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International portal to feature Year of Winged Horses in Turkmenistan
01.02.2026With the assistance of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, the ‘Turkic World’ portal is organising systematic and extensive coverage of events dedicated to the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The information cooperation is aimed at providing a broad presentation of cultural, scientific and socio-political events that reflect the historical value of the country's independence, its unchanged status of permanent neutrality and rich spiritual heritage. Publications on the portal will help strengthen international information exchange, develop dialogue in the Turkic world and raise awareness among the global audience about Turkmenistan's modern achievements, its role in the region and global development.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed cooperation in the field of water resources
01.02.2026On 30 January, the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was held in Khiva. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev, and the Uzbek delegation was headed by Shuhrat Ganiyev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Agricultural Development. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the two countries responsible for water resources management, irrigation and environmental protection. The co-chairs of the commission noted the high level of bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual trust and equality. They emphasised the parties' desire to expand cooperation not only in the water sector, but also in other areas of economic, infrastructural and humanitarian interaction. During the meeting, the parties discussed the introduction of modern technologies for rational water use, the improvement of mechanisms for monitoring and accounting for water resources, the development of human resources in the sector, as well as issues of adaptation to climate change and the reduction of associated risks. The parties confirmed their intention to continue regular bilateral consultations and commission meetings, as well as to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for cooperation. Following the meeting, the Protocol of the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was signed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan presented a plan for preparations for the Year of International Law
31.01.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the Year of International Law in 2028, initiated by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country's foreign policy priorities remain strengthening cooperation with the UN and its member states, participating in international initiatives on sustainable development, peace, security, transport, energy, ecology and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention is being paid to the proposal by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. The plan provides for cooperation with the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the preparation of a draft resolution for the UN General Assembly, and the development of a national concept on ‘International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ International and regional conferences, forums, round tables, educational events in schools and universities with the participation of experts, the preparation of training materials, competitions for young specialists and information support through the media and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website are also planned. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of the initiative for strengthening the international legal framework and instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ensure the implementation of the relevant measures.
The touristic ‘Eastern Express’ has increased interest in the regions of Turkey
31.01.2026The night train service between Ankara and Kars has become one of Turkey's most popular tourist routes. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Culture and Tourism Department of the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan. The touristic ‘Eastern Express’ runs three times a week. The train covers the route in about 24 hours. The carriages are equipped with sleeping compartments. The programme includes scheduled stops for excursions. The route passes through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum. On the way to Kars, the train stops in Erzincan and Erzurum, and on the return journey, it stops in Ilich, Divrigi and Sivas. The final destination is Kars. The city is known for its historical monuments, winter landscapes and regional cuisine. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also home to the Sarikamish ski resort and Lake Çıldır on the border between Kars and Ardahan. In winter, the lake freezes completely. Here, tourists go sledding and watch ice fishing.
Turkmenistan and V.N. Tatishchev Astrakhan State University expand scientific and educational ties
31.01.2026The Consul of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan, Gadam Ilamanov, held a meeting with the Rector of Astrakhan State University (ASU) named after V.N. Tatishchev, Igor Alekseyev. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of scientific and educational cooperation. About 4,000 foreign students study at ASU, more than 3,000 of whom are citizens of Turkmenistan. With the support of the consulate, the university has signed agreements with leading Turkmen universities, including Magtymguly Turkmen State University, S.A. Niyazov Agricultural University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as the joint Turkmen-Russian school named after A.S. Pushkin. The interlocutors discussed joint educational programmes with the possibility of obtaining a second degree, academic mobility of students and teachers, professional development of teaching staff, as well as scientific research and practical activities.
Universities in Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed joint academic initiatives
31.01.2026On 30 January, an online meeting was held between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan and ADA University (Azerbaijan). This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in science and education and discussed promising areas of interaction. Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding, joint academic projects were considered: exchange of experience, organization of conferences, lectures and seminars, participation of teachers and students, as well as joint publications. The participation of Turkmen diplomats and students in the educational programs of ADA University was noted. The role of the joint Turkmen-Azerbaijani commission in the development of scientific and educational cooperation was emphasised. The possibility of holding joint events for World Turkic Language Family Day, declared by UNESCO on 15 December, and further prospects for joint work in the scientific and educational sphere were also discussed.
