News
Ashgabat celebrates the success of the ‘Galkynysh’ group at the Monte Carlo festival
03.02.2026The State Circus of Turkmenistan hosted a solemn celebration of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group of the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the international recognition of the group at the 48th Monte Carlo Circus Festival, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Watan’ news programme. The Turkmen delegation participated as guests of honour at the prestigious forum in the Principality of Monaco. At the end of the festival, ‘Galkynysh’ received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of world circus art. The celebrations began in the city of Arkadag and continued in Ashgabat. In the building of the International Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, the artists viewed the museum exhibits, after which they proceeded in a festive procession to the State Circus. At the solemn meeting, issues related to the popularisation of Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses and the expansion of their international fame were discussed. The ceremony became an important event of the year, which in Turkmenistan is held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
A record number of flamingos has been recorded on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea
03.02.2026The Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, with its wetlands, plays a key role in the migration, wintering and nesting of Eurasian waterbirds. In January, staff at the Hazar Reserve conducted their annual waterbird census. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The census revealed a record number of flamingos. The survey covered almost the entire water area of the Turkmen coast. Despite the drop in sea level and the reduction in the area of some wetlands, the weather conditions in January were favourable for birds. The total number of individuals recorded was 405,595, including 43 species and 4 species of unidentified identity. As usual, coots were the most numerous, with 179,904 individuals, followed by red-necked grebes (86,901) and mallards (30,772). Tufted ducks, red-crested pochards and various species of swans were also recorded. A particular success of the census was the 33,373 pink flamingos recorded, which is the best result in the history of observations. Continuing such census activities is important for the management of protected areas, the conservation of key ornithological zones and the confirmation of international Ramsar status.
Turkmen schoolchildren presented their paintings at an exhibition in Tokyo
02.02.2026Twenty-six young talents from Turkmenistan presented their works at the ‘Art Beyond Boundaries’ school art exhibition, which took place from 22 January to 1 February in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The works of Turkmen artists were presented on the country's thematic wall. The exhibition was organised by the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society in conjunction with the SUMI International Association. In addition, on 31 January, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo National Art Centre to present certificates of appreciation to the participants of the exhibition. The event was attended by representatives of foreign embassies in Japan, leaders of the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society, the SUMI International Association, artists and guests of the exhibition. At the end of the ceremony, all participants received certificates of appreciation.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Iran met with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute
02.02.2026On 29 January, Ilyas Gayipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with Muhammad Hassan, the newly appointed President of the ECO Cultural Institute. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting took place in Tehran on the premises of the university. During the negotiation process, the prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. In addition, the participants discussed the possibility of jointly organising events under the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan delegation promotes technology and business in Eswatini
02.02.2026Meetings were held in the Kingdom of Eswatini with the participation of a Turkmen business delegation led by the founder of the ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ holding company, Hydyrberdi Abdyrahmanov. The visit continued the agreements reached during last year's visit by King Mswati III to Ashgabat, reports AsmanNews. On 27 January, the delegation was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe. The high level of representatives underscored the strategic importance of the visit and the readiness to cooperate with Turkmen companies. On 29 January, a key meeting was held with the head of the Eswatini Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Savannah Maziya, who noted ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ as a strategic partner. Last year, the minister visited the Turkmen ICT and electronics holding's factory. Eswatini plans to become a regional innovation hub, and Turkmenistan's experience can contribute to digital transformation and job creation for young people. The Turkmen delegation was also received by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The parties discussed commercial contracts, including sugar purchases by the Turkmen side, which will strengthen the trade balance between the countries. The visit confirmed the successful implementation of the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations signed in August 2025. Joint work is focused on technology, the implementation of Turkmen IT solutions, the exchange of climate-resilient practices and the creation of conditions for private capital. The trip demonstrates the formation of a new ‘South-South’ cooperation axis and the positioning of Turkmenistan as an exporter of technology and industrial solutions.
Rasul Klychev will present the concert ‘Symphonic Pictures’ in Ashgabat
02.02.2026On 17 February, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Rasul Klychev, will present a concert entitled ‘Symphonic Pictures’ to Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The event will take place at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. The programme will feature well-known works by Russian composers: Modest Mussorgsky's ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, combining a variety of musical images and the mood of artistic works; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic picture ‘The Three Wonders’ and symphonic suite ‘Scheherazade’, the third part of which is called ‘The Young Prince and Princess’; Anatoly Lyadov's symphonic picture ‘Baba Yaga’, based on Russian folklore and legends. The concert will allow the audience to hear vivid symphonic works, filled with characteristic imagery, colour and musical drama, which reveal the richness of orchestral sound.
