News
A scientist from Turkmenistan spoke at an IAEA meeting in Vienna
03.10.2026Kadyr Amanov, Head of the Technology Transfer Centre and lecturer in the Department of Livestock Product Processing at Turkmen Agricultural University, took part in a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. This was reported by the university’s press office. The meeting focused on the establishment of a regional network of isotope hydrology laboratories in Central Asia. Participants discussed the development of isotope hydrology methods, the management of transboundary water resources and cooperation within the GloWAL (Global Water Analysis Laboratories) network. Kadyr Amanov presented information on the scientific potential, laboratory facilities and experience of the Turkmen Agricultural University in the field of isotope hydrology.
Kim Jong-un sent a message of congratulations to Turkmenistan on Independence Day
03.10.2026Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, has congratulated the leadership of Turkmenistan on the country’s Independence Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message, Kim Jong-un wished Turkmenistan success in its development efforts, as well as well-being and prosperity for the Turkmen people. The congratulatory message marked the latest diplomatic contact between Turkmenistan and the DPRK.
Turkmen customs officers have undergone training in China
03.10.2026A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan undertook a two-week training course in Urumqi (PRC) aimed at improving the efficiency of customs clearance at seaports. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The delegation comprised specialists from land and sea customs posts in Ashgabat and the Balkan velayat. The participants studied China’s experience in the areas of contactless inspection, automated document processing, intelligent risk management and the application of ‘Smart Railway Port’ technology. It is planned to apply the knowledge gained and the technologies studied at the customs posts of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.
Turkmenistan and India intend to expand bilateral cooperation
03.10.2026The President of the Republic of India, Draupadi Murmu, has congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the country’s Independence Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message states that India and Turkmenistan are linked by ancient civilisational, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation. Bilateral relations cover, in particular, the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mineral fertiliser production and education. Draupadi Murmu emphasised India’s readiness to share its experience and knowledge in the field of development, taking into account Turkmenistan’s priorities in line with the ‘Wider Neighbourhood’ policy. She also expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. The President of India wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and success, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, progress and prosperity.
A 3-kilometre ‘Viksit Bharat’ run took place in Ashgabat
03.10.2026A 3-kilometre ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’) run took place at the Ashgabat Olympic Sports Complex. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan as part of the “Swacchata Hi Seva Campaign-2026” environmental initiative, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Indian diaspora, Indian nationals and residents of Turkmenistan took part in the sporting event. The run was opened by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the 157th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. Participants emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness and civic engagement. Following the race, the winners and runners-up in both the men’s and women’s categories received commemorative medals and certificates of honour from the Ambassador. The official part of the event concluded with the participants jointly reciting the ‘Viksit Bharat Pledge’. The pledge expresses a commitment to promoting India’s development and achieving the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047, when the 100th anniversary of its independence will be celebrated. Following the sporting programme, traditional Indian snacks were served to the guests. The Embassy also reaffirmed its intention to continue developing humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan on the basis of mutual respect and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (‘The world is one family’).
Turkmenistan is expanding investment opportunities in the railway sector
03.10.2026The Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan, Mammet Akmammedov, outlined strategies for attracting foreign investment into the transport and logistics sector at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) in Ashgabat. Among the priorities are the modernisation of the locomotive and rolling stock fleets, and the creation of ‘dry ports’ and container terminals, reports Turkmenportal. According to the Minister, cooperation with foreign investors and financial organisations is proposed to be developed along three main lines. The first concerns investment in railway infrastructure and the modernisation of rolling stock. The second area relates to the introduction of resource-saving technologies, the electrification of railway lines and the use of environmentally friendly solutions in line with the international climate agenda. The third priority identified is the establishment of multimodal logistics chains. In particular, there are plans to develop integrated operators and ‘door-to-door’ services, which should ensure faster and more reliable delivery of goods. The speech paid particular attention to the Trans-Caspian route. As Akmammedov noted, the integration of the railway network with the Turkmenbashi International Seaport creates the conditions for the formation of a unified logistics system. Digital solutions are also being introduced in this sector. These include electronic document management, digital waybills and platforms that enable the tracking of cargo movements in real time. According to the minister, digitalisation helps to reduce the time taken for customs and border procedures. Akmammedov highlighted Turkmenistan’s importance for international freight transport. The country is situated at the crossroads of the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ transport routes. The ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran’ railway route provides the countries of Central Asia and Russia with access to the ports of the Persian Gulf, with onward access to the Indian markets. Another route involves the transit of goods from China and the Asia-Pacific region towards Europe. The Head of the Department stated that Turkmenistan is ready to implement long-term joint projects with foreign partners and invited investors and logistics operators to collaborate. In addition, participants at TIF 2026 were invited to take part in the International Conference and Exhibition ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’. The event will take place in Ashgabat on 24–26 November.
