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Tokyo has proposed a partnership with Ashgabat in the field of ‘green’ technologies
01.09.2026Japan is interested in developing partnerships with Turkmenistan in the areas of circular economy and waste recycling. This was stated by Toshihiro Kitamura, Director-General of Press and Public Relations at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press briefing, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. The meeting with media representatives took place in Ashgabat as part of a working visit by the Head of the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry, Toshimitsu Motegi. Responding to a question about the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of ‘green’ technologies, the Japanese diplomat noted that there are as yet no specific joint projects in the circular economy, but that this area holds significant potential. ‘Japan is a country with limited natural resources, so we are putting significant effort into waste recycling and have extensive experience, advanced knowledge, and technologies in this area,’ Mr Kitamura emphasised. According to him, Turkmenistan, for its part, possesses abundant natural resources, and combining the strengths of the two countries will enable the development of an effective model of mutually beneficial partnership. The spokesperson for the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry also added that the Japanese private sector is showing a keen interest in this sector, and that the Japanese government is counting on productive progress in the dialogue. Discussions on these issues at government level were one of the key topics of the Japanese minister’s visit to Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is continuing its work on establishing joint trade zones within the framework of the ECO
01.09.2026Turkmenistan continues to advance its initiative to create joint trade zones between member states of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. At the end of August 2026, meetings took place in the Iranian province of Golestan between the Secretary-General of the ECO, Asad Majeed Khan, and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The parties discussed the further implementation of the initiative. It was noted that the creation of the Joint Trade Zone would help to expand trade and cross-border trade, increase transit traffic, attract investment and strengthen regional connectivity. Asad Majeed Khan stated that this project could serve as a model for other border regions of ECO member states and align with the Organisation’s objectives of developing intra-regional trade and economic integration.
An environmental campaign called ‘Green Partnership’ took place in Ashgabat
01.09.2026On 29 August, the ‘Young Naturalist’ public organisation held an environmental event entitled ‘Green Partnership’ at the ‘Bilelik Hub’ creative centre in the ‘Ashgabat’ shopping and entertainment centre. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed environmental protection issues, presented eco-innovations and watched videos about Turkmenistan’s nature. They also explored waste reduction and reuse in an interactive format. As part of a ‘round-table’ discussion, participants sought solutions to environmental problems. The programme included the ‘Green Impulse’ eco-flashmob and the ‘Your Game’ team-based environmental quiz. The most active participants were presented with certificates of honour. The event took place with the support of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Turkmenistan.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence
01.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the people of the country on the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s independence. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his congratulatory message, the Head of Turkmenistan highlighted Uzbekistan’s achievements in strengthening statehood, improving the well-being of its people and enhancing the country’s international standing. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the development of Turkmen-Uzbek relations, based on good neighbourliness, friendship, mutual support, trust, equality and openness. The Head of State expressed his confidence in the further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The President of Turkmenistan wished Shavkat Mirziyoyev good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Uzbekistan peace, prosperity and success.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on Knowledge Day
01.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on Knowledge Day and on behalf of the student youth. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, Hero Arkadag highlighted the importance of science and education for the country’s development. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also emphasised that programmes are being implemented in the country to modernise the national education system and to nurture an educated, patriotic and physically fit generation. Particular attention is being paid to the construction of modern schools, universities, nurseries and health and leisure centres in Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the velayats. Digital technologies and modern teaching methods are being introduced into the educational process, and educational programmes are being updated. The congratulatory message also highlights the international successes of Turkmen schoolchildren, students and young athletes at Olympiads, competitions and tournaments. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of the ‘Concept for the Transition to 12-Year General Secondary Education in Turkmenistan’, the ‘Concept for Improving Teaching Methods in General Education Programmes in Turkmenistan until 2028’ and the Strategy for the Development of Higher Vocational Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the prospects for the further integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies into education, as well as the expansion of international cooperation. In particular, he noted Ashgabat’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, a long life and continued success in the development of the education system.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated those working in the education sector
01.09.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated teachers, education system employees, students, and schoolchildren on Knowledge and Student Day and the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, according to the TDH news agency. The message highlights the role of science and education in the country’s development. It also emphasises that the construction of modern nurseries, schools and vocational training institutions is continuing across the country, alongside the modernisation of the national education system. By the start of the new academic year, it is planned to open new buildings for the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction in Ashgabat and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Turkmenabat. Modern schools and nurseries will also be opened in the velayats. As part of the celebratory events, scientific and practical conferences, as well as sporting and cultural events, will take place. The President of Turkmenistan noted that schoolchildren starting school for the first time will receive ‘Bilimli’ laptops as a gift. Serdar Berdimuhamedov called on young people to study hard, take part in subject-based competitions, academic contests, sports and creative festivals, and to represent Turkmenistan with dignity on the international stage. The Head of State encouraged teachers and education sector staff to improve their professional skills, introduce modern teaching methods and make use of scientific achievements and best educational practices. He particularly emphasised the need to develop modern textbooks and teaching aids. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished students and teachers good health, well-being and success in the new academic year.
