News
A regional seminar on nuclear safety was held in Ashgabat, attended by 12 countries
28.04.2026A regional IAEA workshop, supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and dedicated to ensuring the nuclear security of materials outside regulatory control, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including states in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Mongolia. Participants included staff from customs and border services, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. The main focus was on strengthening national control systems to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and improve operational response to threats. The seminar confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to complying with international standards and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security.
The Turkmen women's handball team have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Beach Games in China
28.04.2026The Turkmenistan women’s beach handball team has reached the semi-finals of the 6th Asian Beach Games, currently being held in the Chinese city of Sanya, after finishing second in Group B. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the group stage, the team began with a victory over Sri Lanka (2–0), then lost to China (0–2) and, in the decisive match, beat Mongolia (2–1), clinching victory in a penalty shoot-out. With two wins from three matches, the Turkmen athletes have progressed to the play-offs. In the semi-final on 28 April, they will face the winners of Group A – the Vietnamese national team. The second semi-final will see China take on Thailand. The team is led by coaches Gulendam Narbayeva and Marina Divanova. The Games in Sanya are taking place from 22 to 30 April and feature 14 sports with 63 sets of medals up for grabs.
Turkmenistan took part in discussions on inter-trade union cooperation in Central Asia
28.04.2026A delegation from the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan took part in the General Assembly of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries, which was held on 27 April in Tashkent. This was reported by the IIC. The role of Uzbekistan’s trade unions in fostering constructive dialogue and promoting the principles of decent work and social protection was highlighted. It was emphasised that cooperation in the region is based on strategic dialogue between the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and is already yielding practical results, including the development of cross-border trade and humanitarian ties. The Turkmen side noted the strengthening of inter-trade union cooperation following the 2025 Ashgabat meeting and supported the further institutional development of the association based on trust and shared goals. In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to partnership, stability and the joint resolution of the region’s socio-economic challenges. Following the meeting, the organisation was transformed into the Confederation of Trade Unions of Central Asia.
The Turkmen-Chinese exhibition opened in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Exhibition was officially opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In an address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, read out at the ceremony, it was emphasised that China remains a key trade and economic partner for the country. The priority areas for cooperation were identified as the oil and gas sector, transport and logistics, digital technologies, telecommunications, as well as science, education and tourism. Companies from both countries are participating in the exhibition. Among the Chinese exhibitors are ‘NUCTECH’, ‘HUAWEI’, ‘LOVOL’, ‘SHANTUI’ and others. The ‘Geely’ car brand is being showcased separately with its 2025 models. A Turkmen-Chinese business forum is scheduled for 29 April, where the development of bilateral cooperation and joint projects will be discussed. The events will run until 30 April, and a cultural programme has also been organised for guests from the PRC.
Cooperation with ‘PETRONAS’ was discussed at Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university
28.04.2026A meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas with a delegation from ‘PETRONAS Çarigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd’ and PETRONAS University of Technology, focusing on the development of academic cooperation. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The university’s rector, Bayrammyrat Atamanov, presented the university’s structure, educational programmes and achievements, highlighting the integration of modern scientific developments into the teaching process. Students and lecturers undertake online courses on cutting-edge oil and gas technologies, as well as participating in internships in Malaysia. It was noted that the Memorandum of Understanding, signed in November 2024, was the fourth agreement between the parties and is aimed at expanding cooperation in science and education. The PETRONAS delegation confirmed its interest in joint research, proposing the development of scientific projects and publications. There are also plans to continue educational programmes involving PETRONAS University professors in relevant fields.
Turkmenistan and TASS discussed cooperation during Turkmenistan’s year as chair of the CIS
28.04.2026Representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Russia and the CIS Executive Committee met with Alexander Kopnov, Deputy Director General of TASS. This was reported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Moscow. The parties discussed cooperation between the Turkmen media and the agency, as well as interaction with the Council of Heads of CIS State News Agencies, which is chaired by TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov. The topic of coverage of upcoming events was also raised: the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the 35th anniversary of the CIS, and Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth.
Turkmenistan presented its partnership priorities at the UNECE forum
28.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 10th International Forum on Public-Private Partnership, which is being held from 27 to 29 April in Barcelona. The forum is organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side will present information on the development of the market economy and the private sector in the country. Participants will be briefed on promising areas for partnership: transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, the agro-industrial complex, the digital economy, urban infrastructure and tourism. The ‘Awaza’ National Tourism Zone will be presented separately as a platform for private investment. As a landlocked country, Turkmenistan emphasises the importance of partnership in the interests of the LLDC group and promotes the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for 2024–2034.
The MFA of Turkmenistan discussed oil cooperation with Malaysia
28.04.2026On 27 April, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia, Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres. It was noted separately that this year marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Petronas’s operations in Turkmenistan. The diplomats also touched upon the topic of education: hundreds of Turkmen students are studying at universities in Malaysia, and under an agreement with ‘PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd’, cooperation is underway with the Petronas University of Technology. Turkmen specialists are taking part in training courses under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. The meeting also addressed issues relating to forthcoming contacts at the highest state and government levels.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the business forum
28.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, which opens on 28 April. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. In his address, the Head of State noted that China is a major trade and economic partner of Turkmenistan. The priority areas of cooperation are the oil and gas sector, transport and logistics, digital technologies, science and education, and tourism. The President emphasised that the alignment of the ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’ strategy with China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative serves as a key factor in the development of both countries’ economies. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the forum and exhibition would help unlock the potential for bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology and high technology.
Turkmen artist awarded a special prize by TURKSOY
28.04.2026Turkmen artist Gurban Babatajov has been awarded a special TURKSOY prize following a competitive exhibition of young artists from Turkic-speaking countries, which took place in Tashkent. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The exhibition ‘One Spirit – Different Colours’ took place from 19 to 25 April and was organised by TURKSOY in collaboration with Uzbek art organisations as part of an international festival of fine and applied arts. By decision of the jury, the award was also presented to the Uzbek artist Kamoliddin Hazratulov. G. Babatajov teaches at the Turkmen State Art School attached to the Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan.
TURKSOY opera stars will perform in Ashgabat to mark the 110th anniversary of Veli Muhatov
27.04.2026A gala concert featuring leading opera soloists from TURKSOY member states will take place in Ashgabat on 2 and 3 May. The event marks the 110th anniversary of composer Veli Muhatov, the founder of Turkmen academic music, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The concert will serve not only as a tribute to the master, but also as a platform for cultural exchange among Turkic-speaking countries. Artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkey, as well as leading vocalists from Turkmenistan, will perform on stage at the ‘Mukam’ Palace. They will be accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, performing world classics and national works. The programme will highlight the continuity between generations and the high calibre of contemporary performers, as well as the unifying role of Muhatov’s legacy.
Last week, 28 transactions were recorded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange
27.04.2026Last week, 28 transactions were concluded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, covering products from the oil and gas and light industries. The foreign trade segment saw active purchases of base oil by businesses from China and Uzbekistan, according to the IIC. Exports also included building materials and textiles. Buyers from China, the UAE, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan purchased Portland cement, denim clothing, cotton yarn and wheat flour. The total value of foreign exchange contracts exceeded $20 million, indicating stable external demand. On the domestic market, Turkmen enterprises purchased technical sulphur, polypropylene, road bitumen, as well as raw silk and cotton fibre. The volume of investment by domestic businesses amounted to over 529.8 million manats.
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