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A UN seminar on the protection of civilians in emergencies was held in Ashgabat
08.08.2026A seminar on the protection of the population in emergency situations was held at the UN building in Ashgabat from 5 to 7 August. It was attended by 30 specialists from Turkmenistan’s state bodies working on the front line of emergency response, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The seminar was organised by UNICEF and the Main Directorate for Civil Defence and Rescue Operations of the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event took place as part of efforts to strengthen the national emergency preparedness system and develop inter-agency cooperation. The training was delivered by national and international experts. The UNICEF sessions focused on the protection of children in emergencies. UNHCR experts presented regional and global experience in applying international standards for the protection of the population. IFRC experts led sessions on contemporary risks, emergency preparedness and the international legal framework for humanitarian action. Zhanar Sagimbayeva, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, noted that the seminar should provide government agencies with the knowledge and mechanisms for cooperation to ensure the timely identification, protection and safe referral of children in need of assistance – before, during and after an emergency. The workshop was supported by UNICEF’s Global Humanitarian Thematic Funding (GHTF).
Turkmenistan and UNITEN are expanding student exchanges in the energy sector
08.08.2026Students from three leading technical universities in Turkmenistan — the Institute of Architecture and Construction, the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology, and the State Energy Institute — took part in the international programme ‘Uniten Energy Adventure – Summer Camp’ in Malaysia. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The programme took place from 23 July to 4 August at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) as part of a student exchange agreement between UNITEN and the Turkmen universities. The students studied energy technologies and learnt about the country’s culture. The sessions combined theory and practice: the students worked at the university’s Information and Resource Centre, met with experts and undertook practical work in UNITEN’s laboratories. The participants learnt about the workings of solar energy systems, bioenergy, robotics and the PERL research centre, and also took part in seminars on renewable energy and data analysis. In addition to the academic programme, the students explored Malaysia’s sights — the Saloma Bridge and the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The organisers highlighted the contribution made by UNITEN’s lecturers and student volunteers to the preparation of the courses. Participation in the programme is seen as a contribution to the development of Turkmen students’ professional skills and the strengthening of international educational ties.
Turkmenistan is modernising its electricity system
08.08.2026Turkmenistan is continuing to modernise its electricity system by expanding generation capacity, developing electricity exports and introducing renewable energy technologies. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Eight gas turbine power stations of varying capacities have been built and commissioned in the Ahal, Lebap and Mary velayats. They meet the country’s domestic needs and create additional opportunities for electricity exports. Work is continuing on the development of a unified ring-shaped power grid. The ‘Ashgabat–Mary–Lebap–Dashoguz’ transmission line is already operational. The ‘Ashgabat–Balkan’ and ‘Balkan–Dashoguz’ projects have made it possible to link the regions into a single power grid. Turkmenistan is also expanding its international technological cooperation. The Turkish company ‘Çalık Enerji’ has built two power stations in the Ahal velayat and a service centre for the repair of electrical equipment in the Buzmeyin etrap of the capital. The company is also constructing a combined cycle gas-and-steam power station in the Turkmenbashi etrap and a hybrid solar-wind power station in the Balkan velayat. In collaboration with ‘Çalık Enerji’, the American company ‘General Electric’ has implemented a project to commission the country’s first combined cycle gas-and-steam power station, based at the Mary Hydroelectric Power Station. The modernisation of the sector involves compliance with environmental requirements and the provisions of Turkmenistan’s Law ‘On the Protection of Atmospheric Air’. Particular attention is being paid to the development of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions.
Turkmenistan’s textile industry is expanding its production and exports
08.08.2026Turkmenistan’s textile industry is consolidating its position as one of the key sectors of the national economy. The development of modern production facilities, the modernisation of enterprises and investment projects are contributing to the expansion of the product range and exports, reports the TDH news agency. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need to improve the quality of textile products, make more efficient use of production capacity and draw on international experience in the trade of carpets and carpet products. For the period January–June 2026, the growth rate of output by the Ministry of the Textile Industry stood at 106.3 per cent. The modernisation of enterprises and the introduction of state-of-the-art equipment from leading companies in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Japan are playing a key role in the sector’s development. This year, a new workshop for processing camel wool and goat down has been commissioned at the Bayramali Textile Complex named after the Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi. Equipment supplied by the Italian company ‘Cormatex SRL’ enables the production of around 130 tonnes of yarn per year. The enterprise uses local raw materials sourced from livestock farms and private households. Technological modernisation has also been carried out at the Dashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill. Enterprises in the sector are expanding their capacity for processing cotton, silk and other types of natural raw materials, whilst also introducing technologies for the recycling of garment waste. Silk production constitutes a separate sector. The Ashgabat Silk Reeling Factory and the Turkmenabat Silk Production Association have been modernised, and new workshops have been opened at these sites to produce carpets, the traditional ‘keteni’ fabric and other silk products. Silk fibre is also used at the Ashgabat Velvet Factory. Production under the ‘Gala’, ‘Ýeňiş’, ‘Goza’, ‘Wada’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Bedew’, ‘Bürgüt’, ‘Akpamyk’, ‘Merw’, ‘Jeýtun’ and ‘Mäne’ brand names is expanding. Compliance with quality and environmental safety requirements is confirmed by international certificates. The development of the industry also includes the modernisation of the national carpet-making sector. According to figures for January–June 2026, the growth rate of total revenue for enterprises within the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association reached 107.4 per cent. Turkmen textile and carpet products continue to gain ground in foreign markets. Domestic manufacturers took part in the ‘Heimtextil’ international home textiles exhibition, where the Babadayhan Textile Complex and the ‘Ajaýyp Bina’ commercial company signed new export contracts. National collections made from ‘keteni’ silk and velvet were also showcased at international forums and fashion shows. The ‘Turkmen Textile Expo 2026’ international exhibition and trade fair, held from 4 to 6 June at the capital’s exhibition centre of the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, became an important platform for promoting the industry. The event was attended by manufacturers and suppliers of textile products, as well as designers from Turkmenistan and abroad. The exhibition showcased the main stages of production — from the processing of natural fibres and yarn manufacturing to the production of woven, knitted and silk garments. The business programme included B2B meetings, presentations and the signing of commercial agreements. The further development of the textile industry is aimed at increasing the production of import-substituting and export goods, expanding the technological base and enhancing the competitiveness of ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ goods on international markets.
