Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are interested in developing ‘green’ energy and are ready to undertake joint projects. This was reported by Gurbanmammet Elyasov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The diplomat noted that the countries are exploring opportunities to expand the use of renewable energy sources, including Turkmenistan’s participation in ‘green’ energy corridors across the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan could become a transit hub for the export of ‘green’ electricity to Europe. Solar energy in Turkmenistan and wind energy in Azerbaijan, including projects in the Caspian Sea, have been identified as promising areas. Joint energy transmission infrastructure, undersea cables and the integration of systems for electricity exports are also under discussion. Furthermore, the countries see opportunities for cooperation in the production and transport of ‘green’ hydrogen, the introduction of energy-efficient technologies, and the exchange of expertise and investment in renewable energy.
The economic society ‘Amatly çözgüt’ together with its Korean partners is launching the production of modern equipment. All devices will run on software developed by Turkmen specialists, thereby strengthening the country’s engineering capabilities, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The company has previously implemented projects in the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag, installing CCTV, radar monitoring and traffic light control systems, and also provides maintenance and upgrades for these systems. In collaboration with ‘Ojar Aziýa’, work is underway on the technological aspects of the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ motorway, including weight and dimension control, intelligent video surveillance and digital payments. In the future, it is planned to roll out such solutions to other major roads in Turkmenistan.
The Ashgabat International Equestrian Complex opened the spring racing season with a festive event featuring performances by artistic groups, highlighting the special status of Ahal-Teke horses as a national treasure. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. On the first day, ten races were held over distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 metres, featuring the finest representatives of the breed. The Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan emerged as the day’s leader. Competition came from racehorses belonging to the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and private enterprises. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony for the winners. The races demonstrated the high skill of the jockeys and the excellent form of the Ahal-Teke horses, and the opening of the season promises to boost interest in Turkmen equestrian sport both within the country and abroad.
Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, took part in the children’s festival ‘Beautiful Land and Spirit of Harmony for Children’, organised by the Japanese non-profit organisation ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the event, the organisation’s Chairman, Masao Watanabe, congratulated the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship on its fifth anniversary and spoke highly of its humanitarian work, including aid to children in Iran, noting the principles of peace and humanism on which it is based. With a view to strengthening Turkmen-Japanese ties, A. Bayramov invited representatives of ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ and Japanese children to visit Turkmenistan and learn about the Foundation’s work. ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ is a Japanese organisation that promotes peace through children’s creativity, nature conservation and the promotion of Japanese culture, including through rice fields and origami paper cranes bearing messages of peace.
Kyrgyzstan is looking forward to welcoming Turkmen athletes and guests to the 6th World Nomad Games, which will take place in the country from 31 August to 6 September. This was stated by Azizbek Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, in an interview with the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The diplomat also congratulated the leadership and people of Turkmenistan on the holiday, noting the country’s achievements in strengthening independence and sustainable development. The Ambassador expressed his wishes for further progress and success. Previously, the 5th World Nomad Games took place in September 2024 in Astana, where the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, attended the opening ceremony.
The Turkmen startup support programme ‘StartUp Academy’ has been shortlisted for the CEVF Awards in the ‘Best Startup Support Programme’ category. This marks Turkmenistan’s first participation in a competition of this calibre on the Central Eurasia Venture Forum platform, reports IIC. ‘StartUp Academy’ has been operating for six years and provides expert and mentoring support to budding entrepreneurs. The programme helps to develop projects and shape the country’s start-up ecosystem. Participation in the awards provides an opportunity to showcase Turkmen initiatives at a regional level. The winner is determined by open voting. The new, 14th cohort of the programme starts on 11 April. Applications are open until 3 April.
On 24 March, a meeting took place at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey between Consul General O. Jumanazarov and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by IIC. The parties noted the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations based on the principles of friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. Following the meeting, the Governor of Istanbul was presented with a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’.
The friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has given new impetus to bilateral cooperation. The negotiations confirmed the parties’ commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination on the international stage, reports TDH. The parties noted the development of political dialogue and the convergence of approaches to issues of sustainable development, security and international cooperation. The importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ format was emphasised. Key attention was paid to the fuel and energy sector. Projects with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) were discussed, including the further development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field and preparations for new phases of its development. The 20th anniversary of cooperation in the energy sector was marked, including the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline. Prospects for expanding economic ties were considered, including the establishment of joint ventures and the development of trade. Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was highlighted separately, utilising the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the ‘East–West’ corridors. On the humanitarian agenda, discussions covered plans to open the ‘Lu Ban Workshops’ and the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the expansion of educational programmes and academic exchanges. Issues of cooperation in agriculture and ‘green’ energy were addressed, including the introduction of water-saving technologies and modern equipment. Following the negotiations, mutual support for key foreign policy principles was reaffirmed, including the ‘One China’ policy and Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality. An invitation to visit Turkmenistan was extended to the Chinese side, which was accepted. The parties expressed their readiness to further expand their partnership across all areas.
The Turkmenistan national team has won its first match in the preliminary round of the Davis Cup U16 Asia/Oceania Qualifying Tournament. The tournament is being held in Colombo. In a Group B match, the Turkmenistan team defeated Oman 3–0, reports IIC. Fifteen teams are taking part in the DCJ Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying tournament, divided into four groups. Turkmenistan, seeded sixth, is playing alongside the teams from Singapore, Myanmar and Oman. The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-offs. The Turkmenistan team comprises 14-year-olds Ali Geldiyev, Suleyman Hudayberdiyev and Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev. All three have international victories in the U14 category. The captain is coach Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev. The match against Oman was decided in the singles: Ali Geldiyev defeated Mutaz Al Mazroui 6-1, 6-2, whilst Suleyman Hudayberdiyev beat Abdulrahman Al-rahbi 6-2, 6-0. In the doubles match, Geldiyev and Guldurdyev sealed the victory 6-3, 6-1. The Turkmenistan team will play their next match against Myanmar, who lost 1-2 to Singapore in the opening round. The Davis Cup Junior has been held since 1985. The tournament begins with regional qualifiers, and the winners advance to the final stage, where the title of the world’s strongest team among boys under 16 is contested.
On 23 March, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with Komura Masato, Secretary-General of the ‘Green EXPO 2027 Yokohama’ International Horticultural Exhibition Association. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s participation in the exhibition, which will take place in Yokohama from 19 March to 26 September 2027. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan has been appointed as the main commission to coordinate the country’s participation in the event. The Japanese side thanked Turkmenistan for its intention to participate and assured that it would provide all necessary support for the country’s successful representation at the exhibition.
The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, is organising three international events in April: an Olympiad and two conferences. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The 5th International Internet Olympiad in English (IIOE-2026) will take place on 10–11 April for students of language and non-language specialisations at universities in Turkmenistan and abroad. Registration is now closed, and the preliminary qualifying round will take place on 1–2 April. During the Olympiad, participants will have 90 minutes to complete 10 tasks covering reading, listening and English grammar. The winners will be announced on 17 April on the institute’s website. The aim of the event is to identify young talent, increase interest in foreign languages and expand international cooperation in this field. On 16 April, the institute will host the International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘Youth Scientific Research’. The forum will be held in English with the participation of students and young researchers from Turkmenistan and partner universities abroad. The conference will provide a platform for the exchange of scientific ideas and the strengthening of international youth cooperation. On 23 April, the International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘Global and National Experience in Foreign Language Teaching: Scientific Research and New Perspectives’ will take place. It will be attended by lecturers from universities and secondary vocational institutions, school teachers, research institute staff, doctoral students, postgraduates, experts, linguists and IT specialists. They will discuss modern methods and technologies for teaching foreign languages, present research findings and exchange experiences. These events will be key highlights in the fields of linguistics and education, helping to promote the study of foreign languages, foster academic dialogue and strengthen international educational cooperation.
On 24 March, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the development of bilateral relations and high-level contacts. They emphasised the significance of the participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August 2025 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, as well as the Ugandan delegation’s participation in other international events in Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in holding the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministries in the second half of 2026 in Ashgabat. Separately, issues of cooperation within international organisations, including the UN, were discussed, with a focus on peace, security and sustainable development. Prospects for expanding trade and economic ties were considered, including in agriculture and the oil and gas sector. Cooperation in education, science, culture, sport and tourism was also touched upon. Following the meeting, the commitment to further developing the partnership across all areas was reaffirmed.