News
Young tennis player from Turkmenistan becomes ITF Asia champion
23.02.2026The ITF Asia 14&U Development Championships, the Western and Central Asia tennis championship, took place in the capital of Bahrain. Turkmenistan was represented at the tournament by young athletes Nazli Hudaykuliyeva and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva, according to IIC. The competition lasted two weeks and served as a qualifying stage for this year's Asian Championship finals. The winners earned the right to compete in the main continental tournament. Nazli Hudaykuliyeva, trained by Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky, won two gold medals in the singles. In the doubles competition, she and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva (‘Jahan’ Creativity Centre, coaches Jennet Hallyeva and Yuri Rogussky) won four gold medals. As a result of the tournament, N. Hudaykuliyeva became the absolute champion of the two-week cycle and secured her place in the final of the Asian Championship. Currently, the 13-year-old athlete ranks 9th in the Asian rankings. The tennis player intends to represent Turkmenistan in the junior Grand Slam tournaments — the Wimbledon Championships and the Australian Open — in the under-14 age category.
Turkmenistan outlined its foreign policy priorities at an international conference
23.02.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference dedicated to the professional holiday of diplomats. The forum brought together representatives of foreign ministries and experts to discuss the key vectors of the country's diplomacy. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. One of the central speeches was delivered by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan. He outlined the priorities of modern Turkmen diplomacy and emphasised the importance of permanent neutrality as the basis for foreign policy. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that in the context of global change, Turkmenistan is forming its positions based on the historical experience, culture and ethical norms of its people. He highlighted new challenges and opportunities, including issues of global governance and international alliances, and noted that the country's foreign policy takes these realities into account. The forum paid particular attention to respect for the national characteristics of states, non-interference in internal affairs and the prevention of the imposition of external development models. In this context, R. Meredov emphasised the role of the United Nations, expressing support for the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General – the ‘Pact for the Future’ and ‘UN-80’. ‘The UN must remain the basis for equal dialogue between peoples and states,’ the Minister said. He also noted the importance of international law as a key condition for global security and announced that Turkmenistan had proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. The conference confirmed that Turkmenistan's foreign policy combines loyalty to traditions and a readiness for renewal. The country's principled position, aimed at humanising international relations, remains an important factor for stability in the world.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting on Ahal-Teke horses in Germany
23.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stopped in Germany on his way from the United States to Turkmenistan and held a working meeting on the participation of Ahal-Teke horses in international competitions, according to TDH. The event was held in accordance with a Resolution signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 13 February 2026 at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, in connection with the declaration of the current year as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Participants discussed the organisation of competitions in Turkmenistan and abroad. Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Germany, B. Rejepov, reported on the state of Turkmen-German relations and the promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed in Europe. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need for Turkmen horses to perform well at the FEI World Equestrian Championships 2026 in Aachen (11–23 August), the beauty contest in the Netherlands in September, and events in France and the United Kingdom. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the high level of competition will strengthen the international authority of Turkmenistan, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary of independence in 2026, and increase the popularity of the Ahal-Teke breed. Following the meeting, specific instructions were given to the participants. After the negotiations, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov flew to Ashgabat. The airliner of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty landed at the capital's International Airport.
The TAPI project remains a priority in Turkmenistan's energy strategy
23.02.2026During his visit to the United States, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to ‘Al Arabiya’ TV presenter Rizwan Khan. The main topic of the conversation was Turkmenistan's energy strategy and the promotion of major cross-border projects. It was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As noted by the Hero Arkadag, Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of proven natural gas reserves, which, according to him, imposes a special responsibility on the country in the current geo-economic conditions. He stressed that the priority is to diversify energy flows, ensure their balance, security and reliability of supply. Cooperation in the energy sector, according to him, is being built at the political and international legal levels, taking into account the requirements of global development and the principle of mutual benefit. The interview paid special attention to the construction of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the project remains one of the country's largest international energy initiatives. It is reported that the construction of the first stage of TAPI, ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’, is continuing in Afghanistan. The project enjoys international support, including from the United States, and is seen as an important factor in meeting the growing demand for energy in South Asian countries, as well as expanding access to markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the Near and Middle East. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted TAPI's potential in strengthening political stability and economic development. He emphasised that the project is open to interested companies, expressing hope for active interest from American partners.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Sultan of Brunei on Independence Day
23.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State wished the Sultan good health, happiness and prosperity, and the people of Brunei Darussalam peace, progress and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and Seychelles discuss tourism and cultural development
22.02.2026On 16 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UAE hosted a meeting between Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Gervais Moumou, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the UAE. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to tourism, visa procedures and tourist exchange. Representatives of the Seychelles emphasised the favourable conditions for Turkmen citizens, and both sides expressed their readiness to develop cooperation between tourist organisations. In addition, issues of cultural cooperation were discussed, including the organisation of events and the arrival of creative groups, with Turkmenistan confirming its readiness to hold cultural days abroad. The interlocutors also considered diplomatic relations, cooperation in the field of education, student programmes and the establishment of contacts between chambers of commerce and industry.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan proposed a platform for cooperation with a Belgian university
22.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Bart Hendrickx, Head of Academic Diplomacy at the KU Leuven. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. They discussed the university's international and research profile, its participation in European programmes, including ‘Horizon Europe’, as well as opportunities for cooperation with universities in Central Asia. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the region's role in the international agenda, Turkmenistan's historical and cultural heritage, and the country's initiatives to strengthen peace and trust. The opening of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was noted as an example of a practice-oriented approach. The Turkmen side proposed creating a sustainable platform for cooperation with the University of Leuven, including possible formal agreements. Hendrickx supported the idea and stressed the importance of defining common areas of cooperation for a structured assessment of opportunities for joint work. The parties also positively noted the Ambassador's lecture on Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, delivered to university students, which contributed to the strengthening of humanitarian ties and academic dialogue.
