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Ashgabat hosts international ERASMUS+ seminar
10.06.2026An international educational seminar has begun in Ashgabat within the framework of the ERASMUS+ programme under the ESGCA project, aimed at introducing environmental and social governance standards into the higher education system. This was reported by the IIC. The official opening ceremony took place at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. Representatives of the university administration delivered welcoming remarks, along with the rector of the University of Genoa (Italy), who joined the ceremony online. On the first day, participants attended lectures by university professors dedicated to the key principles and approaches of the ESG concept. In the evening, a delegation of Italian professors arrived at Ashgabat International Airport. The guests were welcomed by representatives of the Turkmen university and escorted to the “Sport” hotel. The working programme of the foreign specialists in Ashgabat will last for one week.
A Turkmen-Chinese expedition has studied key desert ecosystems of the Karakum Desert
10.06.2026A joint desert expedition conducted by the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been completed in Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The collected materials will be used by Turkmen scientists to update the Red Book and to create an atlas of desert flora, while Chinese specialists will conduct a comparative analysis of the ecosystems of the Karakum Desert and the Taklamakan Desert. The research route covered key natural areas of the country, including the Central Karakum research station “Garryköl,” saxaul forests in the Bokurdak and Erbent regions, the Darvaza gas crater, as well as the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve and the Tarimgaya and Zengi-Baba Lake areas, where monitoring of birds, plants, reptiles, and soil studies was carried out. The expedition also passed through the Unguz depression and the “Bereketli Garagum” reserve, where vegetation measurements and assessments of desertification levels were conducted. In remote villages, research stations were established. The final destination was the Repetek Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO site), where scientists studied the museum, library, and early 20th-century herbarium, as well as natural features including a century-old saxaul tree and an ancient well. The participants noted the region’s natural characteristics and concluded the expedition with a return to Ashgabat.
Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea in textiles reaches a new level
10.06.2026The textile industry is one of the most important sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy. Leveraging the potential of cotton production, the country is increasing output of high value-added products and expanding international cooperation, including with the Republic of Korea, which possesses advanced technologies in this field, according to the news agency Orient. In recent years, interaction between the two countries has significantly intensified. Cooperation covers not only trade, but also technology exchange, workforce training, modernization of enterprises, and promotion of products to foreign markets. Collaboration with Korean companies has been developing since 2009, while a new stage began in 2023 with the launch of the “TASK” project implemented by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). The initiative is aimed at providing technical support to Turkmen textile enterprises and introducing modern production solutions. An additional confirmation of the strengthening partnership was the participation of the Korean side in the “Turkmentextile Expo-2026” exhibition in Ashgabat, where KITECH presented a dedicated stand for the “TASK” project. Practical cooperation is also developing through mutual visits. In 2024, a Turkmen delegation visited the KISCO enterprise in Incheon, becoming familiar with the company’s modern production technologies and environmental solutions. Earlier, in 2023, Turkmen entrepreneurs participated in the “Korea Import Fair” in Seoul. Overall, the partnership between the two countries in the textile sector goes beyond trade, encompassing technological exchange and production modernization. The combination of Turkmenistan’s cotton potential and the Republic of Korea’s technological expertise creates a foundation for further industry development and enhances the competitiveness of Turkmen textiles on the global market.
A regional CTBTO seminar for National Data Centres has started in Ashgabat
10.06.2026On 8 June 2026, a regional seminar and training course for National Data Centres, organised by the CTBTO in cooperation with relevant institutions of Turkmenistan, began in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event, taking place from 8 to 12 June, brought together 25 specialists from CIS and Central Asian countries. Its main objective is to strengthen the capacity of National Data Centres and improve the efficiency of working with data from the International Monitoring System and products of the International Data Centre within the framework of compliance monitoring for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The seminar is being held in the context of the visit of CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd to Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Treaty. During the visit, meetings with course participants are planned, as well as discussions on the role of National Data Centres in the global verification system. The programme includes training on IMS data processing, the “NDC-in-a-Box” software suite, and seismic analysis tools, as well as a visit to the National Data Centre of Turkmenistan. The event aims to develop regional cooperation and exchange technical expertise.
PETRONAS Considers Entering Turkmenistan’s Gas Sector
10.06.2026Malaysia’s PETRONAS is exploring opportunities to participate in gas projects in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. He noted that a Malaysian delegation is expected to visit Turkmenistan in mid-June to discuss energy cooperation, and the Prime Minister himself may also join the talks. According to Anwar Ibrahim, expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan will create new opportunities for PETRONAS in one of the world’s largest gas-producing regions and is in line with Malaysia’s energy security interests. Turkmenistan, which possesses substantial natural gas reserves, continues to develop international cooperation and attract foreign partners for the implementation of major energy projects.
