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Turkmenistan has unveiled its plans for the development of artificial intelligence
20.07.2026Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, announced at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) in Shanghai that a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence is being developed in the country. The document will set out the directions for the implementation of AI, staff training and the development of scientific research, according to the press office of the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan. Speaking at the forum ‘AI Partnership for a Brighter Future’, the Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan is continuing its digital transformation, including the modernisation of infrastructure, the development of the digital economy and the improvement of the regulatory framework. According to him, the strategy addresses issues of security, ethics, personal data protection and algorithm transparency in line with international standards. AI is planned to be applied in healthcare, education, transport, water resource management and environmental protection. Hudayguliyev also stated that Turkmenistan is ready to develop international cooperation in the fields of digital infrastructure, data centres, scientific research and the responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies.
Turkmenistan will examine Georgia’s model for developing the tourism sector
20.07.2026Turkmenistan intends to study and draw on Georgia’s experience in developing the tourism and services sectors. This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Georgian-Turkmen business forum held in Tbilisi, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘Turkmenistan is interested in Georgia’s experience in the development of tourism and the service sector,’ the report states. The Head of State highlighted Georgia’s successful performance in the tourism sector in 2025 and noted that Ashgabat is keen to apply this experience to the further development of its own tourism industry. According to Georgian media reports, over 5.5 million tourists visited Georgia in 2025. Earlier, Irakli Nadareishvili, the country’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, reported that the tourism sector accounts for around 10 per cent of Georgia’s GDP, provides nearly 9 per cent of jobs, and that tourism accounts for around 60 per cent of the country’s service exports.
Ashgabat and Tbilisi are strengthening their cooperation in the field of railways and logistics
20.07.2026Senior officials from the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan and the JSC ‘Georgian Railway’ met in Tbilisi to discuss expanding cooperation in the field of transport and logistics. The meeting took place as part of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Georgia, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed ways to increase freight volumes, improve tariff conditions and make effective use of the two countries’ transit potential. Particular attention was paid to the development of the ‘CASCA+’ corridor and the expansion of rail routes between Asia and Europe. The participants in the talks noted the importance of further strengthening the partnership, developing export and import transport, and enhancing the role of Turkmenistan and Georgia in the international transport system.
‘Türkmengaz’ modernises its production infrastructure
20.07.2026On 18 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov reported to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the modernisation of the material and technical base of the enterprises belonging to the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the modernisation of the infrastructure helps to ensure reliable supplies of natural gas to the domestic market and to develop export potential. The expansion of cooperation with German partners was also noted. Following the report, the Head of State instructed that work should continue to increase natural gas production, signed a corresponding decree and issued a number of instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Turkmenistan took part in meetings on the Montreal Protocol
19.07.2026From 13 to 17 July 2026, the 48th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties (OEWG-48) and the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (ExMOP6) took place in Bangkok. A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the events. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as scientific, technical and organisational issues relating to the protection of the ozone layer. The focus was on regional monitoring of controlled substances, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and refining relevant legislation. In addition, the parties considered issues relating to the recovery, reuse and environmentally sound disposal of refrigerants, the training and certification of specialists in the refrigeration sector, and the introduction of natural refrigerants and sustainable cooling technologies. During the meeting, consultations were held on preparations for the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP3-38), which will take place in November 2026 in Kigali (Rwanda) and will mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment. Turkmenistan’s participation in these events is aimed at developing international and regional cooperation, exchanging experience and improving national legislation in the field of ozone layer protection.
Turkmenistan’s largest oil and gas forum has announced its main partner
19.07.2026SOCAR has become the main partner of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan’ (OGT 2026), the event organisers have announced. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The participation of the Azerbaijani state-owned company will strengthen the forum’s role as a platform for investment, dialogue and cooperation in the energy sector. OGT 2026 will be attended by representatives of oil and gas companies, investors and technology leaders from various countries. More than 100 delegates from 20 countries have already signed up for the forum. Key topics include the development of offshore production, gas monetisation, the digitalisation of the industry, reducing methane emissions and sustainable energy. The OGT 2026 conference will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026.