An English-language school aimed at admission to Harvard will open in Turkmenistan
22.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced the opening of a new English-language school in the city of Arkadag. The school will teach according to modern standards with the aim of preparing graduates for admission to leading US universities, including Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag announced the above information in an interview with ‘Al Arabiya’ TV channel. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that culture, science, education and sports remain promising areas of Turkmen-American cooperation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled the US State Department's Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) programme, which has been operating in Turkmenistan since 2001, as well as the fact that English is taught in all schools and four of the country's universities operate entirely in English. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised active cultural interaction with the United States, including cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum in New York, interest in American literature, music and cinema, concerts and archaeological expeditions. Hero Arkadag expressed his readiness to expand bilateral cooperation and represent Turkmen culture in the United States in a broader format.
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed regional cooperation at the parliamentary level
22.02.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the OSCE, Hemra Amannazarov, met with the Special Representative of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for Central Asia, Angelos Syrigos, at the OSCE PA Winter Meeting in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria. The parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, focusing on parliamentary dialogue, confidence-building and the development of regional ties in Central Asia. H. Amannazarov emphasised Turkmenistan's support for constructive interaction and the importance of a consensus-based approach. During the discussion, practical steps for cooperation were considered: exchange of views on regional issues, development of contacts between parliamentarians of Central Asian countries and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in ensuring stability and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiative to hold regional parliamentary meetings in Ashgabat. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the OSCE PA's support in organising the third conference, noting its importance for dialogue and the exchange of experience. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation, strengthening regional parliamentary networks and seeking solutions through dialogue.
Projects involving the United States in Turkmenistan are approaching $45 billion
22.02.2026The volume of joint economic projects between Turkmenistan and the United States is approaching $45 billion. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in an interview with ‘Al Arabiya’ TV channel, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that hundreds of projects have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented, and cooperation is based on mutual benefit and equality. Major American companies such as ‘John Deere’, ‘General Electric’, ‘Case’, ‘Boeing’, ‘Coca-Cola’, ‘Sikorsky’ and ‘Caterpillar’ are actively working in the Turkmen market in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture, electric power, software and the food industry. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of the Turkmen-American Business Council, established in 2008, which has become an effective instrument of bilateral partnership and whose recommendations are taken into account by government agencies in both countries. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also outlined plans to expand cooperation, including through economic diversification, the introduction of high-tech industries and the implementation of major infrastructure projects, as well as attracting American investment and technology to develop Turkmenistan's innovative and knowledge-intensive economy.
Golf courses are planned for construction in the cities of Arkadag and Awaza
22.02.2026Golf courses are planned to be built in the city of Arkadag and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. This was reported by the state news agency TDH following a meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of ‘Nicklaus Companies’ John Reese during a visit to the United States. Two courses are planned for Awaza: a training course and a tournament course, designed to host international competitions. Another golf course will be built in the city of Arkadag. The project documentation for both facilities is currently being developed. ‘Nicklaus Companies’ has implemented more than 450 golf projects in the United States and other countries over more than 50 years. In Turkmenistan, the first golf club opened in Ashgabat in 2017, and in 2022, a Memorandum was signed on the construction of a golf club in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.
The film ‘The Composer’ has been honoured with international awards from TURKSOY
22.02.2026On 21 February, a ceremony was held at the ‘Ashgabat’ cinema in the capital to award the feature film ‘The Composer’ with special prizes from the international organisation TURKSOY. The film was created with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, reports TDH. Before the ceremony began, guests viewed an exhibition in the cinema foyer telling the story of Turkmen cinema. The exhibition included technical equipment from different eras, cameras, lighting equipment, as well as a collection of national film prizes and awards. The new international awards for the film ‘The Composer’ have been added to this honourable gallery. According to the organisers, the Days of Turkmen Cinema were held in Ankara on 15–18 February 2026 with the support of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. On 17 February, the film ‘The Composer’ was screened at the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre, after which it received two international awards from TURKSOY: The Charitable Foundation was awarded the ‘Grand Winged Falcon’ prize, and composer Kerim Berdimuhamedov received the ‘Winged Golden Steed’ award for his musical score. During the ceremony, the importance of the comprehensive support for cinema by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President of the country, attention to public screenings of national films, the holding of film festivals and the participation of Turkmen specialists in international events was emphasised. The film ‘The Composer’ has previously been recognised at international film festivals: in 2024, at the IV International Film Festival ‘Gorkut ata’ in Turkmenistan, the film received the Special Jury Prize and the award for ‘Best Actress’, and in 2025 in Moscow, it received the Open Eurasian Film Award ‘Diamond Butterfly’ for its artistic design.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
