Information
A briefing on the ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian games was held at the Arkadag Horse Breeding Academy
11.04.2026A briefing dedicated to the national equestrian games team ‘Galkynysh’ was held at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag. The event was timed to coincide with the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. This was reported by IIC. Riders, experts, lecturers and students took part in the discussion. Issues relating to the development of the national school of horse breeding were discussed. The programme was complemented by a themed exhibition. Paintings and decorative and applied art pieces were displayed, reflecting the Turkmen people’s connection with Ahal-Teke horses. Special attention was paid to the history of the group, which was founded in 2007. During this time, the ‘Galkynysh’ group has received awards at international circus festivals. It was noted that some of the riders combine their performances with teaching and training activities at the academy, which helps to pass on experience and develop professional skills. During the briefing, participants discussed the preparation of horses for performances, the specifics of the training process, and the interaction between rider and horse. The organisers emphasise that such meetings contribute to the training of specialists and the strengthening of Turkmenistan’s position in the field of equestrian art.
A biological agent has been developed in Turkmenistan to restore salt-affected soils
03.04.2026The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has developed a biological product for the restoration of saline and degraded soils. This was reported by the news agency Orient. It is based on strains of microscopic fungi isolated from the country’s salt marshes, which remain active at salinity levels exceeding 10%. The preparation protects plant roots from excess sodium, stimulates growth and increases the resistance of crops to salt stress, heat and plant pathogens. According to the developers, wheat seed germination increases from 42% to 78%, and root biomass by 35%. The technology can increase yields by 25–30% and reduce the need for mineral fertilisers by 15%. The development is seen as a promising solution for combating soil salinisation in Central Asian countries.
Turkmenistan and Japan are joining forces to develop data centres
01.04.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and the Japanese company ‘Muroosystems Corporation’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing cooperation in the field of establishing and modernising data centres in the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The agreement formalises the parties’ intention to build long-term partnerships for the implementation of projects to construct new data centres within Turkmenistan. The main objective of the document is the introduction of modern technological solutions and the development of digital infrastructure in accordance with international standards. The cooperation is expected to involve the use of innovative methods for the design and operation of facilities. It is anticipated that the implementation of the agreement will significantly strengthen the national IT infrastructure, increase the level of digitalisation of the economy and expand opportunities for secure data storage and processing.
The Charitable Foundation of Turkmenistan has helped more than 2,400 children
31.03.2026The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has helped more than 2,400 children since its establishment. This was announced by Oguljahan Atabayeva, the Foundation’s Vice-President for Medical Activities, at a Board meeting in Arkadag, according to TDH. According to her, 2,467 children have received treatment at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, which combines modern technology with natural remedies of local origin. During this time, 758 operations have been performed. Atabayeva highlighted the development of the Foundation’s international cooperation. In 2025, memoranda were signed with the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan, the Chinese Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Working visits were also made to Monaco, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, China, Russia and Qatar. The final document of the international conference in Arkadag was translated into the official languages of the UN and submitted to the 79th session of the General Assembly.
Turkmenistan and Romania are developing cooperation in equestrian sports
27.03.2026On March 24, a meeting took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, A. Annaev, and the President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, Marilena Mladin, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in horse breeding and equestrian sports. Special attention was given to the Akhal-Teke horse breed as a national symbol of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side provided information on the development of the sector, including infrastructure modernization, the activities of the State Association “Turkmenatlary,” and the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding. The National Turkmen Horse Festival was also discussed separately. It was noted that events held within its framework promote the exchange of expertise among specialists. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects and professional exchanges.
The Turkmen startup programme has expanded to the regional level
25.03.2026The Turkmen startup support programme ‘StartUp Academy’ has been shortlisted for the CEVF Awards in the ‘Best Startup Support Programme’ category. This marks Turkmenistan’s first participation in a competition of this calibre on the Central Eurasia Venture Forum platform, reports IIC. ‘StartUp Academy’ has been operating for six years and provides expert and mentoring support to budding entrepreneurs. The programme helps to develop projects and shape the country’s start-up ecosystem. Participation in the awards provides an opportunity to showcase Turkmen initiatives at a regional level. The winner is determined by open voting. The new, 14th cohort of the programme starts on 11 April. Applications are open until 3 April.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has updated its official websites
21.03.2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has updated its official websites. This development is part of efforts to digitise public services, according to IIC. The new versions of the websites feature an updated design, simplified navigation and improved loading speeds. The sites have been optimised for mobile devices and tablets. The structure of the sections has been updated. It is now easier for users to find foreign policy news, official statements and information on cooperation. The changes also affect consular services. The websites provide reference information, document forms and a schedule for receiving citizens. Previously, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan launched a mobile app with an online booking function for consular appointments. The website update is aimed at improving the accessibility and convenience of digital services.
