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A delegation from Turkmenistan attended a meeting of the WTO Working Group in Geneva
28.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part as an observer in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, which took place on 27–28 July at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The delegation comprised representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. During the meeting, the Turkmen experts familiarised themselves with the mechanisms of the WTO accession negotiation process, examined issues relating to market access for goods and services, the harmonisation of legislation, and interaction with the organisation’s Secretariat. The experience gained will be used to strengthen Turkmenistan’s negotiating capacity and to prepare for the next stages of its own WTO accession process.
The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatics Centre in Ashgabat has been refurbished
28.07.2026The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ashgabat has reopened following a major refurbishment and now fully complies with international standards. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The complex, which has a capacity of 1,741 spectators, is designed for training and hosting competitions in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. It comprises a 50-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a water park, a children’s pool, sports halls and gyms, as well as supporting facilities. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and underwater video recording systems for hosting competitions.
Ashgabat showcased its achievements at an international forum in Samarkand
28.07.2026On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects. The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development. Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.
The city of Arkadag is developing a concept for a smart and eco-friendly city
28.07.2026The city of Arkadag is developing as Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart’ and eco-friendly city, combining modern technology, national traditions and a comfortable urban environment. This is reported by AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’. The names of the city’s streets, avenues and institutions are linked to the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place in the city’s identity. One of the main avenues is named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, whilst the city’s landmarks include the ‘Taýçanak’ monument and a sculpture of the horse ‘Akhan’, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is home to the ‘Arkadag’ television channel and newspaper, whilst the local football club has achieved sporting success in a short space of time. The city is being developed in accordance with the principles of ‘smart’ infrastructure and sustainable development. Electric buses and electric cars operate on the routes, ‘smart’ bus stops have been installed, and park areas, public gardens and fountain complexes have been created. A healthcare cluster has been established in Arkadag, comprising a multi-specialist hospital, a Centre for Maternal and Child Health, a children’s health and rehabilitation centre, an emergency medical services centre and health centres. The city is also home to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Arkadag’s development is continuing under the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’. As part of the second phase of construction, new residential complexes, social facilities and industrial enterprises are scheduled to be commissioned by 2027. Particular attention is being paid to creating opportunities for young people: the city has modern schools and nurseries, and new jobs are being created for young professionals.
The Lebap velayat has increased the volume of passenger and freight transport
28.07.2026In the Lebap velayat, passenger traffic across all modes of transport reached 2,952.5 million passenger-kilometres in the first half of this year, significantly exceeding the figures for the same period last year. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. This growth is linked to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure: the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, the opening of international airports in Turkmenabat and Kerki, and the commissioning of a new section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. The modernisation of the ‘Lebapawtoulag’ fleet and the launch of a modern coach station in Turkmenabat have expanded bus routes and enabled the introduction of digital taxi services. The volume of freight transport also increased, reaching 3,991.1 million tonne-kilometres, exceeding last year’s figure by 72.5 million tonne-kilometres.
A Turkmen-Uzbek business forum has kicked off in the capital of Turkmenistan
28.07.2026The opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum took place on 27 July in the conference hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcome address to the participants. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, also took part in the opening ceremony. The forum will feature a thematic session dedicated to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the construction and industrial sectors. During the discussions, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in the production of building materials and industrial equipment, will deliver presentations. Following the conclusion of the plenary and sector-specific parts of the programme, participants will hold bilateral negotiations. Meetings are scheduled between representatives of the two countries’ government bodies, as well as negotiations between representatives of the private sector from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CIS will take stock of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship for the first half of the year
28.07.2026On 28 July, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS Member States will take place in Minsk. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the key topics of the meeting will be a review of the results of implementing the Concept for Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and the corresponding Action Plan for the first half of the year. In addition, participants will discuss preparations for the meetings of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which are to be held on 7 and 9 October in Turkmenistan, as well as issues of cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalisation, information and communication technologies, and healthcare.
A proposal will be made to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue within the framework of the UN
27.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, chaired a Cabinet meeting via video link, during which current issues of state affairs were discussed. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the forthcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the key initiatives is the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue. This new multilateral platform is designed to promote climate initiatives and foster institutional international partnerships. Turkmenistan also intends to propose an initiative to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. Environmental security, climate change and the rational use of energy resources remain priority areas for Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are to hold a three-day business forum
26.07.2026From 27 to 29 July, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ business forum. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event will feature B2B meetings between representatives of government and commercial organisations from both countries. Participants will discuss the development of cooperation in construction, industrial collaboration and the production of building materials. The forum is expected to serve as a platform for signing new contracts, discussing the supply of raw materials and finished products, and launching joint projects.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
26.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held from 19 to 29 July in Busan (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The country is represented by Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, and Begench Durdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea. During the session, participants are discussing issues relating to the conservation of World Heritage sites, reviewing nominations for the inclusion of new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and considering measures to protect sites already inscribed on the List.
New, modern railway stations are to be built in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev reported on measures to modernise the railway sector. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the country’s socio-economic development, there are plans to construct modern railway station buildings in the velayats, which will improve the sector’s operational efficiency and enhance working conditions for staff. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, approved the proposals to build new railway stations in the Ahal, Balkan and Mary velayats and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the project’s implementation.
Turkmenistan presented its human capital development strategy in Ankara
25.07.2026Turkmenistan presented its approach to human capital development at a UNDP regional seminar held on 22–24 July in Ankara. The main emphasis was placed on the role of education and skills development as key factors in economic transformation, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The country has expanded access to higher education, updated educational standards and introduced a digital system for evaluating higher education institutions. In collaboration with the UNDP, a strategic human capital planning system is also being developed, which will enable the quality of education, demographic trends and the training of specialists to be aligned with the needs of the labour market. In addition, a demographic and economic model and software for scenario-based forecasting were presented, which help to assess the impact of decisions in the fields of education, employment and skills development on the economy. According to the Turkmen side, this approach will enable human potential to be utilised more effectively to boost productivity, foster innovation and ensure sustainable economic growth.
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