The year 2026, held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. In this anniversary year, the results of the reforms carried out are being assessed and the main directions for further development are being determined, reports the news agency TDH.

Over the years of independence, Turkmenistan has established a national legislative and legal framework, implemented socio-economic development programmes and created a modern infrastructure. Industry, transport, energy and other sectors of the economy are developing.

Key areas of state policy remain the diversification of the economy, industrialisation, digitalisation, the introduction of innovations, the development of import substitution and the expansion of export potential. Social programmes are aimed at raising the standard of living of the population.

The modernisation of the education and science systems is continuing. The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan is being developed, and cooperation between universities and scientific institutions, as well as with foreign partners, is expanding. The opening of new educational facilities is planned for 2026.

The healthcare system is also being improved. As part of the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, medical facilities and sanatoriums are being built and modernised, their material and technical infrastructure is being upgraded, and the skills of specialists are being enhanced.

Furthermore, mass sport and physical education are being developed across the country. Modern sports facilities are in operation in Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the velayats. Turkmen athletes continue to take part in international competitions. Equestrian sports and events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place.

State policy in the field of culture is aimed at preserving and promoting the national heritage, supporting artists and developing international cultural ties.

The city of Arkadag remains one of the major infrastructure projects. Its development incorporates digital and ‘green’ technologies, as well as smart management systems. Construction of the second phase of the project is currently underway.

Turkmenistan continues to pursue a foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peacefulness and goodwill. The country is developing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation with foreign states. Inter-governmental commissions, committees, business councils and bilateral business forums play an important role in this.

Particular attention is paid to energy and transport projects. Natural gas supplies to the People’s Republic of China continue via the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline. In April 2026, the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field commenced. The relevant contract was concluded between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

The development of ‘Galkynyş’ is also linked to the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project. On 10 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Mary velayat and Afghanistan, where he inspected the progress of construction on the Serhetabat–Herat ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ gas pipeline.

During negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, discussions also covered the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ (TAP) power line project, fibre-optic communications and cooperation in the transport and logistics sector.

Turkmenistan continues to promote the development of international transport corridors along the North–South and East–West axes, as well as the establishment of logistics centres.

The country’s multilateral diplomacy is carried out within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations. A significant event was the UN Forum on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.

In 2026, Turkmenistan will also hold the chairmanship of a number of regional forums. Key events include the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan and the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

In the run-up to the 35th anniversary of its independence, Turkmenistan continues to implement socio-economic development programmes, foster international cooperation and carry out major infrastructure projects.