The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with Peter van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported on the website of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, as well as interaction with the International Labour Organisation on a multilateral basis. The participants reviewed the results of the implementation of the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2024-2025 and plans for joint work in 2026. The Turkmen side provided information on measures to modernise labour legislation, as well as laws in the field of human rights and social protection of children and the population, taking into account international standards and accumulated experience. Peter van Rooij noted the results of the work being done and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation.
Students and teachers from the Balkanabat branch of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas held a practical training session at the Goturdepe field in the Balkan velayat, between the Cheleken and Barsagelmez areas. The aim was to consolidate theoretical knowledge in real production conditions, according to IIC. Practical training helps students develop professional skills and adapt more quickly to the work environment. The efficient operation of fields in the Western region, including the drilling of new wells and the modernisation of infrastructure, meets the country's domestic needs and increases its export potential in the global energy market. The rational use of natural resources remains a key factor in Turkmenistan's sustainable economic growth.
The Turkmenistan national traditional karate team will take part in international competitions in Krakow (Poland) from 10 to 17 March 2026, according to IIC. The delegation consists of 14 people — 11 athletes and a coaching staff led by Diyar Hojaev. The trip is organised with the support of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport and the National Traditional Karate Federation. The tournament will be an opportunity for Turkmen karatekas to test their strength and compete with athletes from other countries.
Gasoline production volumes are increasing in Turkmenistan. According to the results of January–February 2026, the plan has been fulfilled by 122.7%, reports AsmanNews. The growth in production is ensured by the work of oil refineries and a plant for the production of gasoline from natural gas in the Ahal velayat. Their efficiency is linked to the over-fulfilment of oil and gas production plans. In the first two months, the oil production plan for the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ was fulfilled by 107.3%, and oil refining by 107.1%. Diesel fuel production amounted to 106.4%, lubricating oils – 102.7%, liquefied gas – 119.7%, and natural and associated gas production – 106.7%. The report was presented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Guvanch Agajanov at a government meeting, where the results of increased oil and gas production and the expansion of exports to world markets were also discussed.
The Art Gallery of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan has opened a joint exhibition by People's Artist Annadurdy Almamedov and painter Berdi Charyev, entitled ‘Art in Two Perspectives.’ The exhibition will run until 30 March, according to Infoportal. The exhibition brings together different artistic styles: Almamedov's lyrical landscapes and still lifes and Charyev's figurative and philosophical paintings, filled with symbolism and metaphors. Despite their differences, both artists address themes of love for their native land and human labour. The exhibition features panoramic views of Kopetdag, still lifes with bouquets of lilacs, poppies and roses, as well as architectural sketches of the old Turkmen city.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to António José Seguro on the occasion of his inauguration as President of the Portuguese Republic. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the President of Portugal good health, prosperity and success in his public activities for the development and prosperity of the country.
On 11 March, a meeting was held at the Istanbul Governorate between the Consul General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They noted the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, medical and sports spheres. The parties emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and mutual benefit. They also discussed preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Special attention was paid to events held under the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Representatives of Turkmenistan are invited to attend the ‘RES 2026 EXPO’ international ‘green’ technology exhibition, which will be held from 22 to 24 April in Astana at the EXPO venue as part of the Regional Environmental Summit in Central Asia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event is organised by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and leaders of the region's countries are expected to attend the opening. More than 300 companies from 30 countries, over 1,500 delegates and more than 20,000 visitors, including representatives of government agencies, international organisations, business and science, will take part in the exhibition. The exhibition covers ‘green’ energy, water resources, the circular economy, ‘smart’ cities, climate technologies, biodiversity, agricultural technologies and ESG with ‘green’ financing. There will be an investment forum, ‘GREEN INVEST FORUM,’ an environmental start-up competition, ‘ECO STARTUP COMPETITION,’ a regional eco-film festival, and an art exhibition. The event is of interest to Turkmenistan, which is developing a ‘green’ economy, providing opportunities for business contacts, investment, and the exchange of experience with international experts.
