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Turkmenistan expands early childhood development programmes with UNICEF support
22.01.2026In Turkmenistan, a second group of national trainers has been certified in the ‘Guide for Monitoring Child Development’ (GMCD), which aims to improve the quality of services for young children. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the UNICEF press service. The new group of specialists is continuing the work begun after the certification of the first trainers in 2018 and is contributing to the expansion of early childhood development programmes throughout the country. The internationally recognised GMCD tool enables health workers to monitor the development of children from birth to 3.5 years of age and provide timely support to families. The certification is the result of many years of cooperation between UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and experts from Ankara University. Since 2018, the GMCD has been gradually introduced into the primary health care system, including pilot projects, training of specialists and the development of early intervention services. The integration of the GMCD into educational programmes, clinical standards and national reporting systems is also being considered.
Digital monitoring of agriculture discussed in Ashgabat
22.01.2026An interdepartmental seminar on the introduction of remote sensing of the Earth in agriculture in Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. It was held as part of a project by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The main topic was the national electronic system for real-time monitoring of winter wheat and cotton crops. The model is based on satellite images and data from unmanned aerial vehicles. The system automatically recognises crops and assesses chlorophyll levels. This allows plant growth to be tracked and problem areas to be identified. The results of tests conducted in the Mary velayat in 2024–2025 demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach. The programme records diseases, soil salinisation, land degradation and moisture deficiency. The project provides for a secure digital platform with regional access. In the future, it is planned to integrate land cadastre data, weather reports and soil analysis into the system. The use of drones for precision fertilisation and plant protection was discussed separately. The Ministry of Agriculture noted that the project also aims to train specialists in the field of IT and cybersecurity.
Hindi corner opened at language university in Turkmenistan
22.01.2026A Hindi language corner has been opened at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The ceremony was attended by the university's management and a delegation from India led by the Secretary for Western Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of India, Sibi George. Among the guests were also the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, diplomats, teachers and students. Students presented creative performances, including national dances and Indian songs. The language corner is equipped with modern equipment. It is designed for studying the language, literature and culture of India using digital and printed materials. It is planned that the space will become a centre for readings, competitions and discussions.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed preparations for the ‘Iran Prože’ exhibition
22.01.2026Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan discussed with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, the preparation of the ‘Iran Prože’ exhibition scheduled for this year. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties agreed on the format and timing of the event, as well as the organisation of a Turkmen-Iranian business forum. They discussed strengthening business contacts and expanding cooperation in industry, construction, energy, transport and logistics. Iran invited Turkmen entrepreneurs to participate in international exhibitions, noting that ‘Iran Prože’ will be an effective platform for business partnerships. The previous exhibition was held on 17 November 2023.
The latest issue of the magazine ‘Democracy and Law’ is now available in Turkmenistan
20.01.2026The latest issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal ‘Democracy and Law’, published by the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan in Turkmen, English and Russian, has been released. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. The issue opens with a speech by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The article highlights the role of the forum in discussing regional and global processes, as well as the importance of the principles of Peace and Trust and dialogue in international politics. Special attention is paid to the Constitutional Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Legal Foundations of the Policy of Peace and Trust of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ adopted in September last year. The document enshrines the principles of neutrality, equality, good-neighbourliness, non-use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law and human rights. The magazine also published a speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in which neutrality is presented as the basis of the state's foreign policy and worldview. The open nature of the forum and its focus on a long-term strategic vision of world processes are noted. The issue includes articles on the national and international legal foundations of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, with a list of constitutional laws and UN General Assembly resolutions. An article has been published on the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Unified State Register of Voters’, which examines issues of modernising electoral legislation and the role of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan. The section devoted to humanitarian issues reveals the activities of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and the development of the volunteer movement within the framework of its strategy for 2021-2025. The issue also features publications on the role of neutrality in international relations, the Awaza Political Declaration adopted at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, and the development of housing legislation in Turkmenistan. A separate section is devoted to the results of the ‘Creative Work and Human Rights’ competition held by the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the magazine ‘Democracy and Law’ and the announcement of its holding in 2026. The issue concludes with the traditional ‘Chronicle’ section, which provides an overview of international and national events.
Leasing has commenced in the free trade zone on the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
19.01.2026Border trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is gaining new momentum. The leasing of retail space has begun in the free trade zone on the border between the two countries, and entrepreneurs can now officially reserve space for their businesses, according to the Orient news agency. The 3.1-hectare zone is a full-fledged trade and service complex: 112 open galleries, 28 covered pavilions, 16 shops, as well as pharmacies, medical centres, a hotel, cafes and parking for 300 cars. A key advantage is the simplified visa-free regime, which allows free movement within the zone. The ‘Shavat-Dashoguz’ project is considered a pilot project and should confirm the potential of a modern and profitable model of cross-border trade. The launch of the lease coincided with a 30% increase in bilateral trade and freight traffic between the countries, including deliveries through the port of Turkmenbashi.
