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China has launched a second rail route to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A freight train set off on Tuesday from the city of Chengdu (Sichuan Province, south-west China) to the Turkmen city of Sarahs as part of the ‘China–Central Asia’ rail freight programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This is now the second direct rail route between Chengdu and Turkmenistan to have been launched since the start of the year. Regular freight services between Chengdu and the countries of Central Asia have been operating since 2014. Initially, the network covered two destinations — Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Since then, the list of destinations has expanded to include Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Sarahs, which, according to local authorities, has significantly improved the connectivity of logistics chains between Chengdu and Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and the FAO have launched a project on livestock breeding
03.09.2026On 1 September in Ashgabat, a joint project was signed online between the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The document concerns the launch of the project ‘Improving services for cattle breeding and artificial insemination’, reports the news website Turkmenportal. On the Turkmen side, the document was signed by Gochmyrat Atayev, Chairman of the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan. On behalf of the FAO, the document was signed by Viorel Gutu, Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia. The aim of the project is to increase the cattle herd through selective breeding and to build national capacity to provide artificial insemination services using digital technologies. The project involves improving the legislative framework for breeding livestock, as well as strengthening the technical capacity of specialists and laboratories, including the provision of equipment. Funding will amount to US$180,000, with completion scheduled for 2028. Following the project’s implementation, it is planned to develop a strategic roadmap, draw up standard operating procedures and introduce a national information system for livestock breeding. Provision has also been made for the preparation of an updated national herd book and a set of legal and regulatory recommendations to improve the genetic potential of livestock. The parties expect that the project will boost livestock productivity, strengthen food security and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country’s rural areas. Following the ceremony, the parties expressed their interest in continuing their cooperation.
A seminar on biodiversity conservation is taking place in Ashgabat
03.09.2026On 2 September 2026, a national workshop is being held in Ashgabat as part of a joint project by the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility to update the National Strategy and Action Plans for the Conservation of Biodiversity and to prepare the Seventh National Report under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The seminar is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Over the course of two days, participants are reviewing the draft National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Turkmenistan for 2026–2035, as well as issues relating to the preparation of the national report under the Convention. The event is attended by representatives of government bodies, scientific institutions, the private sector and civil society. Discussions centre on biodiversity conservation, the rational use of natural resources and sustainable development. Drafts of Turkmenistan’s Seventh National Report and specialised reports under the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols have also been presented. The seminar aims to strengthen Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the fulfilment of its international obligations regarding the conservation of biodiversity.
An international Pearson Certiport certification centre has been established in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026On 1 September 2026, in Ashgabat, as part of the opening ceremony for the new building of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, a certificate was presented marking the establishment of the Pearson Certiport International Certification Centre in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The establishment of the centre is a tangible outcome of the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in the field of education. Negotiations with Pearson began in May 2025 at the ‘Education World Forum’ in London. In February 2026, during a working visit by a Turkmenistan government delegation to the UK, four documents on cooperation in the field of education were signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and Pearson in the field of skills development, certification and qualifications. The Pearson Certiport Centre will administer international certification examinations from leading companies and organisations, including Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Apple, Intuit, Unity and the Project Management Institute. The centre’s operations will enable students, teachers and professionals to obtain international certificates directly in Turkmenistan. Certification validates professional skills and broadens opportunities to participate in international projects and enter the global labour market. The establishment of the centre is aimed at further integrating Turkmenistan’s education system into the international educational landscape and introducing modern tools for assessing professional skills.
The resolution on the CIS Year of Social Development is to be presented in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A meeting of the Working Group of the Advisory Council on Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States took place in Minsk. Chaired by the Kyrgyz Republic, experts discussed proposals for the draft Action Plan for the preparation and implementation of the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life in 2028, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, the Interparliamentary Assembly, the Interstate Statistical Committee, trade unions and veterans’ organisations. Following consideration of the comments, the necessary additions and clarifications were made to the draft document. Coordination of the Plan will continue with the involvement of the Commonwealth’s grassroots organisations and civil society bodies. The next round of negotiations will take place in September, chaired by the Belarusian side. The final draft Resolution on declaring 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life is scheduled to be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of State of the CIS on 9 October in Turkmenistan. The initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic is designed to strengthen the socio-demographic potential of the region’s countries, boost employment and improve citizens’ quality of life.
‘World Magazine’ has dedicated a special issue to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A special issue of the international travel magazine ‘World Magazine’ is entirely devoted to Turkmenistan. Issue 18 of the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute comprises 60 pages featuring articles on the country’s cultural heritage, its economy, tourism opportunities and Turkmenistan’s role as a transit transport hub in Eurasia, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The issue is entitled ‘Turkmenistan 2026: Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The cover features a photograph of an Ahal-Teke racehorse. The articles in this issue cover Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, its role in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the country’s economic development and its tourism potential. Particular attention is paid to Ahal-Teke horses, the Turkmen Alabay, the literary legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy, and historical and cultural monuments. The magazine also features Ashgabat, the Darwaza gas crater, the Yangykala Canyon and the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone on the Caspian coast, whilst exploring the country’s tourism and investment opportunities. ‘World Magazine’ is the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute; it is not available for sale and is distributed for informational purposes, covering current issues in the development of global tourism, industry trends and investment.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games
02.09.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which took place on 31 August at the ‘Bishkek Arena’ stadium in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event is being attended by 2,355 athletes, coaches and officials from 106 countries, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, and high-ranking foreign guests, including leaders of a number of member states and partner countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The 6th World Nomad Games are taking place from 31 August to 6 September. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in Bishkek, whilst the main competitions will take place on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The programme includes more than 40 traditional and national sports, including Turkmen national wrestling.
