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A horse marathon was held in Turkmenistan to mark the Turkmen Horse Festival
23.04.2026A horse marathon was held in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat to mark the National Day of the Turkmen horse. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The competition took place as part of the festive events that took place across all regions of the country in the run-up to this significant date. The marathon is part of the programme for the thematic year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Long-distance races are traditionally among the key events in the national horse breeding system. Numerous riders took part in the competition.
The ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ Trust is achieving strong results in oil and gas production
23.04.2026The production units of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ are making a significant contribution to the development of the country’s oil and gas industry, engaging in the exploration, development and exploitation of fields, including those in the Balkan velayat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In the first quarter of this year, the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust achieved high production figures. A total of 110 wells were overhauled and brought back into operation, exceeding the target by six wells. As a result, an additional 24,000 tonnes of oil were produced, and the target was met by 105.8%. The production growth rate stood at 161.7%. Additionally, over the three-month period, an extra 28,000 cubic metres of gas were produced, with growth rates significantly exceeding the planned targets. The ‘Goturdepe’, ‘Barsagelmez’ and ‘Gamyşlyja’ departments made a significant contribution to these results. The trust’s team is focused on achieving its annual targets ahead of schedule and further improving production efficiency, utilising the conditions created for sustainable growth in output.
Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative for a regional council on water resources
23.04.2026Turkmenistan has proposed the establishment of a regional council on water management in Central Asian countries under the auspices of the United Nations. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the proposed body could serve as an effective coordination platform for uniting the efforts of the region’s states in the water sector. The Head of State emphasised that issues relating to the rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources require special attention. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan’s official position on this matter is clear and transparent. ‘We advocate that water issues concerning transboundary rivers and watercourses be resolved on the basis of the following three fundamental principles,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Among these, the Head of State cited strict adherence to fundamental international conventions and agreements on water use, equal consideration of the interests of all states located in the basins of transboundary rivers, and the broad participation of international organisations, primarily the UN.
Turkmenistan is preparing for a high-level meeting on the environment of the Caspian Sea
22.04.2026Turkmenistan will host a high-level meeting in early October 2026 dedicated to ecological issues concerning the Caspian Sea. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the aim of the upcoming meeting is to take cooperation between the Caspian littoral states to a new level in the field of protecting the sea’s ecosystem and preserving its natural wealth. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the Caspian environmental agenda, including an initiative within the UN and the preparation of a relevant concept aimed at the countries of the region. The President of Turkmenistan also recalled the meeting on Caspian ecological issues held in August 2025 at the level of deputy prime ministers of the littoral states, organised on the sidelines of a UN international conference. The summit in Astana is being held under the auspices of the UN from 22 to 24 April and has brought together several thousand participants, including representatives of states and international organisations.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing centres for climate technology and combating desertification
22.04.2026At the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, proposed the establishment of a regional centre for climate technologies, as well as a centre to combat desertification for the countries of Central Asia. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Head of State emphasised the importance of taking into account the region’s cultural traditions and centuries-old experience of treating nature with care when addressing environmental challenges. According to the President of Turkmenistan, discussing the environmental agenda at such a high level demonstrates the region’s countries’ readiness for more systematic cooperation in the field of climate and sustainable development. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the states face common challenges: climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and rising environmental migration. In this context, he called for enhanced coordination between countries and expanded cooperation with the UN and its agencies. Separately, the President of Turkmenistan touched upon the issue of the Aral Sea, expressing hope for the adoption of joint decisions within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined ecological initiatives at the summit in Astana
22.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is taking part in a summit as part of the Regional Ecological Forum, which is being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, where two major international events are taking place simultaneously today: the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The summit (RES 2026), held under the motto ‘Shared vision for resilient future’, is attended by the leaders of Central Asian states, the Presidents of Armenia, Georgia and Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of international organisations and leading experts in the field of ecology. Speaking at the plenary session chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Turkmenistan outlined Ashgabat’s position on key issues on the regional ecological agenda. The Head of State emphasised the historical significance of the current forum, noting that this was the first time such a wide range of environmental issues had been discussed at the highest level. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that this reflects the readiness of the region’s countries to move towards systematic and long-term measures in the field of environmental protection, combating climate change and ensuring social sustainability. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention to the urgency of global challenges — water scarcity, land degradation, desertification and biodiversity loss — which exacerbate migration processes and require coordinated action. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN. As practical steps, the President of Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia in the region. The Head of State also noted the importance of drawing on the historical experience and traditions of the peoples of the region, who have demonstrated a careful approach to water and land resources for centuries. Speaking on transboundary water resources, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of their rational and equitable use. In the context of the status of a Caspian state, the President of Turkmenistan reiterated initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem, previously presented at the UN. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continuing relevance of the Aral Sea issue and expressed confidence that the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members would enable the development of concrete solutions for the restoration of the Aral Sea region and the strengthening of joint coordination of actions.
