Society
Trade unions in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation
14.09.2026On 11 September, a meeting took place in Astana between the leaders of trade union federations from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan, held negotiations with Satybaldy Dauletalin, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The parties discussed the protection of workers’ labour and socio-economic rights, social partnership, health and safety at work, trade union education and the exchange of experience. Following the negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed. The document provides for the expansion of professional contacts and the implementation of joint initiatives. As part of the visit, an international round-table discussion entitled ‘Strengthening social dialogue and the role of trade unions in ensuring decent work: the experience of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan’ was also held, attended by representatives of trade unions from both countries and the International Labour Organisation. Particular attention was paid to regional cooperation. The parties noted the significance of the International Forum of Trade Union Presidents from Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan, which is due to take place in Ashgabat in November 2026.
Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed cooperation in the religious sphere
14.09.2026On 12 September, the Turkmen delegation met with Dr. Salem bin Hajj Al-Khamri, Head of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for the Mecca region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed Saudi Arabia’s experience in training Islamic scholars, as well as the management of mosques and educational institutions. The meeting took place as part of a working visit to Saudi Arabia by Yalkap Hojaguliyev, Chairman and Chief Imam of the religious organisation ‘Arkadagyň Ruhy metjidi’. Earlier in the trip, meetings were held with the President of the Islamic University of Medina, Dr Saleh bin Ali Al-Aqla, following which the parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, and with the Head of the Institute attached to the Prophet’s Mosque, Dr Salman bin Joudallah Al-Fakih — with whom issues relating to the exchange of expertise in the field of Islamic studies and academic programmes were discussed.
A meeting on the implementation of the UN programme for the Aral Sea was held in ‘Awaza’
14.09.2026The second consultative meeting of Central Asian countries on the development of a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin (UN SPAS) and a regional seminar on water diplomacy took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone from 11 to 12 September 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The events were organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan, with the support of the UNDP/GEF project and in collaboration with the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative. The meetings were attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, UNDP, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), as well as international and regional organisations. Participants discussed the further development of regional cooperation in the Aral Sea basin and the priorities of the Central Asian countries within the framework of the UN Special Programme. The delegations presented their positions on further cooperation and possible directions for the development of UN SPAS. Following the meeting, a Final Summary of the participating countries was adopted. The document sets out practical steps regarding the format, legal basis, operational mechanisms and funding of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin.
A conference on innovation and digital technologies is to be held in Ashgabat
14.09.2026On 11 September, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on preparations for the scientific and practical conference ‘Innovation and Digital Technologies – Driving Forces of Economic Development’. The forum is due to take place in Ashgabat in September, according to the news agency TDH. The conference is set to discuss the innovative development of the national economy and the prospects for the digital economy. Topics will include the application of cutting-edge technologies in public administration and economic sectors, e-government, artificial intelligence, financial technologies and digital services. Participants will also consider ways to improve production activities, train qualified specialists and study international best practice. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of introducing modern digital technologies into the economy. The Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with organising a scientific and practical conference dedicated to Turkmenistan’s economic growth.
Turkmenistan will continue to cooperate with the ICAO in the field of aviation security
14.09.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev reported to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on practical steps to improve the operations of the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’. This was reported by TDH. As previously reported, work is currently underway to ensure a high level of flight safety and regularity in accordance with international standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Particular attention is being paid to strengthening cooperation with foreign companies. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a relevant proposal to the Head of State. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the country attaches particular importance to the development of national aviation. Having approved the proposal drawn up to ensure flight safety, the President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out the necessary work.
The CIS Secretary-General has endorsed Turkmenistan’s initiative for a ‘Year of Transport Connectivity’
12.09.2026On the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2029 is set to be declared the ‘Year of Transport Connectivity’ in the CIS. The relevant decision will be put forward at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State. This was stated by CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev to journalists at a press briefing following the meeting of the Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘As part of Turkmenistan’s presidency of the CIS in 2026, particular attention is being paid to issues concerning the development of transport and logistics capacity. A number of significant documents regulating this sphere have been drafted and reviewed. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, 2029 will be declared the Year of Transport Connectivity for the Commonwealth,’ said Lebedev. According to him, preparations for this thematic year have already begun within the CIS, along with efforts to provide support for the implementation of the planned activities.
