Policy
Modern campus complexes at two universities have opened in Turkmenistan
02.09.2026On 1 September, in the presence of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the new building complexes of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute were officially opened. The Head of State took part in the opening ceremony of the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute complex via a digital system. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The new complexes were commissioned on Knowledge and Student Youth Day. Their construction formed part of measures to develop the education system and strengthen its material and technical base. The complex of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction in Ashgabat is designed to accommodate 5,000 students. It comprises a 13-storey main building, eight faculties, 28 departments, a library, a conference hall, a hall of residence with 2,600 beds and residential blocks for teaching staff. The total area of the complex is 32.2 hectares. The complex of the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Turkmenabat is also designed to accommodate 5,000 students. It comprises a main building and teaching blocks, eight faculties, 22 departments, an assembly hall, a library, a canteen with seating for 1,000 people, six halls of residence with 2,000 places, sports facilities and other amenities. The complex covers an area of approximately 26 hectares. During the ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the development of the scientific and educational sectors and the training of qualified specialists remain priority areas of state policy. The Head of State familiarised himself with the learning and working conditions provided at the universities. At the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the President of Turkmenistan visited the laboratories of architecture and earthquake-resistant construction, electromechanics and general chemical technology, where he was shown modern equipment for research and the practical training of students. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also signed the guest book at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. In addition, a ceremony was held to present international certificates to the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi. The Institute of Architecture and Construction received certificates of compliance with five international ISO standards, as well as UNDP certificates in the fields of energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable development. Furthermore, the university was awarded a ‘Certiport Authorised Testing Centre’ certificate confirming the establishment of an international examination centre. The Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute was presented with certificates from the Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University of the Russian Federation, the ‘Contribution to the Future’ Charitable Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as a letter of appreciation from the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education and a certificate of membership in the UNESCO International Association of Universities. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, both universities were presented with car keys. Festive sadaqah ceremonies were held to mark the commissioning of the new complexes.
Tokyo has proposed a partnership with Ashgabat in the field of ‘green’ technologies
01.09.2026Japan is interested in developing partnerships with Turkmenistan in the areas of circular economy and waste recycling. This was stated by Toshihiro Kitamura, Director-General of Press and Public Relations at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press briefing, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. The meeting with media representatives took place in Ashgabat as part of a working visit by the Head of the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry, Toshimitsu Motegi. Responding to a question about the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of ‘green’ technologies, the Japanese diplomat noted that there are as yet no specific joint projects in the circular economy, but that this area holds significant potential. ‘Japan is a country with limited natural resources, so we are putting significant effort into waste recycling and have extensive experience, advanced knowledge, and technologies in this area,’ Mr Kitamura emphasised. According to him, Turkmenistan, for its part, possesses abundant natural resources, and combining the strengths of the two countries will enable the development of an effective model of mutually beneficial partnership. The spokesperson for the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry also added that the Japanese private sector is showing a keen interest in this sector, and that the Japanese government is counting on productive progress in the dialogue. Discussions on these issues at government level were one of the key topics of the Japanese minister’s visit to Turkmenistan.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence
01.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the people of the country on the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s independence. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his congratulatory message, the Head of Turkmenistan highlighted Uzbekistan’s achievements in strengthening statehood, improving the well-being of its people and enhancing the country’s international standing. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the development of Turkmen-Uzbek relations, based on good neighbourliness, friendship, mutual support, trust, equality and openness. The Head of State expressed his confidence in the further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The President of Turkmenistan wished Shavkat Mirziyoyev good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Uzbekistan peace, prosperity and success.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on Knowledge Day
01.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on Knowledge Day and on behalf of the student youth. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, Hero Arkadag highlighted the importance of science and education for the country’s development. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also emphasised that programmes are being implemented in the country to modernise the national education system and to nurture an educated, patriotic and physically fit generation. Particular attention is being paid to the construction of modern schools, universities, nurseries and health and leisure centres in Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the velayats. Digital technologies and modern teaching methods are being introduced into the educational process, and educational programmes are being updated. The congratulatory message also highlights the international successes of Turkmen schoolchildren, students and young athletes at Olympiads, competitions and tournaments. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of the ‘Concept for the Transition to 12-Year General Secondary Education in Turkmenistan’, the ‘Concept for Improving Teaching Methods in General Education Programmes in Turkmenistan until 2028’ and the Strategy for the Development of Higher Vocational Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the prospects for the further integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies into education, as well as the expansion of international cooperation. In particular, he noted Ashgabat’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, a long life and continued success in the development of the education system.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated those working in the education sector
01.09.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated teachers, education system employees, students, and schoolchildren on Knowledge and Student Day and the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, according to the TDH news agency. The message highlights the role of science and education in the country’s development. It also emphasises that the construction of modern nurseries, schools and vocational training institutions is continuing across the country, alongside the modernisation of the national education system. By the start of the new academic year, it is planned to open new buildings for the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction in Ashgabat and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Turkmenabat. Modern schools and nurseries will also be opened in the velayats. As part of the celebratory events, scientific and practical conferences, as well as sporting and cultural events, will take place. The President of Turkmenistan noted that schoolchildren starting school for the first time will receive ‘Bilimli’ laptops as a gift. Serdar Berdimuhamedov called on young people to study hard, take part in subject-based competitions, academic contests, sports and creative festivals, and to represent Turkmenistan with dignity on the international stage. The Head of State encouraged teachers and education sector staff to improve their professional skills, introduce modern teaching methods and make use of scientific achievements and best educational practices. He particularly emphasised the need to develop modern textbooks and teaching aids. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished students and teachers good health, well-being and success in the new academic year.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to the US has also been appointed Ambassador to Canada
01.09.2026Esen Aydogdyev has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Canada on a concurrent basis. The relevant Decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to the TDH news agency. Esen Aydogdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States (based in Washington), has also been appointed Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada. E. Aydogdyev was appointed Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the US in March this year; prior to that, he headed the country’s diplomatic mission in Russia.
