News
The Turkmenistan U-17 team will compete in the CAFA U-17 Championship in Tashkent
14.03.2026Turkmenistan’s youth national team will compete in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) U-17 Championship. The tournament will take place in Tashkent from 4 to 14 April, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The matches will be held at the ‘Do'stlik’ Stadium in Tashkent. In addition to the Turkmenistan team, the national teams of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will take part in the competition. Players born on or after 1 January 2010 are eligible to participate in the tournament. The CAFA notes that the championship is aimed at preparing the region’s youth national teams for future continental and world tournaments. The match schedule and further details will be published at a later date.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
Islamabad hosted a meeting between representatives of Turkmenistan and ‘Orient Petroleum Inc.’
13.03.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan held a meeting with a delegation from the Pakistani company ‘Orient Petroleum Inc.,’ led by its Head Kamran Ahmed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The company representatives noted the high potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan and expressed interest in developing a partnership in the energy sector. Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, informed the guests about the growing export potential of Turkmenistan's energy sector. He emphasised that Turkmenistan, as one of the world's largest producers of natural gas, is implementing a strategy of diversifying export routes, introducing modern technologies in the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons, and expanding international cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to develop and strengthen Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation.
OSCE organised a regional seminar in Ashgabat
13.03.2026From 10 to 12 March, a regional seminar organised by the OSCE was held in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to issues of international humanitarian assistance to refugees, migrants and stateless persons. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was attended by representatives of five Central Asian countries — border and customs officials, as well as representatives of migration, law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries. The opening ceremony was addressed by the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the German Embassy. The Head of the OSCE Centre, William Leaf, stressed that the growth of cross-border mobility requires strengthening international cooperation and developing safe and humane migration policies. Participants discussed international experience in providing assistance to refugees, migrants and stateless persons, taking into account human rights principles as well as gender and age aspects. Experts from the OSCE, UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development took part in the discussions. The seminar was held as part of the OSCE Centre's project to strengthen the capacity of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan with financial support from the German government.
Austrian expert gave a lecture to future diplomats in Ashgabat
13.03.2026Martin Sajdik, representative of the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy, paid a working visit to Ashgabat. The main purpose of the trip was to prepare a cooperation agreement between this organisation and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During his visit, the Diplomat visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Carpet Museum, the ‘Köne Nusaý’ Historical and Cultural Centre, and the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Sports Complex. The central event of the programme was a meeting with teachers and students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Rector of the university, Gulshat Yusupova, gave an introductory speech about the purpose of the guest's visit. The meeting took the form of a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session in English. Martin Sajdik also met with staff from the Institute's Scientific Centre for Strategic Studies. The meeting was attended by the Head of the centre, Ambassador Shiri Shiriyev, as well as specialists B. Amansaryev and O. Annabayev. The parties discussed current issues of international and regional politics. During the conversation, the Diplomat noted that qualities such as objectivity, impartiality, empathy and patience are important for work in the field of international conflict resolution. Following the meetings, the parties expressed interest in developing cooperation between the Austrian Institute for European Diplomacy and Security Policy and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan's chemical industry is increasing its production capacity
13.03.2026Turkmenistan continues to develop its chemical industry. Projects are being implemented in the sector to modernise production facilities, build new enterprises and expand output, according to TDH. The State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ is working to increase production capacity and introduce modern technologies. The development of the industry is being carried out within the framework of the programme ‘Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State: National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2052’ and other state programmes. One of the priority areas remains the production of mineral fertilisers. The country has increased its production of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers, which makes it possible to meet the needs of agriculture and expand export supplies. The Turkmenabat Chemical Plant named after S.A. Niyazov plays an important role in the industry. The enterprise produces phosphorus fertilisers, including ammonium superphosphate, as well as technical sulphuric acid. Part of the production is exported. The plant is regularly modernised. In 2016, a new sulphuric acid production facility was commissioned here. The enterprise is also introducing digital process control systems to monitor product quality and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 international standards. In October 2025, the foundation for a new mineral fertiliser production complex was laid on the plant's territory. The project envisages the production of 350,000 tonnes of superphosphate and 100,000 tonnes of ammonium sulphate per year. The enterprise plans to apply ‘Industry 4.0’ technologies, including industrial internet and data analysis systems. Particular attention is paid to environmental safety. Closed water circulation systems, modern filters and purification technologies are being introduced at the enterprises. This reduces the impact on the environment and ensures the rational use of natural resources. The enterprise also cooperates with scientific institutions in the country. Together with the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, research is being conducted on the creation of new types of fertilisers aimed at increasing crop yields and preserving soil fertility. In the near future, the plant plans to establish the production of liquid fertilisers, which are in demand in greenhouse farming. The development of the chemical industry remains one of the areas of diversification of the country's economy and expansion of industrial production.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed cooperation in equestrian sports
