A five-day training course on risk analysis and screening methods at international airports, organised by the OSCE Centre in collaboration with the Turkish International Academy against Smuggling and Organised Crime (TADOC), has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Twenty representatives from the Transport Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Service, the State Customs Service and the Aviation Security Service of the ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ agency took part in the training. TADOC experts familiarised the specialists with modern methods of detecting contraband, assessing risks when analysing flights, passengers, cargo and luggage, as well as identifying suspicious behaviour and conducting interviews. Particular attention was paid to checking travel documents and identifying methods used to conceal narcotic substances. The practical session took place at Ashgabat International Airport, where participants practised search and inspection techniques in real-life conditions. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that the course reflects the practical implementation of the provisions of the Tirana Declaration on strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime.
The state-owned concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s state-owned corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the gas sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the document, the parties have agreed to collaborate on the development of relevant infrastructure in Herat Province, as well as on the supply of Turkmen gas to industrial enterprises, power stations and the general public. The signing ceremony took place during a working visit to Afghanistan by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the visit, the parties also discussed the progress of construction of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the potential of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ corridor and other international transport corridors. The significant role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in realising the region’s transport and logistics potential was also highlighted.
The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international trade fair is set to open in Ashgabat shortly. More than 100 exhibitors, including local and international companies, will take part in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Among the participants already registered are: - the Russian companies ‘Vertera’ (healthy food for children), ‘ROXY-KIDS’ (products for newborns), ‘Splat’ (oral care products) and ‘Uvelka’ (ready-made breakfasts); - the Turkish company ‘Wee Baby’ (products for newborns); - German companies ‘Sanosan’ (cosmetics for babies, children and mothers) and ‘VARTA’ (household batteries); - the Japanese company ‘Omo-Oso’ (hypoallergenic nappies); - Iranian companies ‘Kalleh’ (dairy products), ‘Port de Kalleh’ and ‘Sorima’ (yoghurt production). The French Institute in Turkmenistan, the Italian Embassy, the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan, the American Centre in Turkmenistan, UNICEF and other international organisations will also be presenting their stands at the exhibition.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan took part in commemorative ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mark the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of those cities. The events took place on 6 and 9 August 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The ceremonies were attended by the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament, members of the Cabinet, and Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country. In their speeches, the Japanese side emphasised the importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons and continuing international efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the strengthening of peace. A. Bayramov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, laid flowers at the memorials to the victims of the bombings and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. During the visit, the Turkmen diplomat held meetings with the leadership of the cities and prefectures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, outlining to the Japanese side the main principles of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy — permanent neutrality, a commitment to peace and a dedication to dialogue. It was also noted that the UN General Assembly resolution, adopted on Turkmenistan’s initiative, declaring 2028 the ‘International Year of International Law’, served as further confirmation of the country’s commitment to strengthening international legal norms.
On 10 August, an environmental event for children was held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was organised by the UNDP and its partners as part of the UNDP and UNEP regional project ‘Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea’, implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The campaign was attended by children staying at the ‘Daýanç’ and ‘Arzuw’ health centres. During interactive sessions, they learnt about the Caspian Sea’s unique biodiversity, the threat posed by plastic pollution and microplastics, and the importance of joint efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem. The programme included practical training sessions on water and coastal safety, fire safety and first aid. The event concluded with an interactive quest entitled ‘Defenders of the Caspian’ and a creative workshop, where the children created posters promoting nature conservation and learnt about environmental monitoring tools.
From 10 to 12 October 2026, the Exhibition Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’. The event will bring together companies, experts, relevant organisations and industry representatives from Turkmenistan and abroad, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The main focus will be on modern technologies, new solutions, the exchange of experience and the development of international cooperation. Over the course of three days, the exhibition venue will host B2B and B2G meetings, expert discussions, presentations of new technologies and masterclasses will take place at a single venue. Participants will present solutions in the fields of medical technology, pharmaceuticals, educational programmes, sports equipment, fitness and rehabilitation, and will also be able to establish business contacts and identify new opportunities for cooperation in Turkmenistan.
On 9 August, the Turkmenistan Youth Symphony Orchestra performed at the 27th Young Euro Classic International Festival of Youth Symphony Orchestras in Berlin. The concert took place at the Konzerthaus Berlin, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The orchestra performed under the baton of conductor Rasul Klychev. The concert’s soloist was pianist Shaislam Komiljanov. The programme included works by Turkmen composers and international symphonic classics. The musicians performed the Piano Concerto (1975) by Chary Nurymov and the symphonic poem ‘My Motherland’ by Veli Mukhatov, as well as selected works from the classical repertoire. The Young Euro Classic Festival is taking place in Berlin from 31 July to 16 August. This year, 14 youth orchestras from more than 20 countries around the world are taking part.
The Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced the start of registration for international delegates to the SANJEEVANI 2026 international forum. The event will take place in New Delhi on 7–9 September, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum will bring together representatives from healthcare institutions, the medical tourism sector, insurance companies, the wellness sector and the media. The programme will include a specialised exhibition, themed conferences, B2B meetings and familiarisation visits to leading clinics in India. More than 350 foreign delegates are expected to attend. Participants selected under the ‘Hosted Buyer’ programme will be offered partial or full reimbursement of their airfare and accommodation costs. Applications are accepted via the forum’s official online platform and undergo preliminary selection based on professional criteria.
The Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan has announced that it is now accepting applications for permits from foreign states for the carriage of goods by road in 2027. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. These permits are required for international road freight transport and are issued on the basis of bilateral agreements with foreign states. Applications may be submitted by both legal entities and individuals engaged in freight transport. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. For further information and to clarify the procedure for submitting documents, please call: 39-03-36 or 39-03-37.
QazTrade, the Kazakhstani Centre for Trade Policy Development and an agency of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is setting up a permanent showcase for Kazakhstani products in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The ‘Kazakhstan Shelf’ will be located in one of Ashgabat’s major shopping centres. QazTrade is currently selecting samples of goods from Kazakhstani manufacturers. The initial phase will feature everyday consumer goods, food products and non-perishable goods. The venue will operate as a B2B and B2C showroom. Turkmen retailers, distributors and importers will be able to familiarise themselves with the product range, hold negotiations and conclude direct contracts with Kazakhstani manufacturers. The project will continue QazTrade’s programme to develop retail outlets and showrooms for Kazakhstani brands in Central Asian countries.
The Belgian airline Air Belgium has operated its first scheduled cargo flight to Ashgabat Airport. The new route will facilitate the transport of cargo between Asia and Europe, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Mathieu Wijthouck, Director of Ground Operations at Air Belgium, thanked Ashgabat Airport for its support and expressed his hope for long-term cooperation. Air Belgium is based in Mont-Saint-Guibert and specialises in international air freight.
The Information and Analytical Centre of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ has held a series of online sessions on modern methods for monitoring and verifying greenhouse gas emissions using satellite technology. The training was organised as part of the Global Methane Pledge, according to the online news portal AsmanNews. The sessions were attended by specialists from the production departments of ‘Döwletabatgazçykaryş’, ‘Marygazçykaryş’, ‘Lebapgazçykaryş’, liquefied gas production enterprises and the ‘Türkmengazakdyryş’ association. The programme covered topics including satellite remote sensing and spectrometry, international standards for methane monitoring, and methods for detecting and reducing leaks in the oil and gas sector. Participants studied the IMEO MARS methane leak early warning and response system, validation standards, the OGMP 2.0 and EU regulatory frameworks, as well as the Roadmap for reducing emissions by 2030. During the sessions, specialists exchanged experiences and discussed the use of digital tools to improve the accuracy of environmental monitoring at gas industry sites.