Society
Turkmen freight locomotives repaired in China
31.01.2026The ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan has signed a contract with the Chinese locomotive manufacturer ‘CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.’ for the overhaul of freight locomotives, according to TerraNews. Under the agreement, 20 freight locomotives were overhauled at the factory in China. After delivery to Turkmenistan, the equipment was put into operation and is being used for transit, export and import transportation. The locomotives are equipped with modern equipment, which has improved their traction characteristics and operational capabilities, enabling the transport of large volumes of cargo over long distances.
A project for the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ motorway has been presented in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The ‘Ojar Aziya’ holding company is proposing to implement an investment infrastructure project to build the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ expressway, approximately 450 km long, with access roads approximately 35 km long. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The route will pass through the Ahal and Mary velayats and will become a link between the ‘North-South’, ‘Lapis Lazuli’ and ‘East-West’ international corridors, strengthening Turkmenistan's transit and logistics potential. The project is expected to be implemented without budgetary funds, on a commercial basis with paid operation. The motorway is expected to ensure the growth of transit flows, the development of logistics and service infrastructure, the creation of jobs and the expansion of international trade relations.
Ashgabat to host IFT 2026 international investment forum
30.01.2026On 18 March 2026, Ashgabat will host the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (IFT 2026). The organisers are the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in partnership with TMT Consulting Group, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the official calendar, the forum will open a series of international business events in the country. It will also feature a multidisciplinary exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The organisers say that IFT 2026 will be a platform for dialogue between business representatives, investors and financial institutions. Participants will discuss prospects for cooperation and investment projects. The agenda for IFT 2026 includes issues related to industry, logistics, transport, agribusiness, digital technologies and attracting foreign direct investment. A separate section will be devoted to presentations of investment projects by national companies. Delegations from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America are expected to attend. The forum will take the form of plenary sessions, expert panels and business negotiations.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the PRC hosted a presentation of a book on neutrality
30.01.2026On 28 January, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People's Republic of China hosted a presentation of the book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’. The event was timed to coincide with the announcement of 2026 as the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by embassy staff, the Secretary General of the Horse Breeding Association of the People's Republic of China, representatives of the Turkmen-Chinese Cultural Centre, journalists from Psearcher and Lookwe, teachers from Beijing universities and Turkmen students. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the PRC, Parahat Durdyev, delivered the opening remarks. He spoke about the theme of 2026 and presented the main provisions of the book by the Head of State. The participants noted the scientific, political and practical significance of the publication, which examines the historical foundations of Turkmenistan's neutrality and its role in international law and world politics. In conclusion, Wei Huakai, a specialist at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Inner Mongolia University, received a certificate of membership in the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs.
Approximately 200,000 citizens of Turkmenistan visited Turkey in 2025
30.01.2026In 2025, approximately 200,000 citizens of Turkmenistan visited Turkey. This was announced on 28 January at a press conference in Ashgabat by Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Asmannews. According to information from the Turkish embassy, approximately 120,000 visas were issued to Turkmen citizens during this period. The Diplomat noted the importance of cultural cooperation in the development of bilateral relations. According to A. Demirok, there is still a high level of interest in Turkish culture in Turkmenistan, which contributes to the strengthening of humanitarian ties between the two countries. In addition, there are plans to open a Turkish cultural centre named after Yunus Emre in Ashgabat in 2026. Similar centres are already operating in many countries around the world.
A new UNICEF country programme has been launched in Turkmenistan
30.01.2026UNICEF, in collaboration with the government of Turkmenistan, has officially launched a Country Programme for 2026–2030 aimed at ensuring the health, education, protection and well-being of every child. This was reported by the IIC. The programme was presented with the participation of representatives of state bodies, civil society, international partners and children. The new programme is based on national development priorities, the National Action Plan for Realisation of Children's Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Its key areas are health and nutrition for mothers and children, inclusive and quality education, protection of children from violence, development of data-driven social policy, and improving climate resilience and risk preparedness. The event also summarised the results of the 2021–2025 Programme. The results include high levels of child immunisation (over 95%), improved nutrition through flour fortification, expanded early development services, support for families and children with disabilities, the development of alternative forms of care, and the implementation of climate initiatives, including the ‘Green School’ project. The 2026-2030 Programme will be implemented under the leadership of the government of Turkmenistan with a focus on reducing inequality, scaling up effective solutions and strengthening national systems with the support of UNICEF and partners.
