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Turkmenistan and China have confirmed the strategic nature of their relations
05.03.2026On 4 March, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the People's Republic of China, P. Durdyev, held a meeting with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Liu Bin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. They emphasised the importance of further developing cooperation and maintaining close dialogue at the highest level. It was noted that Turkmen-Chinese cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, peacefulness and humanism, as well as shared cultural values. In this regard, the parties pointed to opportunities for expanding cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of coordination within international organisations. The strategic nature of the relations and mutual interest in their further strengthening were confirmed.
Startups from Turkmenistan participate in the international ‘Hero Training’ programme
05.03.2026Turkmenistan has joined the list of countries participating in the fifth round of the ‘Hero Training’ international acceleration programme. The initiative is being implemented with the participation of Astana Hub, IT Park Uzbekistan and Draper University. This was reported by IIC. The programme will bring together 11 technology start-ups from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Among them are projects from Turkmenistan, which will have the opportunity to undergo intensive training in Silicon Valley and expand their access to foreign markets. ‘Hero Training’ is designed to last five weeks and includes workshops, strategic sessions, meetings with investors and mentoring support. Participants also undergo a practical module called ‘Survival Week with Sea Lions,’ aimed at developing leadership and team skills. According to the organisers, over the years the programme has attracted more than 260 applications, and 41 start-ups have undergone full-time acceleration at Draper University. Graduates have already attracted over $3 million in investment and launched sales in international markets. The participation of Turkmen projects in ‘Hero Training’ expands their access to the global startup ecosystem, international investors and partner networks. The programme is expected to help teams accelerate product growth and prepare for entry into the US market.
Turkmenistan and OHCHR agree to strengthen human rights dialogue
05.03.2026On 4 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Matilda Bogner, Regional Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of human rights. It was noted that Turkmenistan advocates constructive dialogue on human rights based on mutual respect, trust and consideration of national development characteristics. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation with the UN for 2026-2030. It was emphasised that the human rights agenda cuts across all areas of the programme, from social policy and gender equality to issues of the rule of law. The role of the Interdepartmental Commission for Ensuring the Implementation of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law as a key mechanism for coordination and interaction with international partners was noted. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the appointment of an international expert as Human Rights Adviser to the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan. This is expected to strengthen the basis for joint initiatives and dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation in the field of human rights based on the principles of dignity, inclusiveness and depoliticisation of international interaction.
Turkmenistan's dialogue with the European Parliament reaches a new level
04.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a briefing in Brussels for members of the European Parliament and the European Parliament delegation for relations with Central Asia and Mongolia, chaired by MEP Giuseppina Princi. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The meeting discussed the need to strengthen and modernise the contractual basis for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU, as well as to build a more structured dialogue with each country in the region. Particular attention was paid to regular high-level contacts and inter-institutional cooperation. S. Palvanov announced an upcoming interparliamentary dialogue on 5 March in Brussels with the participation of members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis, where economic cooperation, transport, humanitarian initiatives and the development of parliamentary ties are planned to be discussed. The Ambassador emphasised the potential for cooperation in the economy, climate agenda, sustainable development and humanitarian sphere, noting the importance of deepening it in the context of global challenges. The briefing confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue with the European Parliament and its intention to develop a partnership with the EU based on mutual respect and common interests.
Turkmenistan and Romania outline further steps for cooperation
04.03.2026On 3 March, Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, met with Teodor Ioan Trasca, Vice-Rector of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Romanian cooperation in education and science, including interaction between the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest within the framework of the existing agreement. The parties discussed expanding practical partnership and holding joint academic and expert events. It was emphasised that 2026 has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan, and the possibility of holding thematic events with the participation of the Turkmen side was considered. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to strengthen dialogue and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held negotiations with a representative of the MFA of Saudi Arabia
04.03.2026On 2 March, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, held a meeting with Khalid Bakhsh, Director of the Department of Reciprocity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest to both countries. It should be recalled that on 16 February, M. Ayazov took office as Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), presenting his credentials to OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the UN discussed international cooperation
04.03.2026On 3 March, members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis held a meeting with Matilda Bogner, Head of the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Mejlis. The parties discussed Turkmenistan's international initiatives, its status of permanent neutrality, and cooperation with the UN. The Turkmen side emphasised the importance of cooperation with the relevant structures of the Organisation in order to fulfil its obligations in the field of human rights and improve national legislation. Particular attention was paid to the work of the UN regional office in strengthening partnerships with Central Asian countries and implementing human rights programmes. Matilda Bogner gave a positive assessment of the current cooperation and expressed her readiness to further develop it, including on issues of gender equality and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
A Sergey Karyakin chess school is planned to be launched in Ashgabat
04.03.2026Turkmenistan became the most representative foreign delegation at the ‘Russian Chess Crown’ festival in the Moscow region. Following the visit of the Head of the national federation, Vepa Malikgulyev, to Moscow, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed and an Agreement was reached on opening Sergey Karyakin's chess school in Ashgabat, according to the news agency Orient. Negotiations with the President of the Moscow Region Chess Federation, Sergey Karyakin, and the organisation's Executive Director, Albert Minnullin, gave the partnership a practical character. The new club in Ashgabat will become a training centre for young players and a venue for master classes and international tournaments. The parties also discussed the development of children's and youth programmes, distance learning and the participation of Turkmen chess players in the ‘Asian Chess League’ series and other tournaments in Russia. Sergey Karyakin thanked the Turkmenistan leadership for their support of intellectual sports, noting the active participation of the Turkmen team in the festival.
