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A regional seminar on nuclear safety was held in Ashgabat, attended by 12 countries
28.04.2026A regional IAEA workshop, supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and dedicated to ensuring the nuclear security of materials outside regulatory control, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including states in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Mongolia. Participants included staff from customs and border services, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. The main focus was on strengthening national control systems to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and improve operational response to threats. The seminar confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to complying with international standards and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security.
Turkmenistan has studied Europe’s experience in energy-efficient construction
27.04.2026UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan held a training seminar on energy efficiency in the construction sector. The event was attended by lecturers, students, academics, as well as international experts from UNDP and the EU project ‘Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia’. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The seminar examined the experience of European countries in developing a regulatory framework for the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings, as well as international practices in energy-efficient design. The event took place as part of the joint UNDP and GEF project ‘Developing National Capacity of Turkmenistan through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector (TEESB)’. The project aims to introduce energy-efficient technologies in construction, develop renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of Turkmenistan’s fulfilment of its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
European Immunisation Week has kicked off in the Turkmen capital
27.04.2026European Immunisation Week 2026 has opened in the Turkmen capital. This year, the initiative marks its 20th anniversary in the WHO European Region. This was reported by IIC. Since 21 April, seminars for doctors, immunologists and epidemiologists have been taking place at Ashgabat Polyclinic No. 11. The theme of the training sessions is the role of healthcare workers in building trust in vaccination. The events are organised with the support of the European Union. The week’s motto is: ‘For every generation, vaccines work’.
Turkmenistan celebrates National Horse Day
27.04.2026Turkmenistan is celebrating the National Day of the Turkmen horse. Concerts, exhibitions and horse races are taking place across all the velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, according to Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan stated that Ahal-Teke horses are recognised as one of the finest thoroughbred breeds in the world and a treasure of humanity. The day before, the Ashgabat Racecourse hosted the international beauty contest ‘Best Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’, attended by Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as the awards ceremony for the winners of the creative competition.
Turkmenistan is developing a system for inter-agency electronic data exchange
26.04.2026Turkmenistan has established the regulatory framework for the launch of the Inter-agency Electronic Data Exchange System. These decisions have been taken as part of efforts to develop digital infrastructure and modernise the telecommunications sector. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan has announced the continuation of programmes to expand digital services, modernise the sector and strengthen the country’s technological independence. Standard documents regulating the operation of the electronic exchange system have been approved, including agreements between government bodies and the system operator. These define the procedures for interaction, data exchange and the provision of electronic public services, as well as the rights and obligations of participants. ‘Türkmentelekom’ has been appointed as the operator, coordinating the system’s operation and being responsible for monitoring cyber risks. It is expected that the implementation of the platform will integrate government databases into a single network and create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for the country.
Cargo throughput at the Port of Turkmenbashi has risen amid an increase in exports and transit traffic
26.04.2026Cargo transhipment at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport rose by 10% year-on-year in January–March 2026. This growth was driven by increased supplies of Turkmen oil to local refineries and sulphur exports, some of which were diverted from the Iranian route, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Transit through Turkmen ports increased by 23% in the first quarter. The main drivers were the growth in urea exports from Garabogaz and the transhipment of liquid cargo via Ekerem. The increase in sulphur transit is linked to its re-routing in March via Azerbaijan to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, against a backdrop of a 35% rise in Black Sea prices. The port of Turkmenbashi remains the largest on the Caspian Sea and boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including passenger, container and cargo terminals.
The first HSK testing centre is set to open in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026Plans are afoot to open the first HSK Chinese language testing centre in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking International Chinese Language Day at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, according to the news agency Orient. According to the diplomat, work on the project is already underway with the support of the Chinese Embassy and partner organisations. The new centre is intended to make it easier to take the HSK exam, which is required for admission to Chinese universities and employment in China. It is expected that its opening will expand opportunities for those studying Chinese and will be a step towards strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.
Ashgabat will host the OGT 2026 forum for the global energy sector in October
24.04.2026The 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’ will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026. Registration is now open, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum’s motto is ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress.’ The previous OGT 2025 conference brought together over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries, more than 100 exhibiting companies and 80 speakers. The main topic will be the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field – one of the largest in the world. Its fourth phase has recently commenced: the new capacity will enable the production of up to 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Also on the agenda are the TAPI gas pipeline, offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, infrastructure modernisation and the diversification of export routes. A separate session will be dedicated to sustainable development: reducing methane emissions, the digitalisation of the industry, hydrogen energy and carbon capture technologies. The programme includes a plenary session, a ministerial round table, panel discussions, industry sessions and an international exhibition. B2B and B2G meetings are planned.
Turkmenistan has outlined its priorities for climate investment in the region
23.04.2026Ovezgeldi Goshjanov, Turkmenistan’s Minister for Environmental Protection, spoke at the ministerial-level round table on climate investment in Central Asia, held as part of the ‘RES 2026’ Regional Ecological Summit in Astana. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Heads of environmental agencies from countries across the region also took part. The main topics were the coordination of policy decisions and the mobilisation of funding for climate projects in Central Asia. Participants discussed how to translate climate commitments into concrete investment programmes, identify priorities and strengthen inter-agency cooperation. In his speech, O. Goshjanov noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to climate and sustainable development. Among the priorities, he cited the creation of early warning systems for risks, the development of a portfolio of climate projects, as well as cooperation in the areas of adaptation, environmental monitoring and sustainable natural resource management. The Minister also confirmed the country’s interest in partnership support for the preparation of regionally significant projects and its readiness to work actively on specific climate investments. Following the summit, it is planned to identify key areas for climate investment in Central Asia and, possibly, to develop a common regional strategy.
A seminar on the protection of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin was held in Ashgabat
23.04.2026An educational seminar on ecology for young people was held in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the non-governmental organisation ‘Young Naturalist’ (‘Ýaş tebigatçy’) as part of a UNDP and GEF project on the conservation of land resources and ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin, reports ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The seminar took place at the offices of ‘Bouygues Turkmen’, whose specialists delivered training using the ‘Climate Fresk’ methodology. Participants studied the causes and consequences of climate change and acquired the skills to pass on this knowledge to others. The seminar discussed the role of state nature reserves in protecting biodiversity. Using the Amu darya State Nature Reserve as an example, they examined how the disappearance of a single species affects the entire ecosystem. The use of innovative technologies in the fight against climate change was also considered separately. The event, which began in Lebap, formed part of the initiatives marking World Earth Day.
A horse marathon was held in Turkmenistan to mark the Turkmen Horse Festival
23.04.2026A horse marathon was held in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat to mark the National Day of the Turkmen horse. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The competition took place as part of the festive events that took place across all regions of the country in the run-up to this significant date. The marathon is part of the programme for the thematic year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Long-distance races are traditionally among the key events in the national horse breeding system. Numerous riders took part in the competition.
A 4G network has been launched on the section of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ motorway
22.04.2026The 4G network of the operator ‘Altyn Asyr’ has been launched on the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. It provides fast internet, a consistent connection and access to online services whilst on the move, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The launch coincided with the opening of the final section of the motorway, attended by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, marking a significant milestone for the country’s transport sector. According to the operator, the new coverage enhances the convenience of travel and helps carriers manage freight more efficiently due to real-time digital tools. The motorway forms part of an international transit corridor and connects the capital with the east of the country. The upgrade to the telecom infrastructure is expected to strengthen regional links and support the development of the roadside economy.
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