Ashgabat marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day in Turkey
02.09.2026On 31 August in Ashgabat, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Turkmenistan organised a formal reception to mark the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, which is celebrated on 30 August. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and officials, including Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmet Gurbanov, according to the Orient news agency. Shener Cebeci, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech. He noted that the reception was his first event in his capacity as Head of the diplomatic mission: ‘I welcome you to our event, organised in honour of the 104th anniversary of Victory Day — one of the most significant chapters in the struggle for the independence and freedom of the Republic of Turkey. As the Turkish Ambassador, having recently taken up my duties in our ancestral homeland – Turkmenistan – I am honoured, together with my wife, to welcome you to this reception.’ The Ambassador also expressed his condolences regarding the shipwreck off the coast of Kyrenia, which occurred the previous day and resulted in the loss of life. He read out a festive message from the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which emphasised the significance of 30 August as the date that cemented the independence of the Turkish people and marked the beginning of the development of the modern state. Speaking on behalf of the Turkmen side, Ahmet Gurbanov congratulated the Turkish people on their national holiday and welcomed the new Ambassador at the start of his mission in Turkmenistan. He described Victory Day as a holiday that unites those who serve their country and care for its security and prosperity. A. Gurbanov discussed in detail the state of Turkmen-Turkish relations, which he described as multifaceted and strategic. He recalled the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Turkey in March 2024 and the visit by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to Turkmenistan in December 2025, describing them as the foundation of a robust political dialogue between the two countries. Speaking on economic cooperation, the Deputy Minister noted the steady growth in trade between the countries and the activities of Turkish companies in various sectors of the Turkmen economy. He also emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, including the organisation of reciprocal Culture Days and joint exhibitions. A. Gurbanov expressed his confidence that Turkmen-Turkish relations would continue to develop dynamically with the support of the leadership of both countries.
An environmental campaign called ‘Green Partnership’ took place in Ashgabat
01.09.2026On 29 August, the ‘Young Naturalist’ public organisation held an environmental event entitled ‘Green Partnership’ at the ‘Bilelik Hub’ creative centre in the ‘Ashgabat’ shopping and entertainment centre. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed environmental protection issues, presented eco-innovations and watched videos about Turkmenistan’s nature. They also explored waste reduction and reuse in an interactive format. As part of a ‘round-table’ discussion, participants sought solutions to environmental problems. The programme included the ‘Green Impulse’ eco-flashmob and the ‘Your Game’ team-based environmental quiz. The most active participants were presented with certificates of honour. The event took place with the support of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Turkmenistan.
Tourism has been designated a priority of Turkmenistan’s state policy
01.09.2026Gulalek Muhammetberdiyeva, Head of the Department of International Press and Information at the State Information Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), spoke at the 35th meeting of the Council of Heads of CIS State Information Agencies, where she discussed the country’s tourism potential. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to her, tourism has become one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s state policy in recent years. ‘Funds are being channelled into this. At the state level, support is being provided to private companies operating in this sector,’ noted Muhammetberdiyeva. A separate area of focus, she said, is desert tourism, which attracts travellers interested in extreme itineraries and unusual natural landscapes. Discussions also centred on the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone, which has been under development since 2008 and is being expanded with new hotels and infrastructure facilities. In October, Awaza will host meetings of the CIS Council of Heads of State and a number of cultural events. Muhammetberdiyeva highlighted Turkmenistan’s rich historical heritage, citing the ancient sites of Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench – all included on the UNESCO World Heritage List – as among the most significant. The meeting participants were shown a video highlighting the country’s tourism potential – featuring historical monuments, desert landscapes, Awaza and the capital.
Turkmenistan will present the kurash at the Nomads’ Games in Kyrgyzstan
31.08.2026The 6th World Nomad Games – the year’s largest ethnic sports and cultural forum, featuring delegations from dozens of countries – are set to begin in Kyrgyzstan on 31 August. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Turkmenistan is taking part in the Games and contributing to the preservation of the heritage of the peoples of the East. A key event for Turkmen athletes will be the national sport of kurash, which has been officially included in the competition programme. The World Nomad Games combine sporting competitions with an ethno-cultural programme featuring crafts, folklore and traditions. For Turkmenistan, participation in the Games presents an opportunity to compete for medals in traditional disciplines and to strengthen cultural ties in the region. As part of the Games, the International Scientific Conference ‘Nomad Civilisations: Heritage, Paradigms, and Prospects’ will take place. Its themes include the role of nomadic civilisations in world history, issues of sustainable development, digitalisation and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Centre for Nomadic Civilisation is hosting the exhibition ‘The Story of the Great Mountains’, as well as avenues of stone and sand sculptures. Guests can enjoy guided tours, masterclasses in painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics, an exhibition of ancient Kyrgyz armour, as well as the fire show ‘The Mystery of Khan Tengri’.
Turkmenistan and Japan are planning to set up data centres
31.08.2026Japan plans to train Turkmen specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and to support the establishment of data centres in Turkmenistan. This was stated by Toshihiro Kitamura, Director-General for Press and Public Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan, at a press briefing in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, online training could be delivered with the participation of specialists from the University of Tokyo, which houses a laboratory run by a professor specialising in artificial intelligence. Cooperation in this area is developing within the framework of the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ dialogue. Mr Kitamura highlighted the need to develop AI for economic growth and to establish international rules governing its use. The Japanese side also intends to take Turkmenistan’s needs into account. In particular, Tokyo is prepared to facilitate the use of AI in the exploration of natural resources. Furthermore, Japanese private companies are interested in establishing data centres in Turkmenistan. They are considering the possibility of cooperating with local companies or working directly with the country’s government.
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