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The CIS Secretary-General has endorsed Turkmenistan’s initiative for a ‘Year of Transport Connectivity’
12.09.2026On the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2029 is set to be declared the ‘Year of Transport Connectivity’ in the CIS. The relevant decision will be put forward at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State. This was stated by CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev to journalists at a press briefing following the meeting of the Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘As part of Turkmenistan’s presidency of the CIS in 2026, particular attention is being paid to issues concerning the development of transport and logistics capacity. A number of significant documents regulating this sphere have been drafted and reviewed. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, 2029 will be declared the Year of Transport Connectivity for the Commonwealth,’ said Lebedev. According to him, preparations for this thematic year have already begun within the CIS, along with efforts to provide support for the implementation of the planned activities.
Turkmenistan has called on CIS countries to remove trade and customs barriers
12.09.2026Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS is marked by the continued strengthening of peace, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘We attach particular importance to expanding trade and economic ties, developing transport and energy interconnectivity, digital transformation, innovative development, attracting investment, and economic stability. All these areas form the basis for sustainable economic growth. Today, the Commonwealth states possess significant combined economic, industrial, energy and agricultural potential,’ said Geldimyradov. He emphasised that the CIS countries must continue their efforts to remove administrative and technical barriers, improve customs procedures, and develop electronic document management and digital trade tools. The development of industrial and investment cooperation, as well as the creation of new production chains and projects, is also of particular importance, the Deputy Prime Minister noted. According to him, particular attention in this work is being paid to the environmental agenda in the Caspian region. ‘We advocate the further strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of environmental protection, the conservation of biodiversity, the rational use of natural resources and the promotion of modern environmental technologies,’ said Geldimyradov. He also noted that, in order to fully realise the potential of the CIS economic space, it is necessary to integrate more closely the markets, infrastructure, production capacities and human resources of the Commonwealth’s member states. ‘This is precisely the practical focus of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS. We are keen to ensure that decisions taken within the framework of the Commonwealth are translated into concrete outcomes in the form of new transport routes, trade links, investment projects and industrial cooperation,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
Turkmenistan has called for the development of the Caspian Sea’s transit potential
12.09.2026Turkmenistan is interested in developing the Caspian region's transit potential through mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘For Turkmenistan, the Caspian region is a vital part of the international transport and logistics network. We are keen to further develop its transit potential on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation,’ said Geldimyradov. According to him, the development of transport connectivity within the Commonwealth is one of Turkmenistan’s main priorities during its chairmanship of the CIS. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that modern transport infrastructure is becoming one of the key factors in economic development, and that transport today is directly linked to trade and investment. ‘The CIS region has a unique geographical location and is capable of playing a vital role in establishing sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia. In this regard, we attach particular importance to the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors,’ he emphasised. H. Geldimyradov recalled that, as part of its chairmanship, Turkmenistan had put forward an initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity. ‘It is important that this thematic year becomes not only a symbolic event, but also a practical platform for the implementation of specific projects. This involves the development of transport infrastructure, international routes, the digitalisation of transport, the expansion of intermodal links, the enhancement of transport security, and the removal of existing infrastructural and administrative barriers,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
A meeting on the implementation of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea has begun in Awaza
12.09.2026The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, dedicated to developing a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea (UN SPAS), has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC. Over the course of two days, representatives from countries in the region, international organisations and experts will discuss the programme’s priorities, transboundary water cooperation, water security and the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin. On the first day, participants reviewed the programme’s content, its alignment with national and regional initiatives, and the prospects for strengthening cooperation. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue, trust and joint action to address the interlinked challenges of water resources, climate change and the state of ecosystems. It is expected that the meeting will result in the adoption of a document setting out the participating countries’ common approaches. The event is being held with the participation of relevant government bodies in Turkmenistan and with the support of UNDP/GEF, the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative and other partners.
Turkmen musicians are taking part in the Tsinandali Festival
12.09.2026Turkmen musicians are taking part in the eighth international Tsinandali Classical Music Festival, which is being held in Georgia from 3 to 13 September 2026. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. They are representing Turkmenistan as part of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra alongside performers from Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. A musician from the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan has been appointed concertmaster of the orchestra. As part of the festival, the young musicians are taking part in seminars and masterclasses led by renowned figures from the world of classical music. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, met with the organisers and the Turkmen participants of the festival. During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of the forum for the development of international cultural dialogue and creative cooperation.
