News
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed a partnership in the field of road construction
17.03.2026The Minister of Road Transport of Turkmenistan, Hangeldi Kerimov, met with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Ravshanbek Alimov, to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of road construction. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties also discussed the development of transport and transit corridors between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the introduction of modern technologies in the road sector, digital management of infrastructure projects, the design of bridges and other transport facilities, as well as the exchange of expertise. It was noted that the launch of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ expressway could contribute to the growth of trade and freight transport, as well as the development of international transit routes. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to expand practical cooperation, including mutual visits, expert meetings and the implementation of joint projects.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the delivery of humanitarian aid
17.03.2026A briefing was held in Ashgabat by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on regional issues and the development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Diplomat expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for facilitating the transit of humanitarian aid. He highlighted the country’s role as a key humanitarian hub in the region. Responding to questions from journalists, the Ambassador spoke about the current situation in the region and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomatic methods for resolving emerging issues. The importance of adhering to the principles of international law was also emphasised. According to the Diplomat, Turkmenistan, pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality, plays a significant role in maintaining peace and security. He noted that cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors contributes to strengthening regional stability. During the meeting, the Ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of good-neighbourliness and expressed his readiness to further develop cooperation with the media. At the conclusion of the briefing, the role of open dialogue with the press in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries was highlighted.
Turkmen boxers won two bronze medals at the tournament in Bangkok
17.03.2026Turkmen boxers won two bronze medals at the ‘World Boxing Futures Cup 2026’ International Tournament in Bangkok. The competition took place from 8 to 15 March, reports IIC. Ismail Orazmyradov won bronze in the under-75kg weight category, whilst Soyunaly Ovezgeldiyev secured a medal in the under-90kg category. Both athletes demonstrated a high level of preparation and tenacity in their bouts. The performance of the Turkmen boxers reflects the development of the sport in the country and the improvement in the skills of national athletes on the international stage.
Participants in the UN training course strengthened professional ties in Central Asia
17.03.2026Young staff members from the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the Second UN Regional Training Course on Sustainable Development, Human Rights Protection and International Law. The training lasted five days, according to IIC. The programme was aimed at enhancing professional skills and fostering regional dialogue. Participants studied the workings of the UN system, issues of sustainable development, human rights protection and international law, as well as modern diplomatic tools. The training process included theory, practical exercises and discussions. The forum served as a platform for establishing contacts between young diplomats from neighbouring countries. It is believed that strengthening professional ties at an early stage of one’s career contributes to closer cooperation in Central Asia. Following the training, the region’s states reaffirmed their commitment to forming a cohesive diplomatic corps to promote Central Asia’s interests on the international stage.
The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the contribution of entrepreneurs to economic development
17.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message to the participants of the exhibition and international forum marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The events are taking place as part of the celebrations marking this date and include an exhibition and the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’. In his message, the Head of State noted that the development of the private sector remains one of the priority areas of the national economy. According to him, entrepreneurs contribute to the country’s economic growth and the implementation of state programmes. The President emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and the involvement of business in key sectors of the economy. Turkmen entrepreneurs are participating in the development of industry, agriculture and the service sector, as well as introducing digital technologies and new production solutions. It was noted that modern enterprises are being established in the private sector, producing import-substituting and export-oriented goods. This contributes to job creation and an increase in the supply of goods on the domestic market. The address also outlined plans for further support for entrepreneurship. The ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments for 2026’ provides for measures to develop small and medium-sized businesses and increase the share of the non-state sector in gross domestic product to 72.9 per cent. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan congratulated the participants on the anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and wished them success in their work.
In Turkmenistan, a public holiday has been rescheduled to mark the National Spring Festival
17.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the rescheduling of a public holiday. This was reported by TDH. According to the document, the national holiday of the Turkmen people — Eid al-Fitr — will be celebrated on 20 March 2026. A public holiday has also been rescheduled: 22 March is moved to 23 March 2026, a Monday. The Decree notes that the decision was taken to create conditions for the solemn celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the National Spring Holiday, as well as to ensure a comfortable rest for citizens. The document instructs all institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, to ensure compliance with the Decree.
