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament, members of the Cabinet, and Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country. In their speeches, the Japanese side emphasised the importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons and continuing international efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the strengthening of peace. A. Bayramov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, laid flowers at the memorials to the victims of the bombings and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. During the visit, the Turkmen diplomat held meetings with the leadership of the cities and prefectures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, outlining to the Japanese side the main principles of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy — permanent neutrality, a commitment to peace and a dedication to dialogue. It was also noted that the UN General Assembly resolution, adopted on Turkmenistan’s initiative, declaring 2028 the ‘International Year of International Law’, served as further confirmation of the country’s commitment to strengthening international legal norms.
A children’s environmental event to mark Caspian Sea Day took place at ‘Awaza’
12.08.2026On 10 August, an environmental event for children was held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was organised by the UNDP and its partners as part of the UNDP and UNEP regional project ‘Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea’, implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The campaign was attended by children staying at the ‘Daýanç’ and ‘Arzuw’ health centres. During interactive sessions, they learnt about the Caspian Sea’s unique biodiversity, the threat posed by plastic pollution and microplastics, and the importance of joint efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem. The programme included practical training sessions on water and coastal safety, fire safety and first aid. The event concluded with an interactive quest entitled ‘Defenders of the Caspian’ and a creative workshop, where the children created posters promoting nature conservation and learnt about environmental monitoring tools.
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