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UNDP in Turkmenistan organised a series of training sessions on digital transformation
30.08.2025The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, held a series of training sessions on digital transformation for representatives of government agencies and businesses from 25 to 29 August. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The training was part of the preparation of the Concept and State Programme on the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026-2028. Representatives of nearly 30 ministries and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups participated in the sessions. Topics included the digitisation of public administration, strategic planning, digital maturity assessment, cybersecurity, data management and international experience. The classes were led by UNDP international expert Aare Laponin. The training sessions are seen as an important step towards creating digital infrastructure, developing human capital and supporting innovation for the sustainable growth of Turkmenistan's economy.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan reviewed cooperation with UNESCO
30.08.2025On 28 August, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Tao Zhang, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. UNESCO experts and representatives of relevant departments of the ministry also participated in the talks. The prospects for the digitalisation of education, the introduction of innovative technologies, the improvement of teachers' qualifications and the modernisation of the system in the context of the UN SDGs were discussed. UNESCO offered cooperation in the development of educational infrastructure, training of teachers with AI skills, the use of technologies for knowledge assessment, the promotion of the concept of continuous learning and the introduction of intelligent bots in universities. The parties also touched upon issues of youth education, the formation of a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren, and the strengthening of interaction between parents and children. Following the meeting, the intention to continue joint projects to create a modern digital educational environment and improve the quality of education in Turkmenistan was confirmed.
A joint book by scientists from Turkmenistan and India has been published
30.08.2025The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the ‘India-Central Asia’ Foundation, has published a book entitled ‘India-Turkmenistan: Perspectives on History, Culture and Economy’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen university. The publication was prepared by Turkmen and Indian researchers and includes articles by the institute's teachers. The book highlights the historical, cultural and economic aspects of bilateral cooperation and analyses current trends and prospects for interaction. Special attention is paid to the centuries-old ties between Turkmenistan and India, the development of trade and humanitarian contacts. Examples include architectural monuments in Merv, Delhi and Kunya-Urgench, which reflect common cultural traditions.
The President of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the President of the Republic of Korea
30.08.2025On 29 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung. The parties discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, according to the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his election and wished him success in his new position. In turn, the President of the Republic of Korea expressed his readiness to strengthen the partnership and conveyed his greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Active cooperation between the countries was noted both at the bilateral level and in international organisations, including in the ‘Central Asia-Republic of Korea’ format. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation: projects involving ‘Hyundai’, ‘Daewoo’ and ‘LG’ in the fields of gas chemistry, energy and industry. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including the teaching of Korean in Turkmenistan's universities and the holding of joint events. Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Lee Jae-myung to an international forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, announced on the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality. In conclusion, the Heads of State expressed confidence in the further development of the partnership and exchanged best wishes.
Turkmen footballers won ‘Friendship Cup’ in Tashkent
30.08.2025An international children's football tournament, the ‘Friendship Cup’, was held in Tashkent for teams of children under 11 years of age, timed to coincide with the centenary of football in Tashkent. Teams from five Central Asian countries participated in the competition: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This was reported by IIC. The team ‘Gokje’ from Ashgabat Sports School No. 11 became the absolute champion of the tournament. The Turkmen footballers demonstrated impressive play, not suffering a single defeat throughout the tournament. In the semi-final match, the young talents from Turkmenistan won a confident victory over the team of the academy of the famous Uzbek footballer Odil Ahmedov with a crushing score of 6:1. In the decisive match, they faced the pupils of the famous Uzbek club ‘Bunyodkor’, whom they defeated with a clean sheet score of 4:0.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan strengthen border cooperation
30.08.2025The visit of a delegation from the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan to the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan was held on 28 August this year. The Turkmen delegation was led by the velayat's governor, Hojamyrat Ashyrmyradov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, talks were held with the governor of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, during which the parties identified the key vectors of cross-border partnership and approved a programme of strategic cooperation for the current and next two years. The governor of Balkan velayat emphasised that strengthening interregional ties is fully in line with the course set by the leaders of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and contributes significantly to the development of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation and expressed their intention to implement specific projects aimed at developing border regions.
