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Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed cooperation in the water sector
03.08.2026As part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held meetings with the management of the shipbuilding companies ‘Royal IHC’ and ‘Damen Shipyards’, as well as with Professor Graham Jewitt, Rector and Managing Director of the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of water resources management, the implementation of water-saving and engineering technologies, and the exchange of experience and knowledge. The Turkmen delegation toured ‘Royal IHC’s production facilities in Kinderdijk. During meetings with company representatives, opportunities for collaboration in the fields of dredging, infrastructure modernisation, shipbuilding and the application of modern technical solutions for water management projects were discussed. Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between Dutch companies and relevant state bodies and enterprises in Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side expressed an interest in studying the best practices and developments of their Dutch partners. At IHE Delft, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and the training of water resources management specialists. Issues relating to the organisation of joint educational programmes, the exchange of lecturers and researchers, and the holding of thematic seminars were considered. T. Atahallyev noted his willingness to facilitate the development of direct links between IHE Delft and relevant institutes and universities in Turkmenistan. Representatives of Dutch organisations and companies were invited to take part in international events to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties also discussed the possibility of holding joint business events in the Netherlands involving representatives of government bodies, the business sector and leading companies from both countries. Following the meetings, interest in further developing cooperation in the water, education, scientific, technical and industrial sectors was confirmed.
The scientific and educational sector in Turkmenistan has continued to develop
03.08.2026During January–July 2026, development continued in the fields of education, science, healthcare and sport in Turkmenistan. This was reported on 1 August at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Mammedov, according to the news agency TDH. In the field of education, work continued on improving the education system and introducing modern teaching methods. Pupils and students took part in international subject Olympiads and achieved excellent results. During the summer, holiday programmes for children were organised at the Gokdere Children’s Holiday Camp, in the velayats and in Awaza. Entrance examinations have also begun at higher education and secondary vocational institutions. In the scientific sphere, international scientific and practical conferences were held. A ‘Digital Science’ department has been established at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences. In the healthcare sector, measures have been implemented to introduce modern treatment methods. Through the funding of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, children have undergone operations and received treatment. Modern health-improvement methods have been applied and specialised medical services provided at the country’s sanatoriums. In the field of physical education and sport, the training of professional athletes has continued. Turkmen athletes won 471 medals at major international competitions. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that work should continue on developing the scientific and educational sectors, improving the quality of teaching, modernising the healthcare system and further developing sport.
A delegation from Turkmenistan held meetings with representatives from the Netherlands
02.08.2026In The Hague, during a visit by a Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, T. Atahallyev, meetings were held with Joost Flamand, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Frans Prinsen, Director of the Office of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed preparations for international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmenistan’s national equestrian traditions, which are to take place on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. T. Atahallyev presented the programme of events, their objectives and international significance, and invited the Dutch side to take part in the forthcoming events. The Dutch representatives expressed their support for the initiative and their willingness to assist in organising the events. Issues relating to the participation of official representatives and further coordination between the parties were also discussed. During the meetings, views were exchanged on the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, including political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan passed 7 laws and 12 resolutions between January and July
02.08.2026Between January and July of this year, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 7 laws and 12 resolutions. This was announced by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, according to the news agency TDH. Among the documents adopted is the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Establishment of the Commemorative Medal of Turkmenistan ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’ (To Participants in the Ceremonial Military Parade Marking the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence). D. Gulmanova noted that during the reporting period, amendments and additions had also been made to existing legislation in the areas of the protection of citizens’ rights, industrial safety, accounting and financial reporting, the licensing of certain types of activities, road transport, environmental protection, the conservation of aquatic biological resources and migration policy. As part of the preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis is working in collaboration with the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, the Office of the Halk Maslahaty, the Cabinet of Ministers, the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, and the velayats. Over the past seven months, the Mejlis has accepted seven letters of credence from Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign countries. It has also held 25 meetings with representatives of foreign parliaments, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Members of the Mejlis and its specialists took part in 82 seminars organised jointly with ministries, departments and international organisations, and undertook 16 overseas trips to exchange experience in the field of legislation. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of further strengthening the country’s legal framework and improving the legislative process in line with modern requirements.
Ashgabat discussed measures to protect the Caspian Sea from plastic waste
02.08.2026A round-table discussion was held in Ashgabat on preventing pollution of the Caspian Sea by waste, including plastic litter. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, UNDP, UNEP and the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention as part of a regional project to combat marine litter and plastic in the Caspian Sea. The project is funded by the Russian Federation. Participants discussed improving the national waste management system, developing modern environmental standards and enhancing data collection and monitoring methods. Particular attention was paid to the creation of a waste monitoring programme. This will enable the identification of the main sources of pollution and the assessment of the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. The initiative also aims to reduce land-based waste inputs into the Caspian Sea, develop regional cooperation and implement the principles of a circular economy.
