Society
Turkmenistan and the EIB discussed a framework agreement on cooperation
05.09.2026On 3 September, Turkmenistan and the European Investment Bank (EIB) held online negotiations on a framework agreement to develop cooperation between the two parties, according to the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The negotiations were attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court of Turkmenistan, as well as the EIB’s Regional Office for Central Asia in Tashkent, the bank’s headquarters and the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan. The parties continued their dialogue and work on advancing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EIB. Earlier, the Head of the EIB’s Regional Office for Central Asia, Olivier Kueny, told the ‘Trend’ news agency that the conclusion of a framework agreement with Turkmenistan is a key condition for the bank to commence operations in the country. The European Investment Bank is the European Union’s main public lending institution, founded in 1958 in Luxembourg. The Bank finances projects in the fields of infrastructure, the environment, energy and digitalisation.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to the UAE met with representatives of ‘Neopharma’
05.09.2026Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE, met on Thursday with representatives of the pharmaceutical company ‘Neopharma’ LLC, according to the Turkmenistan Embassy in the UAE. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector: opportunities for the supply of medicines, the exchange of professional expertise, technology transfer and the development of production capacity. The Ambassador noted the steady development of Turkmen-Emirati relations and the mutual interest of the parties in expanding cooperation in the fields of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue, including through contacts with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. ‘Neopharma’ LLC was founded in 2003. The company operates ten manufacturing facilities across three continents, produces over 100 medicinal products and supplies its products to more than 50 countries, including states in the Middle East, Africa and the CIS.
Kronenberg is hosting a beauty contest for Ahal-Teke racehorses
05.09.2026The World Equestrian Championships and a Beauty Contest for Ahal-Teke horses have begun on 4 September in the Dutch town of Kronenberg. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event is organised by the state association ‘Türkmen Atlary’ and the European Association of Ahal-Teke Horses. The event is timed to coincide with the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The programme includes equestrian competitions, a beauty contest for racehorses, an international scientific conference on the Ahal-Teke breed, and presentations on Turkmen culture and traditions. Performances by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group and the State Circus of Turkmenistan are also planned. Teachers and students from the Aba Annayev International Equestrian Academy are involved in organising the events, according to the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. Hundreds of representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the events in Kronenberg, with more than 100 of them taking part in the international scientific and practical conference on Ahal-Teke horses. The forum comprises a main session and five sections: discussions will focus on achievements in the development of equestrian arts in Turkmenistan, the history of the breed, the significance of the inclusion of Ahal-Teke horse-breeding traditions and the tradition of horse decoration on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as the scientific study of the equine industry. Speakers include experts and horse breeders from Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and the USA. Turkmen national culture will be showcased in the square of the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre: seven yurts will be erected to display the traditions and customs of the people, national costumes, the art of the bakhshi and scenes from wedding ceremonies. Guests will also visit stands showcasing the traditions of horse-breeding in Europe. As part of the official reception, there will be a concert featuring Turkmen bakhshis and pop singers, as well as Turkish, Italian and German singers. Artists and students of creative disciplines from Turkmenistan and other countries took part in the art competition dedicated to the Ahal-Teke horses, submitting works in the fields of painting, sculpture, jewellery, carpet weaving and photography.
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan have outlined plans for CACCC-2027
04.09.2026Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Azizbek Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for developing regional cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development and environmental education, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Mergen Kepbanov spoke about the activities of CAREC and its role in developing regional environmental cooperation, focusing in particular on the work of the project office in Turkmenistan — its contribution to the implementation of initiatives on the sustainable management of natural resources, adaptation to climate change, the conservation of biodiversity and the development of environmental capacity. The participants discussed the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC) as a platform for exchanging experience on climate policy and sustainable development. The parties noted that the 9th CACCC will take place in 2027 as part of the Mountain Summit in Bishkek. Kepbanov confirmed the CAREC’s readiness to assist with its preparation and organisation. The meeting participants also touched upon the training of young professionals to work in the environmental and climate sectors, emphasising the need to expand opportunities for specialised education for young people in Central Asian countries. The parties expressed an interest in developing cooperation between the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the CAREC project office, as well as in increasing the participation of Kyrgyz representatives in the Centre’s regional events and initiatives – including joint conferences, the exchange of expertise and staff training.
Turkmenistan and Turkey to discuss strategic partnership in Ankara
04.09.2026On 22 September, Ankara will host an international conference entitled ‘The Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and Turkey on the 35th Anniversary of Independence’, marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event will take place at the National Library within the Presidential Complex. It is organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey, the Foundation for Eurasian Economic, Cultural and Social Research (EkoAvrasya) and the Association for Civil Society Cooperation in the Turkic World (TÜRKSİT). According to the source, participants will discuss the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations and prospects for cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, scientific and educational spheres.
Turkmenistan is developing its cooperation with the International Tennis Federation
04.09.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, held a meeting in New York with David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The meeting was also attended by Eziz Dovletov, President of the Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of tennis, sports infrastructure and professional exchanges between relevant organisations. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding and the hosting of ITF-sponsored junior tournaments in Turkmenistan from 2027 onwards. The participants also reviewed Turkmenistan’s contribution to UN sports diplomacy and reaffirmed their interest in a long-term partnership.
