Society
Turkmen television strengthens cultural exchange with Japan
27.01.2026A meeting on the development of humanitarian and media cooperation with Japan was held at the International Information Centre (IIC) of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, discussed prospects for cooperation with Nobuhiro Sudo, Second Secretary of the Culture and Information Department. The main focus was on expanding cooperation in the media sphere and cultural exchange, including interaction with the Nippon Foundation, which provides free rights to show animated and educational programmes. Turkmen specialists adapt Japanese content by translating and dubbing it. Japanese films and programmes are already being broadcast on national television channels: the ‘Yaşlyk’ channel broadcasts animation, while ‘Miras’ broadcasts programmes on Japanese culture and traditions. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint projects in film and television.
Ashgabat hosted a formal reception in honour of Republic Day in India
27.01.2026A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark India's national holiday, Republic Day. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, and Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The participants of the event emphasised the high level of Turkmen-Indian relations and expressed interest in their further development. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as the strengthening of trade and economic partnership. The Indian Ambassador confirmed his readiness to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, energy, chemical industry, healthcare and digital technologies, expressing confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, conveyed congratulations to the Indian side on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He emphasised that high-level contacts remain a key factor in the development of relations, noting the significance of mutual visits in 2010, 2015 and 2022. The reception concluded with a cultural programme featuring national music, Indian dances and performances by representatives of the Yoga Centre in the capital.
Service building for customs service put into operation in Balkan velayat
27.01.2026A new residential building for servicemen of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has been put into operation in the Etrek etrap of the Balkan velayat. The facility was opened as part of the events dedicated to Defenders of the Fatherland Day, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The four-storey building has 24 flats. The accommodation includes two- and three-room flats with modern finishes and a full range of utilities. The building has centralised water, gas and energy supply systems, as well as sewerage. The surrounding area has been landscaped and equipped with children's playgrounds and recreation areas. The design took into account the conditions for children's education and development, including opportunities for learning foreign languages and computer skills. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of local authorities, military personnel and residents of the etrap. During the event, commemorative gifts were presented to the builders who participated in the construction of the facility. The celebration was accompanied by a cultural programme.
The capital of Turkmenistan has commissioned new housing for Ministry of Internal Affairs employees
27.01.2026A new phase of the modern cottage complex named after Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, built for the families of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been commissioned in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The housing stock includes 56 five-room apartments designed for large families. All rooms are fully equipped with modern furniture and household appliances, allowing new residents to move in immediately without additional costs or organisational difficulties. Elements of traditional Turkmen culture were presented as part of the ceremony. In the courtyards of the complex, women prepared national dishes — chelpeks and pishmes — and baked bread in tamdyrs. The festive atmosphere was complemented by performances by children's dance groups and musical numbers accompanied by the dutar and tar. During the symbolic ribbon cutting, balloons were released into the sky. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the new residents were presented with commemorative gifts. The event concluded with a cultural programme at the yurts, featuring an exhibition of folk crafts, including carpets and jewellery. The final chord was the dance ‘Kushtdepdi’ performed by the folk ensemble ‘Miras’.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ exhibitions in Paris
26.01.2026A group of Turkmen women entrepreneurs presented national products at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ international exhibitions in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. The visit was organised by the International Trade Centre with the support of the EU as part of a project to increase the sustainability of trade in Turkmenistan, which gave brands the chance to promote themselves at leading creative industry venues. The delegation included representatives from the ‘Binaym’, ‘Shekil Studio/Ensi’, ‘AYM’ sewing workshops and studios and the ‘Unique Camel Wool’ brand. The participants showed their collections and studied international export standards, including packaging and certification, and held negotiations with potential partners and experts to assess their competitiveness in the European market. The brand founders noted that participating in exhibitions provided valuable experience in marketing and product presentation, allowing them to better adapt their products to global standards. The project continues to support small and medium-sized businesses in Turkmenistan, opening up new opportunities for entering the global market.
Winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition were awarded in Ashgabat
26.01.2026On 23 January, a round table discussion and award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition, organised by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, the newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the online newspaper ‘Ussatnews’. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The competition, which started in May 2025, was dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and ‘green’ projects in Turkmenistan. Participants sent dozens of articles from different regions of the country, discussing the rational use of resources, the introduction of modern technologies and sustainable development, based on the ideas of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on scientific and technical reforms and progress. The authors who took first place received certificates for an introductory trip to Europe as part of the EU project on the ‘green’ development of Turkmenistan; the winners of second and third places received commemorative gifts. Dr. Karolina Milov (GIZ) noted the active participation of young people and specialists and emphasised the importance of the competition for the exchange of experience and support for the country's environmental strategy.