The Turkmenistan karate team won two bronze medals at the Krakow Cup
16.03.2026From 10 to 17 March, Krakow (Poland) hosted the Krakow Cup, an international tournament in traditional karate, which attracted over 870 athletes from 14 countries. The Turkmenistan national team won two bronze medals at the tournament, according to the IIC. Selim Myratdurdyev finished third in the adult category for athletes over 21 years of age. Medine Gaylyeva won bronze in the 12–13-year-old girls’ category. She represents the 1st Sports School of the Ashgabat Main Directorate for Physical Culture and Sport and is a Year 8 pupil at Balkanabat Secondary School No. 20. These successes confirm the high level of training of Turkmen karateka and provide valuable international experience for young athletes.
A centenarian from the Ahal velayat celebrated her 105th birthday
16.03.2026In Turkmenistan, particular attention is paid to women—the guardians of family values. The state’s care for mothers and the elderly is demonstrated through social initiatives and festive events, reports the news website Asmannews, citing the newspaper ‘Türkmenistan’. A good example is Aysoltan Hommodova from the Ahal velayat, who celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by her large family. She emphasises that the attention from the state and society brings joy to the older generation: local authorities and community organisations regularly visit the elderly and congratulate them on important occasions. The centenarian raised eight children, and today her family numbers 40 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren and 32 great-great-grandchildren. Despite her age, she fondly recalls her working life in agriculture and the years of wartime hardships.
Turkmenistan is preparing to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence
16.03.2026Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has achieved significant results across various areas of development. Since 1991, the country has been establishing the political, economic and legal framework of a sovereign state. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The implementation of state programmes is aimed at strengthening the economy, boosting production and raising the standard of living of the population. Independence has also influenced public consciousness and the country’s cultural and spiritual life. During this period, the foundations of modern state governance have been laid, and Turkmenistan’s achievements are gaining recognition on the international stage. The state’s foreign policy is based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peace and mutually beneficial cooperation. As a result, diplomatic ties are expanding and cooperation with international organisations, including the United Nations, is developing. Construction of residential buildings, industrial enterprises and socio-cultural facilities continues in the country. These projects are aimed at developing infrastructure and improving living conditions for the population. It is noted that, over a relatively short period of history, Turkmenistan has demonstrated steady rates of development. The book by Hero Arkadag, ‘Independence – Our Happiness’, emphasises the importance of independence and neutrality for the country’s development and international cooperation. Independence Day remains one of the main public holidays. In 2026 — the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ — the country is preparing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence.
The ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian troupe put on a circus show in the capital of Azerbaijan
16.03.2026In Baku, at the modern ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ complex, the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group put on a spectacular performance alongside artists from the State Circus of Turkmenistan and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen artists performed traditional horseback acrobatics and stunts on Ahal-Teke horses, delighting the audience with their grace and the harmony of their interaction with the horses. ‘Galkynysh’, winner of the Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, confirmed the high professional standard of Turkmen circus artists. The programme also included other circus genres, making the show rich and varied. The performance was met with prolonged applause. ‘Galkynysh’s tour of Azerbaijan will continue until 30 March, and such cultural exchanges help to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE met with the President of Khalifa University
16.03.2026Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, held a meeting with Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The negotiations took place at the university’s main campus in Abu Dhabi and focused on the prospects for establishing strategic institutional cooperation between Khalifa University and leading higher education institutions in Turkmenistan in the fields of science, technology and innovation. During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for developing academic mobility, implementing joint master’s and doctoral programmes, and launching joint research projects. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan also informed his counterpart about planned international events in Ashgabat. In the context of these initiatives, the meeting participants agreed to begin expert online consultations with the aim of further institutionalising cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the Diplomat visited a number of the university’s research facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories for robotics and medical research.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed the progress of the TAPI project
16.03.2026On 15 March, the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Attaullah Omari, held negotiations in Kabul with the Executive Director of the ‘TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd.’ consortium Muhammetmyrat Amanov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Hoja Ovezov. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The main topic of discussion was the procedure for the expropriation and lease of land plots along the future pipeline route. The Afghan side is developing a tariff system for the purchase or lease of private and state-owned land. The Head of the consortium called for the land registration process to be expedited so as not to disrupt the construction schedule. Meanwhile, a technical delegation from the land authority is working in Herat province, where route marking is underway. The minister confirmed that TAPI remains a strategic project for the country’s economy. His department will be responsible for land valuation, monitoring property rights and ensuring the legality of compensation.
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