Information
A record number of flamingos has been recorded on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea
03.02.2026The Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, with its wetlands, plays a key role in the migration, wintering and nesting of Eurasian waterbirds. In January, staff at the Hazar Reserve conducted their annual waterbird census. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The census revealed a record number of flamingos. The survey covered almost the entire water area of the Turkmen coast. Despite the drop in sea level and the reduction in the area of some wetlands, the weather conditions in January were favourable for birds. The total number of individuals recorded was 405,595, including 43 species and 4 species of unidentified identity. As usual, coots were the most numerous, with 179,904 individuals, followed by red-necked grebes (86,901) and mallards (30,772). Tufted ducks, red-crested pochards and various species of swans were also recorded. A particular success of the census was the 33,373 pink flamingos recorded, which is the best result in the history of observations. Continuing such census activities is important for the management of protected areas, the conservation of key ornithological zones and the confirmation of international Ramsar status.
Canadian Ambassador discusses prospects for strengthening ties with Turkmenistan
29.01.2026Christopher Duggan, Canada's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, noted the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between the countries in an interview with IIC. ‘Our embassy is located in Astana (Kazakhstan), and I have the honour of being Canada's Ambassador to the entire region. I am currently in Turkmenistan and I am very happy to be here,’ the Ambassador emphasised. Mr. Duggan noted that he sees great potential in the development of bilateral relations, as the countries have much in common in terms of peace, security, trust and participation in multilateral international institutions. The Diplomat reported that representatives of Turkmenistan recently made a successful visit to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and a meeting was held to discuss new opportunities for further cooperation and strengthening communication between the countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted that Turkmenistan faces common challenges that create opportunities for finding joint solutions, and expressed hope for the strengthening of these ties and his return to the country. According to him, it is important for him not only to work in Turkmenistan, but also to seek ways to build a more just and peaceful future for both countries.
Ashgabat launches direct flights to 14 cities around the world
29.01.2026On 25 January, Turkmenistan's national airline launched an updated international flight schedule, expanding opportunities for business and leisure travel. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Direct flights from Ashgabat are now available to 14 major cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The current schedule is published on the airline's website and provides convenient connections to key global destinations. The airline network covers Asian cities such as Beijing, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Delhi; European hubs such as London, Frankfurt and Milan; and Arab centres such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. Connections to Russia and Turkey are maintained via Kazan and Istanbul. The most frequent flights are to Istanbul and Kazan. Flights to the Persian Gulf countries operate up to seven times a week, to European cities twice a week, and to Asian metropolises once or twice a week. This schedule provides passengers with flexibility and reliability when planning international trips.
The ‘Nusay’ brand presented a series of products for the match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’
28.01.2026On 11 February, FC ‘Arkadag’ will play a match against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays, in Ashgabat. Ahead of the match, a special series of products has been produced at the Turkmenbashi Textile Complex, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Under the ‘Nusay’ brand, T-shirts made from Turkmen cotton with the ‘Arkadag’ FC logo and the motto of the year are being produced here. The products are being released specifically for the upcoming match. The Textile Complex notes that ‘Nusay’ does not only produce products for specific sporting events. The company produces clothing with FIFA and UFC symbols, as well as sports suits for professional athletes and amateurs. The complex's production cycle covers all stages, from processing cotton supplied from the country's velayats to sewing finished products. The process uses a thread starching technology to increase fabric strength. The dyeing shop can use up to 12 colour templates simultaneously. The company's capacity also allows it to produce home textiles, including combined pyjamas made of knitwear and calico. The entire production complex, covering an area of 230,000 square metres, operates in three shifts and includes five interconnected production facilities. Finished products undergo quality control at every stage. ‘Nusay’ brand products are sold in brand stores, the ‘Altyn Asyr’ Shopping Centre, and through the Nusay-shop online store.
More than 32,000 birds were counted in the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan
27.01.2026In the second half of January, a winter bird census was conducted in the Kaplankyr State Nature Reserve. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The monitoring covered the areas of the Zengibaba, Uzynshor, Atabayshor and Sarykamysh, the coastal areas of the Dashoguz tributary of Lake ‘Altyn Asyr’, as well as other parts of the reserve. The field work was carried out by specialists from the reserve with the assistance of the UNDP project on the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems in the Aral region. The survey was conducted along an 811 km road route and 36 km of walking routes. Small water bodies were considered as separate observation sites, and Lake Sarykamysh was divided into sectors — Mergenashan, Mashryk-Aji, Gulanly and Hallychakan. Observations were made from fixed points using optical equipment. A total of 45 bird species were recorded. Nine of them are sedentary, including the common owl, hawk, jay, desert crow and wagtail. The remaining species are migratory, nesting and wintering birds. Waterfowl accounted for 26 species, or 57.7% of the total. The total number of birds recorded reached 32,416 individuals.
