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Celebrations of International Nowruz Day start in Turkmenistan
11.03.2026On 21–22 March, Turkmenistan will host celebrations to mark International Nowruz Day, the national spring holiday. The main events will take place in ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ (Nowruz Valley) in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, at the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ buildings in the regions, and on the festive square of the city of Arkadag. The programme will be accompanied by musical performances, according to IIC. The holidays symbolise the awakening of nature, abundance and the arrival of spring and will be celebrated in style throughout the country. In Dashoguz velayat, cultural events will be held with the participation of bakhshi and national epic storytellers, who are the bearers of ancient Turkmen traditions. The festival will highlight the rich cultural heritage of the people, the art of epos performance and the national flavour of the holiday. The festive events will be complemented by music and national cuisine, reflecting the unity and peaceful principles of Turkmen society.
The ‘Hanmudo’ Federation of Turkmenistan strengthens its position on the international stage
11.03.2026Orif Buharakov, Chairman of the ‘Hanmudo’ Martial Arts Federation of Turkmenistan and Honoured Coach of the country, received a 4th dan black belt in hapkido. The certificate was issued after he successfully passed an international exam, according to IIC. The certification was conducted under the supervision of the President of the Global Hapkido Federation, Han Jung Doo (X dan), and included a two-hour strength programme with a demonstration of about 400 technical defence and attack techniques. The new status allows Buharakov to open international schools and independently conduct black belt examinations up to and including III dan. The ‘Hanmudo’ Federation, headed by Buharakov, oversees several disciplines: hapkido, pencak silat, kabaddi, universal combat and MMA. Last year, the organisation held the first ever Turkmenbashi Hapkido Championship in the ‘light’ discipline, bringing together athletes from all regions of the country. Turkmen fighters confirm the high level of the domestic school on the international arena. Last year, they won more than 50 medals at the Asian and World Universal Fighting Championships, including 17 gold medals. Buharakov himself became world champion in the classic programme and vice-champion in the ‘light’ discipline in the weight category up to 90 kg. The new sports season also promises to be intense. On 23–24 March, Ashgabat will host city championships in MMA, universal and hand-to-hand combat. Similar competitions are planned in the Balkan, Lebap and Mary velayats. At the end of the month, the national team will represent Turkmenistan at an international tournament in Uzbekistan.
Ashgabat discusses the role of women in diplomacy and international relations
11.03.2026On 10 March, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an interactive dialogue entitled ‘The Role of Women Diplomats in Society and Their Achievements’. The event was held as part of the second regional training for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Women from diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organisations, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, teachers of the institute and female students took part in the dialogue. Presentations were made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova, Palestinian and Pakistani Ambassadors to Turkmenistan Rana Abu Hijleh and Faryal Leghari, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Narine Sahakyan, and Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chynar Rustemova. During the discussion, the importance of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality was emphasised, which contributes to the promotion of peace initiatives and trust-building dialogue in the international arena. It was noted that the principle of ‘Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace’ supports women's involvement in diplomacy and their contribution to strengthening stability in the region. The seminar provided a platform for young professionals to exchange experiences and reaffirmed the important role of women in Turkmenistan's diplomacy and peacebuilding activities.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan congratulated the Supreme Leader of Iran
11.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on his election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his address, the Hero Arkadag expressed his sincere wishes for good health and success in state activities aimed at ensuring peace, stability and prosperity for the Iranian people.
Ashgabat to host exhibition dedicated to International Nowruz holiday
10.03.2026On 13 March, the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan will open a themed exhibition entitled ‘Nowruz: The Beauty of Nature in Colours,’ according to the news website Turkmenportal. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00. The exhibition will be timed to coincide with the International Holiday of Nowruz. The exhibition is organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The exhibition is open to everyone — admission to the event is free.
‘Asia Trend Market’ launches international B2B platform in Turkmenistan
10.03.2026‘Asia Trend Market’ has announced the launch of an international B2B platform in Turkmenistan, which brings together manufacturers and service providers from different countries with foreign buyers. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The initiative aims to simplify the search for products in the digital economy and increase business competitiveness. A key element of the platform is the personal pages of companies, which function as full-fledged websites and are managed through a convenient administrative panel. This format allows entrepreneurs to reduce the costs of creating and maintaining their own Internet resources by using the service's ready-made infrastructure. In addition, the project provides for the promotion of registered companies on social networks and the expansion of their presence in international markets. The developers note that the platform is focused on opening up new trading opportunities in the Asian region and provides businesses of all sizes with the tools to enter the global market.