The International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) is expanding its participation in the international educational space. As part of the ‘Erasmus+’ programme, students Yhlas Komekov and Soltanmyrat Tairov have been sent to Italy for five months of study at the G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This exchange is the first collaboration between IUHD and an Italian university, opening up new opportunities for educational and cultural exchange. Students study their specialities, improve their foreign language skills, gain practical experience in international politics and diplomacy, and represent the Turkmenistan education system on the international stage. The programme helps to establish scientific and cultural ties with students from different countries.
A series of events dedicated to healthy lifestyles, family values and gender equality has come to an end in Turkmenistan. The initiative was implemented by the UNFPA Representative Office in collaboration with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The programme was conducted in sports schools with the participation of public associations and included educational training on communication, distribution of household responsibilities and conflict resolution, as well as interactive games, self-defence master classes and sports competitions. Particular attention was paid to the involvement of men, boys, girls and people with disabilities. On International Women's Day, two-day training sessions were held in Tejen, Balkanabat, Dashoguz and Turkmenabat, with sessions on gender equality, psychological counselling and sports games to strengthen teamwork. Additional information was disseminated through social media, promoting the image of a modern man who actively participates in family life. The initiative supports national priorities in the field of gender equality and contributes to the creation of a favourable atmosphere for all members of society.
The Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas held an open lecture entitled ‘The Digital Future: Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Assets and Start-up Opportunities’, aimed at increasing young people's interest in digital technologies and informing them about current trends in the development of the IT sector. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The lecture was given by the coordinator of the Centre for Young Entrepreneurs, director of the economic society ‘Döwletli nesibe’ Haknazar Haljanov. He spoke about the development of digital technologies in the world, the possibilities of applying artificial intelligence in various fields, and emphasised the importance of digital literacy for today's youth. Participants were also presented with information about the role of virtual assets in the economy, the prospects for the IT industry, and the possibilities for creating start-up projects. Particular attention was paid to supporting youth entrepreneurial initiatives and the conditions for implementing innovative ideas. The meeting ended with a lively discussion: students asked questions and received recommendations. It was noted that such events contribute to the expansion of knowledge and the development of innovative thinking. The event was organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University, the Young Entrepreneurs Centre at the Ashgabat City Committee of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, and the Center for Information, Consulting, and Volunteer Activities of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan continues to promote initiatives aimed at developing regional and global cooperation. One of these is a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law.’ The initiative was announced by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the United Nations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Head of State, the country's foreign policy steps are consistent with the UN Charter and its founding documents. Turkmenistan advocates strengthening the central role of the organisation in international affairs and developing the international legal framework. In preparation for the ‘Year of International Law,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with relevant agencies, has developed a plan of events for 2026. It includes scientific and practical conferences, educational programmes for young people, the preparation of training materials, and informational work in the media. Particular attention is paid to revealing the potential of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as an instrument for strengthening peace and cooperation. Issues related to the implementation of the initiative were discussed at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan's International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants also considered the preparation of new national action plans on human rights and gender equality for 2026-2030. In 2026, Turkmenistan will carry out a number of international missions. The country will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. As part of its CIS chairmanship, special attention will be paid to regional security, economic cooperation, and the development of transport and energy projects. Turkmenistan has also proposed declaring 2027 the ‘Year of CIS Transport Connectivity’. Humanitarian cooperation remains a priority, including cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, tourism, sports and youth exchanges. Particular importance is attached to regional dialogue in Central Asia. In 2026, Turkmenistan will chair a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The initiative to include Azerbaijan in this format was proposed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Transport, energy, trade and industrial cooperation are among the key areas of regional cooperation. Issues of rational use of water resources, the environmental agenda and the development of humanitarian ties are also being discussed. According to the country's leadership, the promotion of such initiatives contributes to the strengthening of international dialogue, the expansion of economic partnership and the development of multilateral cooperation.