Society
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of migration
20.02.2026On 19 February, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a working meeting with Andrei Iovu, an expert from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed projects and initiatives implemented by Turkmenistan in cooperation with the OSCE, as well as prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. During the talks, the interlocutors exchanged views on the potential for cooperation in the field of migration, identifying key and priority areas for further joint work. Following the meeting, both sides expressed their mutual conviction in continuing constructive and sustainable cooperation, the source notes.
Ashgabat became a platform for high-level dialogue on medical diplomacy
20.02.2026A three-day forum on diplomacy in global health has concluded in the capital of Turkmenistan as part of the WHO's ‘AHEAD’ initiative. The event brought together leaders of international organisations, diplomats and experts from the CIS countries and Turkey and was the first significant event under the auspices of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, which has been declared the Year of Health Protection. This was reported by IIC. The forum's programme covered issues of governance in humanitarian crises, climate security and the fight against non-communicable diseases. Particular attention was paid to the development of negotiation skills and strategic communications. The interactive format allowed specialists from different generations to jointly develop approaches to strengthening the links between health care and foreign policy. The leadership of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations highly appreciated Turkmenistan's strategic role in promoting preventive diplomacy. It was noted that Ashgabat's policy of positive neutrality creates a reliable basis for regional cooperation. The country's concept views health security as a key element of global stability, where sustainable health systems and pandemic preparedness play a crucial role. The ‘AHEAD’ initiative has shown that medical diplomacy is an effective tool for building trust between states. Forum participants who received official certificates emphasised the importance of the Ashgabat platform for forming new international partnerships. The successful dialogue confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and international solidarity in ensuring a secure future.
Turkmenistan celebrates motto of the year and Diplomacy Day in Romania
19.02.2026On 17 February 2026, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania hosted an event dedicated to the motto of the year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ and Turkmenistan's Diplomatic Workers' Day. Turkmen students and citizens of Turkmenistan living in Romania took part in the event, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, it was noted that the motto for 2026 reflects the continuity of the country's historical development, respect for national heritage and commitment to peaceful and sustainable development. Special attention was paid to the Turkmen horse as a symbol of statehood, traditions and spiritual values. The meeting also discussed Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality, constructive international cooperation and confidence-building at the regional and global levels. The role of Turkmen diplomacy in promoting initiatives aimed at peace, stability and sustainable development was emphasised. The event provided an opportunity to learn about the priorities of the country's foreign policy in the context of the symbolism of 2026 and the professional holiday of diplomatic workers.
Japanese companies discussed the development of tourism and business ties with Turkmenistan
18.02.2026On 17 February, a meeting was held at the ‘Arkaç’ business centre between representatives of leading Japanese corporations — ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Itochu’, ‘Toyota’ and ‘Kawasaki’ — and Turkmen companies and public organisations, with the support of the ‘Iş Nokady’ company. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting was also attended by Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of business ties and the tourism potential of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador noted the high interest of Japanese visitors in the Turkmenistan pavilion at ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, which ranked third in terms of attendance, and called on travel companies to more actively promote the country in the Japanese market, highlighting its natural and historical and cultural attractions, including Darvaza, Yangy-Gala and Koytendag.
Training on export standards for garment products completed in Ashgabat
16.02.2026The second stage of the technological audit and training for specialists in the garment industry, dedicated to the key condition for entering the export market — high-quality fitting of garments and modern pattern design — has been completed in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. From 9 to 13 February, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses took part in practical training organised by the International Trade Centre with the support of the EU. The training focused on complex geometry and pattern correction for women's shoulder garments, without which it is impossible to compete in the EU and CIS markets. Experts emphasised that it is the accuracy of the fit that builds trust in the brand and reduces returns. As part of the programme, participants practised defect diagnosis, the principles of pattern scaling for industrial production and approaches to commercial design. The transition from individual tailoring to systematic design in accordance with international standards is seen as a key step towards creating competitive collections labelled ‘Made in Turkmenistan’.
Virtual museums of Turkmenistan provide access to cultural heritage
16.02.2026Turkmenistan is actively developing its museum sector and preserving its historical and cultural heritage. The country has registered more than 1,400 objects of national importance, which form the basis of museum collections and are used for science, education and enlightenment. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the digitalisation process, museum websites have been created and virtual 3D tours of the exhibitions have been introduced. The virtual portal www.virtualmuseum.gov.tm offers 360-degree panoramas, information about exhibits, museum history, as well as details about exhibitions and scientific publications. Key monuments include Gonur Depe, Garadepe, Namazga Depe, Altyn Depe, Jeytun, Anau, Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench, Ancient Dehistan, Ancient Serahs, Abiverd and the Geoktepe Fortress. All of them are state historical and cultural reserves. Museums in Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, and the velayats are equipped with modern equipment and serve as research and cultural education centres.
