Society
Ashgabat to host an Indian film festival
06.08.2026The Indian Film Festival will take place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 August 2026. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan. Admission to the screenings is free, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The festival programme features three films. On 14 August at 17:00, audiences will be shown the sports drama ‘Dangal’ (2016), and on 15 August at 17:00, the romantic comedy ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995). The programme will conclude on 16 August at 11.00 with the sports drama ‘Chak De! India’ (2007).
OSCE Head Ignazio Cassis has arrived in Turkmenistan
06.08.2026The current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis, visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat upon his arrival in Turkmenistan and thanked the staff of the mission for their work. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Ignazio Cassis highlighted the importance of the OSCE’s activities on the ground. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has been operating since 1999 and assists Turkmenistan in the areas of security, including arms control, border security, economic and environmental cooperation, as well as human rights and good governance. Cassis’s visit is taking place as part of Switzerland’s chairmanship of the OSCE.
Ashgabat and Tokyo discussed the development of tourism
06.08.2026On 4 August, A. Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, met with Y. Hara, the newly elected chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA). This was reported by the press office of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. A. Bayramov congratulated Y. Hara on his election as Chairman. The parties discussed the further development of tourism cooperation between the two countries. Turkmenistan’s cooperation with JATA began in 2013 with its participation in the ‘JATA Travel Showcase’ exhibition. Since then, it has steadily expanded. Key events include the ‘Tourism Potential of Turkmenistan’ conference held in Tokyo in 2014 and the international conference ‘Turkmenistan – The Land of Friendship and Hospitality’, which took place in Osaka in 2025 as part of ‘EXPO 2025’. Separately, the parties discussed the prospects for establishing direct air links between Turkmenistan and Japan, as well as expanding cooperation between the relevant government departments and tourism companies in both countries.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting on the CAREC Digital Corridor
06.08.2026On 29–30 July 2026, a delegation from the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan took part in a consultative meeting on the Digital Corridor under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme in Islamabad. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Emma Fan, Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Office in Pakistan, as well as delegations from nine CAREC member countries — comprising representatives of government bodies, telecoms operators, regulatory authorities, international organisations, development partners and technical experts. The Turkmen delegation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the development of regional economic cooperation, digital transformation and joint initiatives to enhance connectivity among the region’s states. Representatives from Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of establishing a modern CAREC digital space as a driver of sustainable economic growth, the expansion of cross-border digital services and regional integration. They also briefed forum participants on the modernisation of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, the development of digital public services and the implementation of modern digital solutions, including in the healthcare sector.
Turkmenistan and the IPC discussed the development of parliamentary dialogue
05.08.2026The Secretary-General of the International Parliamentary Congress (IPC), Senator Sitara Ayaz, visited the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 4 August 2026. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting with the Turkmen Ambassador, A. Movlamov, the parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the International Parliamentary Congress (IPC), the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties and the expansion of cooperation between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Congress. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of international conferences, round-table discussions and parliamentary forums involving representatives from Central Asian countries. It was noted that such platforms facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of law-making and the development of parliamentary diplomacy. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed support for the further strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations. Senator Sitara Ayaz highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s neutral policy and expressed her gratitude for the constructive dialogue. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular engagement and to develop joint initiatives in the field of parliamentary cooperation.
A delegation from Turkmenistan visited the Peelbergen centre in the Netherlands
05.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, visited the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg as part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where it inspected the preparations for the upcoming international event. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Turkmen representatives met with the centre’s management and equestrian specialists. The parties discussed organisational, technical and protocol matters, including the programme, accommodation for participants, and the staging of sporting, cultural and exhibition events. The delegation toured the sports facilities, training areas and infrastructure of the centre, and also observed the training of Turkmen specialists undergoing training in show jumping. The importance of further professional cooperation between specialists from Turkmenistan and the Netherlands was emphasised. Particular attention was paid to the venues where an exhibition of Turkmen products is to be held, as well as displays by foreign companies and international brands operating in the field of equestrian sports and horse breeding. The parties also discussed issues relating to coordination, security, technical support and the layout of the venues. It was noted that this will be the first time the event has been held outside Turkmenistan, and that its programme will combine sporting, cultural, exhibition and business events. Following the visit, confidence was expressed that the event will help to promote Ahal-Teke horses and foster international cooperation in the field of equestrian sports.
