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The EU emphasized Turkmenistan's role in the region's climate agenda
31.10.2026The European Union has highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the climate agenda of Central Asia. According to the "Turkmenistan: Golden Age" news agency, this was stated by Maciej Adam Madalinski, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, at a regional conference on methane emissions reduction held in Ashgabat on October 29–30. The diplomat noted Turkmenistan’s commitment to international efforts to reduce methane emissions and emphasized the importance of the country’s participation in addressing climate issues at the global level. Madalinski also highlighted the participation of the state concerns "Türkmengaz" and "Türkmennebit" in the UN-backed Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), a global initiative aimed at monitoring and reducing emissions in the fuel and energy sector. He also recalled the European delegation’s participation in the International Conference "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026" (OGT 2026) in Ashgabat. The EU representative reaffirmed the readiness of European countries to support Turkmenistan and other countries in the region in reducing methane emissions, introducing advanced technologies and developing clean energy. The regional conference, titled "From Methane Data to Action: Strengthening Methane Emissions Management, Mobilizing Capital and Advancing Regional Cooperation in Central Asia", is being held on October 29–30. It was organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as the Global Methane Hub (GMH).
The OSCE facilitated the exchange of experience between the ombudsmen of Turkmenistan and Moldova
30.10.2026An OSCE seminar bringing together representatives of the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan and the Office of the People's Advocate of the Republic of Moldova was held in Ashgabat on October 28–29, 2026. Participants exchanged experience and discussed practical approaches to human rights protection and the work of national human rights institutions, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The discussions focused on the powers and functions of ombudsmen, the consideration of individual complaints and cooperation with national and international organizations. People's Advocate of the Republic of Moldova Ceslav Panico presented the legal status and powers of his Office, including guarantees of independence and immunity. Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat William Leaf emphasized the role of independent national human rights institutions in ensuring respect for human rights, handling citizens' complaints and improving national protection mechanisms. A separate part of the seminar focused on children's rights. Moldova's People's Advocate for Children's Rights, Vasile Coroi, spoke about international and regional mechanisms for protecting children's rights, the powers of the Moldovan Ombudsman and the tools used in this work. Participants also discussed monitoring compliance with children's rights and raising public awareness. The sessions covered methods for investigating individual cases, establishing facts, interviewing victims and witnesses, as well as collecting, preserving and analyzing evidence. Another session focused on national and international mechanisms for protecting women's rights.
Turkmenistan and AECOM discussed the development of transport infrastructure
30.10.2026A meeting between representatives of the State Service of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan and a delegation from the US company AECOM Technical Services was held in Turkmenbashi on October 29. The sides discussed the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and prospects for cooperation, according to the IIC. During the talks, AECOM representatives presented the 2026–2028 Transport Corridor Trade (TCTR) Competitiveness Program for Central Asia. The initiative предусматривает attracting investment in the region’s transport, energy and digital sectors. The participants also discussed prospects for implementing projects based at the Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard, introducing the "Single Maritime Window" digital system, and attracting financing from international financial institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, to implement national shipbuilding programmes. Representatives of the State Service invited the AECOM delegation to take part in the International Transport Forum, scheduled for November 24–26, 2026. The US side expressed interest in participating in the event. As part of the visit, the delegates toured the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi and familiarized themselves with its operational and logistics capabilities.
Ashgabat marked the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey
30.10.2026The Embassy of Turkey in Turkmenistan held a reception in Ashgabat on October 29 to mark the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. The event featured a speech by Turkey’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Şener Cebeci, reports Turkmenportal. The event was attended by Batyr Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the Turkish community. In his speech, the Ambassador recalled that the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Over the past century, the country has strengthened its economic, industrial and technological potential. Turkey’s foreign policy, the diplomat noted, is based on the principle of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World". Speaking about bilateral relations, Cebeci emphasized the importance of shared historical, cultural and linguistic ties. Turkey was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence, on October 27, 1991. Today, cooperation covers politics, trade, investment, energy, transport, education and culture. Turkey remains one of Turkmenistan’s leading economic partners. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade turnover to 5 billion US dollars. Turkish companies have implemented more than 1,100 projects in Turkmenistan, with a total value of approximately 56 billion US dollars. In June, the ninth meeting of the Turkish-Turkmen Intergovernmental Economic Commission was held in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, the sides signed an action plan comprising 71 items. The diplomat also highlighted the development of energy and transport cooperation. The start of Turkmen natural gas supplies to Turkey in 2025 marked an important milestone in bilateral relations. The two sides are also exploring opportunities to expand supply routes to international markets and develop the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. Cebeci reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and recalled the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the International Forum for Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat in December 2025. The diplomat also noted Turkmenistan’s readiness to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya in November. In conclusion, the Ambassador spoke about humanitarian ties between the two countries. According to the figures cited, more than 215,000 Turkmen citizens reside in Turkey, while over 60,000 students from Turkmenistan are enrolled in Turkish universities. The diplomat also highlighted the work of the Turkish-Turkmen School in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan presented its tourism potential at an exhibition in Busan
30.10.2026Turkmenistan presented the country's tourism opportunities on October 27 at the Global City Tourism Roadshow exhibition in Busan (Republic of Korea). The event took place as part of the 2nd Global Summit on Urban Tourism, according to the online publication «Business Turkmenistan». The exhibition was held on Gunam-ro Street in the Haeundae district. The Turkmenistan stand featured exhibits and informational materials about the country's cultural heritage, national traditions and historical monuments. Visitors were also given a special presentation on Ashgabat's tourism potential. The exhibition attracted the attention of visitors and summit participants. The summit was held from October 26 to 28 at the Paradise Hotel Busan under the slogan «Local Tourism: The Interconnection of Urban Economies and Tourism Innovations». It was organized by the Busan Metropolitan Government, the Global Cities Tourism Promotion Organization and the Busan Tourism Organization. The event brought together delegations from 31 cities across 16 countries, representatives of international organizations, experts and companies in the tourism industry.
