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Ashgabat and Seoul discuss cooperation in the customs sphere
27.06.2026On June 25, a working meeting was held via videoconference between representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Korea Customs Service as part of preparations for the first “Republic of Korea – Central Asia” summit. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights protection at the border. The document is aimed at strengthening the legal framework for cooperation and improving the effectiveness of controls over the cross-border movement of goods, as well as protecting economic interests and consumer rights. The continuity of dialogue was noted, beginning with the 2018 meeting in Busan and continuing through specialized training events in 2019. The participants expressed their intention to finalize the text of the memorandum in the near future for its signing at the summit in Seoul, scheduled for September.
The Turkmenistan delegation completed training at a seminar in Italy
27.06.2026Lecturers from the S. A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University took part in a training seminar under the “Building a Resilient Institutional Dialogue (BRIDGE)” project, held from June 14 to 20 in Bologna, Italy, within the framework of cooperation in the “Italy – Central Asia” format. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was organized under the coordination of the European Union and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Before the start of the in-person program, participants completed a two-week online course on regional cooperation, environmental issues, and water resource management. At the Institute of Asia of the University of Bologna, representatives from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan presented projects in the fields of agriculture and water-saving technologies. Italian experts delivered lectures on precision farming, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. Practical sessions were also held on combating drought, implementing modern irrigation systems, and preparing international projects. As part of the seminar, participants visited the regional government of Emilia-Romagna, the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo irrigation canal, the ACQUA CAMPUS research center, the Codigoro pumping station, and the Salvi Vivai nursery, where they became acquainted with European agricultural standards, innovative hydraulic solutions, and water-saving technologies. At the end of the program, participants were awarded international certificates.
Turkmenistan participates in sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization
27.06.2026On June 25 in Brussels, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization, the 147th and 148th sessions of the WCO Council began. A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Chairman of the State Customs Service Maksat Khudaýkuliyev, is taking part. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The sessions will last until June 27 and bring together representatives of customs administrations from various countries to discuss strategic directions for the development of the global customs system. Turkmenistan’s participation highlights its course toward integration into the international customs system, modernization of border infrastructure, and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation within the WCO framework. As part of the visit, a meeting is also planned with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, where discussions will focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, the implementation of organizational standards, and the development of human resources.
Turkmenistan Joins the Regional Alliance of Investment Councils
27.06.2026Following a panel session at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Turkmenistan has become a member of the Regional Alliance of Investment Councils (RAIC), which brings together eight countries from Central Asia and the South Caucasus. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The newly established alliance includes Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the South Caucasus countries. The primary objective of the RAIC is to coordinate investment policies and promote the development of cross-border projects. According to Aziz Gafurov, Head of the Secretariat of the Council of Foreign Investors under the President of Uzbekistan, the investment agenda in Central Asia is becoming increasingly regional and interstate in nature. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The alliance's secretariat is expected to be based in Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan Participates in IAC Air Navigation Meeting
27.06.2026Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 27th meeting of the Air Navigation Coordination Commission, held in a hybrid format at the premises of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). This was reported by the IIC. The meeting brought together representatives of the civil aviation authorities of the CIS member states, as well as experts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The discussions focused on the implementation of the Concept for the Harmonization of National Air Traffic Management Systems, approved by the CIS Council of Heads of Government, and on the project to establish the Eurasiacontrol Unified Air Navigation Coordination Center. Participants supported strengthening cross-border coordination, noting that the initiative could improve the efficiency of air traffic management and simplify flight planning. Following the meeting, the participants agreed to finalize and coordinate the relevant documents at the national level and to establish a working group to prepare a roadmap for the project. Uzbekistan's representative, Akmal Djumayev, was elected Chairman of the Commission for a three-year term. The next meeting is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Ashgabat to Host CIS Economic Council Meeting
27.06.2026The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council will be held in Ashgabat on September 11, according to Turkmenportal. The decision was announced following the 110th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, which took place in Moscow on June 26 under the chairmanship of Khojamurad Geldymuradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the heads of delegations from the CIS member states discussed various aspects of economic cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The CIS Economic Council is the Commonwealth's principal executive body responsible for implementing agreements and decisions adopted by the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government in the areas of establishing and operating the free trade area, as well as promoting socio-economic cooperation. The Council is composed of deputy heads of government from the CIS member states.
