Society
Turkmenistan is represented at academic events in Seoul
22.08.2026Humanitarian and academic events were held in Seoul in the run-up to the first ‘Republic of Korea–Central Asia’ summit. Representatives from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region took part. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Education experts from five countries, including Turkmenistan, took part in a three-day programme to develop skills in the field of artificial intelligence. They studied Korean approaches to training AI specialists, discussed national digitalisation strategies and visited training centres in Seoul. A public lecture series was also held at the Yeongdeungpo Art Hall, featuring young representatives from Central Asia. Turkmenistan was represented by Ogulgul Nazarova, a recipient of a South Korean government scholarship. The programme was complemented by ethnographic exhibitions dedicated to the cultural heritage of the region’s countries.
The Arkadag Medical Cluster showcased baby food at ‘Kids Expo’
22.08.2026The annual international trade fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat, where the Arkadag Medical Cluster is presenting a new range of baby food under the AMC brand. This has been reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The company ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’, established on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is expanding its range of import-substituting products. The range includes dry nutritional formulas and porridges for children from six months of age. The range comprises rice porridge, rice porridge with banana, semolina porridge with honey, and multigrain porridges. According to Ogulsuray Yazdurdyeva, a paediatrician and consultant at the production site, the production process complies with international quality standards and environmental requirements. AMC products are already being exported to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries. Participation in the exhibition is also aimed at expanding international partnerships.
The best young mental arithmetic champions have been chosen in Ashgabat
22.08.2026The ANZAN Turkmenistan Mental Arithmetic Championship for children aged 6 to 12 took place in Ashgabat. The competition was held as part of the international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ and attracted 121 participants from educational centres across the country, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event was organised by the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan and a number of Turkmen companies. Participants underwent a multi-stage selection process at the level of educational centres, regions and branches. At the end of the competition, winners were determined in the overall standings and by age category. Among the most outstanding participants were pupils from the ‘Kämil Bilim’, ‘Altyn Göreç’ and ‘Zehin ýoly’ centres. ANZAN mental arithmetic is designed to develop mental calculation skills, concentration, memory and speed of thought. The championship is being held for the second year running as part of the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition and fair.
Space and robotics are featured at the ‘Kids Expo’
22.08.2026The international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat. The American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is participating for the third year in a row. This year, its exhibit is dedicated to space and high technology, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. On display at the venue are Dash robots, Lego building sets and Arduino kits. Children can learn the basics of programming, build and code models, whilst secondary school pupils and adults can work on projects in the fields of robotics and microelectronics. The programme also includes the Math24 maths competition and the international NASA Space Apps Challenge. During the two-day hackathon, participants tackle challenges related to space, technology and climate issues. According to Muhabat Rozmammedova, a representative of the American Centre, the interactive zone introduces children to educational and technological resources and helps foster links between organisations.
The 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council will take place in Ashgabat
22.08.2026On 11 September 2026, the 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place in Ashgabat. The meeting will take place as part of the Action Plan for the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Presidency of the CIS and in accordance with the decision of the Economic Council of 26 June this year, reports IIC of Turkmenistan. The draft agenda includes 28 items, some of which will subsequently be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. Participants will discuss strategic plans for the development of transport security, concepts for industrial cooperation in high-tech sectors, as well as a number of financial and organisational initiatives. As part of the preparations for the meeting, a delegation from the CIS Executive Committee, led by Deputy Secretary-General Ilkhom Nematov, visited Ashgabat. During meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, the parties discussed the readiness of regulatory documents, the programme of events and the organisational arrangements for the meeting. The delegation also inspected the venues selected for the meeting; following the visit, the parties signed a protocol on further coordination of actions. The parties noted that holding the Economic Council meeting in Turkmenistan would give impetus to the development of partnership relations between the CIS countries and would enable decisions to be taken on key issues of regional cooperation.
The development of children’s chess was discussed at the ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
22.08.2026The international trade fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat, featuring leading Turkmen and international organisations showcasing children’s products, as well as methods for upbringing, education and intellectual development. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Intellectual sports occupy a special place at the exhibition. The forum’s guest of honour — International Grandmaster and Vice President of the Sri Lankan Chess Federation, Luxman Wijesuriya — shared his impressions with a correspondent from ‘Golden age’. The expert spoke highly of the standard of training among Turkmen chess players and the country’s national chess traditions. ‘Turkmenistan has one of the strongest chess schools. A whole generation of high-class grandmasters has emerged in the country, while Turkmen chess players themselves have their own unique culture of play, formed over many years, and a distinctive style. If we compare sporting strength at the highest level, Turkmen athletes undoubtedly demonstrate excellent preparation and the highest results. We sincerely admire this level and express our deep respect for your masters,’ noted Luxman Wijesuriya. According to him, the key factor in the development of chess in Sri Lanka has been its accessibility and promotion amongst children. ‘Chess is also developing very dynamically in Sri Lanka. Our secret lies in the fact that we have placed an emphasis on children’s education. Today, we have around 200,000 active chess players. It is through children’s clubs and school sections that the foundation for future victories is formed,’ explained the guest from Sri Lanka. The federation’s Vice President noted that the ‘Kids Expo’ could serve as a platform for exchanging experience and undertaking joint projects between countries. ‘We see enormous potential for joint work and are sincerely pleased with the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan. Combining the experience of the Turkmen grandmaster chess school with our experience in the mass involvement of children in chess can bring wonderful results. Forums such as “Kids Expo” prove that investment in the intellectual development of children is an investment in the successful future of our countries,’ concluded Luxman Wijesuriya.
