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The Ambassador of Turkmenistan addressed a conference marking Caspian Sea Day in Iran
13.08.2026On 11 August 2026, the Department of Environment of Iran hosted a conference to mark Caspian Sea Day. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the event, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The conference addressed issues relating to environmental protection and the preservation of the ecological condition of the Caspian Sea. The event was also attended by the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Head of Iran's Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Majlis, ambassadors from the Caspian states, and the governors of Golestan and Gilan provinces. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the Caspian Sea in the country’s foreign policy agenda and emphasised the need for further international cooperation in its protection, including within the framework of the United Nations. Particular attention was paid to the forthcoming meeting of Heads of State on environmental issues relating to the Caspian Sea, which is to take place on 9 October 2026 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its initiative in organising the meeting.
Russia has called for closer environmental cooperation in the Caspian Sea
13.08.2026The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was attended by Pyotr Shchukin, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his speech, the Russian diplomat emphasised the need to pool the scientific and technical capabilities of the five Caspian states. He called for more active use of the five-party working groups and regional bodies, including the Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological Committee, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Pyotr Shchukin also highlighted the significance of the in-depth thematic environmental summit initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. According to him, the decisions of the upcoming Caspian Environmental Summit, to be held in ‘Awaza’ in October, could give further impetus to joint efforts. “Active joint efforts by the ‘five’ and close cooperation between our experts, including within the framework of the relevant five-party groups, are essential,” the diplomat stated. The representative of the Russian diplomatic mission emphasised that Russia advocates preserving the Caspian region as an area of peace, stability and good-neighbourliness, and is ready to support constructive initiatives by the Caspian states.
The Tajik Ambassador outlined the prospects for the development of the Caspian region
13.08.2026The Ambassador of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan stated at an event marking Caspian Sea Day that, in the medium term, major contracts and staff training could become key factors in the region’s sustainable development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the implementation of such initiatives will help to strengthen economic ties, expand trade, enhance investment attractiveness and create new production facilities. The diplomat also noted the traditionally friendly nature of relations between the states of the region, based on mutual respect, trust and constructive cooperation on issues of common interest.
A joint film by Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be screened at the LEFF festival
13.08.2026The joint film by filmmakers from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’, has been included in the official programme of the 7th Lendoc Film Festival (LEFF), which will take place in St Petersburg from 20 to 22 August. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The film was produced by the Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association and the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan under the direction of director Muzaffarkhon Erkinov. This historical biopic explores the poet’s formative years, his studies at the madrasahs of Bukhara and Khiva, and his ideas on the unity of peoples. The lead role is played by the Turkmen actor Ahmet Amandurdyev. The film was made to mark the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth. Previously, the film won the top prize in the ‘Best Feature Film’ category at the 4th ‘Gorkut-Ata’ International Film Festival in Ashgabat and first prize at the ‘Turan’ Film Festival in Turkey. It also won the Audience Award at the ECG Film Festival in London and was selected for the competition programmes of the ‘Eurasia’ Festival in Almaty and the ‘Altyn Minbar’ Festival in Kazan. LEFF 2026 will feature 40 feature films and documentaries from 13 countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, China, India, Iran and Belarus. One of the festival’s objectives is to foster international co-productions and joint film projects.
The Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan called for closer cooperation in the region
13.08.2026Speaking at a scientific and practical conference at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, the Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan emphasised the need for joint efforts to create a clean, safe and sustainable Caspian region, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat highlighted the importance of expanding multilateral dialogue and practical cooperation between the countries of Central Asia, the Caspian states, and the states to the north and south. The focus is on the development of transport and communication corridors between Europe and Asia and the environmental agenda. According to the Ambassador, Turkey is ready to share its experience in the field of environmental protection with its regional partners.
The folk calendar links the arrival of ‘Yaldyrak’ to the end of the summer heat
13.08.2026According to the Turkmen folk calendar, from 12 August, ‘Yaldyrak’ — Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major — can be seen in the east before dawn. This is reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The appearance of ‘Yaldyrak’ is associated with the end of the intense summer heat and the gradual onset of cooler weather. Dew forms in the evenings, and the daytime heat gives way to cooler air. ‘Yaldyrak’ got its name due to its brightness. According to the folk calendar, the star can be seen in this part of the sky until 22 September. From 23 September, it is replaced by the constellation ‘Mizan’ — Libra, which corresponds to the autumnal equinox, when the length of day and night are roughly equal. The warm period between the appearance of ‘Yaldyrak’ and the arrival of ‘Mizan’ coincides with the formation of cotton fibre in the bolls. According to folk observations, the moderately warm weather during this period helps to improve the quality of the cotton.
