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The Russian delegation assessed the new medical centers in Ashgabat
14.10.2026An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled «Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State» were held in Ashgabat. A delegation from the Russian Ministry of Health, headed by Deputy Minister Evgenia Kotova, took part in the events, according to the news agency «Turkmenistan: Golden Age». As part of the celebration of Turkmenistan's Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers' Day, with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, three medical institutions were opened: the International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Center, the Dental Center and the International Center of Pediatrics. The Russian delegation visited the new facilities and noted the modern equipment, as well as the attention to patient comfort and the working conditions of medical staff. According to Evgenia Kotova, the opening of the centers will help improve the accessibility and quality of specialized medical care. At the opening of the oncology center, Russian specialists presented the results of the implementation of the national project to combat cancer. According to the data presented, over the past ten years, the share of cancer cases detected at early stages in Russia has exceeded 60%, and diagnostic indicators have improved by more than twofold. During the meetings the parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in healthcare and the exchange of professional experience. The Russian delegation expressed its readiness to share its experience with Turkmen specialists in diagnostics, treatment and the organization of medical care.
A calligraphy competition brought together Korean language learners in Ashgabat
14.10.2026On October 9, the King Sejong Korean Education Center in Ashgabat celebrated Hangul Day, a holiday dedicated to the Korean alphabet. The highlight of the event was a calligraphy competition titled “The Art of Beautiful Hangul Writing,”. This was reported the IIC of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the event, participants learned about the history of Hangul Day and watched a themed video. They then moved on to the practical part of the competition. A total of 30 students from the center, representing different levels of proficiency, took part in the contest. Using brushes, they were asked to write a Korean phrase or lines from a poem and decorate their work according to their own creative vision. The jury assessed spelling accuracy and neatness, the correct stroke order and proportions, as well as the overall composition of the entries. According to the center's management, events of this kind introduce participants to Korean language and culture while encouraging greater interest in learning Korean in Turkmenistan. Hangul Day is celebrated annually in South Korea on October 9. The Korean alphabet was created at the initiative of King Sejong the Great in 1443 and officially introduced in 1446. The manuscript Hunminjeongeum Haerye, which explains the principles behind the Korean writing system, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 1997.
Malaysia expands its involvement in Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector
14.10.2026The Ambassador of Malaysia to Turkmenistan, Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad Tajuddin, met with the Managing Director of Eni Turkmenistan, Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg. The two sides discussed ongoing oil and gas projects and prospects for cooperation with Malaysian technology companies. This was reported by Orient news agency. According to the Malaysian diplomatic mission, particular attention was paid to opportunities for international energy companies to work with specialized service providers. The meeting took place ahead of a business mission comprising representatives of 14 Malaysian companies specializing in oil and gas equipment and services (OGSE). The mission is organized by the state-owned Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), with support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy. To date, Petronas Carigali has remained Malaysia’s main representative in Turkmenistan’s energy sector. The upcoming mission aims to broaden cooperation by bringing in service and engineering companies. Malaysia’s OGSE sector comprises around 3,000 companies with a combined annual output of approximately $20 billion. These companies offer solutions in drilling, digital modernization of oil and gas fields, and carbon emissions reduction.
Turkmenistan is exploring digital solutions in the migration sector
14.10.2026On October 12, 2026, an international training seminar on artificial intelligence and digitalization began in Wuhan, China. A delegation from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan is participating in the event, according to the agency’s press service. Participants are discussing the introduction of digital identity documents and electronic passports, the modernization of border control and e-visa systems, biometric security, the use of artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Special attention is being given to the adoption of advanced technologies in the migration sector. The seminar will run until October 26.