China has launched a second rail route to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A freight train set off on Tuesday from the city of Chengdu (Sichuan Province, south-west China) to the Turkmen city of Sarahs as part of the ‘China–Central Asia’ rail freight programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This is now the second direct rail route between Chengdu and Turkmenistan to have been launched since the start of the year. Regular freight services between Chengdu and the countries of Central Asia have been operating since 2014. Initially, the network covered two destinations — Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Since then, the list of destinations has expanded to include Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Sarahs, which, according to local authorities, has significantly improved the connectivity of logistics chains between Chengdu and Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and the FAO have launched a project on livestock breeding
03.09.2026On 1 September in Ashgabat, a joint project was signed online between the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The document concerns the launch of the project ‘Improving services for cattle breeding and artificial insemination’, reports the news website Turkmenportal. On the Turkmen side, the document was signed by Gochmyrat Atayev, Chairman of the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan. On behalf of the FAO, the document was signed by Viorel Gutu, Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia. The aim of the project is to increase the cattle herd through selective breeding and to build national capacity to provide artificial insemination services using digital technologies. The project involves improving the legislative framework for breeding livestock, as well as strengthening the technical capacity of specialists and laboratories, including the provision of equipment. Funding will amount to US$180,000, with completion scheduled for 2028. Following the project’s implementation, it is planned to develop a strategic roadmap, draw up standard operating procedures and introduce a national information system for livestock breeding. Provision has also been made for the preparation of an updated national herd book and a set of legal and regulatory recommendations to improve the genetic potential of livestock. The parties expect that the project will boost livestock productivity, strengthen food security and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country’s rural areas. Following the ceremony, the parties expressed their interest in continuing their cooperation.
A seminar on biodiversity conservation is taking place in Ashgabat
03.09.2026On 2 September 2026, a national workshop is being held in Ashgabat as part of a joint project by the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility to update the National Strategy and Action Plans for the Conservation of Biodiversity and to prepare the Seventh National Report under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The seminar is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Over the course of two days, participants are reviewing the draft National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Turkmenistan for 2026–2035, as well as issues relating to the preparation of the national report under the Convention. The event is attended by representatives of government bodies, scientific institutions, the private sector and civil society. Discussions centre on biodiversity conservation, the rational use of natural resources and sustainable development. Drafts of Turkmenistan’s Seventh National Report and specialised reports under the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols have also been presented. The seminar aims to strengthen Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the fulfilment of its international obligations regarding the conservation of biodiversity.
An international Pearson Certiport certification centre has been established in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026On 1 September 2026, in Ashgabat, as part of the opening ceremony for the new building of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, a certificate was presented marking the establishment of the Pearson Certiport International Certification Centre in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The establishment of the centre is a tangible outcome of the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in the field of education. Negotiations with Pearson began in May 2025 at the ‘Education World Forum’ in London. In February 2026, during a working visit by a Turkmenistan government delegation to the UK, four documents on cooperation in the field of education were signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and Pearson in the field of skills development, certification and qualifications. The Pearson Certiport Centre will administer international certification examinations from leading companies and organisations, including Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Apple, Intuit, Unity and the Project Management Institute. The centre’s operations will enable students, teachers and professionals to obtain international certificates directly in Turkmenistan. Certification validates professional skills and broadens opportunities to participate in international projects and enter the global labour market. The establishment of the centre is aimed at further integrating Turkmenistan’s education system into the international educational landscape and introducing modern tools for assessing professional skills.
The resolution on the CIS Year of Social Development is to be presented in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A meeting of the Working Group of the Advisory Council on Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States took place in Minsk. Chaired by the Kyrgyz Republic, experts discussed proposals for the draft Action Plan for the preparation and implementation of the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life in 2028, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, the Interparliamentary Assembly, the Interstate Statistical Committee, trade unions and veterans’ organisations. Following consideration of the comments, the necessary additions and clarifications were made to the draft document. Coordination of the Plan will continue with the involvement of the Commonwealth’s grassroots organisations and civil society bodies. The next round of negotiations will take place in September, chaired by the Belarusian side. The final draft Resolution on declaring 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life is scheduled to be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of State of the CIS on 9 October in Turkmenistan. The initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic is designed to strengthen the socio-demographic potential of the region’s countries, boost employment and improve citizens’ quality of life.
‘World Magazine’ has dedicated a special issue to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A special issue of the international travel magazine ‘World Magazine’ is entirely devoted to Turkmenistan. Issue 18 of the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute comprises 60 pages featuring articles on the country’s cultural heritage, its economy, tourism opportunities and Turkmenistan’s role as a transit transport hub in Eurasia, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The issue is entitled ‘Turkmenistan 2026: Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The cover features a photograph of an Ahal-Teke racehorse. The articles in this issue cover Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, its role in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the country’s economic development and its tourism potential. Particular attention is paid to Ahal-Teke horses, the Turkmen Alabay, the literary legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy, and historical and cultural monuments. The magazine also features Ashgabat, the Darwaza gas crater, the Yangykala Canyon and the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone on the Caspian coast, whilst exploring the country’s tourism and investment opportunities. ‘World Magazine’ is the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute; it is not available for sale and is distributed for informational purposes, covering current issues in the development of global tourism, industry trends and investment.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