Turkmenistan has signed new investment agreements at TIF 2026
03.10.2026On the first day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026), representatives of government bodies and major companies in the country finalised new agreements with foreign and domestic partners. The agreements provide for the implementation of projects in the transport sector, the chemical industry, the telecommunications sector and water management, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. In the transport and communications sector, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean company ‘OnU H&C’. The country’s Ministry of Rail Transport reached agreements with the Chinese firm ‘CSCEC International Construction Co., Ltd.’ A separate set of agreements relates to the development of the water sector. The State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan signed documents with the Dutch companies ‘Damen Workboats B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The cooperation involves the modernisation of water infrastructure facilities, dredging works and the renewal of the auxiliary fleet. A number of agreements were also finalised in the industrial sector. The State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ signed a Memorandum with the Chinese company ‘Tianjin Bohua Engineering Co., Ltd.’ In addition, the Concern concluded contracts with the ‘Türkmen enjam’ joint-stock company, aimed at ensuring the consistent operation of the ‘Tejenkarbamid’ enterprise. The State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ has signed a contract with the German firm ‘Hybrid Innovation GmbH.’ The parties plan to jointly implement a project for the design and construction of a pallet production facility at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. One of the long-term projects is a strategic agreement between the Joint-Stock Company ‘Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant’, ‘Damen Technical Cooperation B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The partnership, which runs from 2026 to 2036, covers shipbuilding and ship repair, the introduction of modern maritime technologies, and the localisation of production.
A wrestler from Turkmenistan has reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Games
02.10.2026Turkmen wrestler Alp Arslan Begenjov won his opening bout at the 20th Summer Asian Games in Nagoya and advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition in the under-86kg weight class. This was reported by Turkmenportal. On 2 October, in the round of 16, the athlete faced China’s Hade Ayidusi. Begenjov secured victory on points with a score of 5–1. In the quarter-finals, the Turkmen wrestler will face Mongolia’s Suldkhuu Olonbayar. Begenjov is an International Master of Sport. In 2024, he became World Champion in the under-20 category in Pontevedra, winning Turkmenistan’s first-ever gold medal at the Junior World Freestyle Wrestling Championships. In 2025, at the U20 World Championships in Samokov, he reached the quarter-finals, and at the most recent U20 World Championships in Bratislava, he won a bronze medal in the under-86 kg category. The 20th Asian Games are being held in Nagoya from 19 September to 4 October. Turkmenistan is represented by 57 people, including 34 athletes competing in eight sports.
Cooperation with Lithuania was discussed in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
02.10.2026A meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with a delegation from the Seimas of Lithuania, led by Dainius Varnas, Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of inter-parliamentary relations. The Lithuanian side expressed an interest in expanding cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and parliamentary spheres. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ framework. The participants noted its role in developing political dialogue and transport and logistics cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of parliamentary friendship groups for exchanging experience in the field of legislation and further strengthening bilateral relations.
International standards for reducing methane emissions were discussed in Ashgabat
02.10.2026On 1 October, a consultation meeting on international standards and regulations for reducing methane emissions took place in Ashgabat. The event was held at the Natural Gas Research Institute, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as well as the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ took part in the discussion. The meeting was organised with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan as part of the project ‘EU for a green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029’. The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office. The project is being implemented by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). Participants reviewed Turkmenistan’s current regulatory framework and approaches to its improvement, taking into account international best practice. In particular, they discussed the provisions of the EU Regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. Following the meeting, methodological approaches were identified for adapting international practices to Turkmenistan’s national conditions and development priorities.
