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A meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Council was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026The fifth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan on 31 March. This was reported by AsmanNews. The meeting was attended by members of the government, representatives of ministries and departments, as well as UN agencies in the country. Issues relating to the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. The document is being drafted on a systematic basis with the participation of relevant bodies. Turkmenistan previously submitted reviews in 2019 and 2023. Cooperation projects with UN agencies were also discussed, including a programme to reduce methane emissions and initiatives in the field of youth policy. It was noted that Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions. Particular attention was paid to the draft ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ programme for 2026–2028, aimed at expanding youth participation in the international agenda. Following the meeting, a number of documents for 2026 were signed, including work plans with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund in the fields of the economy, health and education.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the holding of competitions to mark the Horse Festival
01.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on organising events to mark the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. According to the document, an international beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses will take place in Ashgabat on 25 April 2026, reports TDH. Creative competitions are also planned for artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, jewellers, photographers, designers, cameramen and publishing professionals. They will present works dedicated to the image of Ahal-Teke horses in fine and decorative arts, print media, photography and television. The document also approves the composition of the competition jury.
Turkmenistan and the EU are moving towards a deeper partnership
31.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held meetings with Iulia Matei, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU, and Petros Mavrikios, Ambassador of Cyprus to the EU Political Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The diplomats discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations, reaffirming their interest in strengthening them. Particular attention was paid to the role of Turkmenistan and Central Asia as a consistent bridge between Europe and Asia and to the development of intercontinental ties. The parties emphasised the importance of intensifying cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, as well as improving the legal and institutional framework for more effective interaction. Following the meetings, the diplomats agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen contacts at ambassadorial level to further develop a mutually beneficial partnership.
Turkmenistan hosted an international online competition in theoretical mechanics
31.03.2026The 5th Open International Online Olympiad in Theoretical Mechanics was held at the State Energy Institute in Turkmenistan. Students from 121 higher education institutions across 17 countries took part in the competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Olympiad, which took place from 24 to 28 March in Turkmen, Russian and English, included individual and team rounds on statics, kinematics and dynamics. The format allowed participants to demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and their ability to work in a digital environment. Teams from Turkmenistan, China and Russia took the leading positions. Special mention was made of students from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology — Yegor Potapov, Ivan Lukin and Andrey Bakhvalov — as well as the Turkmen participants Musa Artykov, Govshut Orazgeldiyev, Dursunjemal Atayeva and Mahriban Azadova. The closing ceremony and the awarding of prizes to the winners reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a centre for international educational cooperation and a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among future specialists from different countries.
A Turkmen lecturer is teaching a course at Beijing Foreign Studies University
31.03.2026On 1 March, Didar Amanmuhammedov, a lecturer in the Department of Turkmen Language at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, began teaching students at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation between Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, he is delivering classes in the Turkmen language to students on the ‘Russian + Turkmen’ programme. In addition, the lecturer is giving introductory lectures on Turkmenistan. Didar Amanmuhammedov’s programme of work in China will run until 29 July.
Turkmenistan and the Philippines are strengthening their diplomatic ties
31.03.2026On 27 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), held a meeting with Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including the preparation of high-level visits, the expansion of the legal framework, and cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to issues of energy security and cooperation on international platforms. The diplomats also agreed to jointly work on Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format in connection with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Turkmenistan and Mongolia held an online meeting of their parliamentary friendship groups
31.03.2026On 30 March, the first online meeting was held between the parliamentary friendship groups established under the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Great State Khural of Mongolia. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the development of bilateral relations, including in the inter-parliamentary sphere, due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of the country’s foreign policy, the structure of the national parliament and legislative work to ensure socio-economic reforms. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for expanding cooperation, exchanging experience in legislative activities and strengthening contacts between relevant committees, young and female parliamentarians, as well as business representatives. The Turkmen side also outlined upcoming events during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, including a women’s dialogue, a session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, and meetings on demographic issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held negotiations with the Georgian Minister of Economy
31.03.2026On 30 March, during an official visit, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, paying particular attention to the development of trade, the attraction of mutual investment and the implementation of joint projects. Separate mention was made of the interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, the digital economy and innovation. The interlocutors also emphasised the important role of the Turkmen-Georgian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in developing systematic dialogue and implementing the agreements reached. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain a constructive dialogue.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed cooperation in the field of waste management
31.03.2026A meeting between representatives of Japanese companies, relevant Turkmenistan government departments and waste management experts took place at the ‘Arçabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The meeting focused on cooperation between the state, academia and business in the field of environmental protection, reports IIC. The event was opened by Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, and Hidehiko Ishii, Head of Department at the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The keynote address was delivered by Koji Arizono, Honorary Professor at Kumamoto Prefectural University. The main topics were Turkmenistan’s state policy on waste management and the potential for applying Japanese technologies. The parties discussed cooperation with Japanese companies and the integration of environmental solutions into production processes. The meeting concluded with the identification of priority areas for further partnership.
Delegations from Turkmenistan and Georgia have agreed on steps to strengthen ties
31.03.2026On 30 March in Tbilisi, as part of an official visit by a Turkmen delegation, a meeting took place between N. Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and I. Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. N. Atagulyev conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The parties noted the steady development of bilateral relations and constructive cooperation, including interaction within the framework of the UN. Prospects for expanding trade and economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the role of high-level visits in building trust and deepening political dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain regular contacts and consistently implement the agreements reached.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed projects in the fields of education and social protection
31.03.2026On 30 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, met with Jalpa Ratna, Head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed areas of cooperation in the fields of education, social protection and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the objectives of the UNICEF Country Programme for Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. Issues relating to the development of pre-school education and the social work system were discussed, including the training of specialists, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of institutional mechanisms. The importance of adopting the National Strategy for Early Childhood Development for 2026–2030 was emphasised. In addition, projects on the development of inclusive educational infrastructure and the preparation of the National Programme on Child Protection and Child Justice were reviewed.
Ashgabat discusses the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Belgium
31.03.2026On 30 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Julien De Fraipont, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Turkmenistan (resident in Baku). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic dialogue, interaction between foreign ministries, and the improvement of the legal framework for relations. Particular attention was paid to strengthening Turkmenistan’s partnership with European countries and Belgium’s role in developing cooperation with the European Union. Issues of cooperation on international platforms, primarily within the framework of the UN, were also discussed. In the trade and economic sphere, the interlocutors supported the intensification of business contacts and the holding of joint events involving the business community. The prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the development of inter-university ties, were considered separately.
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