The new academic year in Turkmenistan will begin with a lesson on independence
01.09.2026The first lesson of the 2026–2027 academic year in general education institutions across Turkmenistan will be entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The lesson is timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of independence and the year being held under the same motto. Students will be told about the country’s achievements, domestic and foreign policy, international initiatives and key events of the period of independence. Particular attention will be paid to the development of education and science, including the implementation of plans to transition to a 12-year secondary education system, improvements to the teaching of foreign languages, natural and exact sciences, as well as teaching methodologies for general education programmes up to 2028. The lessons will also cover the works of Magtymguly Pyragy, Turkmenistan’s international cooperation, its engagement with the UN, and the development of ties in the fields of science and youth policy. A separate section will be devoted to horse breeding and equestrian sports. Among the events of 2026 to be covered will be the international recognition of the national equestrian games ‘Galkynyş’, the visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the ‘La Victoria’ equestrian complex in the USA, and the 18th International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘The Turkmen Horse and the World Art of Horse Breeding’. School heads have been instructed to prepare visual and multimedia materials, supplementary information and the necessary equipment. The first lesson must be conducted in accordance with the approved plan and serve to stimulate pupils’ interest in knowledge, science and career choices.
Tourism has been designated a priority of Turkmenistan’s state policy
01.09.2026Gulalek Muhammetberdiyeva, Head of the Department of International Press and Information at the State Information Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), spoke at the 35th meeting of the Council of Heads of CIS State Information Agencies, where she discussed the country’s tourism potential. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to her, tourism has become one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s state policy in recent years. ‘Funds are being channelled into this. At the state level, support is being provided to private companies operating in this sector,’ noted Muhammetberdiyeva. A separate area of focus, she said, is desert tourism, which attracts travellers interested in extreme itineraries and unusual natural landscapes. Discussions also centred on the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone, which has been under development since 2008 and is being expanded with new hotels and infrastructure facilities. In October, Awaza will host meetings of the CIS Council of Heads of State and a number of cultural events. Muhammetberdiyeva highlighted Turkmenistan’s rich historical heritage, citing the ancient sites of Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench – all included on the UNESCO World Heritage List – as among the most significant. The meeting participants were shown a video highlighting the country’s tourism potential – featuring historical monuments, desert landscapes, Awaza and the capital.
Eight trades were concluded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange over the course of the week
01.09.2026Eight transactions were recorded over the week on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Businesspeople from the UAE, Turkey and Afghanistan purchased cottonseed oil, wheat flour, textiles, cotton fabric, cotton fibre and raw silk for foreign currency, totalling over 7.27 million US dollars. On the domestic market, local businessmen concluded deals to purchase cotton yarn worth more than 8.21 million manats.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to the US has also been appointed Ambassador to Canada
01.09.2026Esen Aydogdyev has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Canada on a concurrent basis. The relevant Decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to the TDH news agency. Esen Aydogdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States (based in Washington), has also been appointed Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada. E. Aydogdyev was appointed Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the US in March this year; prior to that, he headed the country’s diplomatic mission in Russia.
Turkmenistan will present the kurash at the Nomads’ Games in Kyrgyzstan
31.08.2026The 6th World Nomad Games – the year’s largest ethnic sports and cultural forum, featuring delegations from dozens of countries – are set to begin in Kyrgyzstan on 31 August. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Turkmenistan is taking part in the Games and contributing to the preservation of the heritage of the peoples of the East. A key event for Turkmen athletes will be the national sport of kurash, which has been officially included in the competition programme. The World Nomad Games combine sporting competitions with an ethno-cultural programme featuring crafts, folklore and traditions. For Turkmenistan, participation in the Games presents an opportunity to compete for medals in traditional disciplines and to strengthen cultural ties in the region. As part of the Games, the International Scientific Conference ‘Nomad Civilisations: Heritage, Paradigms, and Prospects’ will take place. Its themes include the role of nomadic civilisations in world history, issues of sustainable development, digitalisation and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Centre for Nomadic Civilisation is hosting the exhibition ‘The Story of the Great Mountains’, as well as avenues of stone and sand sculptures. Guests can enjoy guided tours, masterclasses in painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics, an exhibition of ancient Kyrgyz armour, as well as the fire show ‘The Mystery of Khan Tengri’.
Ashgabat and Tokyo have approved a cooperation programme for 2027–2029
31.08.2026Following negotiations in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, a Programme of Cooperation between the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2027–2029 was signed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Japanese side reaffirmed its support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy of permanent neutrality. The parties also highlighted their cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ format. Particular attention was paid to economic partnership. The prospects for cooperation in gas chemistry, the electricity sector, transport, as well as in the fields of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence were discussed. In addition, the parties reviewed preparations for the joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place in Tokyo this year, as well as the development of ties in the fields of education and culture.
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