FIFA held a training session for football referees in the city of Arkadag
08.08.2026A training course for football referees, organised by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), has concluded in the city of Arkadag. The sessions took place from 30 July to 4 August and focused on changes to the laws of the game and improving refereeing standards, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme included studying the new rules, decision-making practice, as well as physical and tactical training. The referees undertook specialised tests and video analysis of match situations. The training aims to improve the quality of refereeing and ensure the application of modern standards during matches.
Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the field of international law were presented in Baku
08.08.2026On 6 August 2026, a conference was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Year of International Law, 2028’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by academics from the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Turkmen students, representatives of the media and the Turkmen diaspora. Participants highlighted the role of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in developing the system of public administration, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the country’s socio-economic development. The session of the Halk Maslahaty, scheduled for 23 September, will be devoted to reviewing the results of its work and determining future directions for development. An initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law was also presented. The corresponding resolution of the United Nations General Assembly was adopted by consensus with the support of 78 states. The conference emphasised the importance of the initiative for strengthening the principles of international law, fostering dialogue and promoting the provisions of the United Nations Charter.
Turkmenistan and the US discussed prospects for cooperation
08.08.2026On 7 August, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Kristin Hawkins, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-American cooperation, prospects for further collaboration and issues of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of international organisations, primarily the UN. Priority areas of humanitarian cooperation were also considered, including educational and sporting exchanges, as well as the implementation of joint projects and programmes. In addition, the participants discussed preparations for upcoming joint events and reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue on issues relating to the bilateral and multilateral agenda.
The President of Turkmenistan went for a cycle ride along the Caspian coast
08.08.2026On 7 August, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is currently on working holiday, went for a morning cycle ride along the Caspian Sea coast in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the trip, the Head of State familiarised himself with the natural landscapes and infrastructure of the resort area. In recent years, ‘Awaza’ has been transformed into a major tourist, sports and international conference centre. Work is continuing in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone to preserve its environmental well-being. Green spaces are being expanded, and forest strips and parks are being created. In Turkmenistan, particular attention is paid to the development of the physical culture and health movement and mass sport. Cycling is regarded as one of the ways to maintain physical activity and improve health. The tradition of mass cycle rides has become widespread across the country. Turkmenistan also initiated the establishment of World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated annually on 3 June in accordance with a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The infrastructure of ‘Awaza’ includes sanatoriums, hotels with medical and rehabilitation facilities, children’s health centres, holiday cottage complexes, sports grounds and multi-purpose sports centres. The development of sports and tourism infrastructure, as well as environmental conservation measures, are aimed at improving public health and enhancing the tourist appeal of the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.
The Belarusian Embassy in Turkmenistan is digitising the booking process for consular services
08.08.2026From 1 September 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Turkmenistan will switch to an online booking system for consular appointments. This has been reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The new system will be used for visa applications, the issuance of certificates of no criminal record or offences, and the legalisation of official documents. Appointments can be booked via a dedicated service on the homepage of the embassy’s official website. Appointment dates from 1 September are already available in the online system. Until 31 August, consultations and the acceptance of documents will continue as usual.
Kristina Bersenyova has been invited to referee AFC Champions League matches
08.08.2026A conference organised by the Asian Football Confederation for elite female referees and assistant referees was held in Malaysia. Kristina Bersenyova, an international referee from Turkmenistan, took part in the event, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The participants underwent testing on the laws of the game and physical fitness. The Turkmen referee successfully met all the standards. Following the conference, Kristina Bersenyova received an invitation to officiate matches in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
A new digital system will simplify the registration of foreign nationals in Turkmenistan
08.08.2026The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan has launched a digital platform for the registration of foreign nationals. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The new service enables foreign nationals and the individuals and organisations hosting them to register online without having to visit the Service’s offices. The introduction of the platform is aimed at simplifying migration procedures, reducing processing times and developing electronic document management.
Schoolgirls from Turkmenistan won medals at a competition in the UK
08.08.2026Turkmen schoolgirls have won prizes at the XPERTSTEM Elite Final Competition, an international contest held in the UK from 1 to 7 August. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Akgozel Perhadova, a student at the Turkmen-Turkish Secondary School in Ashgabat, won a gold medal in the ‘Programming’ category. In the ‘English Language’ category, bronze medals were awarded to students from the Mary and Lebap velayats, as well as from Ashgabat. The bronze medallists were Aynur Yagmyrova from Specialised School No. 16 in the Mary velayat, Maria Ruslanova from Secondary School No. 15 in Ashgabat, and Jennet Halbayeva from Specialised School No. 2 in the city of Turkmenabat, Lebap velayat. School students from various countries took part in the competition.
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