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Uzbekistan presented its tourism development opportunities in Ashgabat
24.07.2026A briefing on the development of the country’s tourism sector was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan’s state organisations, travel companies and the media, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants were presented with tourist itineraries covering the historic cities of Uzbekistan — Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz — which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, noted that the country is developing modern forms of tourism, including ecotourism, pilgrimage tourism, health tourism, gastronomic tourism and business tourism (MICE). According to him, the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan are helping to boost the country’s appeal to tourists. In the first six months of this year, around 6.6 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan. R. Alimov emphasised that the development of the sector is aimed not only at attracting visitors, but also at preserving cultural heritage, supporting the regions and expanding international cooperation. Particular attention was paid at the briefing to the development of tourism cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. The Ambassador highlighted the potential for creating joint itineraries with Turkmenistan, including the route ‘Khiva – Kunya-Urgench – Ashgabat – Mary – Bukhara’, and called on tour operators from both countries to cooperate.
The ‘Mukam’ ensemble showcased Turkmen art at a music forum in Beijing
24.07.2026The ‘Mukam’ violin ensemble from Turkmenistan took part in the International Youth Orchestra Art Week, held in Beijing from 18 to 21 July. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Ensembles and conductors from seven countries, including China, Russia, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria and Indonesia, took part in the forum. As part of the event, the musicians performed at concerts, took part in competitions, masterclasses and joint sessions with leading conductors. The ‘Mukam’ ensemble’s performance was highly acclaimed — at the closing ceremony at the Beijing National Theatre, the ensemble was awarded the title of ‘Exemplary Orchestra’ and presented with a certificate and a trophy. The ensemble, led by Harold Neymark, People’s Artist of Turkmenistan, comprises students from the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire and students from the conservatoire’s boarding music school. Its repertoire includes around 100 works by Turkmen and foreign composers.
The OSCE held a seminar in Ashgabat on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540
24.07.2026From 20 to 22 July, an OSCE seminar was held in Ashgabat on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution and the preparation of Turkmenistan’s new National Action Plan on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was attended by more than 30 representatives of state bodies in Turkmenistan and international experts. They discussed the improvement of national security mechanisms, exchanged regional experiences and considered recommendations for the development of a new action plan, taking into account contemporary threats.
Turkmenistan is developing a digital library system
24.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the modernisation of the library system, the development of digital technologies and the creation of a unified electronic network are continuing as part of the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Library Sector in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. One of the key priorities is to expand the collections of electronic libraries and improve the quality of citizens’ access to information resources. The digitalisation of the library sector is helping to introduce modern standards, foster a culture of reading and broaden educational opportunities for the population. Today, users have access to electronic versions of books, audiobooks and magazines covering a wide range of subjects. One of the key tools in this work is the digital library of the State Library of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan — ekitap.gov.tm. Its user base continues to grow, and the platform provides convenient access to the digital collection via a registration system. The digital library operates in accordance with Article 11 of the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Libraries and Librarianship’. Its collections include works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as fiction, academic, educational and children’s literature. This digital resource helps to promote reading and develop the educational environment.
Turkmenistan plans to introduce technologies for collecting and utilising rainwater
23.07.2026The project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the Central Asian Institute for Ecological Research in Kazakhstan, has begun developing a project to introduce systems for the collection and reuse of rainwater. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone have been selected as pilot sites. The plan is to implement engineering solutions here for the collection, treatment and use of rainwater for watering green spaces. In the near future, the partners intend to sign a memorandum of cooperation and prepare an application to secure international funding. The project may subsequently be scaled up to other regions of the country.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of biodiversity conservation at a meeting in China
23.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the first meeting of the ‘Dialogue Mechanism’ for heads of state research institutions from Central Asian countries and China, held in the Chinese city of Urumqi as part of the 9th ‘China–Eurasia 2026’ EXPO. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed issues relating to the environment, combating desertification, climate change and the development of scientific cooperation. Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan, presented the results of research in the field of desert studies and biodiversity conservation. The parties agreed to develop joint projects on reforestation, the protection of water resources, the creation of ecological corridors and the monitoring of glaciers. Following the meeting, an agreement was signed between the environmental research centres of the countries in the region, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Tashkent.