Turkmenistan strengthens international partnerships and develops healthcare
14.10.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a series of events of international and domestic significance. The main focus was on developing regional cooperation, strengthening diplomatic ties, environmental protection of the Caspian Sea, and modernizing the healthcare system, according to the TDH. On October 5, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Arkadag, where he inspected construction work on the city's second phase and held a meeting with relevant officials. Discussions focused on the construction of the Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi Mosque, the equipment of social facilities, landscaping, and preparations for the opening of new urban facilities. On October 6, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the monuments of the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, paying tribute to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake and national heroes. Memorial ceremonies were also held in the city of Arkadag and across all velayats of the country. On the same day, Hero Arkadag met with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Russian relations and cooperation within the UN, the CIS, and other international organizations. On October 7, Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on his birthday during a telephone conversation. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as the upcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State and the Caspian Environmental Summit. From October 7 to 9, the Avaza National Tourist Zone hosted a series of international events. On October 7, the International Women's Dialogue on “The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development” took place, bringing together representatives of CIS member states, the Republic of Türkiye, UN entities, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Participants discussed the role of women in conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy, and sustainable development. On the same day, the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held, resulting in the signing of several documents. Turkmenistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov also met with his Russian and Belarusian counterparts. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in 2027–2028. On October 8, the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held, with Azerbaijan officially joining the regional format for the first time. Participants discussed political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The meeting concluded with the signing of relevant regulatory documents and the adoption of a Joint Statement. On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia, as well as with the Secretary-General of the CIS. Following talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the two sides signed a Treaty on the Establishment of the Supreme Council for Strategic Partnership. The programme also included meetings of foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, cultural events, and a national cuisine festival. Russian filmmaker Robert Frantsev won the Interstate Television Film Competition “Flight of the Steed: Strength and Grace” with the film “The Akhal-Teke Steed – A National Treasure.” On October 9, the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State took place, with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian attending as a special guest. The leaders discussed priorities for multilateral cooperation and signed a package of documents outlining future areas of collaboration. On the same day, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Masoud Pezeshkian and President Alexander Lukashenko. The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral relations. On October 9, the Caspian Environmental Summit was held under the chairmanship of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The heads of the Caspian littoral states discussed the declining water level of the Caspian Sea, the preservation of its ecosystem, and the protection of biodiversity. The President of Turkmenistan supported the establishment of a Commission on Caspian Sea shallowing at the level of deputy prime ministers, as well as the development of an Interstate Programme for the Preservation of the Caspian's Water Resources. The first meeting of the Commission was proposed to take place in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. The summit concluded with the signing of a Decision by the Heads of the Caspian Littoral States and the adoption of a Statement by the Chair of the Caspian Environmental Summit. New medical facilities were opened in Turkmenistan as part of the celebrations marking Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers' Day. Hero Arkadag attended the opening of an additional complex of buildings at the Arçman health resort. The President of Turkmenistan opened the International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre, the Dental Centre, and the International Paediatrics Centre. The Oncology Centre has a capacity of 500 beds and includes more than 20 specialized departments. For the first time in the country, dedicated bone marrow transplantation and palliative care departments have been established, along with facilities for producing chemotherapy drugs and radiopharmaceuticals. The Dental Centre has a capacity of 80 beds, while the International Paediatrics Centre accommodates 160 patients. All three institutions are equipped with modern medical technology. New vehicles were provided to the medical facilities and the Arçman health resort. On October 10, Hero Arkadag held meetings with foreign representatives from the medical and business sectors, including executives from Bouygues and Nicklaus Companies, representatives of the Republic of Korea and German medical centres, and cosmonaut team commander Oleg Kononenko. The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation. An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled “Healthcare, Education and Sport in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State” opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Cooperation agreements in education were signed during the events, and foreign medical scholars were awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. On October 11, outstanding healthcare workers were honoured, and Volume XVIII of the book Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, academician of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and Doctor of Medical Sciences, was presented.
Turkmenistan presented its experience in developing the circular economy
14.10.2026Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the fourth interregional dialogue on circular economy, climate change and investment. The meeting was held in Dushanbe on October 12–13, 2026, under the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia programme, according to the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The dialogue brought together experts, academics and parliamentary representatives. The programme included a plenary session and thematic discussions. Participants learned about the legislative work of Tajikistan’s parliament and circular economy practices at the production complex of Akia Avesto LLC. Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan outlined measures to promote the green economy, transition to a circular economic model and ensure environmental sustainability. The meeting also addressed the role of international cooperation, investment and interparliamentary dialogue among Central Asian countries in environmental protection and the development of the circular economy.
Turkmenistan and the ADB discussed prospects for expanding the partnership
14.10.2026On 13 October 2026 Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Lea Gutierrez Director General of the Central and West Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for its further expansion. Particular attention was paid to the regional agenda, exchange of experience and implementation of joint initiatives. Following the meeting the parties confirmed their interest in continuing the dialogue and strengthening mutually beneficial partnership between Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank.