The Uzbek Ambassador to Turkmenistan addressed a conference marking Caspian Day
13.08.2026Speaking at the scientific and practical conference ‘Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, the Uzbek Ambassador to Turkmenistan stated that environmental diplomacy in the region is reaching a systematic and trust-based level. According to him, the Caspian region is becoming a key factor in interconnectedness and sustainable development, reports IIC. The Ambassador noted that Uzbekistan is committed to ensuring the prosperity and sustainable development of the Caspian Basin. The diplomat emphasised the need for joint action to tackle climate challenges. Temperatures in Central Asia are rising twice as fast as the global average. At the same time, water shortages are worsening, and land degradation has affected more than 80 million hectares. According to the Ambassador, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, considers it essential to adopt new approaches based on solidarity, practical action, structural reforms and the pooling of resources.
Turkmenistan continues its environmental efforts to protect the Caspian Sea
13.08.2026Ovezgeldi Goshjanov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, highlighted the consistent implementation of the country’s environmental policy at the conference ‘Protecting the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the main priorities remain the development of a ‘green’ economy, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies, the protection of biodiversity and the assurance of environmental safety. Turkmenistan is also strengthening trade, economic and humanitarian ties in the Caspian region and putting forward international initiatives to protect the sea’s ecosystem. The Minister for Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan recalled that the first Caspian Summit took place in Ashgabat in 2002, the first Caspian Environmental Forum in ‘Awaza’ in 2012, the first Caspian Economic Forum in 2019, and the sixth Caspian Summit on 29 June 2022. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Tehran Convention, which was signed in 2003 and came into force on 12 August 2006. O. Goshjanov also highlighted the risks associated with climate change and fluctuations in the water level of the Caspian Sea. The Minister for the Environment recalled the proposal by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to promote the Caspian Environmental Initiative and to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. According to O. Goshjanov, the implementation of the initiative will enable the Caspian states to join forces to ensure the region’s environmental well-being.
Friendly beach volleyball and football matches between diplomats were held at ‘Awaza’
13.08.2026Friendly beach volleyball and football matches were held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, involving diplomats accredited to Turkmenistan, representatives of international organisations and staff from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The sporting events took place as part of the celebrations for Caspian Sea Day and coincided with the start of the international conference ‘Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, which opened in ‘Awaza’ on 12 August. The matches took place in a friendly atmosphere and served as a platform for sporting and environmental interaction among the participants.
A conference on the protection of the Caspian ecosystem has begun in Turkmenistan
13.08.2026A scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day, has begun at the ‘Berkarar’ Hotel in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is being attended by specialists, environmentalists, experts and representatives of international organisations. They are discussing issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of biodiversity, the prevention of pollution and adaptation to climate change. The conference opened with the reading of a welcome address from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The message was read out by Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. The message highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-state cooperation, implementing the Caspian Environmental Initiative and ensuring the region’s sustainable development. Conference participants are considering joint approaches to environmental protection, the development of scientific research and the conservation of the Caspian Sea’s natural potential.
The MFA of Malaysia discussed cooperation with Turkmenistan with PETRONAS
12.08.2026On 10 August 2026, Dato' Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Deputy Secretary-General for Bilateral Affairs at the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry, received Ismadi Ismail, Managing Director of PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd. (PC(T)SB), on a courtesy visit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed PETRONAS’s main areas of activity in Turkmenistan, as well as the progress made in implementing bilateral agreements in the oil and gas sector, which were reached during the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official visit to Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Malaysian companies in the 31st International Exhibition and Conference ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan’ (OGT 2026).
Turkmenistan and ASEAN: The Malaysian Embassy as a bridge between the regions
12.08.2026The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has marked the 59th anniversary of its founding. The group, established on 8 August 1967 by five member states, now comprises 11 countries with a combined population of around 700 million people. The Philippines, which holds the chairmanship in 2026, is marking the year under the motto ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’, with a focus on strengthening security, expanding economic corridors and promoting integration, reports the news agency Orient. The celebrations coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, signed in Bali in 1976. The principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes have transformed the treaty from a regional document into an international platform for dialogue. Malaysia has traditionally regarded ASEAN as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. The culmination of Malaysia’s recent chairmanship of the organisation was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration ‘ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future’, which set out the framework for the bloc’s development up to 2045. In the economic sphere, ASEAN aims to become one of the world’s four largest economies by 2030; this is set to be facilitated by the conclusion of negotiations on the Framework Agreement on the Digital Economy, which is scheduled to be signed at the end of 2026. Speaking at a ceremony in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, emphasised that, amidst competition between major powers, ASEAN must maintain its central role and autonomy. The Malaysian Embassy in Ashgabat remains the only permanent diplomatic mission of an ASEAN member state in Turkmenistan. The diplomatic mission serves as a channel for communication and information on the bloc’s opportunities for Turkmenistan’s government bodies, business circles and academic communities. The Malaysian diplomatic mission notes Turkmenistan’s growing interest in developing ties with South-East Asia, highlighting trade and investment, transport infrastructure, energy, education, tourism, digitalisation and cultural and humanitarian exchanges as promising areas for cooperation. Deepening this dialogue is intended to build lasting bridges between Central and South-East Asia.
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