Society
Turkmenistan paid tribute to the father of the Emir of Qatar
17.07.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ashgabat to offer his condolences on the death of the father of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the diplomatic mission, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by the Qatari Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Nasser Ahmed Mohammed Al-Taher. A book of condolences was opened at the Qatari Embassy. Nokerguly Atagulyev, representatives of the Turkmen authorities, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan all left messages in the book. Representatives of the Arab community living in the country also paid their respects.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Connect for Peace 2026’ media festival in Almaty
17.07.2026Representatives of the media and the media community in Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘Connect for Peace Festival 2026’, dedicated to the development of media literacy, which took place in Almaty. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event brought together more than 100 journalists, media experts and representatives of civil society organisations from Central Asian countries. The festival marked the conclusion of the two-year regional project ‘CARAVAN’, implemented by ‘Internews’ with the support of the European Union. As part of the project, around 1,500 pieces of content were produced, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the information environment to disinformation. The programme included panel discussions, expert sessions and practical workshops on media literacy, digital security, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, combating disinformation and the financial sustainability of the media. Participants also discussed effective business models for independent newsrooms and exchanged experiences on implementing successful media projects. The organisers screened documentaries on the culture, environment and history of Central Asia, and a tour of the Almaty State Art Museum was arranged for the guests. The Turkmen delegation’s participation marked a continuation of cooperation under the ‘CARAVAN’ project. Earlier, in May, training sessions on media literacy, digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence were held in Ashgabat with EU support for students, lecturers, representatives of relevant government departments and the media.
The first ‘Tourism Malaysia’ seminar took place in Ashgabat
17.07.2026The first specialised ‘Tourism Malaysia’ seminar for representatives of Turkmenistan’s tourism industry took place in Ashgabat. The event, supported by the Malaysian Embassy and the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was dedicated to developing cooperation and promoting the ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ (VM2026) campaign, reports AsmanNews. The seminar was attended by representatives of government bodies, airlines, travel agencies and the media. The meeting followed on from agreements reached during the recent visit to Turkmenistan by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. According to ‘Tourism Malaysia’, 10,751 tourists from Turkmenistan visited Malaysia in 2025 — 42.5 per cent more than the previous year. Participants were introduced to the country’s tourism opportunities and resort offerings, and the prospects for joint projects were discussed. ‘Tourism Malaysia’ intends to continue its marketing and information campaigns to promote Malaysia within the Turkmenistan tourism market.
The Pakistani Ambassador spoke about her experiences of working in Turkmenistan
17.07.2026Dr Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, spoke in an interview with Diplo TV about her diplomatic career, her work in Ashgabat and her impressions of Turkmenistan, according to the online news site AsmanNews. Faryal Leghari took up her post on 13 June 2025. Shortly after arriving in Ashgabat, she helped organise the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran following the outbreak of military conflict. Before entering the diplomatic service, the Ambassador graduated from the University of Oxford, where she obtained a PhD in political geography. She has also worked for leading media organisations in the region, held senior editorial positions and conducted research in the fields of security and international relations. According to the diplomat, her actual impressions of Turkmenistan proved to be better than her previous expectations of the country. The Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s stability, its policy of permanent neutrality and its hospitality. Faryal Leghari also emphasised women’s active participation in public and political life, access to education and the focus on the development of culture, the arts and the preservation of national heritage. The Ambassador made a special mention of the shared love of horse riding. Joint initiatives in the field of equestrian sports are currently being considered, including possible visits by Pakistani female athletes.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in discussions with the EU on the development of the Trans-Caspian route
16.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in a meeting between the ambassadors of Central Asian countries and the leadership of EU institutions, dedicated to the implementation of the agreements reached at the joint summit. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the event, which took place in Brussels, participants discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian route, the promotion of the European ‘Global Gateway’ initiative, attracting investment, security issues and the schedule for upcoming meetings. During the discussion, Sapar Palvanov emphasised the importance of systematic dialogue in achieving concrete results, whilst EU representatives commended Ashgabat’s proactive approach and reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen the bilateral partnership.
A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark France’s National Day
16.07.2026A formal reception was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat to mark France’s national holiday, Bastille Day. The event was attended by Nazar Agahanov, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of European and other foreign diplomatic missions, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In his welcoming address, Philippe Merlin, the French Ambassador to Turkmenistan, referred to the recent G7 summit in Evian and elaborated on key aspects of the bilateral partnership. The diplomat emphasised that the visit to Paris in 2025 by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, had given a powerful boost to economic ties. The diplomat thanked leading French companies operating successfully in the Turkmen market in the fields of construction, space, energy and agriculture. Particular attention was paid in the speech to humanitarian cooperation. The Ambassador noted that, due to the support of the country’s Ministry of Education, around 20,000 Turkmen citizens are studying French. Furthermore, the two sides are successfully continuing joint archaeological excavations at the Ulug-Depe site, speleological research in Koytendag and cultural projects organised by the French Institute. To conclude his speech, Philippe Merlin quoted Charles de Gaulle and called for the further active development of bilateral relations.
