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President of Turkmenistan sends congratulations to Prince of Monaco
27.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Prince Albert II of Monaco and the people of Monaco on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that cooperation is based on mutual respect and trust, expressing interest in further strengthening ties. The President of Turkmenistan noted his confidence that the partnership will develop successfully in the interests of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Albert II good health and well-being, and the people of Monaco peace, progress and prosperity.
A film about the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy will be shown in Kazan
27.08.2025As part of the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival ‘Altyn Minbar’, there will be a special screening of the film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’. The film, directed by Muzaffarjon Erkinov, is included in the non-competitive programme ‘Russia – Islamic World’. This was reported by IIC. A joint project by filmmakers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, created in 2024, the film tells the story of the life and work of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, who was active in the 18th century. The film highlights important stages in the thinker’s biography, including his studies at the Kukeldash madrasah in Buhara and the Shergozihan madrasah in Hiva. The film is scheduled to be shown at the ‘Rodina’ cinema in Kazan on 9 September. The screening is organized as part of the festival programme aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
An expert webinar on SDG monitoring was held in Turkmenistan
27.08.2025An expert webinar aimed at strengthening national capacity in monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals was held in Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in cooperation with the country's State Committee on Statistics. This was reported by IIC. Experts from authoritative international organisations, including FAO, UN-Habitat, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UNEP, were invited to participate in the online meeting. During the webinar, international experts shared practical recommendations on key areas of sustainable development, such as fisheries management, urban infrastructure and public utilities development, as well as the protection of aquatic ecosystems and monitoring of endangered species. The methodologies and tools obtained during the webinar will improve the national system of statistical observation and data analysis, which will increase the effectiveness of monitoring Turkmenistan's progress in implementing the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Fitch Ratings has given a consistent outlook for Turkmenistan's credit rating
26.08.2025One of the leading international rating agencies, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Turkmenistan's foreign currency credit rating at ‘BB-’ with a consistent outlook. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan. In justifying their decision, the agency's analysts noted the country's strong sovereign balance sheet compared to other countries in the ‘BB’ and ‘B’ rating categories. Experts emphasised that Turkmenistan has a high ratio of net foreign assets to GDP and a low level of public debt. An important factor in the stability of the economy is the country's vast natural gas reserves. According to analysts' forecasts, by 2027, Turkmenistan's net foreign assets will reach 50.8% of GDP. The country's foreign exchange reserves are recognised as among the highest in the Central Asian region, covering more than 52 months of external payments. Natural gas continues to dominate exports, accounting for 67% of total exports to foreign countries in 2024. A significant portion of gas exports (88%) was directed to the Chinese market. Negotiation is currently underway on the construction of a fourth branch of the gas pipeline to China.
An ‘Antiplagiat’ programme has been created in Turkmenistan
26.08.2025Teachers and students at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University presented the ‘Antiplagiat’ (‘Anti-plagiarism’) software. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the ‘Turkmenistan’ newspaper. This software is capable of analysing texts in Turkmen and other languages. The development has been certified by the State Intellectual Property Service of Turkmenistan. In addition, young researchers have created a programme for calculating energy consumption, which allows the operation of lighting devices to be controlled without expensive sensors and computing devices.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Additional Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan
26.08.2025On 25 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Pakistan's Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan, Syed Ali Asad Gillani. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The negotiation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including in international and regional formats. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties, the development of cooperation between foreign ministries, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian contacts. The parties agreed to continue working on projects for the transport and energy integration of Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and neighbouring countries.
Turkmenistan may become a supplier of ferries to Uzbekistan
26.08.2025Uzbekistan is considering purchasing ferries from a Turkmen shipyard, according to Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov, as reported by the Orient news agency. According to the Minister, having its own fleet will help speed up cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea, where delays currently reach 30-40 days. I. Mahkamov emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the development of the Middle Corridor, where they provide transportation across the Caspian Sea due to their port infrastructure. At the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was signed, including the creation of joint ventures and privileges for cargo transportation. A Memorandum of Cooperation in shipbuilding was also signed in Ashgabat between Ilhom Mahkamov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev. Uzbekistan intends to use ferries to increase transport volumes across the Caspian Sea. In addition, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of civil aviation: a Protocol was signed on the launch of direct flights between the two countries.