Major projects are planned for Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector this year
10.03.2026The ‘Socio-Economic Development and Investment Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026’ defines priority projects, including in the oil and gas industry. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. In particular, attention will be focused on the construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ pipeline section as part of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the drilling of production wells at the ‘Galkynysh’ field, as well as the exploration and drilling of deep wells to identify new oil and gas reserves. The programme builds on the achievements of previous development plans and the state budget. Stable growth in macroeconomic indicators is expected, including GDP growth of at least 6.3% in 2026. The implementation of the planned projects should contribute to investment activity, the digitalisation of industries, job creation and an improvement in the standard of living of the population.
The journal ‘Diplomacy’ summarises Turkmenistan's foreign policy initiatives
10.03.2026The latest issue of ‘Diplomacy’ journal summarises Turkmenistan's foreign policy over the past year, which was held under the motto ‘International Year of Peace and Trust.’ The publication highlights Ashgabat's systematic steps to strengthen its international authority and develop constructive dialogue, according to IIC. Particular attention is paid to the country's initiatives aimed at promoting mutual respect and implementing global sustainable development programmes. A key event was the International Forum in Ashgabat with the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which confirmed the capital's status as a platform for discussing international security issues. Turkmen initiatives received support at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where the country emphasised its commitment to multilateralism and neutrality, proposing solutions to strengthen global security based on law and trust. Foreign policy activity continued with the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, which strengthened Turkmenistan's position as a logistics hub and contributed to the development of recommendations for the economic development of such states. The journal also notes the growth of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the technological, economic and humanitarian spheres, while the launch of direct flights between the countries expands opportunities for business, cultural and tourist exchanges. Such initiatives confirm the success of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, which is focused on integration into the world community and the creation of conditions for sustainable development.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the inauguration ceremony of the President of Portugal
10.03.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to France and Portugal, Maksat Charyev, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The inauguration took place on 9 March at the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon. António José Seguro became the first representative of the Socialist Party to hold the post of Head of State in the last two decades. In the first round of the presidential election, held on 18 January 2026, Seguro received the most support from voters, with about 31% of the vote. Since none of the candidates received more than 50% of the vote, a second round was scheduled. In the second round, his opponent was the leader of the far-right Chega party, André Ventura. In the second round, held on 8 February, Seguro won a landslide victory, receiving 66.7% of the vote. André Ventura secured the support of 33.3% of voters. With this result, Seguro set a record for the number of votes received by a candidate in a presidential election in the history of Portugal.
Turkmenistan's craftswomen have increased carpet production volumes
10.03.2026Since the beginning of the year, craftswomen at the Gyzylarbat Art Carpet Weaving Enterprise of the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association have produced 525 square metres of carpets, exceeding the plan by more than 14% (65 square metres). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The value of the products manufactured exceeded 989,000 manats. The enterprise continues to restore old carpet designs, develop new patterns and weave large-format products. The craftswomen dedicated their achievements to International Women's Day.
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 14th Tokyo Dialogue
10.03.2026On 5 March, the 14th Tokyo Dialogue was held in Tokyo on the theme of ‘Preservation of Traditional Culture and its Use in Industrial Development and International Activities’. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue, according to the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The dialogue was attended by the Head of the ‘Design Plus’ creative association (UNESCO) T. Gurbanova and representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The meeting brought together delegations from Central Asian countries, Eri Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, professors from Japanese universities, experts on the region, and staff from the diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries in Tokyo. The Tokyo Dialogue is held in the format of an open symposium with the participation of experts and specialists. It aims to develop cooperation between Japan and the Central Asian states. Participants discussed issues related to the preservation of traditional culture and its application in industrial development and international activities. It was noted that the event contributes to the expansion of cultural exchanges provided for in the Tokyo Declaration, adopted following the first summit of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue, held in Tokyo last December.
Hero Arkadag noted the contribution of Turkmen women to strengthening the Motherland
10.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the women of the country on International Women's Day. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his address, he noted that in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State, the dignity, moral purity and creative talent of Turkmen women are honoured at the state level. Hero Arkadag emphasised the continuity of traditions and the contribution of women to the development of the country. Particular attention is paid to respect for mothers, loyalty to the family hearth and social support for large families, including the improvement of their living conditions. ‘A prosperous life, self-realisation and creative work of women in Turkmenistan are a priority of state policy,’ emphasised the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. He assured that all conditions for a comfortable and productive life for women would be created in the country.
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