News
The British Ambassador and a UNICEF representative praised inclusive education in Ashgabat
20.03.2026The British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, and UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74 in Ashgabat to learn about inclusive education practices and the adaptation of the school environment for children with disabilities. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, they met with the school administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education and specialists, discussed progress and challenges, and visited classrooms where teachers demonstrated the pupils’ learning and social development outcomes. The guests were invited to lessons featuring interactive tasks, exercises and dancing, where the children actively involved them in the process. The visit took place as part of the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Schools for Children with Disabilities in Turkmenistan’ project, funded by the UK Department for International Development, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers, families and partners in creating schools adapted to each child’s needs. UNICEF and international partners continue to support inclusive education in the country.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan hosted a lecture by a professor from the University of Oxford
19.03.2026On 14 March, a lecture was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with Professor Antonios Tzanakopoulos of the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The event was attended by lecturers and students from the university, according to the online news site TerraNews. During the lecture, the professor spoke about current developments in international law, discussed methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes and the role of international courts in maintaining global stability. Students asked questions about international humanitarian law and the specifics of studying at the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Law. Following the visit, Tzanakopoulos emphasised the importance of academic exchanges between universities for the development of cooperation and the training of specialists of international calibre.
An event was held in Turkmenistan to mark Turkey’s National Anthem Day
19.03.2026On 18 March, an event was held in Ashgabat to mark the Day of the Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem and the Day of Remembrance for Mehmet Akif Ersoy. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The ceremony took place at the Turkish Cultural Centre at the country’s Embassy. Participants honoured the memory of the fallen with a minute’s silence, after which the national anthems were played. Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech. During the programme, the military attaché, Colonel Sedat Kirmizi, presented a report on the events of the Battle of Gallipoli. A video about the life and creative legacy of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, prepared by Bekir Shirin, a representative of the Turkish Ministry of National Education, was also shown. A key element of the event was the performance of the oratorio ‘Çanakkale Zaferi’ (‘Victory at Çanakkale’). The programme concluded with an awards ceremony.
A Turkmen university held an online Olympiad in the discipline of ‘Strength of Materials’
19.03.2026On 18 March, the 5th Open International Online Olympiad in the subject of ‘Strength of Materials’ was held online at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction for students from universities in Turkmenistan and other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was attended by 877 students from a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, China, Russia, Turkey and Central Asian nations, as well as specialist universities in Turkmenistan. The competition consisted of a single round: participants solved six problems in 120 minutes, with their work assessed by lecturers from foreign universities. According to the organisers, such events contribute to the development of international educational cooperation, the exchange of experience and the identification of gifted students.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister
19.03.2026Turkmenistan has declared its support for four international initiatives proposed by China. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following a meeting with Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Ashgabat has also confirmed its readiness to actively participate in preparations for the third ‘China–Central’ Asia summit. Wang Yi, for his part, emphasised the importance of strengthening the traditionally friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries and the need to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that the high level of trust between the leadership of Turkmenistan and China serves as a solid foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral relations. The negotiations took place during the visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan was represented at the Nowruz celebrations in Tbilisi
19.03.2026On 17 March, large-scale celebrations were held in Tbilisi to mark International Nowruz Day, with the support of the city council. The festivities were attended by diplomatic missions from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey, as well as representatives of diaspora communities and cultural organisations, according to the news website Asmannews. The exhibition by the Embassy of Turkmenistan attracted particular interest: guests viewed works by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as traditional costumes, jewellery, carpets and souvenirs, as well as sampling national cuisine and exploring the themed stand. Nowruz, symbolising the renewal of nature and the beginning of new life, unites different cultures and strengthens mutual understanding. The celebrations concluded with a concert featuring national music and dance.
Delegates at ‘IFT 2026’ discussed the agro-industrial and energy sectors
19.03.2026On the sidelines of the ‘IFT 2026’ International Investment Forum, which brought together hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries, active efforts were made to strengthen international cooperation. The event served as a platform for dialogue and concrete solutions, reports IIC. Bilateral meetings were the central focus of the forum: 36 rounds of negotiations were held in B2B and B2G formats. The IFT platform brought together government bodies, the private sector of Turkmenistan and international financial institutions. Discussions centred on strategic economic directions. Particular attention was paid to the agro-industrial and fuel-energy sectors. Members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan discussed joint projects in construction, logistics and the textile industry. Cooperation with global financial institutions to support innovative initiatives was also considered. The main outcome of the forum was the signing of a package of agreements, which lays the foundation for long-term industrial and technological cooperation. The agreements are aimed at introducing modern technologies into production and expanding Turkmenistan’s export potential. The forum confirmed the steady growth in the country’s investment attractiveness, creating a platform for the region’s sustainable development.