The coach of the Turkmenistan national football team has announced the squad for CAFA 2025
26.08.2025The Head coach of the Turkmenistan national team, Rovshen Meredov, has announced the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup matches. The national team will play three matches: on 30 August against Kyrgyzstan, on 2 September against Uzbekistan and on 5 September against Oman. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The squad includes: Goalkeepers – Rasul Charyev, Rustem Ahallyev (both ‘Arkadag’), Muhammet Ovezov (‘Shagadam’). Defenders – Vepa Jumayev (‘Vitebsk’, Belarus), Bagtiyar Gurgenov (‘Ahal’), Abdy Byashimov, Ibrahim Mammedov, Berdimyrat Rejebov, Ihlas Toyjanov, Guychmyrat Annagulyev (all ‘Arkadag’). Midfielders – Rahman Myratberdiyev (‘Altyn Asyr’), Gurban Annayev (‘Ahal’), Yazgylych Gurbanov, Arzuvguly Sapargulyev, Mirza Beknazarov, Velmyrat Ballakov, Ahmet Atayev, Ihlas Saparmammedov (all ‘Arkadag’). Forwards – Mihail Titov (‘Uzgen’, Kyrgyzstan), Begench Akmammedov, Altymyrat Annadurdyev, Shamammet Hydyrov, Didar Durdyev, Shanazar Tirkishov (all ‘Arkadag’).
‘Avaza’ has become a platform for developing a sustainable development strategy for the LLDCs
26.08.2025On 4 August, a Parliamentary Forum was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum served as a platform for exchanging experiences, developing joint solutions and drawing the attention of the international community to the challenges faced by such states. Following the meeting, a Parliamentary Appeal was adopted and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034 was approved, which became a strategic plan to support LLDCs. The document highlights the key problems of landlocked countries. It emphasises the need for reforms, the development of transport corridors, the digital economy and human capital. Particular attention is paid to the role of parliaments, which must ensure transparency, accountability and the involvement of civil society in the implementation of the programme. The Awaza Programme is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aims to expand the participation of the LLDCs in the global economy, increase sustainability and improve the standard of living of the population. Its successful implementation will require concerted efforts by the countries themselves, development partners, international organisations and the private sector. The choice of Turkmenistan as the venue for the forum underscores its role in transport diplomacy and regional cooperation. The conference in Avaza was an important step in strengthening international dialogue and developing solutions that can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable development of the world.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan held political consultations
25.08.2025Political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took place on 25 August. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Pakistani side was headed by Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the interlocutors conducted a comprehensive review of the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in various spheres of political, economic and cultural life. The diplomats of both countries reaffirmed the importance of regular dialogue at the highest level as a key factor in the development of inter-state relations. Special attention was paid to the significance of the activities of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, with a view to holding its next meeting in the near future. With a view to expanding trade and economic cooperation, the parties expressed their support for establishing direct contacts between representatives of the business communities of the two countries. During the negotiation, issues related to improving the legal framework and promoting joint projects in the energy and transport sectors, including the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, were also addressed.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Russia discussed priorities for bilateral cooperation
25.08.2025On 25 August, a telephone conversation took place between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov. During the conversation, the diplomats discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and emphasised the importance of interaction in the international political arena. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this context, the Heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries agreed to continue active political dialogue, including regular negotiation and maintaining contacts at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers. This work will be carried out in accordance with the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation for 2025-2026, which was signed in Ashgabat this year. The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing constructive dialogue on key issues of the regional and international agenda.
Turkmenistan's attractions have become part of a new international tourist circle
25.08.2025A cross-border tourist route connecting Turkmenistan, Khorezm, Karakalpakstan and Kazakhstan has been launched in Central Asia. This circular route includes visits to unique cultural, historical and natural attractions in the four regions, offering travellers new opportunities for educational travel. This was reported by IIC. The route was developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on measures to develop tourism in 2025–2026. The Tourism Committee, together with private partners, paid special attention to creating convenient logistics and a diverse programme. Travellers are offered various types of tourism, including gastronomic tourism with tasting of national dishes, ecotourism with an introduction to natural landscapes, ethnographic tourism with immersion in traditions and crafts, as well as pilgrimage tourism with visits to holy sites. There are over 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monuments of national importance along the route. Key points include ancient Merv and Kunya-Urgench in Turkmenistan, Ichan-Kala in Khorezm, museums and fortresses in Karakalpakstan, and the picturesque landscapes of Mangistau in Kazakhstan. The new tourism product aims to develop cultural and humanitarian exchanges between countries in the region and is designed to become an attractive destination for various categories of travellers.
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