Information
The experience and scientific achievements of Turkmen researchers in studying the Darwaza phenomenon
29.12.2025One of the priorities of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ is scientific support for the development of gas fields in Eastern and Central Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. For more than 40 years, the Institute has been engaged in geological exploration, reserve estimation, drilling design, gas preparation, transportation and processing, as well as environmental and technical-economic justification of projects. Particular attention is paid to the Darwaza crater (‘Shining of Karakum’), located in the Central Karakum Desert. It was formed in 1963 after an emergency collapse of an exploration well, after which the escaping gas was set on fire to prevent poisoning. It was expected that the burning would quickly stop, but it continues to this day. Studies have shown the complex geological structure of the Zeagli-Darwaza group of deposits with a large number of interconnected gas-bearing strata at depths of 200–950 metres. Nine fields are currently in commercial production, with gas being extracted from 45 wells. The prolonged burning of the crater is due to gas flows between the layers, rather than the reserves of a single deposit. To solve the problem, the Institute's specialists proposed drilling an appraisal well at the Chaljulba field. Intensive gas extraction has made it possible to change the direction of the flows and reduce the amount of gas entering the crater, creating conditions for the complete elimination of uncontrolled emissions, reducing environmental damage and making more rational use of resources.
Scientists have recorded the manul in the Kopetdag Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan
24.12.2025The manul is a rare wild cat that inhabits the Kopetdag and the Great Balkan Mountains of Turkmenistan and is rarely seen due to its secretive lifestyle. Recently, the animal was spotted in the Dogrydere area of the Kopetdag Nature Reserve, giving scientists new opportunities to study its distribution and ecology, according to the news website Asmannews. In December, experts found traces of manuls and other wild cats at various altitudes in the Ruhabat Valley, including marks at around 1,500 metres. The manul is listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, and is protected by the CITES Convention. Large groups of wild boars were also spotted in the observation area.
The global media widely covered the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat
18.12.2025Ashgabat hosted a high-level international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was widely covered by the world media, according to TDH. Foreign publications noted Turkmenistan's neutrality as a key factor in its foreign policy and a basis for dialogue on regional and global issues. It was emphasised that the initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust, put forward by Turkmenistan and supported by the UN General Assembly, is seen as a call for the restoration of inter-state dialogue. The media paid particular attention to the high level of representation at the Forum. The participation of Heads of State, heads of regional organisations and UN structures was cited as evidence of international support for Turkmenistan's peacemaking role. The publications also covered the practical outcomes of the Forum. These included proposals to strengthen energy security, develop sustainable transport, regional infrastructure and cooperation in the environmental sphere. Bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation were noted. Kazakh media quoted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statement on the importance of the Forum for international dialogue. The Chinese agency ‘Sinhua’ and other publications emphasised its high status and the symbolism of the dates on which it was held. ‘EADaily’ noted the Forum’s packed programme, including the ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality and the plenary session ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’. ‘Infashos’ focused on the final document, the Ashgabat Declaration, as well as on cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS. Media outlets in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East linked the Forum to the strengthening of regional stability and good-neighbourly relations. The Indian newspaper ‘The Economic Times’ and the Azerbaijani publication ‘Tred.az’ noted the economic agenda, including the development of transport routes and the transit potential of the region. Russian media covered President Vladimir Putin’s participation and bilateral meetings in detail. The ‘TASS’ and ‘RIA Novosti’ agencies reported on discussions of trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure projects and international transport corridors, including the North-South route. The Iranian agency ‘IRNA’ presented the Forum as a platform for the development of economic cooperation and the implementation of infrastructure initiatives. The Turkish agency ‘Anadolu’ noted the importance of bilateral negotiations and discussions on regional projects. According to international observers, the Ashgabat Forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral platform for multilateral negotiations and coordination of efforts in the interests of Peace and Trust and sustainable development.
Three Turkmen start-ups have made their mark on the international stage
17.12.2025Three Turkmen start-ups — ‘Hiňlen’, ‘Zootel’ and ‘Opportunities Nearby’ — have successfully made a name for themselves on the international stage by becoming finalists in the ‘Incubation Track Digital StartUp Awards’ in Tashkent. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Out of more than 200 applications from eight countries, 30 projects, including three Turkmen ones, were accepted into the ‘IT-Park Uzbekistan’ programme. After three months of an intensive online programme, all of them reached the final, securing Turkmenistan second place in terms of representation after Kazakhstan. On Demo Day, the teams presented their projects to investors, focusing on real problems and ambitious solutions. Each start-up received an investment of $10,000, confirming their high potential and readiness to scale up at the regional level. The success of ‘Hiňlen’, ‘Zootel’ and ‘Opportunities Nearby’ demonstrates the competitiveness of Turkmen startups on the international stage.