Ashgabat and Tokyo have approved a cooperation programme for 2027–2029
31.08.2026Following negotiations in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, a Programme of Cooperation between the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2027–2029 was signed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Japanese side reaffirmed its support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy of permanent neutrality. The parties also highlighted their cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ format. Particular attention was paid to economic partnership. The prospects for cooperation in gas chemistry, the electricity sector, transport, as well as in the fields of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence were discussed. In addition, the parties reviewed preparations for the joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place in Tokyo this year, as well as the development of ties in the fields of education and culture.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the President of Kyrgyzstan
31.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, and the people of Kyrgyzstan on the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. In his message, the Head of Turkmenistan highlighted the Republic of Kyrgyzstan’s achievements in the political and socio-economic spheres, as well as its development across various sectors. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also emphasised the dynamic development of Turkmen-Kyrgyz relations, based on good neighbourliness, friendship and mutual understanding, and reaffirmed his readiness to continue close cooperation in the interests of both nations. The Head of Turkmenistan wished President Sadyr Japarov good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of the Kyrgyz Republic peace, progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Malaysia on its Independence Day
31.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, the 17th Supreme Head of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, and the people of Malaysia on their national holiday — Independence Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted the traditionally friendly nature of relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and reaffirmed his interest in their further development on the basis of mutual respect, trust and equality. The President of Turkmenistan also referred to recent negotiations with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Ashgabat. According to the Head of State, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the decisions reached following the visit would contribute to the development of ties between the two countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the Malaysian leadership good health and well-being, and the country’s people peace, progress and prosperity.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent his condolences to the King of Norway
31.08.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his condolences to King Haakon VIII of Norway following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. The Head of State highlighted King Harald V’s contribution to Norway’s development and to strengthening the unity of the Norwegian people. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the President expressed his sincere sympathy and support to King Haakon VIII, the members of the royal family and the people of Norway.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Head of the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry
31.08.2026On 30 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Toshimitsu Motegi conveyed greetings from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also thanked the Head of State for his condolences following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed his own best wishes to the Japanese leadership and noted that Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit would contribute to the expansion of bilateral cooperation. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of the Turkmen-Japanese partnership and the development of cooperation in a bilateral context, within the framework of the United Nations and the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ Dialogue. The Head of State highlighted the outcomes of his working visit to Japan last year to attend the first summit of the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ Dialogue. Toshimitsu Motegi emphasised the contribution of the Head of State’s visits to the development of Japan–Turkmenistan cooperation. The meeting also covered inter-parliamentary ties and the work of the Turkmen-Japanese Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the role of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation and the prospects for Japanese companies’ participation in the gas and chemical industries. Among the current partners mentioned were ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’ and ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.’. The parties also emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of Cultural Days, exhibitions and other joint events. Following the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Toshimitsu Motegi expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
31.08.2026On 30 August 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between delegations led by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, who had arrived in Ashgabat on a visit. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the state of affairs and prospects for Turkmen-Japanese relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within international organisations, including the UN, as well as collaboration within the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ framework. The Japanese side reaffirmed its support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course of permanent neutrality. In the economic sphere, discussions centred on cooperation in gas chemistry, the electricity sector and transport, as well as prospects for collaboration in the fields of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. The participation of Japanese companies, including ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’ and ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, in the implementation of industrial projects in Turkmenistan. The parties also discussed preparations for a joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place this year in Tokyo. Following the negotiations, a Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the period 2027–2029 was signed.
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