A tapestry of national traditions: how Turkmenistan celebrated its independence anniversary
02.10.2026The celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence in 2026 took the form of a large-scale series of festivities, the main events of which were held in Ashgabat from 27 to 29 September. The anniversary brought together official ceremonies, a military parade, a cultural programme, equestrian displays and horse races, as well as events dedicated to the Ahal-Teke heritage. One of the key events on 27 September was the wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to Independence. It was attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country’s leadership, representatives of the military and law enforcement agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, civil society organisations, community elders, young people and residents of the capital. Following the performance of the national anthem, the President of Turkmenistan laid a wreath at the monument, after which participants in the ceremony laid flowers at its base. The celebrations continued with a military parade The main celebrations in honour of Independence Day took place on the square in front of the State Tribune complex. At 10.00, the Head of State arrived at the parade ground. Following a report by the Minister of Defence and Secretary of the State Security Council, B. Gundogdyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces inspected the parade participants before ascending the State Tribune. Following the performance of the national anthem, the national flag was raised, and the servicemen took the oath of allegiance to the Motherland and the people. Servicemen from various branches of the armed forces, cadets from military academies, law enforcement officers and special forces units marched in formation. For the first time, signals personnel took part in the celebratory parade. Marine units and mountain rifle battalions also marched in formation. Military equipment featured prominently. Mechanised columns passed in front of the State Tribune, showcasing armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery systems, air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. At the same time, a live broadcast showed ships passing through the port waters on the Caspian Sea. The Ahal-Teke horse became one of the key symbols of the anniversary A distinctive feature of the 35th anniversary celebrations of independence was that the military and official programme was complemented by a vivid national and cultural programme. One of the most striking moments was the procession of 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses. The number of riders symbolically corresponded to the anniversary date. This was followed by a performance by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, which showcased elements of traditional equestrian art and show jumping. An Ahal-Teke horse named Watan attracted particular attention. The light bay horse with a white mane was presented to the President of Turkmenistan on behalf of the members of the Government. Another symbolic feature was the students of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, who, riding Ahal-Teke horses, formed the number ‘35’. In addition, representatives from civil society continued the festive procession. Representatives of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis and civil society organisations of Turkmenistan, as well as workers from the education, healthcare, construction and road maintenance sectors, marched past the State Tribune. Separate columns were formed by young people and staff from various institutions and organisations. Management teams and artistic groups from the five velayats, along with singers, dancers and young performers, brought the festive programme to a close in front of the State Tribune. The celebrations continued at the racecourse On 28 September, the festive programme moved to the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. The programme included performances by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, equestrian competitions and horse races. Thus, the second day served as a continuation of the theme introduced during the parade. Whilst on 27 September the Ahal-Teke racehorses featured as part of the overall festive display, on 28 September equestrian culture took centre stage in its own right. The highlight of the programme was the festive horse races. In the final, seventh race, over a distance of 2,200 metres, the Grand Prize of the President of Turkmenistan was contested. The winner was the grey racehorse Bezirgen. The winner was awarded a cash prize of 300,000 manats and the Challenge Cup of the President of Turkmenistan. On the same day, the 16th meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Association took place in the capital, chaired by Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As part of the anniversary year, events dedicated to equestrian sport and Ahal-Teke racehorses were held in Turkmenistan and abroad. The meeting of the International Association continued the programme of celebrations, linking national tradition with international cooperation. In the same context, on 29 September, the 1,200-seat Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan was opened in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. The ceremony was attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Performances by cultural figures, artists and the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group took place on the complex’s grounds. The musical programme was interspersed with displays by Turkmen horse riders. The programme continued with a procession of 35 horsemen and a beauty contest for Turkmen Alabay dogs. This was followed by festive horse races. Horses representing all the velayats, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, took part in the competitions among professional jockeys. The National Leader of the Turkmen people rode the horse Daghan from the city of Arkadag. The horse had been specially trained by the young groom Kerimguly Berdimuhamedov. At the end of the races, the horse Daghan was declared the winner. The Hero Arkadag was announced as the winner of the main prize — a Range Rover Sport. Following the announcement of the results, the National Leader of the Turkmen people decided to donate the prize to the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan. The car was accepted by the Minister of Defence of Turkmenistan, Secretary of the State Security Council B. Gundogdyev. The anniversary as a unified festive programme When viewed as a whole, the programme of celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence forms a coherent sequence of events. On 27 September, official ceremonies and a military parade took centre stage. On the same day, the festive programme took on a vivid national character due to the participation of Ahal-Teke racehorses, 35 riders, the ‘Galkynyş’ ensemble and a performance featuring the racehorse Watan. On 28 September, the focus shifted to equestrian sports and national traditions. The celebrations at the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex concluded with horse races and the presentation of the President of Turkmenistan’s Grand Prize. On 29 September, the programme continued with the opening of the new Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, performances by artists and horsemen, a beauty contest for Alabay dogs, and celebratory horse races. As a result, the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence took on a multifaceted character. The official part centred on state symbols and a military parade; the cultural part was devoted to performances by artists and national traditions; whilst the sporting programme included equestrian competitions and horse races. The combination of these elements became one of the distinctive features of the 2026 anniversary celebrations. The programme was structured as a series of interconnected events, in which the 35th anniversary of independence was sequentially represented through a state ceremony, military tradition, culture, sport and national heritage. Ahal-Teke racehorses featured prominently in the programme. They were incorporated into the festival’s décor and symbolism, in a procession of 35 riders, in performances by the ‘Galkynyş’ group, in horse races and in international events.
An international conference on healthcare issues is to be held in Awaza
02.10.2026On 7 October, Turkmenistan will host the Second International Conference on ‘Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals’. The forum is being organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The conference will take place as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS and the Year of Health Promotion in the Commonwealth. It will follow on from the first conference, held in November 2021. The forum will be attended by heads of parliaments and health ministries from CIS countries, representatives of the WHO and the CIS Executive Committee, and international experts in the fields of law and public health. Participants will discuss the development of primary healthcare, access to medicines and the legislative regulation of tax policy, taking into account health protection issues. The conference will also serve as a platform for preparing inter-regional proposals for the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on universal health coverage, scheduled for September 2027.
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