A 4G network has been launched on the section of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ motorway
22.04.2026The 4G network of the operator ‘Altyn Asyr’ has been launched on the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. It provides fast internet, a consistent connection and access to online services whilst on the move, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The launch coincided with the opening of the final section of the motorway, attended by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, marking a significant milestone for the country’s transport sector. According to the operator, the new coverage enhances the convenience of travel and helps carriers manage freight more efficiently due to real-time digital tools. The motorway forms part of an international transit corridor and connects the capital with the east of the country. The upgrade to the telecom infrastructure is expected to strengthen regional links and support the development of the roadside economy.
Turkmenistan discussed priorities for women’s leadership with Central Asian countries
22.04.2026Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, took part in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries, which was held via videoconference. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting, themed ‘Women of Central Asia: Priority Tasks and Joint Action’, was chaired by Uzbekistan. The discussion was attended by the heads of the parliaments of the region’s countries and Azerbaijan, as well as the Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Head of the regional office of UN Women. During the meeting, participants reviewed the action plan for the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Dialogue in 2026. The main focus was on issues of gender equality, increasing women’s participation in public administration and the economy, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan took part in the conference of heads of customs services in the European region
22.04.2026A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in a conference of heads of customs authorities from the European region, held at the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the focus was on the priorities of regional cooperation, as well as on ways to improve the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. Participants discussed the World Customs Organisation’s current initiatives in the region and were briefed on the work of relevant bodies and regional networks. The country’s participation in this event demonstrates its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the customs sector, exchanging best practices and developing the national system in line with modern international standards.
Turkmen experts took part in the Central Asia–Gulf States Dialogue
22.04.2026Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan took part in an online conference of analysts from Central Asia and the Gulf states. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants acknowledged that recent events in the Middle East have complicated inter-regional relations. Nevertheless, the parties are committed to practical cooperation — a commitment driven by mutual economic interests. According to the Eurasian Development Bank, trade turnover between the Gulf states and Central Asian countries has already exceeded several billion dollars. Ambassadors, heads of research centres and experts agreed that the states of Central Asia and the Gulf view each other as reliable long-term partners. The cooperation is based on historical ties, shared values and trading traditions. High-tech industries, investment, ‘green’ energy, the environment, tourism and transport and logistics corridors were identified as priority areas. Turkmenistan is among the leaders in terms of the growth rate of trade with the Gulf states. The Gulf states account for around 10% of the country’s foreign trade turnover. Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies – B. Amansaryev, O. Annabayev and A. Niyazov – represented Turkmenistan at the conference.
Turkmen students demonstrated their knowledge in an online IT competition
22.04.2026An online competition on modern computer technologies was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University for students from universities across the country. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At the end of the competition, 26 prizes were awarded: 5 first places, 9 second places and 12 third places. The winners were Dovran Akmyradov and Islam Shamadov (Magtymguly Turkmen State University), Arslan Bayramov (State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan), Emir Merdanov (Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan) and Begench Bayrammyradov (Y. Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas). Prizes were also awarded to students from a further 13 universities — including the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, the M. Garryev State Medical University, the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and others. All winners were awarded certificates. The aim of the competition is to identify talented students and develop their practical skills in the field of IT.
Turkmenistan is taking part in the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok
22.04.2026The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has opened at the United Nations Conference Centre, which serves as the Commission’s headquarters. The forum is taking place in Bangkok and will run until 24 April. Turkmen delegation led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, is taking part in the session, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has been a full member of ESCAP since 1992. During this time, the country has established active cooperation with the Commission in the fields of statistics, economic analysis, energy and transport, and has also authored a number of ESCAP resolutions aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the transport and environmental sectors. The agenda of the 82nd session covers a wide range of issues: regional cooperation, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as issues relating to social development, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, energy, transport, macroeconomic policy, development finance, trade, investment and entrepreneurship. Issues relating to information and communication technologies, science and innovation will be given special attention. A Ministerial Meeting of SPECA member states is scheduled to take place during the session. It will focus on coordinated regional actions to establish a sustainable, efficient and environmentally-oriented transport and logistics system in the region. Participants will discuss the digitalisation and ‘green’ transformation of transit corridors, the development of e-commerce, the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises’ participation in value chains, as well as the development of human resource capacity in the transport, logistics and digital sectors.
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