The ‘Galkynyş’ group will represent Turkmenistan at the championship in the Netherlands
21.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which will be held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The national equestrian troupe ‘Galkynyş’, established in 2007, is taking part in the preparations. The troupe has repeatedly won prizes at international circus festivals in Russia, Italy, China, Monaco and other countries. As part of the preparations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, observed the group’s training sessions and wished them every success in the upcoming competitions. Horse breeding and equestrian sports are flourishing in Turkmenistan, whilst the traditions of horse breeding and horse riding are being preserved. Modern equestrian centres operate in Ashgabat and all the velayats. Every year, on the last Sunday in April, the National Day of the Turkmen Horse is celebrated.
Projects by the Iranian Cultural Centre were presented at the ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
20.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international exhibition and fair is taking place at the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together educational centres and organisations working in the field of child development. The Cultural Centre attached to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has set up its own stand at the exhibition, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Centre runs Persian language courses, classes in calligraphy and the visual arts, as well as academic, educational and creative events. Its library houses works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in Persian, the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as translated Iranian and Turkmen folk tales. Among the most popular publications are a Persian-Turkmen dictionary and a collection of recipes for traditional Iranian cuisine. The Cultural Centre’s activities are aimed at developing humanitarian and friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Iran.
Participants from Turkmenistan won prizes in the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ quiz
20.08.2026Five participants from Turkmenistan were among the prize-winners in a special edition of the international quiz ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’, dedicated to the history, culture, traditions and modern development of India. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The quiz aims to broaden knowledge of India amongst an international audience. Its questions cover the country’s economy, science, culture and historical heritage. The prize-winners from Turkmenistan were presented with certificates and commemorative awards. The ceremony took place as part of the events marking the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of India.
Enrolment has opened in Turkmenistan for an online course for teachers
20.08.2026The US Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a call for applications from English language teachers for a free online course entitled ‘Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The course is being run as part of the ‘Online Professional English Network’ project, with the support of the US Department of State. The programme focuses on modern methods of teaching academic writing. Participants will learn about text structure, formulating theses, argumentation, preparing introductions and conclusions, as well as working on the main body of written assignments. The sessions will be held online. Registration is open until 28 September 2026. Applications are open to professionals in the field of English language teaching.
The international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ has opened in Ashgabat
20.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international exhibition and trade fair has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event has provided a platform for leading manufacturers and suppliers of children’s goods and services, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 companies from over 30 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Japan and Iran, are taking part in the exhibition. Visitors are presented with a wide range of products — from baby food, goods for newborns and cosmetics to educational technology and school supplies. The Expo Centre is divided into themed zones. The venue features a book fair, workshops on pottery, fashion design and shopping bag painting, advice stands run by educational centres offering career guidance, as well as a food court serving refreshments and ice cream. For the first time, the ‘Kids Expo-Chess Cup 2026’ chess championship is being held as part of the exhibition. Schoolchildren from eight countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran – are taking part in the rapid and blitz competitions. The programme also includes a mental arithmetic tournament and a children’s fashion show featuring local designers, representatives of the children’s fashion industry and young models. The exhibition’s business programme also kicked off on 19 August: participants are holding meetings and negotiations, presenting projects and discussing prospects for cooperation. The exhibition will run until 22 August.
‘Turkmenistan’ is set to expand its flight schedule from 25 October
19.08.2026From 25 October, ‘Turkmenistan’ Airlines will increase the number of flights from Ashgabat to Kazan from four to six per week. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Flights on this route currently operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. From 25 October, flights will also be added on Thursdays and Fridays. The departure times for a number of flights will also change: the Sunday flight T5-737 will be moved from the morning to the evening – instead of 09:25, the aircraft will depart at 22:45. The airline will also increase flight frequency on other routes. The number of flights to Ho Chi Minh City will increase from two to three a week with the addition of a Friday flight; to Seoul from one to two with the addition of a Thursday flight; and to Milan from two to three with the addition of a Friday flight. It was previously reported that from 25 October, the frequency of flights to Istanbul will also increase — from 12 to 13 a week. However, the number of flights to Delhi will be reduced from three to two a week: the Saturday flight will be removed from the timetable. On routes to Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London and Frankfurt, the frequency of flights will remain unchanged, but the departure times of some flights will be adjusted.
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