The Secretary-General of the International Parliamentary Congress (IPC), Senator Sitara Ayaz, visited the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 4 August 2026. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting with the Turkmen Ambassador, A. Movlamov, the parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the International Parliamentary Congress (IPC), the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties and the expansion of cooperation between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Congress. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of international conferences, round-table discussions and parliamentary forums involving representatives from Central Asian countries. It was noted that such platforms facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of law-making and the development of parliamentary diplomacy. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed support for the further strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations. Senator Sitara Ayaz highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s neutral policy and expressed her gratitude for the constructive dialogue. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular engagement and to develop joint initiatives in the field of parliamentary cooperation.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, visited the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg as part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where it inspected the preparations for the upcoming international event. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Turkmen representatives met with the centre’s management and equestrian specialists. The parties discussed organisational, technical and protocol matters, including the programme, accommodation for participants, and the staging of sporting, cultural and exhibition events. The delegation toured the sports facilities, training areas and infrastructure of the centre, and also observed the training of Turkmen specialists undergoing training in show jumping. The importance of further professional cooperation between specialists from Turkmenistan and the Netherlands was emphasised. Particular attention was paid to the venues where an exhibition of Turkmen products is to be held, as well as displays by foreign companies and international brands operating in the field of equestrian sports and horse breeding. The parties also discussed issues relating to coordination, security, technical support and the layout of the venues. It was noted that this will be the first time the event has been held outside Turkmenistan, and that its programme will combine sporting, cultural, exhibition and business events. Following the visit, confidence was expressed that the event will help to promote Ahal-Teke horses and foster international cooperation in the field of equestrian sports.
On 3 August 2026, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, met with Ugo Ciarlatani, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Pakistan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Italian relations, as well as ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, interaction between the missions, and cooperation with Pakistani government bodies and the business community. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue, develop professional interaction and strengthen friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Italy.
On 3 August, M. Charyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, met with Alexandre Gros, a national technical expert at the French Equestrian Federation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed the training of specialists in the field, the exchange of international expertise, and the prospects for the development of Turkmen-French cooperation in the field of horse breeding. The participants also reviewed preparations for the World Equestrian Championships and the International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which are to be held on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands). Alexander Gros confirmed his willingness to deliver a presentation on the history of the Ahal-Teke breed in France at an international scientific conference to be held as part of the championships. In addition, the prospects for cooperation between the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and relevant French institutions were discussed, including the training of Turkmen trainers and instructors and the adoption of international best practice. Following the meeting, Alexander Gros highlighted Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve and develop the Ahal-Teke breed, and expressed his willingness to help promote the country’s national equestrian heritage.
Experts from the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, and the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ are taking part in an international research internship in Germany, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme is taking place from 25 July to 16 August 2026 at Clausthal University of Technology. Its aim is to study leading international expertise in the fields of renewable energy, reducing methane emissions, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in industry, as well as to develop scientific and technical cooperation and digital technologies. During the first few days of the internship, the Turkmen specialists, together with German scientists, took part in practical sessions on artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks and data normalisation. The participants also carried out laboratory research on well integrity, the drilling of highly deviated wells and the prediction of photovoltaic plant performance using artificial intelligence algorithms. To conclude the programme, the delegation will visit a German sulphur-containing gas processing plant and power stations utilising renewable energy sources. The internship is being held as part of the European Union and GIZ strategic project ‘European Union for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029’.
Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan, discussed the history of cultural and scientific ties between the two countries and current areas of cooperation in an article for the Turkmen media. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, the shared civilisational heritage of Iran and Turkmenistan is deeply rooted in the region’s history. The Ambassador cited Greater Khorasan, as well as Merv, Nisa, Sarahs, Nishapur and Abiverd. During the Seljuk era, Merv was one of the centres of literature, astronomy and mathematics. Among the authors who wrote in Persian, Arabic and Turkmen, Rouzbahani mentioned Anvari Abiverdi, Zamakhshari, Fakhr al-Din Razi and Magtymguly Pyragy. According to the Ambassador, libraries in Turkmenistan hold thousands of manuscripts in Persian and Arabic, whilst Iran’s archives contain texts in Turkic, Arabic and Turkmen relating to the region’s history. Cooperation continues in the study and cataloguing of ancient manuscripts, the joint publication of books, translation and scholarly research into these works. In June 2023, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, with a two-volume edition of the revised divan of Magtymguly Pyragy. Through the efforts of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat, several works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, have been translated into Persian and published, including the book ‘Worshipping Mother — Worshipping a Sacred Person’. The translation of one of the volumes of the encyclopaedia ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’ is ongoing, as is the translation of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s book ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’; its presentation is scheduled for a later date.
