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Ashgabat hosted a conference on nutrition in the context of climate change
23.01.2026An International Conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan, FAO, other international organisations, as well as delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Russia. The main topic was the impact of climate change on food security, health and agricultural sustainability. It was reported that Turkmenistan is implementing a National Climate Change Strategy and a National Forest Programme. Attention is being paid to the rational use of water and land, the introduction of resource-saving technologies and the development of a ‘green’ economy. Special mention was made of water resource management practices, including the use of drainage water after the construction of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ lake in Turkmenistan. The sessions discussed the ‘One Health’ concept, which examines the relationship between the state of the environment and human and animal health. Participants emphasised that this approach should form the basis for reforms in the agricultural sector. Foreign delegates noted that Central Asian countries face common climate risks and need coordinated solutions. During the conference, project documents were signed between the relevant departments of Turkmenistan and the FAO, including: ‘A coordinated approach to land resource restoration...’ between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Strengthening integrated water resources management in the Amu Darya, Zarafshan and Panj rivers’ between the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Accelerating nature-positive reforms in the agricultural sector of Turkmenistan...’ – between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO; ‘Strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework...’ - between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO. Participants emphasised the need to continue regional dialogue and joint projects to adapt food systems to climate change.
Teacher from Turkmenistan named among the best educators in the CIS – 2025
23.01.2026Novruzalem Gurdov, a young lecturer at the Department of Horse Breeding at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and a member of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding, won the international competition ‘Best Teacher of the CIS – 2025’, which took place in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the final online stage, which was held in early January, the professional activities and achievements of the Turkmen teacher were highly praised by the international jury. The victory allowed N. Gurdov to be named one of the best teachers in the CIS countries in 2025. He was awarded a first-degree diploma and a competition badge. Commenting on the result, Novruzalem Gurdov noted that participation in the international project was a serious responsibility for him and an opportunity to represent the young teaching community of Turkmenistan with dignity. According to him, this victory strengthened his desire for further professional growth. The competition was organised by the ‘Bilim’ Republican Educational Centre in conjunction with the ‘Dobro’ International Charitable Foundation and was aimed at identifying and supporting talented specialists in the field of education in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Turkmenistan and UNECE discussed cooperation development in Ashgabat
23.01.2026On January 22, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Maryasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in Ashgabat. He arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the events of the SPECA High-Level Week, which runs from January 20 to 23. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UNECE. The focus was on issues of sustainable development, energy, transport and transit connectivity, and regional integration. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the UNECE mandate, noting the role of the Commission as an effective regional platform for promoting global UN initiatives. The importance of Turkmenistan's high-level participation in the 71st session of the UNECE, scheduled for April 2025, was also emphasised. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable energy, measures to reduce methane emissions, and the development of safe and sustainable transport corridors. In addition, the parties noted the importance of the practical implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3) and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034. In this context, the UNECE was named as one of the key regional partners. At the end of the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to further strengthen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Negotiations between the MFA of Turkmenistan and a representative of UNESCAP were held in Ashgabat
23.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Ashgabat on 22 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and ESCAP. The Turkmen side noted the high level of partnership and positively assessed the results of joint work in priority areas, including sustainable development, transport and energy, disaster risk reduction, as well as cooperation within the framework of SPECA. Turkmenistan's commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and actively participating in the activities of the UN Economic and Social Council and relevant forums was reaffirmed. Particular attention was paid to issues of digitalisation, the development of paperless trade, the introduction of the ‘Single Window’ principle and the expansion of practical cooperation with ESCAP institutions. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to ESCAP for supporting the country's international and regional initiatives, including resolutions aimed at sustainable development and addressing environmental issues, including the problems of the Aral Sea. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
A Turkmen teacher completed rule of law training in Japan
23.01.2026Dovletmyrat Berdiyev, a lecturer at the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan, took part in the international seminar ‘Rule of Law’, which was held in Tokyo from 14 to 19 January. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Japanese government for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus as part of the MIRAI programme. The seminar focused on the role of the rule of law, the modernisation of legal systems and the exchange of international experience. The programme included lectures, discussions and thematic sessions, including a special course at Keio University, where participants studied modern methods of developing legal culture. In addition to the educational part, participants visited the Keio University Museum, where they learned about the history of the Japanese education system and the scientific and cultural heritage of the university. The MIRAI programme opens up opportunities for professional growth, international cooperation and strengthening the rule of law in the countries of the region.