Russian expert highly praised the development of women's potential in Turkmenistan
15.12.2025The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted an International Conference on ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development.’ Among the participants was Natalya Manturova, Chief Freelance Plastic Surgeon of the Russian Ministry of Health, President of RSPRAS, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Professor, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Following her first visit to Turkmenistan, she noted the country's special atmosphere, emphasising its beauty, sincere hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The professor praised the appearance of Turkmen women, calling it natural and self-sufficient, and also noted their active participation in public and political life as an important factor in the development of the state. The guest was also greatly impressed by the cultural programme of the conference, which demonstrated the continuity of traditions and a careful attitude towards national heritage. In conclusion, Natalya Manturova thanked the country's leadership for organising the event and congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its neutrality. The Russian expert's participation contributed to strengthening humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan.
Russian representative arrives in Turkmenistan to attend conference
10.12.2025Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee on Social Policy of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has arrived in Turkmenistan. She is participating in the international conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will feature discussions on modern methods of social support, the exchange of experience and the presentation of practices used in different countries. Zhanna Chefranova's visit highlights the active cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the social sphere and creates opportunities for new joint projects.
Azerbaijani delegation arrives in Awaza to participate in international conference
10.12.2025A delegation from Azerbaijan has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The delegation includes Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre. This was reported by the IIC. The guests are participating in an international conference dedicated to the role of women in modern society and international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The visit of the Azerbaijani delegation underscores the importance of cultural and social interaction between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Discussions at the conference create opportunities for the implementation of joint educational, cultural and media projects, as well as for strengthening bilateral partnership.
The Belarusian delegation arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Complex to participate in the conference
10.12.2025Lyudmila Kondrashova, Director of the Republican Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities and Chairwoman of the Children's Fund of Belarus, has arrived at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. She is participating in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals,’ according to IIC. The conference will discuss approaches to social support for children, exchange of experience and implementation of rehabilitation practices. Lyudmila Kondrashova's participation opens up additional opportunities for cooperation between Belarus and Turkmenistan in the field of social protection.
Turkmen customs authorities lead Central Asia in terms of cargo clearance speed
05.12.2025A new study by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has shown that Turkmenistan's road customs checkpoints are highly efficient. They demonstrate the best performance in terms of the speed of processing export and transit cargo among the countries of Central Asia, according to the IIC. At key points in Garabogaz, Farap and Dashoguz, the average time for processing vehicles was only 37 minutes. For comparison, this procedure takes about 1 hour 10 minutes in Uzbekistan, 1 hour 30 minutes in Kazakhstan, 1 hour 40 minutes in Tajikistan, and 1 hour 44 minutes in Kyrgyzstan. Turkmen checkpoints also showed high efficiency in reducing queues: the average waiting time was up to 35 minutes. In neighbouring countries, the waiting time is significantly higher: 40 minutes in Kyrgyzstan, 1 hour 15 minutes in Tajikistan, 12 hours 20 minutes in Uzbekistan and more than two days in Kazakhstan. These figures underscore Turkmenistan's role as a reliable and fast transit route between Asia and Europe, which is important for the development of international logistics corridors.
A National Professional Association of Lawyers is being formed in Turkmenistan
25.11.2025A round table discussion on the development of the legal aid system and the role of lawyers in protecting human rights was held in Ashgabat. The initiative was organised by the Presidium of the Ashgabat Bar Association and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the British Embassy, according to the Orient news agency. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other state structures. The results of a joint project aimed at expanding access to justice, especially for women and people with disabilities, were discussed. Key achievements include the development of a Roadmap for the creation of a National Professional Association of Lawyers, the launch of a modern website for the Bar Association, and an analysis of the Criminal Procedure Code with recommendations for strengthening the right to defence. UNDP Resident Representative Narine Sahakyan noted the importance of these steps in promoting the rule of law and creating an inclusive legal aid system. The round table also served as a platform for dialogue between lawyers and government agencies, laying the foundation for further cooperation and bringing the Turkmen legal aid system into line with international standards.
Turkmenistan is working to protect its historical and cultural heritage
22.11.2025Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented a report on the restoration, reconstruction and protection of historical and cultural monuments during a government meeting on 21 November. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the ‘State Program for 2022-2028 for the careful preservation of objects of National historical and cultural heritage, their protection and study, and attraction of tourists to them,’ scientific research and restoration work was carried out on national heritage sites in the spring and autumn of this year. The above measures covered the monuments of ‘Paryzdepe’, the mausoleum of ‘Mane Baba’, ‘Juma Mosques’ in the fortress of ‘Ancient Abiverd’ and the settlement of ‘Dehistan’, the caravanserais ‘Karawansaray’, ‘Dayahatyn’ and ‘Akjagala’, as well as the ‘Ancient Amul’ fortress. The third issue of the collection ‘Traces of Centuries’ has been prepared for the international scientific community. Work is also underway to transfer the finds to the State Museum and the Arkadag City Museum of History and Local Lore. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of studying and promoting cultural heritage and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue working to preserve it for future generations.
The introduction of Japanese technologies into television and radio broadcasting was discussed in Ashgabat
23.10.2025Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, visited the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan, as well as several television centres where preparations are underway for the introduction of Japanese broadcasting equipment. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. During the visit, the diplomat met with Meylis Rejepov, Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography. The interlocutors discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of television and radio broadcasting and ways to further strengthen technical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan.
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