Society
A project to empower women has been implemented in Ashgabat
15.04.2026From 1 March to 10 April, a training course for women, organised with the support of the OSCE, took place in Ashgabat. The programme was aimed at developing practical skills and enhancing the economic independence of the participants, reports AsmanNews. The sessions took place at the ‘Binayim’ sewing workshop. Ten women from vulnerable groups took part in the course. They learnt national patchwork techniques and the basics of running a business. The programme included practical sewing sessions as well as consultations on legal and economic issues. The practical sessions were led by national trainer Umida Kadyrova. Ayjeren Orazberdiyeva, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, spoke on economic rights. Particular attention was paid to the use of recycled materials. The participants learnt methods of creating products at minimal cost whilst preserving traditional techniques. The organisers noted that the project aims to support women’s economic participation and the development of sustainable sources of income.
A forum in Turkmenistan discussed the development of tourist routes
15.04.2026Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ international forum, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Turkey and Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are based on cultural ties, shared history and language. According to him, Turkmenistan holds special significance for the Turkish people as their ‘ancestral homeland’ and a place of enduring friendly ties. Alpaslan highlighted the role of tourism as a tool of ‘soft power’ and a form of inter-state dialogue. He added that Turkey is among the world leaders in the tourism sector and is ready to share its experience, technologies and approaches to infrastructure development. He also highlighted projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. These included the development of modern Silk Road routes and the creation of integrated tourist itineraries linking cities across the region — from Merv to Konya and from Ashgabat to Istanbul.
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan are strengthening their partnership in the tourism sector
15.04.2026Erdenet Kasymov, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant government departments and industry organisations are taking part in the event, reports IIC. During his speech, he highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between countries in the region, including Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The prospects for growth in mutual tourist flows and joint initiatives to promote the tourism potential of Central Asia were discussed. The issue of creating combined tourist routes featuring the natural and cultural attractions of both countries was raised separately. The exchange of experience in infrastructure development and improving the quality of tourist services was also discussed. Cooperation in tourism is seen as one of the areas for expanding bilateral ties and strengthening regional interaction.
The potential for tourism in relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan was highlighted
15.04.2026Kanan Firovsi oglu Aliyev, Chief of Staff at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the tourism industry from various countries, reports IIC. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of expanding regional cooperation and the potential for collaboration between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism. Joint itineraries, the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of ties between relevant organisations were discussed. It was also noted that both countries possess significant opportunities for the development of tourism thanks to their cultural heritage, infrastructure projects and geographical location. The development of partnership in this sphere is seen as a factor in strengthening bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan has joined the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the 2027–2030 term
14.04.2026At the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, Turkmenistan was elected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term. The country will begin its work in the commission on January 1, 2027, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The election is seen as recognition of Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of scientific and technological cooperation and opens additional opportunities for participation in the international agenda in the fields of science, innovation, and digitalization. The CSTD is a functional body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established in 1992. It serves as a key intergovernmental platform for discussing issues of science, technology, and innovation and their impact on sustainable development. The commission consists of 43 member states, elected for four-year terms with consideration of regional balance. International organizations, the scientific community, and business representatives also participate in its work. The main tasks of the CSTD include analyzing technological trends, supporting innovation, reducing the digital divide, developing the scientific and technological capacities of developing countries, and promoting international cooperation. The commission holds annual sessions in Geneva, where recommendations are developed for ECOSOC and priorities in science and technology are discussed in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For participating countries, membership in the commission provides access to expert analysis, the opportunity to influence the global science and technology agenda, and to strengthen international ties in the field of innovation.
The special representative of Xi Jinping will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the “Galkynysh”
14.04.2026Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan from April 15 to 17 and will take part in the ceremony marking the start of construction of the fourth phase of the gas field “Galkynysh,” according to the news agency Orient. The Vice Premier of China’s State Council will visit Turkmenistan as the special representative of the President of China Xi Jinping. The project is viewed as key for expanding Turkmen gas exports to China and strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The new phase will serve as a basis for stable supplies via additional routes of the gas pipeline. As part of the visit, the seventh meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Chinese committee will also be held, where the sides will discuss investment, technological development, personnel training, and issues of energy security. The visit is timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the energy partnership between Turkmenistan and China, which is currently developing toward deeper strategic and technological cooperation.
