Society
Turkmenistan continues to develop its oil and gas fields at a rapid pace
06.07.2026The ‘Nebitdag’ Drilling Operations Department of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş” Trust, part of the “Türkmennebit” State Concern, has been exceeding its production targets since the start of 2026. In the first five months, 7,387 metres were drilled against a target of 7,191 metres, representing 102.7 per cent of the planned volume. Four new wells have also been commissioned, according to the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. Work is currently underway at the ‘Nebitdag’, ‘Goturdepe’, ‘Barsagelmez’, ‘Demirgazyk Goturdepe’, ‘Günbatar Goturdepe’, ‘Gündogar Çeleken’ and ‘Mydar’ fields, using 12 Chinese-made drilling rigs. At the same time, the construction and equipping of new wells is continuing, as is the drilling of a further seven sites. The Department, founded in 1971 and having recently celebrated its 55th anniversary, remains one of the key divisions of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, ensuring the fulfilment of production targets.
The prospects for Turkmen-Korean partnership were discussed at the offices of ‘Nebit-Gaz’
06.07.2026In the run-up to the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ summit, which is due to take place on 16–17 September 2026 in Seoul, information cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea is intensifying. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In this context, Song Do-hyun, a correspondent for the South Korean news agency ‘Yonhap’, visited Turkmenistan to prepare reports on the development of the bilateral partnership. At the offices of the newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’, Editor-in-Chief Ussa Ussayev gave an interview to ‘Yonhap’, discussing the development of the country’s oil and gas sector. A meeting was also held with the editorial team, during which the results and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea were discussed. Among the most significant joint projects highlighted were ‘Hyundai Engineering’s involvement in the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field, the modernisation of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex with the participation of ‘LG International Corporation’, and the construction of the gas chemical complex in Gyyanly. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of personnel training. As part of a joint project between the ‘Türkmengaz’ Group and ‘KOICA’, a modern training block for the oil and gas college, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, has been built in Mary. The meeting participants expressed their confidence that the forthcoming summit in Seoul would give new impetus to the development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation in industry, energy, education and other sectors.
The American public will be introduced to the work of a Turkmen composer
06.07.2026On 17 July, the ‘Vocal Poetry’ concert will take place in the US state of Pennsylvania, at which 22-year-old baritone Xavier Bates will perform a song cycle by the outstanding Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Pianist Bahar Annadurdyeva — a laureate of the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ Festival named after Nury Halmamedov — will accompany him on the piano. The concert is organised by the Keystone Music Academy with the support of its director, Andrei Lyubimtsev. The programme also includes romances by Sergei Rachmaninoff. According to Xavier Bates, discovering Halmamedov’s work was a real revelation for him, and Bahar Annadurdyeva helped him prepare for the performance. The pianist is actively promoting Turkmen classical music in the USA. She is currently working on organ arrangements of works by Nury Halmamedov, and previously presented the world premiere in Pennsylvania of Mamed Huseynov’s composition ‘Paraphrase’ based on themes from the opera ‘Solomon’.
Turkmenistan implements a project to utilise solar energy in the healthcare sector
06.07.2026UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, has completed a pilot project to install two solar photovoltaic systems at the etrap hospital in the city of Yoloten, Mary velayat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The project aims to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to the medical facility and will serve as a model for the introduction of renewable energy sources at other healthcare facilities across the country. The use of solar energy will improve the reliability of hospital operations and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly social infrastructure.
The UN Secretary-General has appointed a new Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan
06.07.2026UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with the consent of the Government of Turkmenistan, has appointed the Chinese representative Xiaojun Grace Wang as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. She took up her post on 1 July 2026, succeeding Dmitry Shlapachenko, who had led the mission since 2021 and has now been appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. Xiaojun Grace Wang has 28 years’ experience in the field of international development. Prior to her appointment in Ashgabat, she managed a Trust Fund at the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and previously held senior positions at UNDP, overseeing programmes on poverty reduction, gender equality and sustainable development. The new coordinator has experience of working with landlocked developing countries and has also previously worked in international media, academia and foundations. She holds a PhD from the University of London in education and international development.