Turkmenistan and the United States Outline Steps to Enhance Cooperation in Education
10.06.2026On June 8, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister of Education Azat Ataev and a U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sarah Rogers. The information was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of education, with particular attention given to strengthening inter-university ties, promoting academic mobility, improving English language teaching, and introducing digital technologies into specialist training. It was noted that cooperation is being carried out on a systematic basis within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 and the jointly developed Roadmap. The Turkmen side provided information on ongoing reforms in the education system, including the implementation of the Higher Education Development Strategy through 2052, international accreditation of universities, digitalization of the sector, and the strengthening of links between education, science, and industry. The American delegation positively assessed the progress of bilateral cooperation and proposed expanding joint projects, including through partnerships with Kent State University, the FLEX program, and the network of alumni of U.S. educational programs. Turkmenistan confirmed its interest in further cooperation with American organizations in the areas of accreditation, educational quality assessment, educational analytics, and international testing systems, as well as collaboration with digital platforms, including Coursera and OpenAI. Following the talks, the parties agreed to update the joint Roadmap by incorporating new areas related to digital ecosystems, artificial intelligence technologies, international accreditation, and the development of university partnerships. It was emphasized that the experience gained and the existing cooperation mechanisms create favorable conditions for elevating Turkmen-American cooperation in education to a new qualitative level.
President of Turkmenistan Congratulates Portuguese Counterpart on Portugal Day
10.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, on the occasion of the country's national holiday — Portugal Day. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. In his message, the head of state wished the President of Portugal good health, happiness, and well-being, and extended wishes of peace, continued development, and prosperity to the people of the country.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov Sends Condolences to the President of the Philippines
10.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a message of condolence to President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos following the earthquake on the island of Mindanao, which resulted in casualties and injuries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, the head of state expressed his support to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.
The delegation of Turkmenistan participated in the Women in Tourism-2026 forum
09.06.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the III International Forum “Women in Tourism-2026,” held in the city of Nukus in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the IIC. The forum brought together around 200 women entrepreneurs, tourism industry experts, and representatives of international organizations from Central Asian countries and other states. Participants discussed tourism development, the expansion of business ties, and the implementation of joint regional projects. The Turkmen delegation presented the country’s tourism potential and exchanged experience with foreign colleagues. Within the framework of the forum, a specialized exhibition and B2B meetings were also held. As a result of the negotiations, agreements were reached aimed at developing cooperation in the tourism sector, expanding tourist routes, and strengthening trade and economic relations.
Turkmen chess players win four medals at Turkic countries tournaments
09.06.2026Turkmen chess players won four individual medals at international tournaments of Turkic countries held in Astana at the Kazakh National University of Sports. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The capital of Kazakhstan hosted the first team championship of Turkic countries among men and women, as well as a youth chess Olympiad for players under 16. Teams from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan took part in the competitions. The bronze medal in the men’s tournament on the first board was won by Grandmaster Saparmurat Atabayev. The women’s national team of Turkmenistan added two more medals to its tally: Dzhehan Rejepova became a silver medalist on the third board, while Lala Shohradova earned bronze on the first board. Another bronze medal for Turkmenistan was won by Dilber Khupbyeva, who performed successfully on the fourth board of the youth Olympiad. In the team standings, the women’s national team of Turkmenistan, with six points, finished among the top five teams of the tournament. The winner was Azerbaijan, second place went to Kazakhstan-1, and third to Uzbekistan. In the youth tournament (under 16), the prize places were taken by the Azerbaijan team and two teams from Kazakhstan.
Turkmen university receives new publications from the Japan Foundation
09.06.2026A ceremony for the transfer of books took place at the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University as part of the “Read Japan” project of The Nippon Foundation. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, Hiroshi Sasaki, as well as representatives of the diplomatic mission. The university received educational, scientific, and fiction publications dedicated to science, environmental protection, sustainable development, clean energy, and green technologies. The new collection also includes books on Japanese culture, art, language, and literature, as well as dictionaries. During the visit, the Japanese delegation became acquainted with the university’s activities, its educational programs, and scientific work. The two sides discussed prospects for further cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. It was noted that the “Read Japan” project contributes to the development of cultural and educational ties and strengthens cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan in the fields of science and education.
Turkmen tour operators are participating in a tourism exhibition in Seoul
09.06.2026Turkmen tour operators are taking part in the Seoul International Travel Fair, which is being held from June 4 to 7 at the COEX exhibition center in Seoul. This was reported by IIC. The forum has brought together travel companies, airlines, and industry specialists from various countries. Among the main topics of the exhibition are domestic and international tourism, wellness and eco-tourism routes, as well as modern technologies in the hospitality sector. Turkmenistan is represented at the exhibition by the companies “Eşretli syýahat” and “Gadymy mirasa syýahat”. The participants are introducing guests and tourism industry representatives to the country’s historical and cultural heritage, natural attractions, and opportunities for tourism development.
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