On 21 August, President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan visited the historic 15th-century mausoleum in the village of Argavand, Ararat Province, where the Turkmen emirs of the Garagoyunly dynasty are buried. The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia Zh. Andreasyan, employees of the President's Office, as well as the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Armenia M. Ayazov with staff members of the Embassy. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the visit, the Armenian Head of State familiarised himself with the historical value of the monument and the stages of restoration work carried out with the support of the Turkmen side. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan emphasised that the preservation of common cultural heritage remains one of the priorities of bilateral relations between the countries. The mausoleum in Argavand is a historical site that reflects the cultural ties between the Turkmen and Armenian peoples. This visit was a continuation of the dialogue in the humanitarian sphere, which is developing within the framework of intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in the fields of culture, education and science.
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of cooperation in energy and trade during a trilateral summit in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The main priorities are deepening cooperation, creating new export routes and promoting ‘green’ energy in Europe. The parties also discussed prospects for joint geological exploration and development of Caspian deposits. Growth in trade and industrial cooperation was noted. To further strengthen economic ties, it was proposed to prepare a Comprehensive Action Plan, including the development of trade chains, the creation of distribution centres and the introduction of digital technologies.
At a trilateral summit in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed prospects for strengthening humanitarian ties. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties proposed to prepare a joint programme of cultural and tourist exchanges, which will increase mutual visits by citizens, promote the rich cultural heritage and emphasise the closeness of the traditions of the three countries. To implement the agreements, the participants decided to develop a roadmap and establish a mechanism for regular contacts at the level of relevant ministries. According to the parties, this will ensure the prompt implementation of the initiatives announced during the summit.
A ceremony to sign documents following the trilateral summit between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The negotiation was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The agreements concluded during the meeting are aimed at developing partnership in key areas. Particular attention was paid to expanding economic cooperation, strengthening transport and transit potential, and implementing strategically important joint projects. The agreements reached confirm the parties' readiness to further deepen cooperation and strengthen stability in the region.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish the ‘Shavat-Dashoguz’ border trade zone, which is scheduled to launch at the end of 2025. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The agreement was reached during negotiation between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held at the Congress Centre of the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. Trade turnover between the countries since the beginning of the year amounted to about $700 million. The parties noted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties based on friendship and strategic partnership. It should be recalled that a free trade regime has been in force between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan since February, and trading houses have been opened in the capitals of the two countries. In addition, joint projects in industry, energy, transport, agriculture and water management are being actively developed. Special attention was paid to the role of intergovernmental commissions and the Business Council. The parties also exchanged views on the upcoming seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States.
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have agreed to intensify trade and economic cooperation. This was announced by Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov at a trilateral meeting in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the Minister, the new format of cooperation will expand partnership in trade, transport and energy. M. Jabbarov expressed confidence that the negotiation would result in joint statements that would strengthen economic integration and humanitarian ties between the countries.
A high-level meeting involving Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has begun in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This event marks an important stage in the development of regional cooperation. The countries are already actively cooperating in political, diplomatic and other areas, which contributes to strengthening peace and stability. The summit on the Caspian coast underscores the importance of Avaza as a venue for international meetings.
A meeting was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in the country on a working visit to participate in the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by TDH. The negotiation was held in a one-on-one format, followed by an expanded meeting with the participation of delegations from both countries. It was noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is based on strong ties of friendship and political will to develop interaction in all areas. It was emphasised that in recent years, bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level.
On 21 August, Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, met with Turkmen students at the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU). The event was timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Before the meeting, the diplomat discussed with BNTU Vice-Rector Oleg Gusev issues of developing cooperation in the field of education and science, as well as improving conditions for students. Addressing the young people, N. Shagulyev noted the country's achievements during the years of independence, emphasised the importance of the policy of neutrality and called on students to develop patriotism, respect for traditions and a desire for self-improvement. At the end of the meeting, participants were shown video materials about Turkmenistan, and the meeting itself served as a reminder of the value of friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples.
The UNICEF Summer School on Climate Change has come to an end in Ashgabat. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The programme was attended by representatives of government agencies, NGOs and international organisations, including UNDP, FAO and GIZ. Over the course of three months, 35 young participants studied topics related to climate, energy, agriculture, water resources and waste management, developed projects and visited relevant facilities. The programme culminated in the preparation of a National Youth Statement for LCOY-2025 and initiatives for implementation at the local level.
The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), funded by the European Union, has handed over two special vehicles for the canine service to the Border Service of Turkmenistan. The handover ceremony took place on 20 August, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The vehicles will be used in Ashgabat and Mary to transport dog handlers and service dogs, which should improve the mobility and efficiency of the units. EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa emphasised the importance of long-standing cooperation in the field of border management, while the Head of the Turkmenistan dog handling service, Dovletmyrat Gurtlyev, noted that the new equipment will strengthen the work of units across the country. The support was provided as part of a programme component aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to detect violations.
On 21 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador M. Mashalov met with President of the Senate of Malaysia Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah at the Malaysian Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiation, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia, emphasising its important role in the development of political and diplomatic relations. Special attention was paid to the need to intensify the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, organise mutual visits by parliamentarians and hold joint meetings. The interlocutors noted the high level of friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their readiness to further develop them on a long-term and mutually beneficial basis.