Turkmenistan shared its experience in regulating migration processes
16.03.2026A two-day international seminar on labour migration was held in Brussels as part of the Prague Process. The event was attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, international organisations and European Union bodies, including the European Commission and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan diplomatic mission in Brussels. Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan took part in the seminar. During thematic sessions and round-table discussions, Turkmen specialists presented their country’s experience in regulating migration processes, paying particular attention to the introduction of innovative approaches and the development of digital solutions in the field of migration management. Participants were also provided with information on the modernisation of Turkmenistan’s migration infrastructure, including the expansion of e-services, the strengthening of inter-agency cooperation and the improvement of data-sharing mechanisms between government agencies. It was noted that these measures are aimed at increasing the transparency of procedures, the quality of public services and the efficiency of migration management. During the discussions, experts and representatives of the participating countries gave a positive assessment of the level of institutional development of Turkmenistan’s migration system. It was emphasised that the national system demonstrates a high level of internal coordination, and that effective information exchange between relevant departments facilitates a timely response to contemporary migration challenges. The seminar also served as a platform for professional dialogue on the development of legal channels for labour mobility, the expansion of international cooperation and the improvement of mechanisms for the recognition of qualifications. Participants discussed promising areas for further cooperation and exchanged best practices in the field of migration management.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of modernising its customs system at a seminar in Japan
16.03.2026Representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the final regional seminar of the Central Asia and Caucasus Security Project (CCASP), which was held in Tokyo. This was reported by the agency’s press office. The event was organised by the World Customs Organisation with the support of the Japanese government. The seminar focused on combating the illicit cross-border movement of small arms, light weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. Representatives of the customs services of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the three-day programme. Participants reviewed the outcomes of the training activities, exchanged national experiences and familiarised themselves with modern methods of border and customs control used by the Japanese customs service. It is noted that Turkmenistan is an active participant in the CCASP project. Previously, representatives of the country took part in a regional seminar in Astana in July 2025, as well as in a bilateral training session in Baku in January 2026. During the seminar, the Turkmenistan delegation presented a report on the modernisation of the national customs system. In particular, they spoke about the work of the Control and Analytical Centre, which provides automated risk analysis and speeds up customs clearance procedures. In addition, participants were provided with information on the modernisation of the technical infrastructure at customs posts, including the introduction of inspection and screening complexes, video surveillance systems and radiation monitoring.
Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses will compete on the world equestrian stage
06.03.2026In honour of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, there are plans to hold the ‘Amul-Hazar’ horse race, in which 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses from Ashgabat, Arkadag and other regions of the country will take part. The significant date will also be marked by festive competitions in equestrian complexes in the capital and velayats, as well as tourist horse rides through picturesque corners of the country, reports TDH. Throughout the year, the Turkmenistan delegation intends to participate in a number of international events related to horse breeding and equestrian sports. These include the prestigious Dubai World Cup 2026 in Dubai, the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 in the United Kingdom, the FEI World Championship 2026 in Aachen, Germany, the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth competition in the Netherlands, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Longchamp horse race in Paris and the Fieracavalli 2026 horse festival in Verona, Italy. Participation in equestrian competitions timed to coincide with the National Day of the United Arab Emirates is also planned. The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group will also continue its foreign tours. On 4 March, the group performed in Baku, where, as part of the visit of the Turkmen delegation, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of equestrian sports and horse breeding was signed between the ‘Türkmen atlary’ State Association and the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation. The group also plans to tour China in the future. In addition, Ahal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan will take part in international competitions and beauty contests abroad. In particular, these include the ‘The Pearl of the East’ equestrian competitions in Uzbekistan, the ‘Kurultaj’ festive events in Hungary and the Ahal-Teke horse beauty contest in the Netherlands.
Scientists from Turkmenistan are studying the unique source ‘Hojagaynar’
04.03.2026Koytendag remains one of the most remarkable natural regions of Turkmenistan. It is home to dinosaur footprints on high mountain plateaus, mountain caves and gorges — Daraydere, Tutlydere, Umbardere and Kyrk Gyz, an underground lake with blind fish, a grove of unabi trees and the highest point in the country — the Ayrybaba ridge. These sites attract travellers from Turkmenistan and other countries, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the region's natural attractions, the ‘Hojagaynar’ spring, known to locals as ‘Gaynarbaba’, stands out. It is located south of the village of Garlyk on the western slope of the mountain range. The reservoir is about 40 metres long, almost 30 metres wide and up to three metres deep in places. The spring is formed by the confluence of two streams. One has clear water, while the other has a cloudy white tint due to its hydrogen sulphide content. Locals call them ‘ak suw’ (white water) and ‘gök suw’ (blue water). The name ‘Gaynarbaba’ is associated with the fact that the water coming out at the foot of the mountain visually resembles boiling. Studies show that the water contains hydrogen sulphide, minerals and other chemical elements. Thanks to this, it is used in the treatment of skin diseases, digestive disorders and a number of other ailments. The water temperature remains at around 22°C all year round. A distinctive feature of the spring is the presence of fish despite the absence of any connection to rivers or other bodies of water. According to experts from the scientific department of the Koytendag State Nature Reserve, the eggs may have been brought there by birds. The fish swim freely towards people, as fishing is prohibited here and the place is considered sacred. There are no predatory species in the reservoir. Molluscs, earthworms and other invertebrates have also been found, which scientists consider to be ancient forms. For this reason, the spring is called a unique natural museum. An endemic species of snail, Melania, measuring 3–4 centimetres, also lives here. These white shells with a speckled pattern are found nowhere else. The ‘Gaynarbaba’ spring, like other sites in Koytendag, remains the subject of further scientific research.
Applications are now being accepted for the television competition ‘The Flight of the Horse: Strength and Grace’
03.03.2026Turkmenistan has begun accepting applications for the Interstate Television Film Competition of the Commonwealth of Independent States, entitled ‘The Flight of the Horse: Strength and Grace.’ This information comes from IIC. The project aims to strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the CIS countries and uses the art of cinema to reveal the beauty, grace and unique role of horses in world history and culture. The competition is expected to become a platform for professional exchange of experience between filmmakers and television journalists of the Commonwealth. It is noted that the competition contributes to the international promotion of Ahal-Teke horses as an important element of Turkmenistan's national cultural heritage, as well as the development of humanitarian cooperation within the CIS.
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