A delegation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan presented its experience of reforming the social assistance system at an international forum on social work in Dushanbe. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Participants at the event learnt about Turkmenistan’s approaches aimed at preventing social problems, the early identification of risks and the provision of targeted support to families and children. As part of the implementation of the Law ‘On Social Services’, the country is developing training programmes for social workers, pilot support programmes at local level and inter-agency cooperation between relevant services. The forum also featured measures to develop juvenile justice and psychosocial support. A pilot project in Ashgabat demonstrated mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution, rehabilitation and the social reintegration of minors. It is planned to roll out these approaches across all regions of the country in 2026–2027. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan with the support of UNICEF. It was attended by representatives from Central Asian countries, Austria, Iran and Japan, as well as UN agencies, academic institutions and civil society organisations.
As part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held meetings with the management of the shipbuilding companies ‘Royal IHC’ and ‘Damen Shipyards’, as well as with Professor Graham Jewitt, Rector and Managing Director of the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of water resources management, the implementation of water-saving and engineering technologies, and the exchange of experience and knowledge. The Turkmen delegation toured ‘Royal IHC’s production facilities in Kinderdijk. During meetings with company representatives, opportunities for collaboration in the fields of dredging, infrastructure modernisation, shipbuilding and the application of modern technical solutions for water management projects were discussed. Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between Dutch companies and relevant state bodies and enterprises in Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side expressed an interest in studying the best practices and developments of their Dutch partners. At IHE Delft, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and the training of water resources management specialists. Issues relating to the organisation of joint educational programmes, the exchange of lecturers and researchers, and the holding of thematic seminars were considered. T. Atahallyev noted his willingness to facilitate the development of direct links between IHE Delft and relevant institutes and universities in Turkmenistan. Representatives of Dutch organisations and companies were invited to take part in international events to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties also discussed the possibility of holding joint business events in the Netherlands involving representatives of government bodies, the business sector and leading companies from both countries. Following the meetings, interest in further developing cooperation in the water, education, scientific, technical and industrial sectors was confirmed.
During January–July 2026, development continued in the fields of education, science, healthcare and sport in Turkmenistan. This was reported on 1 August at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Mammedov, according to the news agency TDH. In the field of education, work continued on improving the education system and introducing modern teaching methods. Pupils and students took part in international subject Olympiads and achieved excellent results. During the summer, holiday programmes for children were organised at the Gokdere Children’s Holiday Camp, in the velayats and in Awaza. Entrance examinations have also begun at higher education and secondary vocational institutions. In the scientific sphere, international scientific and practical conferences were held. A ‘Digital Science’ department has been established at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences. In the healthcare sector, measures have been implemented to introduce modern treatment methods. Through the funding of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, children have undergone operations and received treatment. Modern health-improvement methods have been applied and specialised medical services provided at the country’s sanatoriums. In the field of physical education and sport, the training of professional athletes has continued. Turkmen athletes won 471 medals at major international competitions. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that work should continue on developing the scientific and educational sectors, improving the quality of teaching, modernising the healthcare system and further developing sport.
In The Hague, during a visit by a Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, T. Atahallyev, meetings were held with Joost Flamand, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Frans Prinsen, Director of the Office of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed preparations for international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmenistan’s national equestrian traditions, which are to take place on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. T. Atahallyev presented the programme of events, their objectives and international significance, and invited the Dutch side to take part in the forthcoming events. The Dutch representatives expressed their support for the initiative and their willingness to assist in organising the events. Issues relating to the participation of official representatives and further coordination between the parties were also discussed. During the meetings, views were exchanged on the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, including political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
Between January and July of this year, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 7 laws and 12 resolutions. This was announced by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, according to the news agency TDH. Among the documents adopted is the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Establishment of the Commemorative Medal of Turkmenistan ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’ (To Participants in the Ceremonial Military Parade Marking the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence). D. Gulmanova noted that during the reporting period, amendments and additions had also been made to existing legislation in the areas of the protection of citizens’ rights, industrial safety, accounting and financial reporting, the licensing of certain types of activities, road transport, environmental protection, the conservation of aquatic biological resources and migration policy. As part of the preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis is working in collaboration with the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, the Office of the Halk Maslahaty, the Cabinet of Ministers, the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, and the velayats. Over the past seven months, the Mejlis has accepted seven letters of credence from Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign countries. It has also held 25 meetings with representatives of foreign parliaments, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Members of the Mejlis and its specialists took part in 82 seminars organised jointly with ministries, departments and international organisations, and undertook 16 overseas trips to exchange experience in the field of legislation. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of further strengthening the country’s legal framework and improving the legislative process in line with modern requirements.
A round-table discussion was held in Ashgabat on preventing pollution of the Caspian Sea by waste, including plastic litter. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, UNDP, UNEP and the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention as part of a regional project to combat marine litter and plastic in the Caspian Sea. The project is funded by the Russian Federation. Participants discussed improving the national waste management system, developing modern environmental standards and enhancing data collection and monitoring methods. Particular attention was paid to the creation of a waste monitoring programme. This will enable the identification of the main sources of pollution and the assessment of the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. The initiative also aims to reduce land-based waste inputs into the Caspian Sea, develop regional cooperation and implement the principles of a circular economy.