Turkmenistan has presented measures to improve road safety to the UN
23.07.2026On 20 July in New York, at a UN General Assembly meeting on road safety, Ovezgeldi Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of the Internal Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He noted the country’s commitment to the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 and emphasised that the problem of road traffic accidents requires a comprehensive international approach. Among the national measures mentioned were the annual month-long campaign ‘Road Safety is the Peace of Our Life’, the state programme on road safety, and the ministries’ plans to reduce accident rates. It was also reported that penalties for traffic offences had been tightened following the adoption of relevant amendments to the legislation. O. Kakalyev highlighted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WHO, CIS states and international organisations in the areas of exchanging expertise and improving the regulatory framework. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to continue its work on improving road safety.
The Turkmen brand ‘Balam’ is considering entering the Chinese market
23.07.2026The confectionery brand ‘Balam’ plans to enter the Chinese market and expand the geographical reach of its product deliveries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Currently, ‘Balam’ products are supplied to Russia, Georgia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The company produces more than 50 types of confectionery, including puff pastries, croissants, semi-finished products and chocolate spread, as well as bakery products. The company uses modern equipment and local raw materials, paying particular attention to quality and hygiene standards. Founded in Ashgabat in 2016, the company intends to expand its export reach and strengthen the brand’s position in foreign markets.
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are organising the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championships
22.07.2026In The Hague, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held a meeting with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Director-General for Political Affairs. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparations for the World Equestrian and Beauty Championship for Ahal-Teke horses, which is due to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen equestrian centre in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen Ambassador provided an update on the organisational preparations and noted that the competition will be the first international event of this calibre for Ahal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. Participants from various countries will present the finest examples of this breed. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the organisation of high-level events as part of the championship, as well as the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum in The Hague, involving government bodies and business representatives from both countries. The parties considered prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, adaptation to climate change and the development of water management infrastructure. In addition, Sapar Palvanov held a meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit within the Protocol Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the protocol service. Organisational matters relating to the preparation of upcoming events and visits by high-level delegations were discussed. The Dutch side confirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with its Turkmen partners to ensure the successful organisation of the championship and the further development of bilateral relations.
Kristin Hawkins has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the United States in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026The U.S. Department of State has appointed Kristin Hawkins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She succeeded Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who has completed her diplomatic mission in the country, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The State Department noted Elizabeth Rood’s contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan. Kristin Hawkins will continue to work on developing cooperation between the two countries and maintaining bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a WTO seminar in China
22.07.2026A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a training seminar on World Trade Organisation issues, which took place from 5 to 21 July 2026 in the cities of Beijing, Fuxin and Fuzhou in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of the international trading system, enhance the professional skills of specialists and support efforts related to Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The event took place at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Participants learnt about China’s experience in engaging with the WTO, safeguarding national interests within the organisation, and managing free economic zones. Discussions also covered the adaptation of national legislation to international trade rules and WTO agreements, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in this process. The seminar facilitated the exchange of experience in the field of trade and economic cooperation and the improvement of Turkmenistan’s legal framework as part of the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation.
A technical seminar on the launch of the ‘e-TIR’ digital system was held in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026On 20 July, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to implement the international digital ‘e-TIR’ system and prepare for the first freight shipments using it. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, a technical seminar was held with the participation of representatives from the customs services of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNCTAD. Participants discussed practical issues relating to the launch of the system and the conduct of the first pilot shipment along the ‘Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ route. It was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to implement ‘e-TIR’ for international road transport, which contributes to the development of the country’s transit potential. From 22 to 24 July, the first pilot shipments using the ‘e-TIR’ system and training events will take place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, with the support of the UNECE and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
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