News
Turkmenistan is taking part in the ‘Central Asian Gas Ring’ project
04.10.2026Turkmenistan will take part in discussions on the ‘Central Asian Gas Ring’ project, which aims to integrate the gas transmission systems of the five countries in the region. The project will be discussed at the Second Central Asian Oil and Gas Forum in Tashkent on 15–16 October, according to Turkmenportal. The project involves the creation of a single gas transmission network linking Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. To this end, there are plans to construct new sections and modernise existing gas pipelines with a total length of over 3,000 kilometres. According to the project’s architects, integrating the gas transmission systems will enable seasonal supplies to be balanced more effectively and improve the reliability of gas supplies to countries in the region. The project’s cost was initially estimated at 4–5 billion dollars. According to the forum organisers, the preliminary investment volume, taking into account associated social initiatives, is now estimated at 10 billion dollars. The idea of the ‘Gas Ring’ was presented at the first Central Asian Oil and Gas Forum in Tashkent in October 2025. The second forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent. Participants will discuss the region’s oil and gas resources, cross-border trade routes and logistics, oil refining, investment, risk management and public-private partnerships.
The ‘Awaza’ will host a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers
04.10.2026On 7 October, a meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. The Heads of the foreign ministries will review the CIS’s achievements in 2026 and discuss future directions for multilateral cooperation. Particular attention will be paid to the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth. At the meeting, it is planned to approve the schedule for inter-ministerial consultations for 2027, as well as to set the date and venue for the next meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers. The key documents resulting from the meeting are expected to be submitted for consideration by the CIS Council of Heads of State, which is due to meet on 9 October at ‘Awaza’.
Turkmenistan took part in the 15th UN Congress
04.10.2026The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held from 26 September to 1 October 2026, has concluded in Abu Dhabi. Turkmenistan was represented at the forum by a delegation led by the Deputy Attorney General of the country. The main outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which sets out the direction of international cooperation in the fight against crime for the next five years. This was reported by ArzuwNews. The UN Congress is held every five years and brings together representatives of states, including heads of relevant ministries and agencies. The representative of Turkmenistan addressed the high-level segment, expressing gratitude to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UAE for organising the forum. During the address, Turkmenistan’s national policy on crime prevention and strengthening the rule of law was presented. The role of the General Prosecutor’s Office in combating human trafficking and corruption, as well as in providing international legal assistance in criminal cases, was highlighted. Forum participants were also informed about the National Action Plans to Combat Human Trafficking and Corruption for 2025–2029, approved by the President of Turkmenistan. Separate consideration was given to the modernisation of criminal legislation and combating crimes involving the use of digital technologies. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the UN conventions against transnational organised crime and corruption, as well as to cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eurasian Group. The Abu Dhabi Declaration, which was adopted, sets out measures to combat organised and cybercrime, corruption and the illicit transfer of assets, as well as to protect victims and ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The ‘Pledge4Justice’ initiative has been launched to implement the provisions of the document.