The renovated Turkmen Hall was unveiled at the Palace of Nations in Geneva
29.10.2026A presentation of the renovated Turkmen Hall at the Palais des Nations in Geneva took place as part of the Open Day of Building C and the United Nations Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP) project. This was reported by the International Information Centre of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, diplomats from the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations, and experts. Guests also visited other historic spaces in Building C, including the Council Chamber, the French, Russian and Czechoslovak Halls, the Conference Documentation Centre and the Palais des Nations art collection. The Turkmen Hall is part of the original architectural ensemble of the Palais des Nations, dating back to the 1930s. The renovation preserved its historical character and national decor, including handmade Turkmen carpets and authentic furniture. According to the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan, the hall continues to serve as a venue for international negotiations, high-level meetings and diplomatic mediation. It also provides a platform for strengthening Turkmenistan’s partnership with the United Nations.
Turkmenistan and Iraq discussed cooperation in the field of migration
29.10.2026On October 27, 2026, a working meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iraq in the field of migration, its priority areas and opportunities for further interaction. The participants noted the development of interstate relations and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation.
The Turkmen Puppet Theater received an award at a festival in Dushanbe
29.10.2026The Turkmen State Puppet Theatre received a Diploma and a Cup at the 8th International Puppet Theatre Festival “Chodari Khayol”, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from 21 to 26 October 2026. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. At the festival, Turkmen artists presented the play “Heňňamlaryň hekaýaty” (“The Tale of the Ages”), based on the book The Spiritual World of the Turkmen People by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag. The production explores the themes of peace, unity, friendship and humanism through folk legends and national traditions. Special attention in the performance is given to the Turkmen telpek, a traditional headdress. One of the scenes focuses on the careful use of water, modesty and loyalty in friendship. Puppet theatres from Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan also took part in the festival. The programme included workshops for exchanging experience, learning new puppet-making techniques and practical sessions for young performers.
«Turkmenistan» Airlines has increased the number of international flights
28.10.2026Turkmenistan Airlines has increased the frequency of flights on four international routes as part of its winter schedule, which has been in effect since October 25. This was reported by the Orient news agency. According to the schedule on the airline's website, the number of flights from Ashgabat to Seoul has increased from one to two per week, to Milan — from two to three, and to Kazan — from four to six. The number of weekly flights to Istanbul has increased from 12 to 13. The changes are aimed at expanding international air connectivity and meeting demand for air travel.
The Turkmen film «Composer» will be shown at the «Diamond Butterfly» film awards
28.10.2026The Turkmen film «Composer», produced by the Oguz Khan “Turkmenfilm” Association, has been included in the screening programme of the Open Eurasian Film Award, the Diamond Butterfl. The screenings will take place from 2 to 6 November 2026 in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Russian Cultural Foundation. The venue will be the R. Gumba Abkhaz State Philharmonic Hall, according to the Orient news agency. At the award ceremony held in Moscow in November 2025, the film won the Best Production Designer award. The prize went to Meylis Khudaiberenov. The screening programme also features the Russian melodrama Two in One Life, Not Counting the Dog, the Belarusian-Russian historical film The Black Castle, the South African drama Old Righteous Blues, and the Kyrgyz film Dance with Mom!.
An agreement on scientific research in the Caspian Sea is being discussed in Ashgabat
28.10.2026A meeting of authorized representatives of the Caspian littoral states is taking place at the Caspian Sea Institute in Ashgabat from October 27 to 28. Participants are discussing a draft agreement on cooperation in the field of marine scientific research in the Caspian Sea, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The document is being developed in accordance with an initiative put forward by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at the Fifth Caspian Summit in Aktau on 12 August 2018. The initiative provides for the creation of a legal framework for joint scientific research by the five Caspian littoral states. Previous rounds of negotiations focused on agreeing on common approaches to the draft. At the current meeting, the parties will continue working on its provisions.
The «Bereketli Garagum» Nature Reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
27.10.2026On September 20, 2023, the Bereketli Garagum State Nature Reserve was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the transnational property “Cold Winter Deserts of Turan.” The nomination was jointly prepared by Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by Arzuw.news, citing the "Neutral Turkmenistan" newspaper. The reserve was established on July 18, 2013, in the central Karakum Desert to protect sandy desert ecosystems. It is located in the northern part of Ahal Velayat and comprises two sections: the western Gamyşly site and the eastern Mürzeçyrla site. The reserve’s fauna includes more than 1,000 animal species, including 20 mammal species, 150 bird species, 15 reptile species and one amphibian species. Animals found in the reserve that are listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book include the golden eagle, Eurasian stone-curlew, goitered gazelle, honey badger, caracal, houbara bustard and Blanford’s jerboa. The reserve’s flora comprises approximately 300 plant species, including white and black saxaul, kandym, ferula, ephedra and Connolly’s sand acacia. The Sogdian tulip, snail kandym, drooping eremosparton and Turkmen alhagi are among the plants under state protection. More than 50 plant species found in the reserve are described in the book Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. Residents of the nearby villages of Gamyşly and Bovurdeşik preserve their traditional way of life while living alongside desert ecosystems.
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