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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.
Turkmen experts took part in the Central Asia–Gulf States Dialogue
22.04.2026Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan took part in an online conference of analysts from Central Asia and the Gulf states. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants acknowledged that recent events in the Middle East have complicated inter-regional relations. Nevertheless, the parties are committed to practical cooperation — a commitment driven by mutual economic interests. According to the Eurasian Development Bank, trade turnover between the Gulf states and Central Asian countries has already exceeded several billion dollars. Ambassadors, heads of research centres and experts agreed that the states of Central Asia and the Gulf view each other as reliable long-term partners. The cooperation is based on historical ties, shared values and trading traditions. High-tech industries, investment, ‘green’ energy, the environment, tourism and transport and logistics corridors were identified as priority areas. Turkmenistan is among the leaders in terms of the growth rate of trade with the Gulf states. The Gulf states account for around 10% of the country’s foreign trade turnover. Experts from the Centre for Strategic Studies – B. Amansaryev, O. Annabayev and A. Niyazov – represented Turkmenistan at the conference.
Ashgabat Zoo has welcomed four lions from Kazakhstan
21.04.2026Four lions have arrived at the National Museum of Living Nature of Turkmenistan from the Shymkent State Zoological Park in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the museum’s press office, according to Turkmenportal. It is specified that the Kazakhstani side donated two males and two females. The transfer of the animals took place as part of the development of professional cooperation following the National Museum of Living Nature of Turkmenistan’s accession to the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EARAZA) in 2024. Membership of the association involves the exchange of expertise in the care of rare species, the expansion of the zoological collection and the implementation of modern scientific approaches to biodiversity conservation. Previously, Ashgabat Zoo had already received animals as part of international cooperation: a brown bear named Sumbar was transferred from the Volokolamsk Centre for the Reproduction of Rare Species, and later a female bear named Aydere was transferred from Moscow Zoo.
Turkmenistan is taking part in an ecosystem restoration programme
21.04.2026Turkmenistan is taking part in the launch of the regional programme ‘Central Asia Water and Land Nexus’ (CAWLN). Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also participating in the programme, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The initiative is scheduled to be launched during the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in Samarkand from 30 May to 6 June. The programme is being implemented with the support of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and aims to ensure the integrated management of water and land resources in Central Asia, primarily in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, on which the region’s water supply and food security depend. The initiative includes the restoration of agricultural land, combating desertification, ecosystem conservation and adaptation to climate change based on the ‘nexus approach’, as well as pilot projects and the creation of platforms for knowledge exchange.
Preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum were discussed in Ashgabat
20.04.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on the progress of preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, which are to be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. More than 80 Chinese state and commercial organisations operating in various sectors, including mechanical engineering, energy, the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, construction, agriculture, transport, digital technologies and other fields, have already registered for the events. Participant registration is ongoing. On the Turkmen side, representatives of relevant ministries, departments and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs will take part in the forum. The meeting is expected to discuss the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing international economic ties and instructed that the upcoming events be organised to a high standard.
‘Turkish Airlines’ is increasing the number of flights between Ashgabat and Istanbul
20.04.2026From 20 April, ‘Turkish Airlines’ is expanding its schedule on the Ashgabat–Istanbul–Ashgabat route, increasing the frequency of flights to 20 per week. This was reported by the news agency Orient. In addition to the existing daily flights, extra flights are being added to the schedule on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The core daily flights remain unchanged and operate across two slots: — morning: departure from Istanbul at 01:10, arriving in Ashgabat at 06:50; return flight at 08:10, arriving in Istanbul at 10:25; — evening: departure from Istanbul at 20:15, arriving in Ashgabat at 01:55; return flight at 03:15, arriving in Istanbul at 05:30. The additional flights, introduced from 20 April, are scheduled as follows: — Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: departure from Istanbul at 16:30, arrival in Ashgabat at 22:10; return flight at 23:30, arriving in Istanbul at 01:45; — Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays: departure from Istanbul at 14:15, arriving in Ashgabat at 19:50; return flight at 21:10, arriving in Istanbul at 23:25.
Ashgabat hosts a presentation of Uzbek cuisine
20.04.2026The opening of the Uzbek plov season took place in Ashgabat’s ‘Tashkent’ Park. Guests sampled traditional dishes, whilst live music and friendly conversation added to the atmosphere. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The organisers emphasised that the ‘Tashkent’ restaurant is not only a gastronomic venue but also a symbol of cultural affinity and strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. They also noted that the creation of the ‘Tashkent’ park in Ashgabat and the ‘Ashgabat’ park in Tashkent has been an important initiative that has strengthened cultural interaction between the two countries. It is noted that the restaurant remains a place where one can discover Uzbek cuisine and experience the atmosphere of friendship between the two nations.
Ashgabat is discussing measures to implement CITES and the ‘Samarkand Declaration’
19.04.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted a working meeting with experts from ‘TRAFFIC International’ and a representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed strengthening regional cooperation within the framework of the ‘CITES Convention’, as well as the implementation of the ‘Samarkand Declaration’, signed by the countries of Central Asia in 2025. Particular attention was paid to the need to update Turkmenistan’s environmental legislation to bring it into line with international standards, which should simplify cooperation with foreign partners and enhance the level of biodiversity protection. The participants also outlined steps towards the introduction of modern monitoring systems, the development of databases and inter-agency cooperation. The possibility of organising training events for specialists is being considered. It should be recalled that in July 2024, Turkmenistan adopted a law on accession to CITES, after which it began establishing a system to monitor the trade in rare species based on international practices.
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