The Great Silk Road: a historical route and a modern model of development
27.01.2026The Great Silk Road occupied a special place in the development of human civilization, connecting the East and the West not only in terms of trade, but also through the exchange of cultures, science, and spiritual values. For thousands of years, this route served as an important economic and geopolitical factor that shaped the course of world history. The main nodes of the Great Silk Road passed through the territory of present-day Turkmenistan, confirming the country’s historical role as a center of international relations since ancient times. The emergence of the Great Silk Road dates back to the 2nd century BCE and encompassed a multifunctional network of routes stretching from China through Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe. It was not a single road, but an extensive system of interconnected trade and communication routes. Through this network, silk, precious stones, metals, aromatic substances, textiles, as well as scientific and cultural achievements were transported from one region to another. Within the territory of Turkmenistan, ancient cities such as Merv, Nisa, Amul (modern Turkmenabat), and Koneurgench served as major hubs of the Great Silk Road. These cities functioned not only as centers of trade, but also as important centers of science, culture, and craftsmanship. Through them, economic and cultural ties between the East and the West were strengthened. The significance of the Great Silk Road was not limited to trade relations alone. It contributed to the development of dialogue among different civilizations and fostered mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples. The spread of religious teachings, scientific ideas, and architectural styles was also carried out through this route. Thus, the Great Silk Road stands as a historical example of integration and cooperation in world history. The book ‘Turkmenistan — Heart of the Great Silk Road’ by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, demonstrates how this historical heritage continues to evolve with renewed meaning in the modern era. The work provides an in-depth analysis of Turkmenistan’s historical role along the Great Silk Road, the development of ancient cities, archaeological discoveries, and the country’s strategic position at the crossroads of civilizations. The book emphasizes that the Great Silk Road is not only a legacy of the past, but also a contemporary foundation for economic development and international cooperation. Located at a strategic crossroads of Eurasia, Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening its status as one of the key transit and transport hubs of the region. In modern conditions, the idea of reviving the Great Silk Road finds its practical realization through the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at forming sustainable and interconnected transport corridors. The country’s advantageous geographical position contributes to the expansion of trade and economic relations, the acceleration of cargo transportation, and the development of multilateral cooperation among the states of Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Europe. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, pursuing a balanced and far-sighted foreign policy in the conditions of the 21st century, consistently puts forward international initiatives aimed at developing a modern transit and transport infrastructure that serves the interests of sustainable and harmonious development of countries worldwide. Particular attention is paid to the practical and timely implementation of these initiatives, reflecting Turkmenistan’s strategic approach to strengthening global cooperation in the transport sector. Active participation in the implementation of large-scale regional transport projects in cooperation with international organizations occupies an important place in the ‘Concept of the Foreign Policy Course of Neutral Turkmenistan’ and the ‘Program for the Development of Transport Diplomacy of the President of Turkmenistan.’ A clear confirmation of the effectiveness of this policy is the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of a number of resolutions devoted to the role of transport and transit corridors, the development of multimodal transport, and the strengthening of interconnectivity among all modes of transport in the interests of sustainable development, including in the post-pandemic period, as well as the establishment of World Sustainable Transport Day. These decisions vividly demonstrate Turkmenistan’s high international standing and the country’s significant achievements in the field of transport diplomacy. International transport and transit corridors involving Turkmenistan occupy a prominent place in this process, including the multimodal route ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey,’ the international transport corridor ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania,’ running along the Caspian Sea–Black Sea axis, as well as the multilateral multimodal corridor ‘China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey–Europe.’ These routes contribute to the expansion of transport links between regions and to the strengthening of the country’s transit potential. Alongside this, transport and transit corridor projects ‘Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Oman’ and ‘Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey,’ as well as the international railway line ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran,’ are of major strategic importance, as they provide access to the ports of the Persian Gulf and establish reliable connections between Central Asia and global markets. The consistent implementation of these initiatives, together with their international recognition at the United Nations level, clearly attests to the growing role of Turkmenistan in shaping the modern system of international transportation. From an economic perspective, the growth of international transit potential expands Turkmenistan’s export opportunities, creates new jobs, and promotes economic diversification. Overall, the Great Silk Road is not only part of Turkmenistan’s historical past, but also a key pillar of the country’s modern development strategy. The historical experience of this trade route forms a solid foundation for the creation of a modern transport and logistics system.
