News
Turkmenistan's fuel and energy complex: key achievements in 2025
26.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to actively implement its energy strategy aimed at modernising the fuel and energy complex and developing innovative technologies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The State Concerns ‘Türkmennebit’, ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ Corporation focused on exploring and developing new fields, increasing hydrocarbon production and processing, ensuring reliable energy transportation and expanding international cooperation. An important event was the continuation of the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, including the launch of the ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ stage on the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section. This project will not only ensure gas supplies to Asian countries, but also create jobs in Afghanistan and bring the country annual revenues of over $1 billion. Turkmenistan is actively developing energy exports and is engaged in the industrial development of the Caspian Sea shelf and the world's largest onshore gas field, ‘Galkynysh’. A new well has been put into operation at the ‘Uzynada’ field, and geological exploration and infrastructure construction are continuing, including the third oil loading berth at the ‘Kenar’ enterprise. The country is demonstrating its commitment to international climate obligations by reducing emissions at the Darwaza gas crater. Turkmenistan is also actively participating in international forums and exhibitions, such as ‘TEIF 2025’, ‘ADIPEC-2025’ and ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025’, attracting investment and strengthening international cooperation. An office of ‘ADNOC’ has opened in Ashgabat, which is developing blocks in the Caspian Sea in partnership with ‘Petronas’ and national companies. Overall, the country's fuel and energy complex showed consistent development in 2025 and made a significant contribution to the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Programme for 2022-2052.
Turkmenistan and UNDP update biodiversity conservation strategy
25.12.2025On 24 December, a seminar was held in Ashgabat, marking a new stage of cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan. The main purpose of the event was to update the National Strategy for Action and prepare the 7th National Report for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, according to the online news resource TerraNews. The seminar was attended by representatives of ministries, scientists and experts from the private sector. Discussions focused on aligning national plans with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adapting environmental policy to the 2030 goals, the results of previous initiatives (GEF-7) and integration with the BIOFIN programme to find new sources of funding for nature conservation. The updated strategy and action plan for biodiversity conservation describe measures to protect Turkmenistan's ecosystems in the context of climate change. The country is participating in a global project with 139 participants, confirming its commitments to the UN.
Turkmenistan and Iran agree to expand transit through Serakhs
25.12.2025The border authorities of Turkmenistan and Iran have reached an agreement to increase transit traffic through the Serakhs checkpoint. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The negotiations were held in Serakhs itself. During the meeting, the parties also confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in order to ensure security on the common border. Following the negotiations, a border protocol was signed, providing for the expansion of transit flows, as well as the coordination of customs service operating modes and schedules. The Serakhs railway and road checkpoint is located in north-eastern Iran, 185 kilometres from Mashhad, on the border with Turkmenistan.
A meeting on health emergencies was held in Ashgabat
25.12.2025On 24 December, a meeting was held in Ashgabat at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel to discuss planning, preparedness and response to public health emergencies at Turkmenistan's entry points. This was reported by IIC. The event was organised by the World Health Organisation Country Office in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the State Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, health care institutions, customs, border and migration services, civil defence authorities and other relevant agencies. Participants discussed the implementation of measures to strengthen national preparedness and response mechanisms at points of entry, as well as the coordination of inter-agency approaches in accordance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR). Separate consideration was given to issues of advisory and technical support from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the WHO Country Office, as well as joint plans to improve the effectiveness of responses to public health emergencies. The report was presented by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Department of the State Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan. He noted the role of the veterinary service in intersectoral cooperation in preventing and responding to biological threats, including zoonotic diseases. Following the meeting, priorities for further cooperation were identified and practical steps were agreed upon to strengthen coordination, information exchange and the readiness of control services at entry points.
Turkmenistan expanded international cooperation in 2025
25.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to actively develop its foreign policy based on the principles of positive neutrality. The year was marked by the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, which has been confirmed three times by Resolutions of the UN General Assembly, according to TDH. Important events included visits by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Monaco and France. During meetings with Prince Albert II of Monaco and French President Emmanuel Macron, the prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed. A Turkmen-French economic forum was also held in Paris. Relations with Italy received new impetus. In October 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to the Italian Republic. In Rome, negotiations were held with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, a Turkmen-Italian business forum was held, and an archaeological exhibition entitled ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ was opened. Cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region developed actively. In April, the President of Turkmenistan visited Japan, took part in the events of Turkmenistan National Day at EXPO-2025 in Osaka, and held meetings with Emperor Naruhito of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, and representatives of the business community. In June, a state visit by the Head of State to Mongolia was held. Particular attention was paid to strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries. In April, Hero Arkadag paid visits to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In November, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The negotiations focused on developing cooperation in the economy, energy, transport, industry and the humanitarian sphere. During this period, the Turkmen-Uzbek trade centre ‘Dashoguz-Shavat’ was put into operation. Dialogue with Azerbaijan and Georgia continued to develop. In July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited Azerbaijan, where prospects for cooperation and inter-parliamentary ties were discussed. In March, negotiations took place in Ashgabat between the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze. Turkmenistan continued its cooperation with Afghanistan, focusing on the implementation of major infrastructure projects. In October 2025, the next phase of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ gas pipeline was launched as part of the TAPI project. The country actively participated in multilateral formats and hosted major international events. In August, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was held in Awaza, and in December, an International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and Neutrality Day was held in Ashgabat. The results of 2025 confirmed the consistent nature of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, which is focused on developing international cooperation, strengthening trust and regional stability.
