A representative of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part for the first time in an international training course on the detection of narcotic drugs and combating their illicit trafficking. The programme took place from 10 to 21 August 2026 at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) in Malacca as part of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), according to the press office of the Turkmenistan Customs Service. Participants studied risk management, profiling, conducting investigations and modern methods of customs control. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience and international cooperation. The representative from Turkmenistan also familiarised himself with the work of the Royal Malaysian Customs Service, the organisation of controls at the international airport and seaports, and the use of modern technologies. Participation in the course has expanded opportunities for professional exchange and strengthened cooperation between the customs authorities of Turkmenistan and Malaysia.
An international seminar for English language teachers, ‘TESOL26: English for Tomorrow’, is taking place at the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the US Embassy in collaboration with the Government of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The seminar is attended by teachers from various regions of Turkmenistan and international experts. They are discussing modern methods of teaching English, the use of artificial intelligence, the assessment of language skills, teaching mixed-ability classes and student motivation. The programme includes presentations and interactive sessions on student-centred learning, neuropedagogy, the development of critical thinking, and the prevention of professional burnout. The university is also hosting an exhibition of teaching resources and study guides. The seminar will run until 28 August. Following the event, it is planned to draw up recommendations for improving the teaching of English in educational institutions across Turkmenistan.
The third and final stage of the professional training programme for managers, organised jointly by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, has begun in Turkmenistan. The five-day course is taking place from 25 to 29 August, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme aims to develop football management and enhance the skills of specialists in the field, drawing on international experience. Upon completion of the course, participants will be awarded certificates.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his congratulations to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on the successful holding of the elections to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted that the reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan are laying the foundations for the country’s long-term prosperity. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the first elections to the Kurultai, which received widespread public support, marked an important stage in the reforms aimed at improving the system of state power and governance. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence in the further development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Wishes were extended to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for good health, well-being and success in his state duties, and to the people of Kazakhstan for peace, prosperity and progress.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the people of the country on the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Moldova’s independence. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State wished Maia Sandu good health and happiness, and the people of Moldova peace, progress and prosperity.
On 26 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, inspected the progress of construction work on the new Dental Centre, which is in its final stages. The Minister of Health and Medical Industry, M. Gayipov, presented a report on the facility’s readiness, its structure, equipment and fittings, according to the TDH news agency. The centre will specialise in dental services and maxillofacial surgery. It will comprise outpatient and inpatient wards, diagnostic and laboratory facilities, operating theatres, anaesthesiology and intensive care units, physiotherapy and emergency departments. The medical facility is equipped with apparatus from leading manufacturers in Germany, Japan and the USA. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence will be used for diagnosis and treatment planning. Patient data will be stored and transmitted in digital format via an electronic document management system. The general dentistry and other specialist departments are fitted with digital dental microscopes, 3D scanning systems and other state-of-the-art equipment. These technologies will enable diagnosis, treatment, prosthetics, implantology and reconstructive surgery. A dental laboratory with capacity for 45 specialists has also been established at the centre. It is equipped with CAD/CAM systems, software packages for digital design and manufacturing, as well as 3D printing equipment. The President of Turkmenistan has instructed that the training of qualified specialists be ensured and that the Centre’s work be coordinated with the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The Head of State also emphasised the need for the effective use of the installed equipment and its digital capabilities. Particular attention has been paid to preparing the facility for its opening to coincide with Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day, marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The President of Turkmenistan has also instructed that the surrounding area and the Centre’s internal grounds be landscaped and planted with greenery.
Since the start of 2026, universities in Turkmenistan have held 11 hackathons and three start-up competitions aimed at commercialising scientific developments and fostering links between education, science and innovation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As a result of scientific research, the country’s universities have been granted 320 national certificates (patents). These results demonstrate a rise in scientific activity and the economic efficiency of research. Furthermore, since the start of the year, higher education institutions have organised 23 international events, including 10 competitions and 13 scientific and practical conferences. These were attended by representatives of universities, research centres and international organisations from various countries.