Turkmenistan is introducing digital irrigation technologies
11.09.2026The UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, is introducing digital technologies for precision water management in the country’s agricultural sector. Based on the FAO’s CROPWAT 8.0 programme, experts have developed software adapted to the region’s climate and soil conditions, according to the Orient news agency. The first pilot site was the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi etrap in the Dashoguz velayat. Hydromodular zoning was carried out across an area of over 86,000 hectares: the programme, based on satellite and meteorological data, calculates precise irrigation rates for each crop, thereby preventing water wastage. To put irrigation on a scientific footing across the country, the UNDP organised a workshop for hydraulic engineers, agronomists and lecturers at relevant universities. Digital algorithms for calculating fields’ water requirements will be incorporated into university curricula, and the method itself will form the basis for adapting agriculture to climate change.
Discussions on capacity-building for relevant ministries took place at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
11.09.2026On 9 September 2026, a working meeting was held at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Centre in Ashgabat, focusing on capacity-building for the relevant authorities in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the country’s ministries and agencies, including the State Migration Service. The participants reviewed the work carried out so far in 2026 and set out the main objectives for the fourth quarter. National experts took part in the discussion. The participants also noted the importance of such meetings for developing cooperation with international organisations and exchanging experience.
Discussions were held in Romania regarding the forthcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
11.09.2026On 9 September 2026, an event was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania to mark the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by Turkmen students and citizens of Turkmenistan living in Romania. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Romania, Annamammet Annayev, spoke about the significance of the Halk Maslahaty session, which is due to take place on 23 September. According to him, it will serve as a platform for taking stock of the country’s development since independence and setting new priorities for domestic and foreign policy. Participants also discussed the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law. The relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly was adopted on 24 July 2026, co-sponsored by 78 states. As part of the event, a presentation was given on the Ahal-Teke horse – the symbol of 2026 – and an exhibition of books by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took place. The publications focus on issues of neutrality, peacekeeping, historical and cultural heritage, and the development of Turkmenistan.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai
11.09.2026From 7 to 9 September 2026, the 15th AIM Congress 2026 was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates. It comprised representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Industry and Construction, and the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives from 191 countries and various organisations took part in the congress. The main focus was on investment cooperation, economic development and industrial policy. The Turkmen delegation took part in thematic sessions, including a panel discussion on Central Asia, a ministerial round table on investment, and discussions on issues relating to free economic zones and industrial policy. As part of the Congress, bilateral meetings were held with representatives of financial institutions, companies and investment promotion agencies. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation with Turkmenistan. In addition, the Turkmen delegation visited the Congress exhibition.
The EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan laid flowers at the Independence Monument
11.09.2026The European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne, laid flowers at the Monument to Turkmenistan’s Independence and also visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque and the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, where he likewise laid flowers. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, Devigne presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and handed copies of them to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Devigne will head the European Union’s delegation in Ashgabat and will liaise with Turkmen state bodies and partners. According to the press release, his work will focus on strengthening the partnership between the EU and Turkmenistan, developing cooperation and advancing the common interests of both sides.
Turkmenistan is represented at a public safety forum in China
11.09.2026A delegation from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, led by the agency’s Deputy Chairman, is taking part in the 2026 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, which opened on 9 September in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. As part of the forum, Turkmen specialists took part in the Sub-Forum on Cooperation in Migration Management. The day before, they held negotiations with the leadership of the State Administration for Migration Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The parties discussed the exchange of experience, the digitalisation of processes, the transition to electronic document management and the introduction of modern technologies. More than 2,100 delegates from 139 countries and international organisations are taking part in the conference. The programme includes eight thematic sub-forums dedicated to migration policy, cyber security, the fight against transnational crime and the application of modern technologies. The forum will run until 11 September. Representatives from Turkmenistan will also visit an exhibition of security equipment. Following the meetings, it is planned to adopt a Regional Report on trends in migration policy.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the International Space Summit
11.09.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the first International Space Summit, which is taking place at the ‘Grand Palais’ in Paris, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brought together approximately 2,000 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, the space industry, and scientific and investment circles. On the first day, panel discussions and thematic sessions were held, focusing on the development of space infrastructure and industry, the application of artificial intelligence and new technologies, the training of specialists, and international cooperation in the fields of space exploration and Earth and ocean observation. An exhibition showcasing cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions in the space sector was also organised as part of the Summit. The International Space Summit is still in progress.
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