The city of Arkadag celebrated the international recognition of the ‘Galkynysh’ group
29.01.2026The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan has been awarded international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association. The awards were presented at the 48th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In Turkmenistan, a solemn event was held in the city of Arkadag to mark the occasion. Riders from the ‘Galkynysh’ group took part in a procession along Geokdepe and Akhan avenues on Ahal-Teke horses and in a phaeton. The column proceeded to the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly. At the ‘Taýçanak’ monument, the participants continued their route along Ahal-Teke Atlary, Akhan and Aba Annayev avenues. The procession was accompanied by musical performances. Along the way, it was greeted by residents and students with flags. An exhibition was organised in the circus foyer. The exhibition featured works of applied art, photographs, elements of horse harness, as well as prizes and awards from the ‘Galkynysh’ group. The official part took place in the auditorium. International certificates were placed on the stage. The participants of the event gave their congratulations. Urs Pilz, Artistic Director and Vice-President of the International Circus Festival, addressed the audience via video link. He noted the contribution of the ‘Galkynysh’ group and thanked them for participating in the festival in Monte Carlo. The programme concluded with a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group in the circus arena. At the end of the event, an appeal was made to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan and Canada launch joint projects in the field of journalism
29.01.2026A meeting was held at the International Information Centre (IIC) of Turkmenistan between Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, and Christopher Duggan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Turkmenistan (residing in Astana). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the launch of joint projects in the field of media development, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in journalism, academic exchanges and capacity building for the media in Central Asia. A key area of focus will be cooperation between the ‘HEC Montréal’ business school and Turkmen universities — Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan — which will include educational events and visits by Canadian teachers. Special attention was paid to environmental journalism and the training of young professionals with the participation of the United Nations University for Water Resources, as well as the launch of subregional media initiatives in collaboration with TVTM. The central event will be Media Week in Ashgabat, dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and podcasting. The agreements reached continue the cooperation that began during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Canada in August 2025 and are aimed at expanding access for Turkmen specialists to advanced international practices.
Ashgabat prepares to host CIS Railway Transport Council meeting
28.01.2026Ashgabat is preparing to host the 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported on the website of the ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan. The agenda of the meeting includes issues related to the implementation of decisions made at previous meetings, indicators and efficiency of international freight and passenger transport, as well as the formation of schedules for passenger, freight and container trains. Participants will also discuss pricing policy and the procedure for mutual settlements between railway administrations. Earlier, Deputy Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan S. Nurberdiyev said at the SPECA economic forum in Ashgabat that the country is working to develop the region as a transport hub and invites partners to participate in logistics projects.
Turkmenistan expands use of biological plant protection methods
28.01.2026In Turkmenistan, 370 biological farms have begun work on breeding entomophagous insects to protect agricultural crops from pests. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Since mid-winter, biofactories, enterprises and laboratories, both state-owned and privately owned, have begun breeding beneficial insects. The main types of entomophages are lacewings and habrobracon. They are used to protect cotton at various stages of its development. Biological methods are used in conjunction with agrotechnical measures. The main pests remain spider mites, cotton bollworms, tobacco thrips and aphids, which affect plants at all stages of growth. To reduce the number of pests, plant residues are removed after harvesting and deep ploughing is carried out. During the growing season, along with insecticides and fungicides, organo-mineral fertilisers are used to increase the resistance of plants to diseases. All plant protection products are registered with the State Commission and tested for effectiveness, taking into account the soil and climatic conditions of Turkmenistan.
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.
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