A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark Belarus’s Independence Day
05.07.2026A ceremony organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Turkmenistan to mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Government of Turkmenistan, the business community, civil society organisations and the creative intelligentsia. Stanislav Chepurnoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming address. The diplomat noted the historical significance of 3 July — the day Minsk was liberated from the Nazi invaders in 1944 — emphasising the contribution of the Turkmen people to the Victory and the post-war reconstruction of Belarus. The Ambassador also spoke about the development of Belarusian-Turkmen cooperation. According to him, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, and in the autumn Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth, which Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is expected to attend. Cooperation continues in the fields of trade, science, technology and education. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the participants were welcomed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev. In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the prospects for further cooperation between the two countries, including in the fields of transport and logistics, digital technologies and innovation. Following the official proceedings, a concert programme took place featuring Turkmen artists and an orchestra conducted by Resul Klychev. The musicians performed Turkmen and Belarusian pieces, including well-known songs from the repertoires of the ensembles ‘Pesnyary’, ‘Syabry’ and ‘Verasy’. The event concluded with a celebratory reception.
The ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition will take place in Turkmenistan
05.07.2026At a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, held via video conference, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a proposal to organise the ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition for innovative projects. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev delivered a report, noting that the competition aims to identify and support talented young people engaged in software development and innovation. In 2026, the competition will feature the following categories: artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, digital medicine, education and e-learning, Smart City, ‘smart’ agricultural technologies and service systems. The most promising developments are planned to be integrated into the digitalisation of the national economy. The results of the competition and the award ceremony for the winners will take place as part of the ‘Türkmentel – 2026’ International Exhibition and Scientific Conference. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that work is continuing in the country on the transition to a digital economy, emphasising the contribution of young people to the implementation of these programmes. The Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high standard of organisation for the ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition.
Production at the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ plant in Turkmenistan is set to expand
05.07.2026On 3 July, Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported during a government meeting on measures to expand production at the enterprises of the state-owned concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, including the ‘Balkanabat’ iodine plant. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was noted that, with a view to developing the country’s chemical industry and making more efficient use of local raw materials, new, modern enterprises based on innovative technologies are being established, whilst cooperation with foreign partners is being strengthened. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal to the Head of State for consideration. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of developing the chemical industry and export-oriented production, approved the initiative to establish a new, modern facility at the ‘Balkanabat’ iodine plant, and issued relevant instructions.
A meeting on Turkmen-Austrian cooperation took place in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A business meeting dedicated to the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event took place in a hybrid format: representatives of the Turkmen business community and government bodies attended in person, whilst Austrian companies joined online, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Neda Berger, Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, addressed the meeting. Participants discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation, noting its consistent development and positive momentum. Particular attention was paid to promising joint projects, the introduction of innovations and the expansion of business contacts across various sectors of the economy. Separately, the participants congratulated Neda Berger on being awarded the Golden Decoration of Merit of the Federal State of Vienna. Her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian relations was highlighted. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen economic and cultural cooperation.
The Consul-General of Turkmenistan in Turkey held negotiations with the leadership of the OTS
04.07.2026On 2 July 2026, a meeting took place in Istanbul between Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, Consul-General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey (Istanbul), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The negotiations took place at the Secretariat of the Organisation of Turkic States, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The parties discussed ways of strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States, as well as prospects for expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of their partnership. The importance of regular dialogue in strengthening friendship, good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation was emphasised.
A conference marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A scientific and practical conference marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event took place at the ‘Arçabil’ Hotel. It began with a video presentation on the history of the CPC’s founding and the stages of its development. Ji Shumin, the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming address. The Ambassador spoke about the party’s history, its key objectives, China’s economic development and Beijing’s international initiatives within the United Nations.Representatives from Turkmenistan’s socio-political circles addressed the conference. Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, noted the significance of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and emphasised the role of the recent visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to China in the development of bilateral relations. Participants noted that, over 35 years of diplomatic relations, Turkmenistan and the PRC have established cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, and educational spheres. The five-year programme of inter-governmental cooperation, signed in April, has given further impetus to cooperation in the gas sector. Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, spoke of the development of inter-party dialogue with the CPC, including within the ‘Central Asia–China’ framework. He also highlighted the significance of the visit to Ashgabat by Ding Xuexiang, First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and of the cooperation between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and China’s CNPC in strengthening the energy partnership. It is noted that Turkmen-Chinese relations have historical roots dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are expanding their humanitarian cooperation
04.07.2026Diplomats from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan visited the Department for the Promotion of the National Language at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the Director-General of the Department, Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar, the parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to expanding literary and academic exchanges, strengthening ties between educational and research institutions, and implementing joint projects to promote the historical and cultural heritage of both countries. Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar presented the Turkmen side with a collection of textbooks, academic works and reference publications on the Urdu language. The books received will be sent to the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, where they will be added to the library’s collection and used in educational and academic work. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to continue developing humanitarian and academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
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