Turkmenistan and Turkey are expanding their cooperation in the field of migration
01.08.2026On 29 July, a working meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with representatives of the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by AsmanNews. The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in the field of migration. The participants considered possible areas for joint work and emphasised the importance of regular contacts between the relevant authorities. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organisations. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue mutually beneficial cooperation and to strengthen their partnership ties.
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed ways to develop cooperation in the field of public administration
01.08.2026On 30 July 2026, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, held a meeting with Mohamed AlSharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit Organisation. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the outcomes of the 2026 World Governments Summit, the participation of the Turkmen delegation in the event, and initiatives put forward by the Turkmen side that have been endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. During the negotiations, the prospects for expanding cooperation in the areas of neutrality, sustainable development, transport and connectivity were examined. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of expertise in the field of public administration, as well as the participation of Turkmen specialists in UAE programmes on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The OSCE held a seminar on sustainable transport infrastructure in Ashgabat
01.08.2026An OSCE seminar on the development of sustainable transport infrastructure capable of withstanding natural disasters and the effects of climate change took place in Ashgabat on 29–30 July. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The event was organised by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat to share international expertise in the field of safe and sustainable transport development, as well as to strengthen regional economic integration. During the seminar, an international expert presented approaches to transport infrastructure planning and examined its role in ensuring safety, developing trade links and fostering sustainable economic growth. Participants discussed engineering solutions for adapting to climate change and measures to mitigate the risks of natural disasters in the Central Asian context. ‘Investment in sustainable and reliable transport infrastructure contributes to sustainable economic development, promotes trade and strengthens transport connectivity,’ noted Rune Kastberg, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The event also addressed issues relating to public governance of the transport sector, the financing of infrastructure projects, digital transformation, innovation and the development of international transport corridors within the context of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). A separate session was devoted to investments in enhancing the resilience of transport infrastructure, as well as economic mechanisms for emergency preparedness and recovery. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Economy, Construction and Architecture, Road Transport, Rail Transport and Defence, the State Agency ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’, higher education institutions, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, and the transport and logistics sector.
The Japanese Embassy in Ashgabat has launched a grant project competition
01.08.2026The Japanese Embassy in Ashgabat has announced that it is now accepting applications for the competitive selection process for grant projects under the Fund in Commemoration of the 1970 World Expo (JEC Fund). This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Applications will be accepted from 1 to 30 September 2026. The programme’s budget for the 2027 financial year will be approximately 135 million yen, with a maximum grant of up to 5 million yen per project. National governments, local authorities and non-governmental organisations are eligible to participate in the competition. Private individuals and commercial entities are not eligible to participate. Support is provided to projects in the fields of international cultural cooperation, education, academic activities and scientific research, aimed at fostering mutual understanding between countries. The JEC Fund was established using proceeds from the 1970 Osaka World Expo and supports initiatives in the fields of cultural exchange and scientific partnership.
Turkmenistan has conducted naval exercises to prevent environmental emergencies in the Caspian Sea
01.08.2026The State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan has conducted comprehensive emergency response exercises in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the news agency Orient. According to the scenario, a simulated oil spill occurred on the ‘Zhdanov-A’ platform, following which the emergency services promptly organised a response. During the exercises, specialists carried out environmental surveys, assessed the extent of the pollution and took water samples. Rescue units deployed oil booms, contained and cleared up the simulated spill. Following the manoeuvres, the actions of all services were deemed successful, and their readiness to respond was rated as ‘Ready’.
Preparations for the final of the ‘Tatar Kyzy’ competition were discussed in Turkmenbashi
01.08.2026The delegation from Tatarstan is continuing its working visit to Turkmenbashi. Vasil Shaikhraziyev, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan and Chairman of the National Council of the World Tatar Congress, met with Nyyazjan Nyyazjanov, the governor of the city. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The main topic of the negotiations was the preparations for the final of the ‘Tatar Kyzy’ International Competition, which will take place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The parties discussed organisational matters, and the Head of Turkmenbashi confirmed his readiness to provide comprehensive support for the event.
A delegation from Turkmenistan discussed joint projects with its Dutch partners
31.07.2026During a visit to the Netherlands, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Tanryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, held meetings with representatives of ‘Royal IHC’, ‘Damen Shipyards Group’ and the international water education institute ‘IHE Delft’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure and professional training, according to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium. During the talks, the Turkmen delegation also presented preparations for the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which are due to take place in September 2026 in the Dutch province of Limburg, and invited company representatives to take part in the events. In addition, the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum was discussed.
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