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The Head of Turkmenistan received the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to further develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. Xiaojun Grace Wang conveyed greetings and best wishes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations were discussed. The Head of State noted that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the key areas of the country’s foreign policy, emphasising the consistent nature of the partnership. The parties also reviewed joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030, as well as issues relating to peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, energy security and the development of transport and transit corridors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council as a platform for developing cooperation in key areas. Xiaojun Grace Wang stated that she would make every effort to further strengthen the partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN. At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the work of the new Resident Coordinator would contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held a telephone conversation
21.07.2026On 20 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Russian cooperation, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of joint educational and cultural projects. The Heads of the foreign ministries also reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings, including multilateral events at the highest and high levels planned to take place in Turkmenistan in October 2026. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side.
Turkmenistan is set to expand the capacity of the ‘Balkan’ shipyard
21.07.2026On 18 July, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, B. Annayev, to continue modernising the national merchant fleet and to expand the production capacity of the ‘Balkan’ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister presented a report on the implementation of measures to develop the shipbuilding industry, including the renewal of the fleet and the construction of new dry cargo vessels. It is noted that these measures are aimed at developing the country’s maritime infrastructure and increasing the volume of freight transport.
Turkey has appointed a new ambassador to Turkmenistan
21.07.2026The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has appointed a new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan. The relevant Decree was published on 18 July in the official gazette, ‘Resmi Gazete’, according to IIC. The new Head of the diplomatic mission in Ashgabat is Şener Cebeci, who previously served as Deputy Director-General for Central Asian Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has replaced Ahmet Demirok, who had headed the embassy since January 2024 and has now been recalled to the central office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Belarusian companies are exploring opportunities to enter the Turkmenistan market
21.07.2026Around 30 representatives of Belarusian companies took part in a working meeting on the prospects for entering the Turkmenistan market. The event, ‘Business Breakfast with a Diplomat’, took place on 15 July at the Brest branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the participation of Yuri Dmitrichkov, Counsellor for Trade and Economic Affairs at the Belarusian Embassy in Turkmenistan, according to IIC Turkmenistan. Participants were briefed on the latest information regarding the Turkmen market and discussed ways to develop cooperation. The main areas of interest were the export of furniture, foodstuffs, agricultural machinery, glass, compound feed, livestock farming equipment, as well as services in the fields of design and logistics. The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the meeting had been organised to facilitate Belarusian companies’ entry into the Turkmen market.
A training course on combating echinococcosis was held in Ashgabat
21.07.2026A five-day training course on the prevention, diagnosis and control of echinococcosis was held in Ashgabat for specialists from Turkmenistan’s public health and epidemiological and veterinary services. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The training was organised by the World Health Organisation’s country office and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations as part of a Pandemic Fund. The sessions were delivered by international FAO experts to staff from the ministries of health and agriculture. Participants studied the epidemiology of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, practised laboratory diagnostic methods and discussed inter-ministerial cooperation. It is planned to use the knowledge gained to improve national programmes for the prevention of zoonotic diseases, employing a comprehensive approach.
Turkmenistan has presented a new approach to the digitalisation of the water sector
21.07.2026South Korea is launching the international programme ‘Smart Water Management in Central Asia – 2026’, organised by the Korea Foundation and the UNESCO International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management, according to the Orient news agency. The project aims to introduce digital solutions into the region’s water management sector. The event is seen as an important step in the preparations for the first ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September. Turkmenistan has adopted a unique approach to participation: instead of the usual technical delegation, Ashgabat has sent a special group comprising representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection to develop cooperation in the water sector. The delegation will take part in meetings and seminars in Seoul, Daejeon and other technology hubs in South Korea. A key event will be the forum on 23 July, where representatives from Turkmenistan, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) and IT companies will discuss joint projects on the implementation of ‘smart’ technologies, digital monitoring and the efficient use of water resources. Cooperation with South Korea is in line with Turkmenistan’s new climate initiatives, including the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and the Centre for Combating Desertification. Korean digital solutions in the field of water management could become one of the practical tools for the work of these organisations.
The Turkmenistan Stock Exchange recorded 13 transactions over the past week
21.07.2026Last week, 13 transactions were concluded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Foreign companies purchased liquefied gas produced by the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, as well as textile products and cotton fabric. The buyers were business representatives from Afghanistan, the UAE and Turkey. The total value of the export transactions exceeded 369,000 US dollars. On the domestic market, entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, cottonseed oil, fabric, cotton fibre and other cotton-processing products worth more than 60.6 million manats.
Turkmenistan and the US highlighted the potential for further development of bilateral relations
21.07.2026From 17 to 18 July, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the US, in conjunction with the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN, held a series of events in Washington to mark the anniversaries of the two states. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The main event was a round-table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan – United States Partnership: Celebrating Independence, Friendship, and a Shared Future’, during which participants discussed the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, educational, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Representatives from Turkmenistan and the US noted the positive momentum in relations and emphasised the potential for their further expansion. The event was attended by representatives of the US State Department, the diplomatic corps, expert and business circles, as well as the Turkmen diaspora. The programme included an exhibition of Turkmen art, as well as a chess tournament and a friendly football match. Participants in the competitions received commemorative awards and souvenirs.
Turkmen school pupils won four medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad
21.07.2026Turkmen school students performed well at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad, which took place from 10 to 19 July 2026 in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). A total of 363 school students from 92 countries took part in the competition, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented by a team from the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi Specialised Boarding School in Ashgabat. At the end of the Olympiad, 11th-grade student Palvan Ilmammedov won a silver medal, whilst 12th-grade students Diyar Dovletov, Aylar Orunova and Rustem Jumayev were awarded bronze medals. The Turkmenistan team has thus added one silver and three bronze medals to its tally of achievements, confirming the high standard of the national team’s preparation for the international Olympiad.
Preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit were discussed at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 18 July, the 65th meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Caspian Sea Issues was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the commission’s work for the first half of 2026, discussed preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit, which is to be held in October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, and considered organisational matters relating to events to mark Caspian Sea Day. The meeting also highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations in the field of protecting the Caspian Sea and safeguarding the environment, and discussed further improvements to the commission’s activities and the expansion of international cooperation.
John Defterios is to be the lead moderator at OGT 2026 in Ashgabat
20.07.2026The organisers of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026’ (OGT 2026) have confirmed that international journalist and economic commentator John Defterios will serve as the forum’s lead international moderator. The event will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October under the motto ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress’, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Preparations for the forum have entered a new phase. More than 150 delegates from various countries have already confirmed their participation in the conference, the exhibition spaces are fully booked, and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has joined the ranks of OGT 2026’s Premier Partners. John Defterios has been covering global economic and energy issues for over 35 years. He has previously worked for ‘CNN Business’, ‘Reuters Television’ and ‘PBS Television’, and has moderated events at the World Economic Forum, ADIPEC, the OPEC International Seminar and other international forums. He is currently a professor of business at New York University Abu Dhabi and a senior strategic adviser to APCO Worldwide. During OGT 2026, Defterios will lead plenary sessions and strategic discussions involving representatives from government bodies, national and international energy companies, financial institutions and investors. The forum’s business programme will cover issues relating to the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field, the advancement of projects in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, the adoption of modern technologies, the digitalisation of the industry, the application of artificial intelligence, attracting investment, improving energy efficiency and reducing methane emissions. OGT 2026 is organised by the State-Owned Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, and the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’, in partnership with the private company ‘Turkmen Energy Forum’.
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