A Turkmen company presented an infrastructure project at a business forum in Tbilisi
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, as part of the visit to Georgia by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and an exhibition of Turkmen products and services took place in Tbilisi, attended by representatives of government bodies and the business community from both countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The company ‘Ojar Aziýa’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, presented a project for the construction of the ‘Sarahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ high-speed motorway, aimed at developing the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthening its transit potential. During the forum, particular attention was paid to the development of international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor and the ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania’ route. The project presented is in line with the objectives of expanding logistics links along the Lapis Lazuli, North–South and East–West routes. ‘Ojar Aziýa’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the company’s capabilities in the fields of construction and infrastructure, as well as to discuss new avenues for international cooperation.
Turkmenistan was represented at the UN meeting on sustainable urban development
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, a high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated to the mid-term review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda took place at the UN headquarters in New York. Participants discussed the achievements of the decade since 2016 and measures to develop sustainable cities up to 2036, according to the news agency Orient. The forum took place against a backdrop of growing global challenges: around 58 per cent of the world’s population already lives in cities, more than 3 billion people face housing problems, and urban areas account for over 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Turkmenistan delegation presented its approach to the development of urban infrastructure. Abdylla Geldiyev, Minister of Construction and Architecture, noted that creating a safe and comfortable urban environment is one of the country’s strategic priorities. The city of Arkadag – Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart city’, built from scratch – attracted particular attention from participants. The project combines digital technologies, intelligent transport systems, environmental standards and energy-efficient solutions. Following the forum, the participants adopted a Political Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced cities by 2036. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with the UN in the field of urban development.
An e-sports tournament was held in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan
18.07.2026Open friendly Counter-Strike 2 matches were held in Turkmenistan in the Karakum Desert. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the LevelUp cyber club and the country’s National Esports Federation (TMESF). A gaming area with carpets and an off-grid power supply was set up on the sand dunes for the tournament. The organisers noted that this format combines esports with outdoor recreation. The LevelUp club has previously held outdoor gaming events, including one at the Darwaza gas crater.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan visited the Shanghai Art Museum
18.07.2026Parahat Durdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China, visited the Shanghai Art Museum, where he discussed the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The museum’s management noted the contribution of the Turkmen diplomatic mission to the organisation of joint exhibitions, forums and projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage. The parties discussed new initiatives, including artist exchanges and the development of academic programmes. The Ambassador emphasised the importance of cultural and educational ties in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and China. As part of his visit, the diplomat also met with Turkmen students studying in Shanghai and urged them to help foster friendly relations between the two countries.
An evening in memory of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was held in Ashgabat
18.07.2026A commemorative event dedicated to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan; Abdolreza Abbasi, the Embassy’s Cultural Counsellor; teachers and students of Persian language courses; and representatives of the media. The Head of the diplomatic mission expressed his gratitude to the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for their efforts to develop bilateral cooperation. He also noted the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in the farewell ceremony in Tehran. Abdolreza Abbasi, Adviser on Cultural Affairs, spoke about the leader’s role in Iran’s state policy and public life, his spiritual legacy and his contribution to strengthening good-neighbourly ties between Iran and Turkmenistan. The event featured the reading of commemorative texts and poems, the screening of documentary footage, the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, and joint prayers.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the management of the ESSEC Business School
18.07.2026On 16 July 2026, a meeting took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Paris between M. Charyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, and Julien Malaurent, Executive Vice-President and Dean of Post-Experience Programs and Corporate Relations at the ESSEC Business School. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between ESSEC and educational institutions in Turkmenistan in the fields of higher education, science and staff training. Possible areas of cooperation include joint educational programmes, academic exchanges of students and lecturers, professional development for senior management, and the exchange of expertise in the management of educational institutions. Julien Malaurent outlined the activities of the ESSEC Business School and expressed interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. Ambassador M. Charyev emphasised the priority of international partnerships in the field of education and provided information on the activities of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, which opened in 2025. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in a long-term partnership and agreed to maintain contact on specific areas of cooperation.
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