Turkmenistan participates in global conference in Morocco
13.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, which is being held from 11 to 13 February under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation and the Government of Morocco. This was reported by the IIC. The conference programme includes plenary sessions, thematic discussions and events to exchange experiences, develop effective practices and strengthen international cooperation in the fields of education and social protection of children. Turkmenistan's participation demonstrates its growing international authority and commitment to humanistic values and constructive dialogue.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed synchronisation of port projects
13.02.2026As part of his visit to Turkmenistan, Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), visited the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Port Director Parahat Jumayev presented the ADY delegation with the port's infrastructure, technical capabilities and transit potential. The role of the port in the development of regional freight transport, the synchronisation of development plans for the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku, as well as dredging work were discussed. The parties emphasised that strengthening the connection between the Caspian and Black Seas would contribute to the growth of cargo turnover and increase the efficiency of the Middle Corridor route. The importance of coordination between ports along the Eurasian transport route for safe and fast transportation was also noted.
Prospects for participation in the EU's ‘Horizon Europe’ programme discussed in Ashgabat
11.02.2026An information and communication session dedicated to the EU's ‘Horizon Europe’ research and innovation programme was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The aim of the event was to familiarise the scientific and educational community with the opportunities for international grant funding. The guest of honour at the event was Ksenia Savchenko, representative of the European Commission's ‘Global Service Facility’. Participants were presented with the structure and key areas of the programme, as well as the specifics of cooperation with Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the work plans for 2026-2027. During the meeting, the prospects for expanding the participation of Turkmen scientists in international projects, the priorities of the country's innovation policy and the practical aspects of obtaining funding were discussed. Participants emphasised the importance of developing international scientific cooperation.
Digital methods for protecting wetlands discussed in Turkmenistan
11.02.2026The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, held a round table in Ashgabat dedicated to World Wetlands Day. The meeting, entitled ‘Scaling Climate-Resilient Practices through Digitalization of Land and Water Monitoring,’ took place on 9 February at the UN building. This was reported by IIC. The event was held as part of the UNDP project on the conservation and sustainable management of land resources and ecosystems of high natural value in the Aral Sea basin. The discussion was attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, scientific and research organisations, national coordination centres for international environmental conventions, administrations of specially protected natural areas, as well as non-governmental organisations and international partners. The main focus was on restoring ecosystems in the Amu Darya basin, strengthening the environmental sustainability of wetlands, and promoting the principles of land degradation neutrality. Participants considered the possibilities of using digital technologies and scientifically based monitoring systems for more effective management of water and land resources. Rustem Nuryev, National Coordinator of the Ramsar Convention at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, noted that the country is consistently fulfilling its international obligations by expanding the monitoring of important ornithological areas and strengthening the scientific basis for biodiversity conservation. The round table also emphasised the need to align national measures with international agreements on combating desertification and protecting wetlands. Participants agreed that the conservation of these ecosystems plays a key role in ensuring climate resilience, food security and the well-being of local communities, and that cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of innovative solutions are important conditions for long-term environmental development.
Turkmenistan took part in a conference on museology in Ankara
11.02.2026Ismail Orazov, Director of the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, took part in a conference on archaeometry and museology, which was held on 9 February in Ankara. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the conference, issues related to the restoration and preservation of cultural values were discussed, as well as the creation of digital copies of historical artefacts as part of projects to pass on historical and cultural heritage to future generations. The event was organised as part of a programme to exchange experience with Turkey in the field of restoration and conservation laboratories and is being held from 9 to 13 February in Ankara and Istanbul.
Tengiz Pachkoria: FC ‘Arkadag’ match will give impetus to Turkmen football
10.02.2026International sports commentator Tengiz Pachkoria arrived in Ashgabat to cover the ‘Arkadag’ match on 11 February. With 46 years of experience, the journalist previously covered the Olympic Games in Sochi and Beijing; his visit to Turkmenistan was the 55th stop on his professional journey, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the match is of historical significance for the club and for Turkmen football as a whole. Pachkoria noted that the match is an important step towards the Turkmenistan national team reaching the final stage of the World Cup and will allow it to face leading European teams such as Georgia and Serbia in the future. During his visit, the journalist conveyed greetings to the Turkmen people from Georgian coach and academician Jemal Gugushvili, who led the Turkmenistan national team in 1996-1997 and laid the foundations for professional football in the country. The expert emphasised that it is not only the result of the match that is important for fans, but also the impetus it will give to the development of national football. In his opinion, the game will be a significant start for Turkmenistan's entry into world football.
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