Ashgabat hosts a meeting of the DARYA program on vocational skills development
14.10.2026The fifth meeting of the High-Level Group of the DARYA Regional Programme opened in Ashgabat on 13 October 2026, focusing on skills development for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed training qualified professionals for the transport and logistics sector, improving vocational education and strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted that improving transport connectivity helps expand regional and international cooperation. She emphasized that efficient transport corridors require both modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Particular attention was paid to human capital development, aligning vocational education with labour market needs and enhancing the competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The agenda also covered the exchange of experience between Central Asian countries and the European Union, cooperation among government bodies, educational institutions and the private sector, and future priorities for regional cooperation. The meeting is ongoing.
The International exhibition in Ashgabat Expanded Industry Cooperation
13.10.2026The international exhibition in Ashgabat brought together representatives of the healthcare, education and sports sectors from Turkmenistan and foreign countries. The event took place on October 10–12, 2026, at the Exhibition Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan as part of the exhibition and scientific conference “Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State”. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of international organizations and foreign educational institutions from Russia, Belarus, China, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the USA, Malaysia, Turkey and other countries participated in the exhibition. Participants presented educational programs, specialist training fields and opportunities to study abroad. The business program included negotiations in B2B and B2G formats, expert discussions, presentations of modern technologies and master classes. Participants exchanged experience, discussed industry issues and established professional contacts. The event was co-organized by TurkmenExpo. The exhibition was aimed at developing international cooperation in the fields of healthcare, education and sports.
More than 1,300 delegates from 65 countries have registered for OGT 2026
13.10.2026More than 1,300 delegates from 65 countries have registered for the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan” (OGT 2026). The event will take place on October 21–23 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Due to strong interest, the registration deadline has been extended to October 15. This was reported by Turkmenportal. In 2025, the event brought together more than 1,400 participants from over 70 countries. One of the key highlights of OGT 2026 will be the opening of Malaysia’s first national pavilion, organized in cooperation with the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC). The delegation is expected to be led by Haji Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir. More than 20 Malaysian companies will showcase solutions in oil and gas services, offshore engineering, industrial equipment and digital technologies. A roundtable on energy cooperation between Malaysia and Turkmenistan is also under consideration, with representatives of the state concerns Turkmengas and Turkmennebit expected to participate. The forum will be held under the slogan “Energy. Partnership. Progress.” Key topics will include the development of the Galkynysh gas field, implementation of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, and investment opportunities in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. The programme will feature ministerial-level meetings, an international exhibition and business negotiations in B2B and B2G formats, bringing together energy companies, investors, technology providers and relevant organizations. Registration for in-person participation is open until October 15, 2026, via the official conference website.
Turkmenistan and China will expand business ties in Shanghai
13.10.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum will be held in Shanghai on November 6–7, 2026, as part of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE). Turkmen entrepreneurs are invited to participate, according to the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The forum is organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the support of TMT Consulting Group. The program will include thematic sessions, presentations on promising areas of cooperation, business negotiations, and visits to the offices and industrial facilities of Chinese companies. Participants will discuss bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, agriculture and food processing, digitalization, transport and logistics, transit potential, and humanitarian cooperation. The forum will bring together representatives of government agencies and businesses from Turkmenistan and China. Meetings are planned in G2G (government-to-government), B2G (business-to-government), and B2B (business-to-business) formats.
Turkmenistan and Iran will begin construction of the Gumdag–Etrek highway
13.10.2026Iranian Minister of Transport and Urban Development and Co-Chair of the Iranian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Farzaneh Sadegh announced an agreement to begin construction of the Gumdag–Etrek highway within the next two months. This was reported by Orient. The project envisages the construction of a road on the territory of Turkmenistan with the participation of an Iranian contractor. The new highway will simplify freight transportation and increase the capacity of cross-border routes. During the visit to Turkmenistan, the Iranian delegation held talks in Avaza, discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements. At a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, they discussed interparliamentary cooperation, energy, and the export of engineering and technical services. The parties also discussed the development of rail and road transport. Farzaneh Sadegh noted the progress in the operation of border terminals and Turkmenistan's role in the transit of goods between Eurasian countries. A separate topic was trilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan, Iran and Azerbaijan with Russia in the field of international transport.
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