The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ has come to an end in Rome
13.04.2026On 12 April, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ came to a close at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, having spent six months transforming the halls of the Palazzo dei Conservatori into a space for symbolic dialogue between Rome and Parthia. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The historical rivalry between the two powers gave way to a cultural exchange that aroused considerable interest in the academic and artistic circles of the Italian capital. The exhibition, organised with the participation of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and Italian archaeological centres, presented around 150 unique artefacts and served as an important revelation of little-studied pages of Central Asian history for a European audience. The exhibition spanned the period from prehistoric Margiana to the Parthian era. Among the key exhibits was a composite statue from Gonur-Depe (3rd–2nd millennium BC), bearing witness to early trade links between East and West. Particular attention was drawn to the ivory rhytons from Old Nisa, combining Greek and Eastern motifs, as well as the clay heads, presumably depicting Parthian rulers. The statue of Aphrodite Anadyomene from Nisa became a symbol of cultural synthesis, reflecting the influence of ancient traditions on the art of Parthia. Visitors also praised the curators’ work, noting the informative nature of the exhibition and its ability to reveal the level of development of ancient societies in the territory of modern-day Turkmenistan. As the exhibition drew to a close, the focus in the Italian press shifted from sensational announcements to a deeper reflection on its significance. According to experts, the project was a rare cultural event that highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the world’s historical heritage.
An event to mark Cosmonautics Day was held in Ashgabat
13.04.2026A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Russian House in Ashgabat, where a bust of Yuri Gagarin stands. The event was held to mark Cosmonautics Day, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, representatives of civil society, scientists and schoolchildren. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight. According to him, this event gave impetus to the development of global science. The Ambassador also spoke about the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the space sector. This involves projects in the fields of satellites, navigation technologies and scientific research. The training of a Turkmen cosmonaut is not ruled out, provided there is interest from the country. Special mention was made of Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenabat and Hero of Turkmenistan and Russia, who is the head of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. His next flight is scheduled for the autumn. The cosmonaut holds the world record for the longest stay in orbit – 1,110 days. During the event, the participants’ attention was drawn to a schoolboy who had come dressed in a homemade cosmonaut’s suit. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the participants laid flowers at the bust of Yuri Gagarin.
An inclusive run was held in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day
12.04.2026A mass inclusive run, the ‘Wings of Friendship’ EU–Turkmenistan race, took place in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day. Over 800 people took part in the event, including children, older people, professional athletes, amateurs and people with disabilities, reports Turkmenportal. Participants were offered 2, 5 and 10 km routes. The routes ran around Independence Park. Winners and active participants received prizes and commemorative gifts. According to Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, the run is part of the programme of events for Europe Day, which is traditionally celebrated in May. The event was brought forward in view of the weather conditions. The event also coincided with World Health Day and brought together participants from various countries, including members of the diplomatic corps and residents of Turkmenistan’s regions. Europe Day is celebrated annually on 9 May in honour of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which marked the beginning of the formation of the European Union. In 2025, the EU delegation, together with the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport and the Ashgabat City Administration, organised the Peace and Trust Marathon. The race was organised by the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat City Administration and the ‘Run-Rush’ running community, with the support of sponsors.
Russia intends to develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the space sector
11.04.2026Russia is ready to develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the space sector, including the training of a Turkmen cosmonaut for spaceflight. This was stated by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, promising areas for cooperation include the manufacture and launch of satellites, navigation technologies, and scientific research and development. The diplomat also noted that, should the Turkmen side be interested, Russia is ready to prepare a Turkmen cosmonaut for flight. The Ambassador also recalled the contribution of cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. He emphasised that during his latest mission, O. Kononenko set a record for the total duration of time spent in space — over 1,110 days.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat
11.04.2026Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the teaching process and current projects. During a meeting with teachers, the parties discussed methods of teaching the Korean language and the development of cultural cooperation. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea noted that the visit took place as part of monitoring the activities of one of the key centres of Korean education in the region. Lee Won-jae gave a positive assessment of the institute’s work. He emphasised that the institution combines language teaching with cultural programmes. Students take part in masterclasses on Korean cuisine and traditional dance classes, which helps them to familiarise themselves with the culture of the Republic of Korea. Following the visit, the Ambassador confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the institute. According to him, collaboration with the educational centre contributes to strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting the Korean language in Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat to build an observatory next to the children's library
07.04.2026An observatory equipped with a telescope is planned to be built in Ashgabat on the grounds of the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. This was announced by O. Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, according to TDH. The project is being implemented as part of the library’s modernisation with the support of the foundation. It involves renovating the building and creating facilities for children’s scientific and educational activities. The initiative was presented during a working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the project and supported the creation of astronomical facilities for young readers.
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