Turkmen institute holds symposium on inclusive English language teaching
04.03.2026On 3 March, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages hosted a symposium entitled ‘Accelerating English Language Teaching in Central Asia: Introducing Inclusive Methods into the PRESETT System.’ The forum was held as part of the AELLCA project, according to IIC. The opening ceremony was attended by the Rector of the institute and the British Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon. The importance of educational cooperation for training specialists and developing bilateral relations was discussed. Nottingham Trent University was a partner of the forum. Its representatives, Dr. Sarah Khan and Martin Seviour, presented inclusive methodologies and training modules developed jointly with Turkmen specialists. The programmes are aimed at improving the training of future teachers in the PRESETT system. All sessions were held in English. The practical part included group work and analysis of inclusive education models. The forum ended with a panel discussion involving teachers from different regions of the country and international experts. The organisers announced that cooperation with British partners would continue.
Exhibition dedicated to traditional Turkmen handicrafts for 8 March
04.03.2026The State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan has opened an exhibition entitled ‘The Craft of Ogulabat Eje – A Model School for Turkmen Women’. The exhibition is timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, according to IIC. The exhibition is dedicated to the creative legacy of Ogulabat Berdimuhamedova, who contributed to the preservation of decorative and applied arts traditions and their transmission to the younger generation. The central place is occupied by the master's personal works — a women's wedding headdress called a ‘kurte’ and traditional woollen socks. The ‘kurte’, made in 1971, attracts particular attention. It took 20 days to make. The complexity of the work is compared by the people to ‘digging a well with a needle,’ which reflects the high level of skill of the author. The exhibition also features professional tools, including devices for weaving ‘alaja’, national woven amulets made of multicoloured threads. A tool made of elm wood, which the master used in her work, is also on display. According to the organisers, the project demonstrates the continuity of generations in traditional handicrafts.
Scientists from Turkmenistan are studying the unique source ‘Hojagaynar’
04.03.2026Koytendag remains one of the most remarkable natural regions of Turkmenistan. It is home to dinosaur footprints on high mountain plateaus, mountain caves and gorges — Daraydere, Tutlydere, Umbardere and Kyrk Gyz, an underground lake with blind fish, a grove of unabi trees and the highest point in the country — the Ayrybaba ridge. These sites attract travellers from Turkmenistan and other countries, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the region's natural attractions, the ‘Hojagaynar’ spring, known to locals as ‘Gaynarbaba’, stands out. It is located south of the village of Garlyk on the western slope of the mountain range. The reservoir is about 40 metres long, almost 30 metres wide and up to three metres deep in places. The spring is formed by the confluence of two streams. One has clear water, while the other has a cloudy white tint due to its hydrogen sulphide content. Locals call them ‘ak suw’ (white water) and ‘gök suw’ (blue water). The name ‘Gaynarbaba’ is associated with the fact that the water coming out at the foot of the mountain visually resembles boiling. Studies show that the water contains hydrogen sulphide, minerals and other chemical elements. Thanks to this, it is used in the treatment of skin diseases, digestive disorders and a number of other ailments. The water temperature remains at around 22°C all year round. A distinctive feature of the spring is the presence of fish despite the absence of any connection to rivers or other bodies of water. According to experts from the scientific department of the Koytendag State Nature Reserve, the eggs may have been brought there by birds. The fish swim freely towards people, as fishing is prohibited here and the place is considered sacred. There are no predatory species in the reservoir. Molluscs, earthworms and other invertebrates have also been found, which scientists consider to be ancient forms. For this reason, the spring is called a unique natural museum. An endemic species of snail, Melania, measuring 3–4 centimetres, also lives here. These white shells with a speckled pattern are found nowhere else. The ‘Gaynarbaba’ spring, like other sites in Koytendag, remains the subject of further scientific research.
Turkmen students actively participated in a seminar on Japanese grammar
04.03.2026An online seminar for Japanese language teachers and students was held at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The topic of the class, ‘Methodology of Teaching Japanese Language Concepts,’ was presented by Hidaka Shinsuke, associate professor at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsukuba University. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age.’ During the seminar, the Japanese expert familiarised participants with scientific and methodological developments dedicated to the peculiarities of teaching Japanese and the functioning of its case system. Students actively participated in discussions, demonstrating a high level of training and language proficiency. Iwai Yufu, a linguist and lecturer at the institute from Japan, noted that the interest of Turkmen youth in learning Japanese is growing rapidly, which contributes to the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Japan. The event was another bilateral initiative aimed at studying, teaching and promoting the Japanese language in Turkmenistan. The seminar was held within the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation and Academic Exchange between the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and Tsukuba University.
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