WCO in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan organised an online meeting
29.08.2025On 27 August, an online meeting was held between the Regional Training Centre of the World Customs Organisation in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen customs service. The main topic was the WCO's ‘CLiKC!’ distance learning platform, which is used to improve the qualifications of customs officials. The parties discussed their experience of using it, opportunities for expanding educational programmes and access to modern resources. The participants noted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions for the exchange of practices and strengthening human resources. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that the active use of ‘CLiKC!’ will contribute to improving the training of specialists and developing cooperation between the parties.
Conductor from Turkmenistan joins jury of music show ‘Silk Way Star’
29.08.2025Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan, conductor and artistic director of the country's State Symphony Orchestra Rasul Klychev has joined the jury of the first Asian vocal competition ‘Silk Way Star’, which started in Astana. This was reported by IIC. His participation highlights the high level of Turkmen musical art, recently confirmed by the victory of the Youth Orchestra of Turkmenistan at a festival in Vienna, where the ensemble won the gold award and R. Klychev was recognised as the ‘Best Conductor’. Turkmenistan will be represented at the competition by singer and composer Dovran Shammiyev, winner of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ award. He will perform alongside participants from 11 countries. The show started on 20 August, and the final will take place on 22 November. The winner will be determined by the votes of the jury and viewers. ‘Silk Way Star’ is positioned as an international cultural platform that brings artists together and discovers new talent.
UNICEF in Turkmenistan has launched a new initiative to support parents
29.08.2025UNICEF in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the country's Ministry of Education, has launched an initiative called ‘Advancing Parenting Support through Preschool Education.’ This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. From 26 to 28 August, a training course was held for 25 kindergarten teachers, aimed at developing their skills in interacting with parents and improving the quality of early education. Teachers were introduced to practical methods of working with families: conducting classes for parents, fostering a caring attitude towards children and creating a stimulating environment at home. In the new academic year, teachers will join a pilot programme to support parents, which will serve as a platform for sharing experiences and a source of professional advice on the upbringing and development of preschoolers.
Turkmenistan has become an example of positive neutrality in global politics
29.08.2025Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, enshrined in the Constitution and recognised by the international community, has become the foundation of the country's foreign policy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Since 1995, when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution on the country's neutral status, this doctrine has been regarded as an effective instrument of peace, stability and development. The UN has confirmed Turkmenistan's neutrality three times, including in resolutions in 2015 and 2025, noting its contribution to peaceful coexistence, preventive diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation. On Ashgabat's initiative, 12 December became International Neutrality Day, and 2025 was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust. Neutrality strengthens the country's position in the international arena and contributes to its economic development. Turkmenistan is promoting projects on energy transit and the development of transport corridors (including the TAPI gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power line), becoming an important energy and logistics centre in the region. The policy of neutrality is particularly important in the humanitarian sphere: Turkmenistan actively participates in providing assistance in emergency situations, supports environmental initiatives and serves as a platform for international negotiations. Neutrality has become part of the national identity, reflecting traditions of peacefulness and dialogue. It strengthens international cooperation, develops cultural and scientific ties, and creates conditions for sustainable development. The Turkmen model is seen as an example of how neutral status can contribute to the security and prosperity not only of an individual state, but of the entire region.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan organised an event to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day
29.08.2025A memorable event organised by the diplomatic mission of the People's Republic of China was held at the ‘Archabil’ Hotel in the capital of Turkmenistan. The event was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. This was reported by IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of political circles, members of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group, as well as delegates from the media and business circles of Turkmenistan. The highlight of the evening was the speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the value of the historical heritage of the war years. The Head of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan stressed that preserving the memory of those events serves as a foundation for strengthening friendly ties between nations, promotes inter-state dialogue and upholds the principles of justice. As part of the programme, guests were shown a documentary film chronicle of the war and a photo exhibition depicting the heroic pages of the Chinese people's history and the importance of their contribution to the overall victory over the enemy.
Turkmenistan's Ombudsman releases 2024 work report
29.08.2025In Turkmenistan, the Ombudsman's report on the agency's activities for 2024 has been published. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The document examines the conditions for the realisation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, citizens' appeals and measures to eliminate violations. It notes that in 2024, which was held under the motto ‘Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy,’ steps were taken to improve the well-being of the population, including increases in salaries, pensions and scholarships. In addition, 1,146 stateless persons were granted citizenship, and the development of industry and construction contributed to job creation and improved housing conditions. Particular attention is paid to supporting young people and developing education and healthcare — new schools are being built, and an International Health and Rehabilitation Centre is being constructed in Ashgabat.
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