Badhyz Nature Reserve recorded a female leopard with her cub
16.01.2026The second female Near Eastern leopard with a cub has been spotted in the Badhyz State Nature Reserve. This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. A camera trap captured the cub following the female across the reserve. The Near Eastern leopard is one of the rarest predators and is listed in the Red Book. According to experts, the appearance of a second female with offspring indicates the formation of a stable breeding population in the region. Previously, leopards could only be seen here occasionally. Monitoring of rare species is carried out in collaboration with Conservation X Labs. Material from camera traps is used to assess the effectiveness of nature conservation measures. The Badhyz Nature Reserve was established in 1941 in southern Turkmenistan, between the Tejen and Murgab rivers. Its territory is home to caracals, striped hyenas, urials, gazelles and rare bird species.
Indian Film Festival to be held in Ashgabat from 20 to 24 January
16.01.2026From 20 to 24 January 2026, the Ashgabat cinema will host the Indian Film Festival. This was reported by the IIC. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India. The festival aims to develop humanitarian ties and cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme includes nine films from different years, representing more than 50 years of Indian cinema. Viewers will be shown both classic Bollywood films and contemporary films that have received international recognition. Admission to all screenings is free. Seating in the hall is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Iranian representatives presented Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian
15.01.2026Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi presented the State Library of Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During a meeting with the library's director, Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, the parties discussed cooperation in the field of culture and education. The Iranian guests also familiarised themselves with the library's rare and modern publications. The Ambassador presented the library with a Persian translation of the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Enä tagzym – mukaddeslige tagzym’ (‘Worshipping a Mother - Worshipping a Sacredness’) and the advisor presented more than 40 other books in Persian.
Ashgabat could become a regional hub for combating desertification in Central Asia
15.01.2026The Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat will enable Central Asian countries to jointly address transboundary issues affecting agriculture and water management. This was stated by Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. His words are quoted by the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, reports Turkmenportal. He recalled that the initiative to create the centre was put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Pirli Kepbanov, the centre will serve as a platform for coordinating the efforts of countries in the region on issues related to land degradation and water resource management. This, he noted, will allow for the consolidation of the scientific and practical potential of the countries and strengthen regional environmental cooperation. The director of the institute emphasised that Turkmenistan has the necessary scientific base to host the centre. The country has specialised research institutions with many years of experience in the field of desert studies. He noted that there are only four scientific institutes of this kind in the world, and one of them is the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan. Kepbanov also recalled that historically, Turkmenistan has been the leading centre of desert science for Central Asia and neighbouring regions. For decades, scientists and specialists have been coming to the country to exchange experience and conduct research. According to him, several generations of Eurasian specialists have been professionally trained in Turkmenistan. Over the years, the institute has established partnerships with more than 40 scientific and government organisations from 35 countries. Currently, the institute cooperates with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of China, the A.N. Kostyakov Federal Scientific Centre for Hydrotechnics and Land Reclamation in Russia, and is also involved in negotiations with universities in Central Asian countries.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat held a reception to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day
15.01.2026On 14 January, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan held a briefing and official reception in Ashgabat to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the 34th anniversary of the formation of the country's Armed Forces. The event was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel, according to IIC. During his speech, Jasur Ashurov, Counsellor of the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, noted that due to the political will of the leaders of the two states, Uzbek-Turkmen relations have reached a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership in recent years. As the organisers emphasised, such events contribute to the further development and strengthening of friendly and good-neighbourly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, based on the principles of mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
A veteran from Turkmenistan shared the secrets to a long and happy life
14.01.2026The newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’ reported on 107-year-old Great Patriotic War veteran Aydogdy Amadyev. He confidently states that he lives a happy life, considering true wealth to be not years, but the goodness and meaning invested in them, according to the news website Asmannews. ‘I have lived through different times. I have seen years of deprivation and hardship, survived the war, and worked honestly, sparing no effort. All this has strengthened my character and taught me to appreciate peace, tranquillity and human warmth. Today, I feel particularly keenly the value of a peaceful sky and confidence in the future,’ the veteran shared. He noted that Turkmenistan is becoming stronger every year: the economy is developing, schools and kindergartens are being built, families' well-being is growing, and young people are receiving an education. All this fills him with pride and joy. A special joy for Aydogdy Amadyev is his large and friendly family. He is the father of four daughters and two sons, the grandfather of 34 grandchildren, the great-grandfather of 94 great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandfather of 42 great-great-grandchildren. Their successes, laughter and family celebrations give him strength and inspiration. As he enters a new year of his life, he believes that true happiness lies in peace, harmony, honest work and love for one's country and family, and that every day should be filled with good deeds and joy.
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