On 25 August, during a telephone conversation with the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noted the effective work of the Turkmen observers during the elections for deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Kazakhstan emphasised that the Turkmen observers had actively participated in the preparation and conduct of the elections to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and had objectively assessed the results. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the election results fully comply with national legislation and international standards. The President of Kazakhstan also expressed particular gratitude for the Turkmen side’s participation in observing the electoral process and noted the significance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s congratulations on the occasion of the elections. During the conversation, confidence was also expressed in the further strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties and Kazakhstani-Turkmen relations.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stated that he looks forward with great respect to the participation of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in the Aqaba Process meeting on ‘"Security in the Sphere of Artificial Intelligence’. The President of Kazakhstan made this announcement during a telephone conversation with the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event will take place in early November in Astana. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also emphasised the importance of the two heads of state participating in multilateral forums. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the joint efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and the closeness of Turkmenistan’s and Kazakhstan’s positions on key issues.
At the Barsagelmez oil field in south-western Turkmenistan, 93 wells that had previously seen a decline in production or had ceased production altogether have been restored since the start of the year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Due to the repairs, 75 of these wells have yielded an additional 26,500 tonnes of oil. This represents 134 per cent of the target set. The source notes that specialists from the well workover department will continue their efforts to restore production until the end of the year.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and higher education institutions have begun implementing the Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052. The document was approved by a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan dated 17 October 2025, together with the Action Plan for 2026–2030, reports the news agency TDH. The strategy aims to improve the quality of higher education, train specialists in high demand, develop science and innovation, promote digitalisation and expand international cooperation. As part of its implementation, the regulatory framework is being improved and mechanisms are being established to analyse labour market needs. A methodology for surveying employers and a digital platform for analysing the knowledge and skills required of graduates have been developed. The university ranking system has also been updated, with the results published on the rating.bilim.tm portal. To identify promising areas for specialist training, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan has published the ‘Geljegiň hünärleriniň atlasy’ (‘Atlas of Future Professions’). Scientific research and innovation are being actively developed at higher education institutions. Since the start of the year, 11 hackathons and three start-up competitions have been held, and 320 national certificates (patents) have been granted. International cooperation is expanding. Since the start of the year, higher education institutions have organised 23 international events, including 10 academic competitions and 13 scientific and practical conferences. International accreditation of educational programmes, academic exchanges and the professional development of teaching staff also remain priorities. The strategy provides for the development of inclusive education, the use of digital resources and distance learning. Facilities for people with disabilities are being created in new teaching buildings. The development of public-private partnerships has become an important focus. The International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the country’s first non-state higher education institution, trains specialists in the fields of business, industry, digital technologies and innovation. At the same time, mechanisms for assessing the quality of education are being improved, and programmes are being developed to promote a healthy lifestyle, foster patriotism and support the cultural development of young people.
Turkmen chess player Allayar Shirliyev took first place in the Open A category at the 32nd International Chess Festival in Abu Dhabi, held from 15 to 24 August. The 22-year-old Master Candidate from Ashgabat scored 8 points out of a possible 9, according to the news agency Orient. A. Shirliyev started as the seventh seed with a FIDE rating of 2184. By the end of the tournament, he had finished ahead of, amongst others, International Masters Bashir Eiti from Syria and Richilieu III Salcedo from the Philippines. His international rating rose by 40.6 points. The festival was organised by the Abu Dhabi Chess Club. Meanwhile, international grandmasters Daniil Dubov, David Paravyan and Pa Iniyan competed in the Masters tournament. Shirliyev’s success was the latest achievement by Turkmen chess players in August. Earlier, Lala Shohradova won the rapid event and took silver in the blitz at the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Mumbai. The Turkmenistan national team also won 16 medals at the Central and North Asian Chess Championship in Kyrgyzstan.