Turkmen specialists achieve success at the ‘Atabay’ gas field
02.02.2026The oil and gas industry continues to develop actively in Turkmenistan, remaining one of the key sectors of the national economy. One of the significant achievements was the successful drilling of the ‘Atabay-1’ appraisal well at the ‘Atabay’ field in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, which is part of the Central Karakum gas-bearing region, reports AsmanNews. The well reached a design depth of 1,200 metres, and during exploration and testing of nine formations of the upper and lower Cretaceous period, eight were found to be gas-bearing. Particular attention was paid to the industrially significant inflow of environmentally friendly, sulphur-free natural gas with a flow rate of 284,000 cubic metres per day at a depth of 1,136-1,134 metres. It is planned to transfer the well to production management for commissioning, which will expand the supply of ‘blue fuel’ to consumers, strengthen the country's energy security and increase its export potential. The introduction of modern technology and equipment increases the efficiency of gas field development and confirms the consistent development of Turkmenistan's oil and gas and geological sectors.
Prospects for academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed
02.02.2026On 1 February, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, held a meeting with the President of Lusail University, Nitham Mohammed Hindi. This was reported by Orient. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between universities in the two countries and the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Lusail University and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. The meeting was also attended by Fatma Mansur Al-Mesleh, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Lusail University, and Adam Mohammed Ali Fadlallah, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The Ambassador provided information on Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy. He also announced that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and spoke about the international scientific conferences planned to mark the 35th anniversary of independence.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of CIS Ambassadors with Sergey Lavrov
02.02.2026On 27 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, took part in a meeting between Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ambassadors of CIS member states accredited in Moscow. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of executive bodies of other Eurasian organisations. During the conversation, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, key international issues were discussed and the results of multilateral cooperation for 2025 were summarised. The participants identified priority tasks for the near future: strengthening foreign policy coordination, developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as joint measures to ensure regional security.
Hero Arkadag inspected the readiness of Ashgabat Olympic Stadium for the match
02.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat and familiarised himself with the preparations for the Olympic Stadium for the international football match. The arena will host the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ Football Club and ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag inspected the playing field, stands and infrastructure. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that all organisational issues must be resolved on time and every detail taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions for fans, athletes, coaches and the work of the media. The Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, D. Orazov, reported that the field is fully ready. According to him, it complies with international standards and is suitable for year-round use. During the off-season, the turf is covered with a protective cover. Hero Arkadag also instructed to coordinate the work of all involved structures, ensure security, logistics and information support for the match. The Olympic Village was built on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. It hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, the World Weightlifting Championships in 2018, the World Kurash Championships in 2023 and other international tournaments. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 spectators and is the largest in Central Asia. Hero Arkadag noted that the match is of great importance for the development of football and international sports cooperation. At the end of his visit, he wished the ‘Arkadag’ team a successful and fair game.
Students from Turkmenistan won 46 medals at the Olympiads in Bukhara
02.02.2026Students from Turkmen universities won 46 medals at the BIMO-2026 and BIChO-2026 International Olympiads, which took place from 25 to 28 January at Bukhara State University. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The Olympiads were held in mathematics and chemistry. More than 500 students and 100 teams from 10 countries took part in the competitions. The championships included individual and team rounds, as well as meetings with teachers and excursions to historical monuments in Bukhara. Participants from Turkmenistan won 17 gold, 17 silver and 12 bronze medals, demonstrating a high level of preparation. The topics of the Olympiads covered mathematical analysis, linear algebra, combinatorics, as well as organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. For students, participation was not only a test of their knowledge, but also an opportunity to make international acquaintances and exchange experiences.
Turkmenistan participates in ADB climate resilience project
02.02.2026Turkmenistan will join a regional project of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at strengthening transboundary cooperation in water resource management and increasing their resilience to climate change. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The project also covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and is being implemented as part of the water component of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme. The technical assistance budget is $750,000, funded by the ADB Special Fund. There are plans to create a regional platform for coordinated water resource management and the exchange of strategic decisions. The ADB emphasised that the project will strengthen institutional mechanisms for cooperation and introduce tools for climate-resilient water management. The bank has been cooperating with Turkmenistan since 2000, supporting the diversification of export markets and the strengthening of regional ties.
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