Turkmenistan has called on CIS countries to remove trade and customs barriers
12.09.2026Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS is marked by the continued strengthening of peace, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘We attach particular importance to expanding trade and economic ties, developing transport and energy interconnectivity, digital transformation, innovative development, attracting investment, and economic stability. All these areas form the basis for sustainable economic growth. Today, the Commonwealth states possess significant combined economic, industrial, energy and agricultural potential,’ said Geldimyradov. He emphasised that the CIS countries must continue their efforts to remove administrative and technical barriers, improve customs procedures, and develop electronic document management and digital trade tools. The development of industrial and investment cooperation, as well as the creation of new production chains and projects, is also of particular importance, the Deputy Prime Minister noted. According to him, particular attention in this work is being paid to the environmental agenda in the Caspian region. ‘We advocate the further strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of environmental protection, the conservation of biodiversity, the rational use of natural resources and the promotion of modern environmental technologies,’ said Geldimyradov. He also noted that, in order to fully realise the potential of the CIS economic space, it is necessary to integrate more closely the markets, infrastructure, production capacities and human resources of the Commonwealth’s member states. ‘This is precisely the practical focus of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS. We are keen to ensure that decisions taken within the framework of the Commonwealth are translated into concrete outcomes in the form of new transport routes, trade links, investment projects and industrial cooperation,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
Turkmenistan has called for the development of the Caspian Sea’s transit potential
12.09.2026Turkmenistan is interested in developing the Caspian region's transit potential through mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘For Turkmenistan, the Caspian region is a vital part of the international transport and logistics network. We are keen to further develop its transit potential on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation,’ said Geldimyradov. According to him, the development of transport connectivity within the Commonwealth is one of Turkmenistan’s main priorities during its chairmanship of the CIS. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that modern transport infrastructure is becoming one of the key factors in economic development, and that transport today is directly linked to trade and investment. ‘The CIS region has a unique geographical location and is capable of playing a vital role in establishing sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia. In this regard, we attach particular importance to the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors,’ he emphasised. H. Geldimyradov recalled that, as part of its chairmanship, Turkmenistan had put forward an initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity. ‘It is important that this thematic year becomes not only a symbolic event, but also a practical platform for the implementation of specific projects. This involves the development of transport infrastructure, international routes, the digitalisation of transport, the expansion of intermodal links, the enhancement of transport security, and the removal of existing infrastructural and administrative barriers,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
A meeting on the implementation of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea has begun in Awaza
12.09.2026The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, dedicated to developing a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea (UN SPAS), has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC. Over the course of two days, representatives from countries in the region, international organisations and experts will discuss the programme’s priorities, transboundary water cooperation, water security and the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin. On the first day, participants reviewed the programme’s content, its alignment with national and regional initiatives, and the prospects for strengthening cooperation. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue, trust and joint action to address the interlinked challenges of water resources, climate change and the state of ecosystems. It is expected that the meeting will result in the adoption of a document setting out the participating countries’ common approaches. The event is being held with the participation of relevant government bodies in Turkmenistan and with the support of UNDP/GEF, the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative and other partners.
Turkmen musicians are taking part in the Tsinandali Festival
12.09.2026Turkmen musicians are taking part in the eighth international Tsinandali Classical Music Festival, which is being held in Georgia from 3 to 13 September 2026. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. They are representing Turkmenistan as part of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra alongside performers from Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. A musician from the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan has been appointed concertmaster of the orchestra. As part of the festival, the young musicians are taking part in seminars and masterclasses led by renowned figures from the world of classical music. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, met with the organisers and the Turkmen participants of the festival. During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of the forum for the development of international cultural dialogue and creative cooperation.
Turkmenistan is introducing digital irrigation technologies
11.09.2026The UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, is introducing digital technologies for precision water management in the country’s agricultural sector. Based on the FAO’s CROPWAT 8.0 programme, experts have developed software adapted to the region’s climate and soil conditions, according to the Orient news agency. The first pilot site was the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi etrap in the Dashoguz velayat. Hydromodular zoning was carried out across an area of over 86,000 hectares: the programme, based on satellite and meteorological data, calculates precise irrigation rates for each crop, thereby preventing water wastage. To put irrigation on a scientific footing across the country, the UNDP organised a workshop for hydraulic engineers, agronomists and lecturers at relevant universities. Digital algorithms for calculating fields’ water requirements will be incorporated into university curricula, and the method itself will form the basis for adapting agriculture to climate change.
Discussions on capacity-building for relevant ministries took place at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
11.09.2026On 9 September 2026, a working meeting was held at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Centre in Ashgabat, focusing on capacity-building for the relevant authorities in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the country’s ministries and agencies, including the State Migration Service. The participants reviewed the work carried out so far in 2026 and set out the main objectives for the fourth quarter. National experts took part in the discussion. The participants also noted the importance of such meetings for developing cooperation with international organisations and exchanging experience.
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