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Turkmenistan has called for the IFAS to play a greater role in addressing ecological issues
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State described the rescue of the Aral Sea as a matter of political and moral responsibility for all countries in the region and called for these tasks not to be allowed to take a back seat. The President of Turkmenistan recalled Turkmenistan’s role during its chairmanship of the IFAS in 2017–2019. At that time, on Ashgabat’s initiative, two UN General Assembly resolutions on cooperation with the IFAS were adopted, a draft UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin countries was presented, and the fourth phase of the Programme of Action to assist the Aral Sea Basin countries was developed. The President also announced that the UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies would soon begin operations in Ashgabat. The Head of State proposed three steps. The first is to harmonise national approaches to environmental challenges and strengthen the coordinating role of the IFAS. The second is to accelerate the modernisation of the Fund’s legal framework in order to more actively engage international financial institutions and donors. The third is to jointly draft a new UN General Assembly resolution on IFAS’s cooperation with the UN, taking into account current geopolitical and economic realities. In conclusion, the President congratulated the Head of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on assuming the chairmanship of IFAS and thanked Kazakhstan for hosting the meeting.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the eco-summit and announced a meeting on the Caspian Sea
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State described the forum as an extraordinary event – for the first time, countries in the region are discussing the environmental agenda at the highest level in a comprehensive and pan-regional context. Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the main challenges: climate change, dwindling water resources, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and increased migration from disadvantaged areas. According to him, the response must be to consolidate the efforts of the region’s states and expand cooperation with the UN. Turkmenistan put forward two initiatives: to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Ashgabat also proposed setting up a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. Regarding transboundary rivers, Turkmenistan insists on three principles: compliance with international conventions, equal consideration of the interests of all riparian states, and broad UN participation. Regarding the Caspian Sea, the President of Turkmenistan recalled the environmental initiative addressed to all Caspian littoral states and announced the next high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. In conclusion, the Head of State expressed the hope that the summit would serve as a platform for developing coordinated solutions and would provide impetus for systematic work in the region.
The President of Turkmenistan concluded his working visit to Kazakhstan by attending an eco-summit
23.04.2026During a working visit to Kazakhstan on 22 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana. This was reported by TDH. The summit took place at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre. The theme of the forum was ‘Shared vision for resilient future’. It was attended by Heads of State, leaders and representatives of international organisations. Before the meeting, the delegations visited the ‘RES 2026 EXPO’ exhibition, which showcased developments in the fields of energy transition and environmental protection. Turkmenistan presented its own pavilion with an exhibition on the country’s environmental initiatives. At the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan put forward a number of initiatives. Turkmenistan proposed the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Regarding transboundary water resources, Ashgabat advocates the creation of a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. The President also announced a high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. Following the summit, the Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia, ‘Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia’, was adopted. In the afternoon, a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members took place at the Akorda Palace. The President of Turkmenistan called for strengthening the coordinating role of the Fund and modernising its legal framework. Turkmenistan proposed jointly drafting a new UN General Assembly resolution on cooperation between the IFAS and the UN. Following the meeting, a number of documents were signed, including the Astana Statement of the Heads of State of the IFAS Founding Member States. The chairmanship of the Fund passed to Uzbekistan. A decision was also taken to declare 26 March as International Day of the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. Following the conclusion of the visit’s programme, the Head of State flew to Ashgabat. The visit reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to active participation in the regional ecological agenda and the country’s readiness to promote specific initiatives at the international level.
Arkadag city has announced the results of the tournament held as part of the ‘Football for Schools’ programme
23.04.2026The closing ceremony of a school football tournament, held as part of the Turkmenistan Football Federation’s ‘Football for Schools’ programme, took place in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was held under the slogan of school unity and strengthening friendship through sport, and was organised jointly by the departments of education, physical culture and sport of the city of Arkadag, as well as the city council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan. The award ceremony for the winners took place at the Second Secondary School with an in-depth English language programme. The young athletes were presented with trophies and commemorative prizes, and players from FC ‘Arkadag’ took part in the ceremony. The tournament was timed to coincide with April and World Health Day, and the organisers highlighted its social significance in bringing young people together.
A horse marathon was held in Turkmenistan to mark the Turkmen Horse Festival
23.04.2026A horse marathon was held in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat to mark the National Day of the Turkmen horse. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The competition took place as part of the festive events that took place across all regions of the country in the run-up to this significant date. The marathon is part of the programme for the thematic year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Long-distance races are traditionally among the key events in the national horse breeding system. Numerous riders took part in the competition.
The ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ Trust is achieving strong results in oil and gas production
23.04.2026The production units of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ are making a significant contribution to the development of the country’s oil and gas industry, engaging in the exploration, development and exploitation of fields, including those in the Balkan velayat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In the first quarter of this year, the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust achieved high production figures. A total of 110 wells were overhauled and brought back into operation, exceeding the target by six wells. As a result, an additional 24,000 tonnes of oil were produced, and the target was met by 105.8%. The production growth rate stood at 161.7%. Additionally, over the three-month period, an extra 28,000 cubic metres of gas were produced, with growth rates significantly exceeding the planned targets. The ‘Goturdepe’, ‘Barsagelmez’ and ‘Gamyşlyja’ departments made a significant contribution to these results. The trust’s team is focused on achieving its annual targets ahead of schedule and further improving production efficiency, utilising the conditions created for sustainable growth in output.
Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative for a regional council on water resources
23.04.2026Turkmenistan has proposed the establishment of a regional council on water management in Central Asian countries under the auspices of the United Nations. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the proposed body could serve as an effective coordination platform for uniting the efforts of the region’s states in the water sector. The Head of State emphasised that issues relating to the rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources require special attention. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan’s official position on this matter is clear and transparent. ‘We advocate that water issues concerning transboundary rivers and watercourses be resolved on the basis of the following three fundamental principles,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Among these, the Head of State cited strict adherence to fundamental international conventions and agreements on water use, equal consideration of the interests of all states located in the basins of transboundary rivers, and the broad participation of international organisations, primarily the UN.
Turkmenistan is preparing for a high-level meeting on the environment of the Caspian Sea
22.04.2026Turkmenistan will host a high-level meeting in early October 2026 dedicated to ecological issues concerning the Caspian Sea. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the aim of the upcoming meeting is to take cooperation between the Caspian littoral states to a new level in the field of protecting the sea’s ecosystem and preserving its natural wealth. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the Caspian environmental agenda, including an initiative within the UN and the preparation of a relevant concept aimed at the countries of the region. The President of Turkmenistan also recalled the meeting on Caspian ecological issues held in August 2025 at the level of deputy prime ministers of the littoral states, organised on the sidelines of a UN international conference. The summit in Astana is being held under the auspices of the UN from 22 to 24 April and has brought together several thousand participants, including representatives of states and international organisations.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing centres for climate technology and combating desertification
22.04.2026At the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, proposed the establishment of a regional centre for climate technologies, as well as a centre to combat desertification for the countries of Central Asia. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Head of State emphasised the importance of taking into account the region’s cultural traditions and centuries-old experience of treating nature with care when addressing environmental challenges. According to the President of Turkmenistan, discussing the environmental agenda at such a high level demonstrates the region’s countries’ readiness for more systematic cooperation in the field of climate and sustainable development. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the states face common challenges: climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and rising environmental migration. In this context, he called for enhanced coordination between countries and expanded cooperation with the UN and its agencies. Separately, the President of Turkmenistan touched upon the issue of the Aral Sea, expressing hope for the adoption of joint decisions within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined ecological initiatives at the summit in Astana
22.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is taking part in a summit as part of the Regional Ecological Forum, which is being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, where two major international events are taking place simultaneously today: the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The summit (RES 2026), held under the motto ‘Shared vision for resilient future’, is attended by the leaders of Central Asian states, the Presidents of Armenia, Georgia and Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of international organisations and leading experts in the field of ecology. Speaking at the plenary session chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Turkmenistan outlined Ashgabat’s position on key issues on the regional ecological agenda. The Head of State emphasised the historical significance of the current forum, noting that this was the first time such a wide range of environmental issues had been discussed at the highest level. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that this reflects the readiness of the region’s countries to move towards systematic and long-term measures in the field of environmental protection, combating climate change and ensuring social sustainability. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention to the urgency of global challenges — water scarcity, land degradation, desertification and biodiversity loss — which exacerbate migration processes and require coordinated action. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN. As practical steps, the President of Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia in the region. The Head of State also noted the importance of drawing on the historical experience and traditions of the peoples of the region, who have demonstrated a careful approach to water and land resources for centuries. Speaking on transboundary water resources, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of their rational and equitable use. In the context of the status of a Caspian state, the President of Turkmenistan reiterated initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem, previously presented at the UN. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continuing relevance of the Aral Sea issue and expressed confidence that the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members would enable the development of concrete solutions for the restoration of the Aral Sea region and the strengthening of joint coordination of actions.
A 4G network has been launched on the section of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ motorway
22.04.2026The 4G network of the operator ‘Altyn Asyr’ has been launched on the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. It provides fast internet, a consistent connection and access to online services whilst on the move, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The launch coincided with the opening of the final section of the motorway, attended by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, marking a significant milestone for the country’s transport sector. According to the operator, the new coverage enhances the convenience of travel and helps carriers manage freight more efficiently due to real-time digital tools. The motorway forms part of an international transit corridor and connects the capital with the east of the country. The upgrade to the telecom infrastructure is expected to strengthen regional links and support the development of the roadside economy.
Turkmenistan discussed priorities for women’s leadership with Central Asian countries
22.04.2026Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, took part in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries, which was held via videoconference. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting, themed ‘Women of Central Asia: Priority Tasks and Joint Action’, was chaired by Uzbekistan. The discussion was attended by the heads of the parliaments of the region’s countries and Azerbaijan, as well as the Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Head of the regional office of UN Women. During the meeting, participants reviewed the action plan for the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Dialogue in 2026. The main focus was on issues of gender equality, increasing women’s participation in public administration and the economy, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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