Media communications for business discussed in Turkmenistan
26.01.2026Every Sunday, the Centre for Young Entrepreneurs at the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan hosts interesting events where participants not only learn the basics of business, but also create a platform for intergenerational exchange of experience, according to the Orient news agency. At the last meeting, they discussed media technologies and the role of communications in modern entrepreneurship. The seminar audience is diverse, ranging from 15-year-old schoolchildren to experienced 70-year-old participants. Many come with their spouses — business in Turkmenistan is often a family affair, and it is important that loved ones understand the complexity of an entrepreneur's work. Participants discussed why it is useful for entrepreneurs to have journalistic skills: it helps them convey the specifics of their product, track trends and find new niches. Three key areas for success were identified: the media field as a tool for analysing and adjusting strategy, personal branding and social networks to build audience trust, and control of the information space and the ability to work with feedback.
Turkmenistan received equipment from the UN for the safe disposal of medical waste
25.01.2026The United Nations Development Programme has donated equipment for medical waste disposal worth a total of €1.01 million to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Seven ‘Bertin Sterilwave 100C’ units for solid waste and two ‘Medister 160’ units for liquid waste have been installed in infectious disease prevention institutions and centres at the central and regional levels. The equipment allows waste to be neutralised directly in medical facilities, turning it into safe material that can be disposed of as ordinary rubbish. Previously, similar units were transferred to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Service and the Blood Centre in Ashgabat.
A media group has been established in Turkmenistan to cover the events of 2026
21.01.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a conference dedicated to media coverage of sporting and cultural events in 2026. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the creation of a special media group was announced. It consists of 12 teachers and 76 students from relevant faculties of five universities in the country: the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, and the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. The participants discussed the tasks of the new team, its working format and the organisation of training sessions for young journalists. The training will focus on developing professional skills and providing timely coverage of events planned for 2026. It was noted that the work of the media group will contribute to high-quality information coverage of events, as well as the development of international and humanitarian ties. The creation of the group is seen as a step towards strengthening the potential of young people and expanding their participation in public and international activities.
Turkmenistan approves uniform standards for accounting for electricity losses
21.01.2026The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan has approved the ‘Recommendations for calculating and analysing the technological consumption of electrical energy for transmission via the electrical networks of the Turkmenistan power system.’ This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan.’ The document, developed with the support of the European Union's SECCA project, establishes uniform methods for accounting and analysing electricity transmission losses, including the classification of losses and calculations for different voltage levels. The data on the new recommendations will be used for reporting, planning loss reduction and identifying overloaded sections of the network, which will increase the transparency of accounting, reduce inefficient costs and strengthen the reliability of the power system. Previously, with the support of SECCA, five regulatory documents were developed in Turkmenistan, and now, in collaboration with national experts, two more are being prepared for the further development of the energy sector.
Turkmenistan applies innovative methods to preserve pastures
19.01.2026In 2026, sustainable livestock farming will become particularly important for Turkmenistan, where the Karakum Desert is the basis for transhumance. This was reported by the IIC. State policy is aimed at preventing pasture degradation and desertification. Scientists note that the development of sheep and camel breeding depends on the preservation of the feed base, based on traditional knowledge and modern eco-technologies. Specialists from the National Institute of Deserts have developed measures to restore pastures, including phytomelioration, saxaul planting and rational water use. The use of GIS and satellite monitoring allows for effective grazing planning and biodiversity conservation. Irrigation of remote areas plays an important role: the restoration of wells and water collection facilities expands access to pastures and increases the efficiency of livestock farming. These scientifically based approaches help to develop the industry while maintaining ecological balance in the context of climate change.
Turkmenistan to begin modernisation of Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi railway line
18.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved a project to modernise the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi railway line, according to the state news agency TDH. The initiative was presented on 16 January at a government meeting by Mammethan Chakyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The railway line connects various regions of the country with the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and plays a key role in integrating the national railway network into the ‘Lapis Lazuli’, ‘TRACECA’, ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ international transport corridors. The Head of State emphasised the positive dynamics of the development of Turkmenistan's transport and logistics system and the growth of its transit potential. The Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to organise the implementation of the modernisation project.
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