News
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are organising the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championships
22.07.2026In The Hague, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held a meeting with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Director-General for Political Affairs. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparations for the World Equestrian and Beauty Championship for Ahal-Teke horses, which is due to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen equestrian centre in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen Ambassador provided an update on the organisational preparations and noted that the competition will be the first international event of this calibre for Ahal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. Participants from various countries will present the finest examples of this breed. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the organisation of high-level events as part of the championship, as well as the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum in The Hague, involving government bodies and business representatives from both countries. The parties considered prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, adaptation to climate change and the development of water management infrastructure. In addition, Sapar Palvanov held a meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit within the Protocol Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the protocol service. Organisational matters relating to the preparation of upcoming events and visits by high-level delegations were discussed. The Dutch side confirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with its Turkmen partners to ensure the successful organisation of the championship and the further development of bilateral relations.
Representatives from a Turkmen university are undertaking further training at Petronas University
22.07.2026As part of efforts to develop scientific and educational cooperation, a group of students and lecturers from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas has been sent to Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia for training and professional development. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The university’s cooperation with Petronas Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd and Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia has been ongoing for several years. In 2024, the parties signed a new Memorandum of Understanding providing for the further expansion of cooperation in the fields of science and education. The visit began on 14 July. As part of the programme, which comprises two weeks of study and one week of professional development, participants will learn about new technologies and the application of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in production processes. Students and lecturers will also familiarise themselves with the university’s educational system, its laboratories, training centres, research activities and the company’s production facilities. The knowledge and practical experience gained will be used to improve the training of specialists and to introduce modern approaches into the educational process.
Kristin Hawkins has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the United States in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026The U.S. Department of State has appointed Kristin Hawkins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She succeeded Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who has completed her diplomatic mission in the country, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The State Department noted Elizabeth Rood’s contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan. Kristin Hawkins will continue to work on developing cooperation between the two countries and maintaining bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Georgia on his 55th birthday
22.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, on his 55th birthday and wished him good health and success in his public duties, and the people of Georgia peace, well-being and prosperity. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted the steady development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia, based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation on an equal footing. The President of Turkmenistan also thanked Mikheil Kavelashvili for the hospitality shown during his recent state visit to Georgia, emphasising his personal contribution to strengthening Turkmen-Georgian relations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a WTO seminar in China
22.07.2026A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a training seminar on World Trade Organisation issues, which took place from 5 to 21 July 2026 in the cities of Beijing, Fuxin and Fuzhou in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of the international trading system, enhance the professional skills of specialists and support efforts related to Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The event took place at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Participants learnt about China’s experience in engaging with the WTO, safeguarding national interests within the organisation, and managing free economic zones. Discussions also covered the adaptation of national legislation to international trade rules and WTO agreements, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in this process. The seminar facilitated the exchange of experience in the field of trade and economic cooperation and the improvement of Turkmenistan’s legal framework as part of the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation.
The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Regional Centre
22.07.2026On 21 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Particular attention was paid to the development of regional cooperation, the promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue, and the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of peace, security and sustainable development. During the meeting, issues relating to the preparation of upcoming joint events and the implementation of regional programmes and projects under the auspices of the UN were also discussed. Following the negotiations, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing their cooperation.
A technical seminar on the launch of the ‘e-TIR’ digital system was held in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026On 20 July, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to implement the international digital ‘e-TIR’ system and prepare for the first freight shipments using it. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, a technical seminar was held with the participation of representatives from the customs services of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNCTAD. Participants discussed practical issues relating to the launch of the system and the conduct of the first pilot shipment along the ‘Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ route. It was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to implement ‘e-TIR’ for international road transport, which contributes to the development of the country’s transit potential. From 22 to 24 July, the first pilot shipments using the ‘e-TIR’ system and training events will take place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, with the support of the UNECE and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
Turkmen cultural figures took part in the TURKSOY Young Poets’ Festival
22.07.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in the 2nd International Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World, which was held in Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by TURKSOY in conjunction with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Turkmen delegation comprised Kerim Hallyev, Garahanjar Bayhanov and Yusup Meredov. The festival opened in Shusha as part of the Molla Penah Vagif Poetry Days. During the event, young poets were honoured for their contribution to the development of culture and literature in the Turkic world. Kerim Hallyev and Garahanjar Bayhanov were awarded the ‘Molla Penah Vagif’ medal, whilst Yusup Meredov was presented with a TURKSOY diploma.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is competing at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships
21.07.2026The Turkmenistan national team will compete at the Under-17 Freestyle Wrestling World Championships, which are taking place in Baku from 21 July to 4 August. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ahead of the competition, the team completed the final stage of their preparations for the world championships. The Turkmenistan squad comprises Noker Guvanjov (up to 65 kg weight class), Mekan Hudayberenov (up to 71 kg) and Shaapbas Esgerov (up to 80 kg). At the championships, these young wrestlers will represent Turkmenistan and compete for world championship medals, whilst having the opportunity to demonstrate the standard of their training on the international stage.
The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry met with the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated her on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation, as well as the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development for 2026–2030, the preparation of Turkmenistan’s Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the SDGs, and the work of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Strategic Advisory Council. Particular attention was paid to the development of new joint initiatives, the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the UN, and the implementation of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
A meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 20 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and discussed the further implementation of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and commitments within the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) following Turkmenistan’s granting of observer state status within the organisation. Promising areas for further cooperation were considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks were identified to strengthen Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, and work plans were drawn up for the coming period.
The ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern has increased its oil and gas production figures for the first half of the year
21.07.2026At the end of the first six months of 2026, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ achieved growth in its production figures. Oil production reached nearly 2,053,000 tonnes, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The subsidiaries of the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust fulfilled their target by 108.5 per cent, producing 155,800 tonnes of oil in excess of the target. The state-owned enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’ exceeded its target by 1,227 tonnes. The overall increase in oil production compared with the same period last year was approximately 101 per cent. The group’s oil and gas production divisions produced more than 2,454 million cubic metres of natural gas during the first half of the year. The ‘Körpeje’, ‘Keýmir’, ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Gumdagnebit’ departments achieved strong results in the collection and utilisation of associated gas. The ‘Keýmir’ Oil and Gas Production Department achieved the highest figures in field development. Hydrocarbon production here totalled 236,600 tonnes, representing 122 per cent of the target. The ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Ýaşyldepe’ natural gas production units also demonstrated strong performance, meeting their targets by 111 per cent and 115 per cent respectively. Through the modernisation of production facilities and the application of state-of-the-art technologies, specialists from the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust restored operations at 216 wells. This enabled the additional extraction of 93,300 tonnes of oil and over 210 million cubic metres of gas. Over the six-month period, the divisions of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ Trust carried out drilling work totalling 67,500 metres, which represents almost 112 per cent of the target. The construction of 12 new wells has been completed, 11 of which are production wells. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex met its raw material processing target by 102 per cent. During this period, 728,500 tonnes of diesel fuel, 702,100 tonnes of motor petrol, 244,400 tonnes of petroleum bitumen, 202,400 tonnes of kerosene, 86,000 tonnes of liquefied gas, 33,800 tonnes of polypropylene and 28,700 tonnes of lubricating oils. These figures reflect the continued development of the oil and gas sector and the improved efficiency of production processes at the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern.
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