Turkmen-German dialogue strengthens economic ties
31.01.2026On 30 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a video conference with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties noted the active development of trade and economic relations, which testifies to the high level of bilateral dialogue between Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the Turkmen-German Business Forum during his working visit to Germany in September 2023, which served as an impetus for further intensification of economic cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of the bilateral meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ dialogue, as well as the negotiations with representatives of German business held in Astana in September 2024. Noting the regularity of cross-economic days, business forums and exhibitions, the participants discussed the role of the Joint Turkmen-German Working Group and the Eastern Committee of German Economy, whose activities contribute to the expansion of practical intergovernmental cooperation.
Turkmen freight locomotives repaired in China
31.01.2026The ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan has signed a contract with the Chinese locomotive manufacturer ‘CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.’ for the overhaul of freight locomotives, according to TerraNews. Under the agreement, 20 freight locomotives were overhauled at the factory in China. After delivery to Turkmenistan, the equipment was put into operation and is being used for transit, export and import transportation. The locomotives are equipped with modern equipment, which has improved their traction characteristics and operational capabilities, enabling the transport of large volumes of cargo over long distances.
In 2026, Russia will host the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan
31.01.2026Russia will host Turkmenistan Culture Days in 2026. This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Mihail Galuzin following meetings in Ashgabat with Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and his Deputy Ahmet Gurbanov, according to IIC. According to Mihail Galuzin, the event will be one of the key events in humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The parties also discussed the implementation of joint projects in the field of education and infrastructure. Among the priorities is the creation of a Russian-Turkmen university. There are also plans to expand the joint A.S. Pushkin School in Ashgabat by constructing an additional educational building. Another project will be the construction of a new building for the State Russian Drama Theatre. It is expected that this will expand the repertoire and improve conditions for the creative team. The negotiations confirmed the parties' interest in developing a long-term partnership.
Turkmenistan delegation continues training programme in Cambridge
31.01.2026Advanced training courses for university administrators from Central Asian countries are continuing in Cambridge, with representatives from Turkmenistan's education system participating. The programme runs from 25 to 31 January, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Turkmen delegation includes representatives from Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. The programme includes training sessions, seminars, and experience-sharing sessions. Participants study modern models of leadership and strategic planning in the PRESETT system, as well as management practices in the field of teacher development and the continuing professional development (CPD) system. Special attention is paid to communicative and personality-oriented methods of teaching English. The introduction of digital platforms, interactive methods and artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process is also discussed. Participants analyse the structure and effectiveness of training programmes and observe training sessions to evaluate teaching methods and materials used. The courses discuss approaches to harmonising language programmes based on the CEFR and methods for assessing four key skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. The organisers note that the programme is aimed at introducing international experience and developing cooperation in the field of education.
Turkmenistan presented its concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan presented its concept for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The presentation took place on 29 January in Minsk at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS, according to IIC. The priorities were announced by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus. According to him, the programme is based on the principles of Peace and Trust. Ashgabat proposed to declare 2027 the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS. The initiative is aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure and international transport corridors. There are also plans to strengthen digital interaction and innovative cooperation as factors in the region's competitiveness. In the political sphere, Turkmenistan advocates coordinating actions to protect international law. CIS countries have been asked to develop a coordinated position within the UN. Ashgabat also hopes to gain support for its initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. The humanitarian part of the concept covers youth exchanges, sports, the promotion of multilingualism and environmental projects. Separate emphasis is placed on the ‘green economy’ and scientific and technical cooperation. The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, which will be held in Kaliningrad in April, and reviewed a report on the development of Commonwealth statistics.
Turkmenistan officially assumed the chairmanship of the CIS
31.01.2026Turkmenistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The concept of the chairmanship and the plan for its implementation were presented by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, before the first meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS in Minsk in 2026. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador noted that Turkmenistan considers the CIS an important platform for cooperation between states with common economic and humanitarian interests. Work during the chairmanship will be carried out in accordance with the organisation's statutory documents and will be aimed at developing multilateral cooperation. As part of its mandate, Turkmenistan will head the activities of key CIS bodies, including the Councils of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. In 2026, meetings and forums are planned both in Turkmenistan and in other countries of the Commonwealth. The meeting in Minsk also approved the working plan of the Council of Permanent Representatives and the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the CIS. Separate consideration was given to the implementation of the CIS statistics development project, aimed at improving the effectiveness of integration processes.
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