The Ambassadors of Turkmenistan and Italy held a meeting in Islamabad
05.08.2026On 3 August 2026, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, met with Ugo Ciarlatani, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Pakistan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Italian relations, as well as ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, interaction between the missions, and cooperation with Pakistani government bodies and the business community. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue, develop professional interaction and strengthen friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Italy.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador discussed the development of horse breeding with a French expert
05.08.2026On 3 August, M. Charyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, met with Alexandre Gros, a national technical expert at the French Equestrian Federation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed the training of specialists in the field, the exchange of international expertise, and the prospects for the development of Turkmen-French cooperation in the field of horse breeding. The participants also reviewed preparations for the World Equestrian Championships and the International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which are to be held on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands). Alexander Gros confirmed his willingness to deliver a presentation on the history of the Ahal-Teke breed in France at an international scientific conference to be held as part of the championships. In addition, the prospects for cooperation between the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and relevant French institutions were discussed, including the training of Turkmen trainers and instructors and the adoption of international best practice. Following the meeting, Alexander Gros highlighted Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve and develop the Ahal-Teke breed, and expressed his willingness to help promote the country’s national equestrian heritage.
Experts from Turkmenistan are studying AI and ‘green’ technologies in Germany
05.08.2026Experts from the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, and the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ are taking part in an international research internship in Germany, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme is taking place from 25 July to 16 August 2026 at Clausthal University of Technology. Its aim is to study leading international expertise in the fields of renewable energy, reducing methane emissions, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in industry, as well as to develop scientific and technical cooperation and digital technologies. During the first few days of the internship, the Turkmen specialists, together with German scientists, took part in practical sessions on artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks and data normalisation. The participants also carried out laboratory research on well integrity, the drilling of highly deviated wells and the prediction of photovoltaic plant performance using artificial intelligence algorithms. To conclude the programme, the delegation will visit a German sulphur-containing gas processing plant and power stations utilising renewable energy sources. The internship is being held as part of the European Union and GIZ strategic project ‘European Union for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029’.
Turkmenistan and Iran are strengthening their cooperation in the study of manuscripts
04.08.2026Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan, discussed the history of cultural and scientific ties between the two countries and current areas of cooperation in an article for the Turkmen media. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, the shared civilisational heritage of Iran and Turkmenistan is deeply rooted in the region’s history. The Ambassador cited Greater Khorasan, as well as Merv, Nisa, Sarahs, Nishapur and Abiverd. During the Seljuk era, Merv was one of the centres of literature, astronomy and mathematics. Among the authors who wrote in Persian, Arabic and Turkmen, Rouzbahani mentioned Anvari Abiverdi, Zamakhshari, Fakhr al-Din Razi and Magtymguly Pyragy. According to the Ambassador, libraries in Turkmenistan hold thousands of manuscripts in Persian and Arabic, whilst Iran’s archives contain texts in Turkic, Arabic and Turkmen relating to the region’s history. Cooperation continues in the study and cataloguing of ancient manuscripts, the joint publication of books, translation and scholarly research into these works. In June 2023, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, with a two-volume edition of the revised divan of Magtymguly Pyragy. Through the efforts of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat, several works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, have been translated into Persian and published, including the book ‘Worshipping Mother — Worshipping a Sacred Person’. The translation of one of the volumes of the encyclopaedia ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’ is ongoing, as is the translation of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s book ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’; its presentation is scheduled for a later date.
Turkmenistan’s experience in social work is being presented at an international forum
04.08.2026A delegation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan presented its experience of reforming the social assistance system at an international forum on social work in Dushanbe. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Participants at the event learnt about Turkmenistan’s approaches aimed at preventing social problems, the early identification of risks and the provision of targeted support to families and children. As part of the implementation of the Law ‘On Social Services’, the country is developing training programmes for social workers, pilot support programmes at local level and inter-agency cooperation between relevant services. The forum also featured measures to develop juvenile justice and psychosocial support. A pilot project in Ashgabat demonstrated mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution, rehabilitation and the social reintegration of minors. It is planned to roll out these approaches across all regions of the country in 2026–2027. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan with the support of UNICEF. It was attended by representatives from Central Asian countries, Austria, Iran and Japan, as well as UN agencies, academic institutions and civil society organisations.
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.
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