News
The first HSK testing centre is set to open in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026Plans are afoot to open the first HSK Chinese language testing centre in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking International Chinese Language Day at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, according to the news agency Orient. According to the diplomat, work on the project is already underway with the support of the Chinese Embassy and partner organisations. The new centre is intended to make it easier to take the HSK exam, which is required for admission to Chinese universities and employment in China. It is expected that its opening will expand opportunities for those studying Chinese and will be a step towards strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium welcomed participants in an EU educational programme
26.04.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels organised a meeting with Turkmen participants in a specialised European Union training programme aimed at young diplomats from Central Asian countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, a meeting was held with Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium. The programme participants were introduced to the practical aspects of the diplomatic service and discussed current areas and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU. Particular emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan’s international initiatives. In particular, the discussion focused on promoting the ideas of peace and trust at the global level, as well as on the significance of the country’s policy of permanent neutrality as a key element in maintaining stability in the region and fostering constructive dialogue. The meeting took place in a businesslike and open atmosphere and concluded with an exchange of experiences. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan shared practical advice with the young professionals aimed at their professional development.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General
25.04.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a brief meeting following the ceremony, V. Hajiyev conveyed greetings from the leadership of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, including issues related to strengthening international and regional security, as well as the development of preventive diplomacy and mediation. Attention was also given to the Sustainable Development Goals, including cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and environmental protection.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of Argentina
25.04.2026The Chairperson of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, received credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira. This was reported by TDH. During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, to the President of Turkmenistan. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The ambassador was briefed on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, its international initiatives, as well as the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The sides discussed Turkmen–Argentine relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the United Nations, and emphasized the importance of interparliamentary dialogue.
Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to combat desertification within ESCAP
25.04.2026On the sidelines of the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Perhat Yagshiev met with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics connectivity, energy, digitalization, and trade. They also considered the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, scheduled for 2027. ESCAP confirmed its readiness to provide advisory support in this work. The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat as a specialized ESCAP institution for Central Asian countries was also discussed. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana highly praised Turkmenistan’s international engagement, including the hosting of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Avaza.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the IMF Executive Director
25.04.2026On April 22, at the IMF headquarters, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, met with the IMF Executive Director Patrick Lejewski, according to the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The two sides discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Fund, including technical coordination with the country’s state financial institutions, and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to strengthening technical coordination between the IMF and Turkmenistan’s state financial institutions.
The delegation of Turkmenistan addressed the 82nd ESCAP session in Bangkok
25.04.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Bangkok, according to the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the sidelines of the session, a ministerial meeting of the participating countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held. A joint statement was adopted following the meeting. Participants discussed the “SPECA Development Concept until 2030,” as well as issues of transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and digitalization. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to participate in projects of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Addressing the ESCAP session, the head of the Turkmen delegation presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries as a specialized ESCAP institution. Initiatives by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the region’s climate resilience were also promoted. The 83rd ESCAP session will be held in Shanghai from April 26 to 30, 2027.
The delegation of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to MGIMO University
25.04.2026On April 21–22, a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, visited Moscow. During the visit, Gulshat Yusupova met with Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University, and Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the School of International Relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation under the agreement signed by the two universities in October 2017. The agenda included student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint programs in international relations and energy diplomacy. A meeting was also held with Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The interlocutors discussed the Turkmen-Russian strategic dialogue, noting the productive partnership in the fields of education and science. On April 22, MGIMO hosted a roundtable on academic cooperation between the two countries. It was attended by members of MGIMO’s leadership and faculty, experts, as well as students from Turkmenistan and MGIMO students studying the Turkmen language. The discussion focused on academic mobility, joint educational programs, research cooperation, and the publication of a Turkmen language textbook. Following the meeting, the parties outlined concrete steps to implement the agreements reached.
Turkmenistan and Argentina discussed the development of bilateral relations
25.04.2026On April 24, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira (with residence in Moscow). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the ambassador presented copies of his credentials and confirmed his readiness to work on developing Turkmen–Argentine cooperation. The sides discussed the bilateral agenda, including political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They also expressed interest in mutually supporting initiatives within the framework of the UN and UNESCO.
President of Turkmenistan held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting
25.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via videoconference on April 24. The agenda included a number of public administration issues, AsmanNews reports. Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova reported on the preparation of new draft laws: on establishing a jubilee medal for the 35th anniversary of independence, on state registration of real estate rights, as well as amendments to the Customs Code. Work is also underway on Turkmenistan’s accession to a number of international documents. A Mejlis delegation took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, as well as in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on measures to support agricultural producers, including financing projects in livestock breeding, poultry farming, and processing. The President approved the proposal to financially stimulate the sector and issued relevant instructions. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov reported on the modernization of the Seydi oil refinery. The head of state approved the proposal and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the progress of cotton sowing, wheat care, and preparations for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. The President instructed that sowing be completed on time and that a high level of festive events be ensured. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramguly Annammammedov then reported on preparations in Ashgabat for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, including park improvements, landscaping, and the decoration of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the development of the textile industry. The head of state instructed the launch of new wool yarn production at the textile complex in Bayramaly, Mary Province. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented an events plan for May: Victory Day, Constitution and State Flag Day, Ashgabat City Day, the Turkmen Carpet Festival, as well as the opening of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on preparations for the 81st anniversary of Victory in the World War II. Conferences, exhibitions, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the presentation of gifts to veterans are planned. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the development of cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region—primarily with China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The President approved a proposal to expand diplomatic presence: Turkmenistan’s ambassadors to India and Malaysia will also be concurrently accredited to the Maldives and the Brunei, respectively. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayram Annaev reported on the training of specialists in the field of communications in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union. The President approved the holding of a joint professional seminar. Concluding the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants and the entire Turkmen people on the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
Magtymguly TSU celebrated Chinese Language Day
24.04.2026Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) marked International Chinese Language Day, which is held annually on 23 April at the initiative of the UN. The festival was organised by the university in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. An exhibition dedicated to Chinese culture was opened at the university, featuring national costumes, calligraphy, paintings, decorative and applied arts, and educational materials. Masterclasses on printmaking and paper cutting were also held. Welcoming speeches were delivered by TSU Rector Orazgeldi Ovezsahedov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the importance of language exchange for the development of cultural ties. Students from the Faculty of Oriental Languages organised a concert featuring songs in Chinese and Turkmen, as well as theatrical performances about Mulan and tea-drinking traditions. The event concluded with the ‘Kushtdepdi’ dance. The celebration was held to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary creator of Chinese writing. The Chinese language remains one of the oldest and is among the official languages of the UN.
Ashgabat will host the OGT 2026 forum for the global energy sector in October
24.04.2026The 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’ will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026. Registration is now open, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum’s motto is ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress.’ The previous OGT 2025 conference brought together over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries, more than 100 exhibiting companies and 80 speakers. The main topic will be the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field – one of the largest in the world. Its fourth phase has recently commenced: the new capacity will enable the production of up to 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Also on the agenda are the TAPI gas pipeline, offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, infrastructure modernisation and the diversification of export routes. A separate session will be dedicated to sustainable development: reducing methane emissions, the digitalisation of the industry, hydrogen energy and carbon capture technologies. The programme includes a plenary session, a ministerial round table, panel discussions, industry sessions and an international exhibition. B2B and B2G meetings are planned.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