Ashgabat discusses updating reproductive health measures
25.01.2026From 21 to 23 January, a national seminar on crisis preparedness was held in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Office. The topic was the updating of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) on reproductive health, according to AsmanNews. The seminar was a practical step in the implementation of the UNFPA Country Programme for 2026-2030. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, defence and law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Red Crescent Society participated in the seminar, which was led by UNFPA international expert Heather Lorenzen. Participants assessed national capacity and finalised the MISP plan. It includes coordination and financing mechanisms. The discussion focused on public access to medical care and the protection of women's and young people's rights in crisis situations. Following the meeting, a unified strategy for the application of the MISP was formed. The national action plan defines the roles of all parties and provides for monitoring and rapid response systems.
Turkmenistan and the EU strengthen cooperation on climate issues
24.01.2026On 22 January, the third meeting of the Coordination Committee of the project ‘EU for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2028’ was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmanenws. The event was attended by representatives of the country's government agencies, the European Union, the German Embassy and international partners. The project is being implemented as part of the ‘Green Central Asia II’ programme, co-financed by the EU and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Germany, and aims to develop political dialogue, strengthen climate policy and introduce advanced environmental practices. It includes two pilot projects on climate change adaptation and environmental impact reduction. The meeting participants summarised the work done in 2025 and approved the plan and budget for 2026, paying particular attention to projects in the field of solar energy, drainage water treatment and methane emission reduction. Following the meeting, the EU announced an additional €2 million in funding for the expansion of the project, noting its effective start and high level of cooperation with Turkmenistan.
The American delegation visited Ancient Nisa and the Turkmen State Circus
24.01.2026US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, who are visiting Turkmenistan, took part in a cultural programme at the end of the official part of their visit. This was reported by IIC. The guests visited the Turkmen State Circus. They were entertained by the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group, six-time world champions and winners of the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. In addition, the American representatives visited Ancient Nisa, located 18 kilometres from Ashgabat. The monument is part of the Nisa State Historical and Cultural Reserve and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The excursion covered both settlements — New and Old Nisa, dating from the 1st millennium BC to the 1st millennium AD.
A seminar on biosafety issues was held in Ashgabat
23.01.2026From 20 to 22 January, a seminar on the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention, organised with the support of the OSCE, was held in Ashgabat. The event was aimed at strengthening national capacity and developing inter-agency cooperation, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The seminar was attended by representatives of law enforcement and border control agencies, the health care system and the academic community. Participants underwent practical training in preparing annual reports on confidence-building measures and discussed opportunities for international cooperation in the field of biosafety. The seminar was held in partnership with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit, with the participation of OSCE structures and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and was implemented as part of an extrabudgetary project of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat with financial support from the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Ashgabat marks the establishment of World Turkic Language Family Day
23.01.2026A ceremony dedicated to the proclamation of World Turkic Language Family Day, which UNESCO has designated as 15 December, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event took place at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. The initiative to establish the date came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The decision was taken at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkey, as well as the media and residents of the capital. Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, noted the importance of joint efforts to preserve linguistic heritage and cultural memory. He emphasised Turkmenistan's contribution to the development and support of the Turkic world. As part of the ceremony, guests were shown video materials about the history and culture of the Turkic world.
Turkmenistan's contribution to regional stability was recognised at the SPECA forum in Ashgabat
23.01.2026Secretary General of the ‘Central Asia-China’ format Sun Weidong noted Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening regional dialogue and promoting peace initiatives. He made this statement at the SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, geopolitical conflicts and rising protectionism are destabilising global supply chains. In these conditions, the Diplomat stressed, readiness for open dialogue is particularly important. He noted the active role of Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state. Sun Weidong also highly praised Ashgabat's work as chair of SPECA and the country's contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He separately emphasised the strategic position of Central Asia, connecting East and West, and the importance of stability in the region for the entire Eurasian space. The Secretary-General noted the importance of systemic interconnectivity among the landlocked countries of the region. According to him, diversified logistics can transform Central Asia from a ‘geographical hub’ into a ‘development hub.’ He identified three key areas of cooperation: energy, transport and digitalisation of trade, describing them as the ‘iron triangle’ of regional interconnectedness.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