Turkmenistan Represented at the Launch Ceremony of the Interregional Platform in Brussels
27.06.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in a high-level event in Brussels, where the Connectivity Agenda Platform was officially launched. The news was reported by Orient News Agency. The new interregional mechanism is designed to enhance transport, energy, trade, and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region, creating a broader transcontinental framework for cooperation. The discussion brought together representatives of the European Commission, ministers, diplomats, and heads of international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the World Bank. The participants focused on modernizing the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, digitalizing customs procedures, and attracting investment for logistics projects. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of "soft" connectivity, including the reduction of regulatory barriers and the promotion of digital integration. At the conclusion of the meeting, a package of agreements was signed to finance feasibility studies and digital solutions, effectively establishing the platform as not only a political initiative but also a practical investment mechanism. For Turkmenistan, this creates additional opportunities to strengthen its role as a key transport hub linking Europe and Asia.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Takes Part in Discussion on the Security of European Ports
26.06.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in a high-level expert session held as part of the diplomatic format "Ambassador Series: An Inside View," organized by the renowned European publication The Brussels Times in Brussels. This was reported by the Orient News Agency. The participants discussed the protection of critical port infrastructure, the development of transport corridors, and the resilience of international supply chains. The participation of the Turkmen side underscored Ashgabat’s interest in strengthening cooperation between Europe and Central Asia, as well as in developing the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The discussion continued a series of events dedicated to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and European logistics hubs.
Delegation of Oguz Khan University participates in “CDIO 2026”
26.06.2026Representatives of the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan are taking part in the 22nd International Conference “CDIO 2026”, held from 22 to 25 June at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. This is reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The delegation includes senior lecturer of the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems, Islam Orazov, and the director of the Oguz Khan Scientific and Technological Center, Akhal Akgaev. This year, the forum brought together 157 representatives from 71 universities across 27 countries. Participants are discussing modern approaches to engineering education, scientific research, specialist training, and the implementation of innovative educational technologies. The main theme of the conference is the improvement of students’ professional development through new methods of knowledge assessment and feedback systems. The agenda also includes issues related to the digitalization of education, the development of project-based learning, and improving the quality of engineering training. Representatives of the Turkmen university are presenting reports on the institution’s scientific research, cyber-physical systems, and modern technologies, and are also participating in working sessions of the international CDIO network. It is noted that participation in the conference contributes to the development of international academic cooperation and the improvement of educational programs in line with global standards. The Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan became the first university in Central Asia to join the CDIO initiative as a full member in 2023.
Turkmenistan delegation discusses migration issues at meeting in North Macedonia
26.06.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Migration Service, took part in the latest meeting of senior officials of the Prague Process, held on June 23–24 in Skopje (Republic of North Macedonia). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event marked an important stage in preparations for the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Prague Process, scheduled for 2027 in Vilnius as part of the implementation of the relevant roadmap. During the meeting, participants discussed the draft action plan for 2028–2032. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of key migration trends, as well as on studying relevant international experience in the context of contemporary challenges.
Turkmenistan is represented at the youth camp “Bridge to the Future” in China
26.06.2026The Turkmen delegation is taking part in the youth camp “Bridge to the Future,” which is being held in Xi’an, China, and brings together representatives from Central Asian countries and China. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the opening ceremony, the head of the Central Council of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly, Yazpolat Keriev, delivered a speech, noting the historical significance of Xi’an as the starting point of the Great Silk Road and as a sister city of Mary. He also emphasized the development of Turkmen-Chinese youth cooperation, recalling the delegation’s participation in the World Youth Conference for Peace in Beijing and the Central Asia–China Youth Forum in Mary in 2023. It was also highlighted that the Magtymguly Youth Organization joined the UNESCO Global Youth Community. The camp aims to promote dialogue, cultural exchange, and professional cooperation among young participants from the region and China.
Turkmenistan outlines priorities at the “Central Asia – Korea” forum in Dushanbe
26.06.2026A delegation of experts from the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan took part in the 3rd Forum of Think Tanks of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, held in Dushanbe ahead of the upcoming “Central Asia – Korea” summit in Seoul. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event brought together leading research institutes from the countries of the region and South Korea and served as a platform for discussing the future interstate agenda. The first session was dedicated to changes in global geopolitics and the development of multilateral cooperation, while the second focused on economic partnership issues. In their presentations, Turkmen experts highlighted South Korea’s investment role in Central Asia, the region’s resource potential, the importance of transport corridors, and the prospects for cooperation in the energy and technology sectors. Following the forum, participants are preparing joint recommendations to be submitted to the governments of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea for further consideration ahead of the summit in Seoul.
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