13.03.2026On 12 March, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with the leadership of the Japan Equestrian Federation and the Tokyo Equestrian Complex, Hiroshi Ito and Yoshikazu Matsuda, in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was also attended by Takuma Miyaji, a member of the Japanese-Turkmen Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and a member of the House of Representatives of the Japanese Parliament; Michiko Aoe, Director General of the Japanese Economic Society ‘Ahal-Teke Affinity Co. LTD,’ a member of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan; and Japanese horse breeders. The parties discussed events held in Turkmenistan and abroad as part of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and state policy in the field of horse breeding. Issues related to the development of cooperation with the Japan Equestrian Federation were also considered. After the meeting, the participants visited the monument to the Ahal-Teke horse, erected on the territory of the Tokyo Equestrian Complex.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Regional Director of the ILO
13.03.2026On 12 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova held a meeting with Peter Van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the country's foreign ministry. The Turkmen side congratulated Peter Van Rooij on his appointment and expressed its readiness to further develop cooperation with the International Labour Organisation. The interlocutors noted the steady development of Turkmenistan's interaction with the ILO within the framework of the country's cooperation with the UN system. It was emphasised that joint work is being carried out on the basis of roadmaps and ongoing projects. During the meeting, they discussed expanding the institutional presence of UN agencies in Turkmenistan and implementing projects aimed at promoting decent work principles and developing social dialogue. Special attention was paid to implementing the Roadmap for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2026. It was noted that Turkmenistan regularly submits reports on ILO conventions and participates in the work of the International Labour Conference. The next session of the conference will take place in June in Geneva. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership.
Turkmenistan and ILO outline areas of cooperation for 2026
13.03.2026On 12 March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a round table with representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). They discussed cooperation in the areas of labour, social protection and sustainable development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments, international organisations and social partners. The participants considered the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They discussed improving labour legislation, promoting the principles of decent work and implementing joint programmes in the social sphere. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted the importance of cooperation with the ILO. According to her, cooperation with the organization contributes to the introduction of international experience and the development of the national labor relations system. Special attention was paid to the results of joint work in 2025 and the discussion of priority areas of cooperation for 2026. The participants also stressed the importance of further exchange of experience and expansion of partnership initiatives.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
Turkmenistan and China discuss the role of women in society and innovation
13.03.2026The ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a round table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan–China: Women and Society,’ organised by the Chinese Embassy and dedicated to the role of women in the economies and cultures of both countries. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Zhong Hua, Chargé d'Affaires, presented statistics on the modern role of women in China: the average life expectancy is 80 years, 46% of scientific and technical personnel are women, and more than half of Internet entrepreneurs are female. Particular attention was paid to last year's visit to China by a Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, which strengthened cooperation in protecting children's rights and supporting motherhood. China plans to train 50,000 women and launch 1,000 local social projects over the next five years. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, gave a response speech, and the subsequent dinner turned into an exchange of success stories. The participants discussed a wide range of topics, from preserving national embroidery to achievements in aviation. Turkmen women scientists, teachers and businesswomen demonstrated a harmonious combination of innovation and national values.
Turkmenistan and Australia discussed prospects for bilateral relations
13.03.2026On 12 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Australian Ambassador to Turkmenistan (resident in Moscow) John William Geering. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Australia. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation, as well as expanding partnership in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. During the conversation, the diplomats exchanged views on a number of topical international and regional issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The importance of consolidating international efforts to ensure peace, security and stability in the region was emphasised. Ambassador John William Geering, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for its assistance in organising the transit of Australian citizens travelling from Iran. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue and further strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Australia.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