Ashgabat summarises results of media literacy training for coaches
25.12.2025A final event on the results of the year-long training of national media literacy trainers was held at the OSCE Centre office in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC. The meeting was attended by representatives of government agencies, educational institutions, the media and international organisations. Experts from Kazakhstan joined the discussion online. Participants noted the importance of media literacy for the formation of an information culture, countering disinformation and the responsible use of digital resources. During the event, the results of the training programmes and workshops were summarised, and a work plan for the next period was defined. The training was aimed at developing skills in critical analysis of information, working with sources and compliance with media ethics. National trainers presented the results of their activities and underwent a competency assessment in the form of an interactive quiz. Following the discussion, practical recommendations were prepared on data verification and updating training methods. The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session. It was noted that work in this area will continue in Central Asian countries. The next meeting of experts is scheduled for 2026.
Turkmen judge joins Qatar Cup weightlifting board
25.12.2025The 10th International Weightlifting Cup was held in Qatar. Osmanguly Handurdyev, an international referee from Turkmenistan, took part in the tournament, according to IIC. He was part of the judging panel for the competition, which was held under the auspices of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). His participation ensured impartiality and professional judging at the tournament, which has qualifying status for the world rankings. The presence of a Turkmen judge at a competition of this level confirms the trust of the IWF and the country's participation in the international sports system. Turkmen athletes also competed in the tournament. The team won six medals. In the 67 kg weight category, Bunyat Rashidov won gold in the snatch (145 kg), silver in the clean and jerk (169 kg) and became the winner in the total — 314 kg. In the 45 kg category, Ogulshat Amanova lifted 77 kg in the snatch and 93 kg in the clean and jerk. She won three bronze medals, including the award for the total of 170 kg.
Delegation from Turkmen university visited ITER in France
24.12.2025From 17 to 21 December, a delegation from Magtymguly Turkmen State University visited the French city of Saint-Paul-lès-Durance. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The group included A. Amanmadov, a lecturer at the Department of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, and M. Kakamyradova, a first-year student majoring in radio physics and electronics. During the visit, the Turkmen specialists familiarised themselves with the work of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), one of the largest scientific projects in the field of energy. The participants were told about the principles of controlled thermonuclear fusion and the prospects for its application in the production of safe and environmentally friendly electricity.
‘Sony’ to support Turkmenistan's transition to 4K television broadcasting
24.12.2025‘Sony’ Corporation has been cooperating with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography for several years, supplying equipment for the television broadcasting system. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. ‘Sony’ CEO Toshihiro Takami said that the company is working on transitioning television from Full HD to 4K, which provides higher image quality. Under the signed agreement, ‘Sony’ plans to develop a basic project, implement it in technical equipment and scientific research, and organise training for Turkmen specialists.
Turkmenistan expands transport services by modernising locomotives
24.12.2025The Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan has signed a contract with the Chinese company ‘CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.’ through the joint-stock company ‘Demirýollary’ for the overhaul of locomotives with the aim of increasing passenger and freight traffic, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Under the agreement, 20 freight locomotives (40 units) are to be overhauled. Eleven locomotives have already been put into operation, which has made it possible to increase train speeds, reduce downtime at stations and increase the length and weight of trains. The modernised locomotives are equipped with modern systems that meet safety requirements and ensure efficient freight transport.
Scientists have recorded the manul in the Kopetdag Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan
24.12.2025The manul is a rare wild cat that inhabits the Kopetdag and the Great Balkan Mountains of Turkmenistan and is rarely seen due to its secretive lifestyle. Recently, the animal was spotted in the Dogrydere area of the Kopetdag Nature Reserve, giving scientists new opportunities to study its distribution and ecology, according to the news website Asmannews. In December, experts found traces of manuls and other wild cats at various altitudes in the Ruhabat Valley, including marks at around 1,500 metres. The manul is listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, and is protected by the CITES Convention. Large groups of wild boars were also spotted in the observation area.
Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN expands in the humanitarian sphere
24.12.2025Turkmenistan considers its strategic partnership with the United Nations to be one of its foreign policy priorities. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, cooperation has been further developed, according to TDH. In October 2025, the fourth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan - UN’ Strategic Advisory Council was held in Ashgabat. Joint projects in the socio-economic and humanitarian spheres are being implemented, and a number of long-term documents have been signed. On 23 October 2025, a Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for 2026-2030 was signed. UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA country programmes for Turkmenistan for this period were also approved. Cooperation with UNICEF continues. Work plans for 2026–2027 have been signed with the Mejlis, the Ombudsman's Office, and relevant ministries and agencies. The documents cover issues of child rights protection, education, social support, statistics, and information work. Turkmenistan is a member of the UNICEF Executive Board for 2024–2026. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship plays an active role in humanitarian cooperation. The Foundation implements medical and social programmes, cooperates with UNICEF and other international partners, and provides humanitarian assistance, including abroad. International contacts and visits were held in November and December 2025, including events in St. Petersburg and Doha, where issues of health protection, inclusive development, and child protection were discussed. Memoranda of Cooperation with foreign foundations and organisations were signed. A partnership with UNFPA is being developed. The Country Programme for 2026-2030 and the Work Plans for the implementation of the national gender policy have been adopted. Turkmenistan is a member of the UN Commission on Population and Development for 2024-2028. Cooperation with UNESCO covers the fields of education, science and culture. In 2025, the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ashgabat is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and a number of schools and universities participate in the Organisation's relevant programmes. Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to expanding cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies on issues of sustainable development, humanitarian cooperation and international dialogue.
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