Turkmenistan has increased the volume of mutual trade with SPECA countries
23.01.2026The volume of trade between Turkmenistan and the countries participating in the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) exceeded $2.2 billion in 2025, which is 15% more than in 2024, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Babaniyaz Yalakov, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, at the SPECA Economic Forum, which was held in Ashgabat. According to him, trade growth has been recorded with most of the programme's member states. In total, the volume of mutual trade transactions exceeded $2.2 billion. Data from the State Committee for Statistics of Turkmenistan also confirm the positive dynamics: the share of countries in the region in the republic's foreign trade turnover increased to 11%, while a year earlier it was 9.6%. B. Yalakov noted that as part of the implementation of the SPECA Action Plan for 2024-2025, Turkmenistan has focused its efforts on creating conditions conducive to increasing the investment and economic attractiveness of the participating countries. The priority areas are the development of transport and logistics routes and the reduction of trade restrictions. In his assessment, current trends form the basis for further deepening economic cooperation, including increasing commodity flows, promoting sustainable transport solutions and improving regional transport connectivity.
Rich natural gas reserves discovered at the ‘Atabay’ field in Turkmenistan
23.01.2026Specialists from the ‘Lebapnebitgazgözleg’ expedition have discovered significant reserves of natural gas in a new well at the ‘Atabay’ field in the Central Karakum Desert. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. Research on the 1,200-metre ‘Atabay-1’ exploration well has shown the potential for producing up to 284,000 cubic metres of sulphur-free gas per day. Natural gas has been discovered in eight of the nine layers of the well, and development is planned to begin in the near future. Additional exploration and prospecting work are also planned at the field this year.
Margush's archaeological discoveries reveal the life of ancient Turkmenistan
22.01.2026Turkmenistan is considered one of the world’s most ancient centers of civilization, and today the Margush monuments hold special significance as unique evidence of the Bronze Age. This was reported by the IIC. The Margian Civilization, which emerged more than four thousand years ago in the Murgab River delta, is comparable in its level of development to the cultures of Mesopotamia and Egypt and is recognized as one of the cradles of world civilization. The Margush settlement complex represented a network of fortified cities with well-planned layouts, developed infrastructure, and religious centers. A key role in this system was played by Gonur Depe, which served as the spiritual and administrative center of the region. Engineering technologies also reached a high level: systems of canals and reservoirs enabled effective water management and became prototypes of modern hydraulic engineering solutions. Archaeological discoveries testify to Margiana’s extensive trade relations with India and regions of South Asia long before the formation of the Great Silk Road. Today, the preservation and study of the Margush heritage are regarded as an important component of Turkmenistan’s cultural policy and a symbol of historical continuity.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia
22.01.2026On 21 January, the Chairwoman of the Turkmenistan Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the priorities of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, the work of the national parliament and the development of cooperation with international organisations, including the EU. Particular attention was paid to new areas of cooperation: security, legal reform, human rights protection, gender equality, environmental protection, combating climate change, digitalisation and rational use of water resources. The importance of previously reached agreements, the exchange of experience in law-making and parliamentary initiatives, as well as the role of joint seminars and dialogues between the EU and Turkmenistan in strengthening the partnership were noted. In conclusion, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.
Turkmenistan considers building power lines to the border with Kazakhstan
22.01.2026Turkmenistan is exploring the possibility of laying a high-voltage power line to the border with Kazakhstan in order to export electricity and help maintain the energy balance of the neighbouring state, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Turkmenistan's Deputy Minister of Energy Nurmammet Nurmammedov, speaking at the SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat. According to him, Ashgabat is ready to support Kazakhstan's energy system and is considering the construction of a power line to the border, provided that the necessary intergovernmental agreements are reached. N. Nurmammedov noted that Turkmenistan aims to establish a sustainable and secure energy centre in the region. Currently, the country provides consistent electricity supplies to Afghanistan via five routes and also exports electricity to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the basis of long-term contracts.
Turkmenistan expands early childhood development programmes with UNICEF support
22.01.2026In Turkmenistan, a second group of national trainers has been certified in the ‘Guide for Monitoring Child Development’ (GMCD), which aims to improve the quality of services for young children. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the UNICEF press service. The new group of specialists is continuing the work begun after the certification of the first trainers in 2018 and is contributing to the expansion of early childhood development programmes throughout the country. The internationally recognised GMCD tool enables health workers to monitor the development of children from birth to 3.5 years of age and provide timely support to families. The certification is the result of many years of cooperation between UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and experts from Ankara University. Since 2018, the GMCD has been gradually introduced into the primary health care system, including pilot projects, training of specialists and the development of early intervention services. The integration of the GMCD into educational programmes, clinical standards and national reporting systems is also being considered.
Tokyo discussed plans for Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in 2026
22.01.2026On 21 January, a meeting was held in Tokyo between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Hiroyuki Tsubai, Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Economic Cooperation Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026, including the implementation of joint economic projects in Turkmenistan aimed at further strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The Japanese side confirmed its interest in continuing work on the projects announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which took place on 20 December 2025 in Tokyo. Initiatives in the field of the circular economy were named among the priority areas. During the meeting, the importance of further developing the medical cluster in the city of Arkadag, in which the Japanese company ‘Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.’ is participating, was also noted. At the end of the negotiations, the parties agreed to set a date for the 16th Joint Meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Tokyo in 2026.
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