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The Port of Turkmenbashi is strengthening its role in international transport routes
01.04.2026On 27 March, a meeting was held at the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port between the leadership of Turkmenistan’s State Service for Maritime and River Transport and the port administration, and a European Union delegation led by Charlotte Adriaen, Head of the Central Asia and Afghanistan Unit. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the strengthening of the port’s strategic role. The European delegation was shown the port’s modern facilities, cargo flow routes and European-made equipment. Discussions covered projects at the ‘Balkan’ shipbuilding and ship repair yard, international tenders for new vessels, and Turkmenistan’s steps towards acceding to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) FAL Convention to streamline maritime transport. The Turkmen side noted the procurement of new dredgers and the construction of similar vessels at the ‘Balkan’ shipyard. Charlotte Adriaen emphasised the strategic importance of the port as a key hub in international transport corridors.
Turkmenistan and Japan are joining forces to develop data centres
01.04.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and the Japanese company ‘Muroosystems Corporation’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing cooperation in the field of establishing and modernising data centres in the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The agreement formalises the parties’ intention to build long-term partnerships for the implementation of projects to construct new data centres within Turkmenistan. The main objective of the document is the introduction of modern technological solutions and the development of digital infrastructure in accordance with international standards. The cooperation is expected to involve the use of innovative methods for the design and operation of facilities. It is anticipated that the implementation of the agreement will significantly strengthen the national IT infrastructure, increase the level of digitalisation of the economy and expand opportunities for secure data storage and processing.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are actively developing parliamentary ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, as part of the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, a meeting took place between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Sodiq Safoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen delegation expressed its gratitude for the invitation to participate in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, taking place in the city of Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, and conveyed its best wishes for the forum’s success. The parties noted that, due to the efforts of the Heads of State, relations between the two countries are effective across various spheres, and, building on the centuries-old experience of Turkmen-Uzbek ties, significant successes have been achieved in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and parliamentary cooperation. It was emphasised that good-neighbourly cooperation between the countries is steadily developing and strengthening both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations on the basis of mutually beneficial relations. During the meeting, the parties also noted that parliamentary dialogue has become an important part of expanding cooperation between the two countries, and that the establishment of bilateral parliamentary friendship groups and the holding of meetings between young and female parliamentarians are of great importance for the exchange of experience in legislative work.
Turkmenistan and Belarus are strengthening their transport and aviation partnership
01.04.2026On 31 March, Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus. The parties reaffirmed their intention to develop business cooperation, according to the Orient news agency. The discussion focused on expanding air links to boost business contacts and tourism. The possibilities for deepening transport and logistics cooperation were also discussed, including new transit schemes and route optimisation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the next meeting of the Belarusian-Turkmen Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, where it is planned to sign new agreements to add to the existing body of more than 100 documents.
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–EU’ Forum in Samarkand
01.04.2026From 30 to 31 March, members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, held in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the forum, participants discussed current international issues, sustainable development and the prospects for strategic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the EU. In his speech, the representative of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the country’s neutral status, its peacekeeping initiatives and the support it receives from UN member states. Turkmenistan’s proposal to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law was also noted. Particular attention was paid at the forum to the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between states. Participants also noted the importance of developing the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ format, which opens up new opportunities for regional cooperation and the revival of the Great Silk Road. Following the plenary session, the forum continued with breakout sessions.
The role of women in modern society was discussed in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026A conference on the role of women in modern society was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by MPs, representatives of the UN, UNESCO and foreign diplomatic missions, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Participants discussed issues relating to support for mothers and children, the state’s humanitarian policy, and the development of international cooperation in the field of women’s rights. Following the meeting, the importance of expanding educational, medical and economic opportunities for women, as well as strengthening their role in society, was emphasised.
A monument to the great Turkmen poet has been restored in Afghanistan
01.04.2026On 31 March, a monument to the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy was unveiled in Mazar-i-Sharif (Balkh Province, Afghanistan) following restoration work. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, staff of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan, the city’s mayor Abdul Rahman Himat, the Head of the Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry’s representative office in Balkh, Mawlawi Aminullah Sadiq, religious figures, teachers and cultural activists. The restoration of the monument was carried out on the initiative of the Chairman of the ‘Akyol’ socio-cultural organisation, Haji Mohammad Hashim Wali Zada, with financial support from Turkmen living in Afghanistan. The speakers noted the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy’s literary legacy for the Turkmen people and world culture, emphasising his role in nurturing the younger generation in the national spirit.
Turkmenistan and Armenia are strengthening their academic ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, a meeting took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rector Gulshat Yusupova and Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the development of inter-university cooperation and the exchange of experience in training specialists in international relations. The importance of building human resources for foreign policy was noted. Arsen Avagyan highlighted the dynamic nature of Turkmen-Armenian relations and his interest in Turkmenistan’s educational practices. The institute’s management presented the structure of the educational process and the role of the university in training diplomats. As part of the visit, the Ambassador visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in expanding academic ties.
Turkmenistan is preparing to launch a vocational training centre in partnership with China
01.04.2026An online meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas to discuss the project to establish the ‘Luban Workshop’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The project is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 18 October 2024 in Xi’an between the International University of Oil and Gas, Xi’an Petroleum University, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, China National Petroleum Corporation and the China Education Association for International Exchange. The participants discussed the progress of the agreements. It was noted that the centre will serve as a platform for training oil and gas industry specialists in accordance with international standards. Preparatory work is proceeding according to the approved plan. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation in the educational and scientific spheres.
A ceremony was held in Ashgabat to mark the handover of dates from Saudi Arabia
01.04.2026On 31 March, a ceremony to hand over a humanitarian consignment took place at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. On behalf of the King of Saudi Arabia, 25 tonnes of dates from the 1447 Hijri harvest were handed over to the Government of Turkmenistan. The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s programme to support friendly nations. The event was attended by Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan, and Osman bin Rashid Al-Rashid, representative of the King Salman Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Relief. The participants noted the importance of such initiatives for the development of humanitarian cooperation and inter-state dialogue. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the assistance provided, emphasising its symbolic significance for strengthening friendly ties. The support provided by Saudi Arabia to Turkmen citizens undertaking the Hajj and Umrah was also noted.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria organised a cultural presentation
01.04.2026On 30 March, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Austria, in collaboration with ‘Diplomatic Society Magazine’, held a celebratory event to mark the spring holidays and the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by around 300 people, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, as well as business and public circles in Austria. During the presentation, attention was drawn to the meaning of the motto of the year. It was noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ reflects the continuity of traditions, the creative potential of the people, and Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of peace and international cooperation. Guests were treated to an exhibition dedicated to the country’s culture. The display included books on Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmen Alabay dogs, as well as carpets and national costumes. The event was accompanied by a tasting of Turkmen cuisine and a performance of folk music on the dutar.
Negotiations were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan with the Turkish Ambassador
01.04.2026On 31 March, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. The high level of political and diplomatic relations was noted. The positive experience of cooperation on international platforms and the readiness to support each other’s initiatives were emphasised. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the energy and transport sectors. The prospects for cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed, including the organisation of joint events and participation in international forums. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership.
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