TIF-2026 served as a platform for new international projects
04.10.2026On 1–2 October, the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF-2026), organised by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance and Economy, took place at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event was attended by more than 700 representatives from Turkmenistan, Central Asian countries, Europe, Asia, the USA and the Middle East, according to TerraNews. The business programme included thematic sessions and negotiations on developing cooperation in the oil and gas and chemical industries, energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, the digital economy, financial technologies and water management. During the forum, Turkmenistan signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding with foreign and domestic companies. In particular, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ signed an agreement with the German company ‘Hybrid Innovation GmbH’, whilst the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ signed agreements with the commercial enterprise ‘Türkmen enjam’ and the Chinese company ‘Tianjin Bohua Engineering Co., Ltd.’ The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan signed a memorandum with the South Korean company ‘OnU H&C’, whilst the Ministry of Rail Transport signed one with the Chinese company ‘CSCEC International Construction Co., Ltd.’ The State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan signed memoranda with ‘Damen Workboats B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The ‘Balkan’ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard concluded a separate agreement on strategic cooperation for the period 2026–2036 with ‘Damen Technical Cooperation B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The document provides for cooperation in the field of shipbuilding and ship repair, the introduction of modern technologies and the localisation of production in Turkmenistan. The forum served as a platform for discussing investment projects and concluding agreements aimed at developing industrial cooperation, technological modernisation and the expansion of Turkmenistan’s international economic cooperation.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its cooperation with Malaysia in the field of higher education
04.10.2026Turkmenistan is expanding its cooperation with Malaysia in the field of higher education, including academic exchanges, joint educational programmes and the training of specialists for strategic sectors. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. On 28 September 2026, the Malaysia–Central Asia Forum on Higher Education took place in Astana, at which Turkmenistan was represented by Berdinazar Khashirov, an official from the Ministry of Education. The Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas is collaborating with the Petronas University of Technology (UTP) in the fields of geology, oil and gas engineering, chemical technology and energy. Other Turkmen higher education institutions are developing links with Malaysian educational centres in the fields of the digital economy, cyber security, artificial intelligence, marketing and logistics. Turkmen specialists and young researchers are also undergoing training and professional development in Malaysia as part of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. In addition, Malaysian universities are running distance-learning courses on entrepreneurship and innovation management for Turkmen students.
Turkmenistan’s construction and industrial sector has increased its output
04.10.2026In January–September 2026, the fulfilment of the production and works plan in Turkmenistan’s construction and industrial sector stood at 120.9 per cent. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister B. Annamammedov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Construction and Architecture achieved 102.8 per cent, the Ministry of Industry and Construction 128.3 per cent, and the Ministry of Energy 107 per cent. The Ministry of Roads fulfilled 107.1 per cent of its planned works. Furthermore, the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ achieved 127.7 per cent, whilst the Ashgabat City Administration reached 130.9 per cent. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that measures be taken to increase production volumes, operate chemical plants at full capacity, continue the development of the energy sector, and proceed with the construction and reconstruction of roads.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan is expanding its international cooperation
03.10.2026On 2 October, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan for January–September 2026. This was reported by the news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, during this period the Foreign Affairs Ministry implemented measures to develop Turkmenistan’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign states and international organisations. The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that, over the course of nine months, visits had been organised for the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the United States of America, China, Austria, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, Iran, Afghanistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The President of Turkmenistan visited Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Korea. In addition, during Hero Arkadag’s visit to the Republic of Austria, meetings were held with the heads of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. R. Meredov also emphasised that Turkmenistan had been visited by the heads of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation and the Commonwealth of Independent States. As part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, a meeting of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States took place in the capital on 22 May. According to the Deputy Prime Minister’s report, over the course of nine months, 608 foreign delegations visited the country through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, whilst 1,011 delegations were sent abroad from Turkmenistan. A total of 355 meetings at various levels were held via video conferencing, whilst a further 1,682 official negotiations and meetings were organised with foreign states and international organisations. Since the start of the year, 187 international agreements have been concluded. Political consultations have been held with the foreign ministries of a number of states, including Austria, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Japan and other countries. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan also held negotiations with the heads of the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Maritime Organisation and the Organisation for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Between January and September 2026, newly appointed Ambassadors to Turkmenistan from a number of states and the European Union, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in the country, presented their credentials. Turkmenistan’s Ambassadors to Thailand, the United States of America, Ireland and the Republic of the Maldives, as well as Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representatives to the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, have taken up their duties. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the need to further develop cooperation with foreign states in the trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational spheres, as well as with international organisations. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister has been instructed to organise, to a high standard, the international events and forums scheduled for the remainder of the year, as well as events marking Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Day.
Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector has exceeded its targets
03.10.2026In January–September 2026, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ exceeded its targets for oil production and refining, as well as for the production of key petroleum products. This was announced by G. Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, on 2 October at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the oil production target was met at 109.1 per cent, whilst the oil refining target was met at 106.8 per cent. Petrol production stood at 119.3 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 114.7 per cent, lubricating oils at 100 per cent, and liquefied gas at 112 per cent. G. Agajanov noted that the target for the production of natural and associated gas had been met at 109.1 per cent. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that efforts to improve the performance of the oil and gas sector should continue, that the production of high-quality products should be ensured, and that work on discovering new oil and gas fields should be stepped up.
Turkmenistan’s GDP grew by 6.3 per cent in the first nine months of 2026
03.10.2026Between January and September 2026, Turkmenistan’s GDP grew by 6.3 per cent. This was revealed in a report by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, H. Geldimyradov, at a Cabinet meeting on 2 October, according to the news agency TDH. Growth in industry stood at 3 per cent, in construction at 6.7 per cent, in the transport and communications sector at 10.4 per cent, in trade at 8.4 per cent, in agriculture at 4.1 per cent, and in the services sector at 8.4 per cent. Compared with the same period in 2025, output increased by 9.9 per cent. Retail turnover rose by 10.5 per cent, whilst foreign trade turnover increased by 8.3 per cent. Revenue targets for the State Budget for January–September were met at 100.1 per cent, whilst expenditure targets were met at 97.2 per cent. Wages, pensions, state benefits and student grants were paid on time and in full. The volume of capital expenditure utilised increased by 3.5 per cent compared with January–September 2025. A report was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme, including the construction of facilities for various purposes. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that the work of the economic, financial and banking sectors be improved, that the analysis of the draft State Budget for the coming year be continued, and that measures be taken to maintain consistent GDP growth and the coordinated development of economic sectors.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan passed 8 laws and 14 Resolutions between January and September
03.10.2026Between January and September of this year, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 8 legislative acts and 14 Resolutions. This was announced by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 2 October, according to the news agency TDH. The legislative acts adopted included the Laws of Turkmenistan ‘On the Establishment of the Turkmenistan Commemorative Medal “Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja”’ and ‘On the State Protection of Ahal-Teke Horses’. Amendments and additions were also made to existing laws concerning the protection of citizens’ rights and legitimate interests, industrial safety, accounting and financial reporting, licensing, road transport, environmental protection, aquatic biological resources and migration policy. During the reporting period, the Mejlis accepted seven letters of credence from Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of a number of countries. Thirty-seven meetings were held with representatives of foreign parliaments, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Members of the Mejlis and its specialists took part in 93 seminars organised by ministries and sectoral departments in conjunction with international organisations. Representatives of the parliament also undertook 20 official visits abroad to exchange experience in the field of law-making. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the need to further improve Turkmenistan’s legislation and modernise the country’s legal framework.
Teachers from Turkmenistan are taking part in a professional development programme in Tbilisi
03.10.2026Lecturers from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan are taking part in the ‘Crossroads Diplomacy Network’ professional exchange programme, which is taking place from 29 September to 4 October 2026 in Tbilisi. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen higher education institution. The programme aims to foster professional exchange and strengthen ties between young professionals from Central Asian countries and Georgia in the fields of diplomacy, international relations and related areas. The programme includes meetings and training sessions on Georgia’s foreign policy, diplomatic practice and international cooperation. Participants are also engaged in teamwork and the development of communication skills. Representatives from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organisations, educational institutions and other organisations are taking part in the programme.
The Head of Turkmenistan congratulated the German leadership on German Unity Day
03.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and the people of Germany on German Unity Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted that Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany are developing their cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and a spirit of peace. ‘Given the enormous opportunities available, we support the further development of bilateral relations,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State expressed his confidence in the further development and strengthening of Turkmen-German relations in the interests of both countries and their peoples. The President of Turkmenistan wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Friedrich Merz good health and happiness, and the people of Germany peace, well-being, progress and prosperity.
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