Turkmenistan is launching a major digital transformation and AI development initiative
19.03.2026The Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, has announced the implementation of a large-scale digital transformation programme for the country. At the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’, he spoke about plans to build a national data centre, develop a state strategy in the field of artificial intelligence, and establish a specialised AI Development Centre based at the ‘Türkmentelekom’ State Enterprise, reports Turkmenportal. The digital transformation is being carried out as part of the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. The programme covers the introduction of 5G technologies, cloud services, big data, the Internet of Things and fintech, as well as the modernisation of e-government, telemedicine and distance learning. Pilot projects utilising artificial intelligence are already being implemented in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. At the same time, construction of the second phase of the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag is continuing, using cutting-edge digital solutions, and IT centres are being established in both the capital and Arkadag. Hudayguliyev reported on negotiations with major foreign internet platforms regarding the development of e-commerce and called on foreign investors to invest in Turkmenistan’s digital infrastructure, noting that this is one of the most effective ways to modernise the telecommunications sector.
Turkmen artist awarded the Medal of the Academy of the Turkic World
19.03.2026A major art exhibition and awards ceremony, organised by the Academy of Art of the Turkic World, took place in Baku. The event brought together renowned painters and cultural figures from across the Turkic world and continued the creative programme launched last year in Istanbul. This was reported by IIC. Among the guests of honour were Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture Murat Huseynov, TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev and the President of the Academy of Art of the Turkic World, Sakit Mammadov. Turkmen artist Amanmyrat Modyev received the Academy’s medal for his special contribution to the promotion of the cultural and artistic values of the Turkic peoples. Amanmyrat Modyev was born on 11 November 1983 in the Babadayhan etrap of the Ahal velayat. He teaches at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, passing on his experience to the younger generation. Earlier, in 2022, the painter won a competition among artists from Central Asia and Kazakhstan, and was also awarded the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ prize. The exhibition took place from 13 to 17 March at the Art Gallery of the Turkic World and showcased the finest works of art by the Turkic peoples, attracting great interest from culture enthusiasts.
Turkmenistan on a growth trajectory: results of the four-year period
19.03.202619 March marks the fourth anniversary of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s inauguration as President of Turkmenistan. This period has been marked by the continuation of the strategic course set by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the implementation of large-scale reforms in the socio-economic and foreign policy spheres. This is reported by AsmanNews. The presidential elections on 12 March 2022, held on a competitive basis, opened a new stage in the country’s development, confirming the continuity of state policy and the focus on modernising governance. The key development guideline is the long-term socio-economic development programme up to 2052, which provides for economic diversification, the introduction of digital technologies and the strengthening of the private sector. In pursuit of these objectives, Turkmenistan is demonstrating robust macroeconomic performance: by the end of 2025, GDP growth stood at 6.3%, investment volumes increased, and the construction of infrastructure projects continued. On the international stage, Turkmenistan remains committed to a policy of permanent neutrality and actively promotes initiatives within the United Nations. Significant steps include the adoption of resolutions on the country’s Permanent Neutrality and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Particular attention is being paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, engagement with UNESCO, and the promotion of the national heritage. Turkmenistan is expanding its participation in international programmes and strengthening its position in the global cultural sphere. Thus, the four-year period of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s presidency is characterised by the consistent implementation of a comprehensive strategy aimed at sustainable development, improving the quality of life of the population and strengthening the country’s international standing.
Chinese companies are strengthening ties with Turkmen businesses at the ‘IFT 2026’ forum
19.03.2026The business consultancy company ‘Huahe International’ plans to use the Silk Road Economic Alliance platform to promote Turkmenistan’s investment climate among Chinese enterprises and to develop permanent trade channels in key sectors of bilateral cooperation. This was announced by the company’s founder and CEO, Liu Chuanwu, at the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (‘IFT 2026’), reports Turkmenportal. According to Liu Chuanwu, ‘Huahe International’ has been operating in the field of international business consultancy for many years, facilitating cross-border cooperation between Chinese and foreign organisations. In 2014, the company initiated the establishment of the Silk Road Economic Alliance, of which the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan is a member. The company’s Head highlighted three areas of cooperation: promoting Turkmenistan’s investment opportunities among Chinese companies; expanding cooperation with Turkmen businesses in the fields of agricultural machinery, energy equipment, chemical products and agricultural goods, including professional support for procurement in China; and organising regular bilateral business visits and negotiation missions. ‘Turkmenistan has a stable investment environment, abundant natural resources and enormous investment potential,’ noted Liu Chuanwu, adding that the capabilities of Chinese enterprises ‘fully meet the needs of Turkmenistan’s industrial development.’ The ‘IFT 2026’ Forum is being held to mark the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. More than 500 delegates from 25 countries are taking part in the event.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Turkmenistan
19.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan on the occasion of his inauguration. This was reported by TDH. The message notes that the victory in the 2022 presidential election reflected the trust of the people and was achieved in an atmosphere of openness and choice. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the declaration of 2026 under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ reflects the continuity of state traditions and the country’s development. He also highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of international cooperation and the promotion of initiatives across various areas of diplomacy, including economic, energy and humanitarian spheres. In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, a long life and continued success in his state duties.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