Ashgabat marked the 10th anniversary of Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day
16.07.2026A ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of Democracy and National Unity Day was held at the Cultural Centre attached to the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Addressing those gathered, Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Demirok recalled the events of 15 July 2016, when the solidarity of the Turkish people helped to prevent a coup d’état. The diplomat expressed his deep gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their long-standing friendship and fraternal support, and paid tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives, in honour of whom the mufti recited memorial prayers. To conclude the commemorative event, guests were able to view a themed photo exhibition.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the general debate organised under the auspices of ECOSOC
16.07.2026On 15 July, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the general debate of the high-level segment organised under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the UN headquarters in New York. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. This key event took place as part of the Political Forum on Sustainable Development and was dedicated to accelerating urgent action to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Speaking during the debate, the Head of the Turkmen delegation, Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, emphasised that cooperation with the UN remains a priority of the country’s foreign policy, and that ensuring peace and security is a key prerequisite for sustainable development. At the national level, Turkmenistan has already integrated 85 per cent of the SDG targets into its state programmes, having adopted 131 targets and 175 indicators. During their address, the delegates paid particular attention to the environmental agenda, the rational use of water resources and the fight against desertification. Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in Central Asia and is actively developing a ‘green’ economy by introducing clean technologies and fulfilling its commitments to reduce methane emissions. The city of Arkadag – the region’s first ‘smart’ city – was presented as a successful example of environmental and technological progress. Furthermore, the forum highlighted Turkmenistan’s leading role in developing international transport connectivity through major East–West and North–South projects, including the Trans-Caspian route, which is of vital importance to landlocked countries. Alongside its participation in the debates, the Turkmen delegation is studying best international practices in the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews, which will be utilised to ensure the successful submission of Turkmenistan’s third national review in 2027.
‘Tourism Malaysia’: tourist numbers from Turkmenistan continue to rise
15.07.2026The first ‘Tourism Malaysia’ seminar for representatives of Turkmenistan’s tourism sector took place in Ashgabat, with the support of the Malaysian Embassy and the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of ‘Tourism Malaysia’, noted that the event marked the start of long-term cooperation between the two countries. According to him, 10,750 tourists from Turkmenistan visited Malaysia in 2025 — 42.5 per cent more than the previous year. He said that the growth in tourist numbers was facilitated by direct flights between Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur. During the seminar, Malaysia’s tourism opportunities were presented, including beach, eco and cultural tourism, and the prospects for joint projects were discussed. ‘Tourism Malaysia’ forecasts a further 20 per cent increase in the number of tourists from Turkmenistan by 2026. The most popular destinations remain Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and the island of Langkawi.
Turkmenistan is expanding its international humanitarian ties
15.07.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, held a meeting with Brian San, Secretary-General of the Institute of Philanthropy, on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum 2026 in New York. The talks took place as part of a thematic session dedicated to fostering inclusive prosperity through partnerships between charitable organisations and multilateral bodies, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for humanitarian cooperation within the UN framework. Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between the Hong Kong-based Institute of Philanthropy and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in implementing joint social projects and exchanging expertise in the field of child welfare.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of libraries from Turkic-speaking countries
15.07.2026A methodological meeting of library directors from Turkic states was held at the National Library of Azerbaijan in Baku, to mark the 100th anniversary of the First All-Union Turkological Congress. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Enejan Geldiyeva, Director of the Ashgabat Centralised Library System of the Ministry of Culture, and Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, Deputy Director of the State Library of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the development of digital collaboration between libraries and the exchange of information on cultural events, and presented a bibliographic publication to mark the congress’s anniversary. Guided tours of Baku’s historical landmarks and the Carpet Museum were also organised for the guests.
A UNDP project to reduce the risk of disasters has been launched in Turkmenistan
14.07.2026A UNDP project to reduce the risk of natural disasters, implemented with financial support from Japan, has been launched in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Japan has allocated approximately US$4.9 million for the project. The initiative aims to develop early warning systems, improve emergency preparedness and strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia. The project was launched during a visit by the UNDP regional team from Istanbul. During the mission, consultations were also held with national partners on the implementation of the project and the further development of Turkmenistan’s capacity in the field of disaster risk management.
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