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The CA provided an example of an effective response to the challenges of geographical isolation
02.08.2025The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event will bring together representatives of more than 30 countries, international organisations and expert communities to discuss ways to overcome the structural challenges facing these countries. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The main objective of the conference is to develop joint approaches to the development of transport, logistics and energy infrastructure, as well as to ensure sustainable economic growth and investment attractiveness for countries without direct access to the sea. According to the UN, landlocked countries spend up to 30-50% of the value of their exports on transport, which is several times higher than the global average. The key document of the conference will be the Avaza Action Programme until 2034, a strategic plan aimed at deepening regional cooperation, modernising infrastructure and diversifying economies. The fact that the conference is being held in Central Asia is symbolic. The region, where all five states are landlocked, demonstrates successful examples of cooperation: the launch of transnational railway projects, growth in mutual trade and the creation of new transport routes, including the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor. The organisers expect that the results of the meeting in ‘Avaza’ will serve as a stimulus for deepening cooperation between the countries and international partners, as well as raising the international community's awareness of the needs of geographically isolated states.
FIFA expert highly praised the prospects for football development in Turkmenistan
02.08.2025Football has great prospects in Turkmenistan, said FIFA technical expert Svetlana Kashuba during her visit to Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan. As previously reported, courses for Category C coaches have started in Ashgabat, after which participants will be able to work with children aged 6–12. FIFA representatives Svetlana Kashuba and Rovshen Meredov are monitoring the process. S. Kashuba noted the high level of infrastructure and the work of experienced specialists in the field of football management. She advised young players and coaches to maintain their interest in the game, be persistent and pay attention to physical training.
Turkmen students actively participate in the organisation of the UN Conference in ‘Avaza’
02.08.2025More than 300 students from Turkmenistan's universities are participating in preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Volunteers selected from universities across the country are undergoing training to perform various tasks, including interpreting, accompanying delegations, protocol support and working with the media. Among them are student journalists, for whom the forum is an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. The volunteers were prepared to speak in different languages. The training lasted the entire academic year and included studying geography, international protocol, public speaking skills and the specifics of receiving foreign guests, taking into account national traditions. The Ministry of Textile Industry has produced uniforms in the national style for the volunteers, as well as separate sets for cameramen, medics and other specialists. Last week, special classes for participants were held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Some of the volunteers are already working at ‘Avaza’, actively participating in the organisation of the forum, which is being prepared within the framework of LLDC 3. Turkmenistan aims to hold the event at a high level with the participation of the country's best students.
Turkmen authorities discuss WTO accession with ADB
02.08.2025The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan held consultations with an expert from the Asian Development Bank as part of preparations for accession to the WTO. The meeting was an important step in shaping the country's foreign economic policy, according to the news agency Orient. Zhanar Aitzhan, Senior Policy Advisor on International Trade and Investment at the ADB, presented recommendations on all stages of the negotiation process, emphasising the need for interdepartmental coordination and the use of international experience, including that of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by representatives of key agencies, including the Mejlis, the Central Bank and the Customs Service of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the possibility of expanding technical support from the ADB was discussed, in particular, the conduct of training for specialists. The ministry expressed its gratitude to the bank and confirmed its readiness for further cooperation. The consultations will form the basis for the development of a roadmap for Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO.
Turkmenistan will highlight role of private sector at UN Conference
02.08.2025In the run-up to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Turkmenistan is demonstrating its active role in international politics and its commitment to sustainable development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Particular attention is being paid to expanding cooperation with the UN, especially in the field of economic interaction and involving the private sector in the implementation of joint projects. Entrepreneurship is actively developing in the country, covering various sectors from agriculture to high technology. The state supports business through tax incentives, investment initiatives and privatisation programmes. The creation of the ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand strengthens the country's export potential and contributes to the formation of socially responsible business. The establishment of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was an important step in training qualified personnel for the private sector. The new university, which will begin teaching in 2025, will operate according to international standards and become a centre for supporting entrepreneurship. As part of the UN Conference, a Private Sector Forum is planned as a platform for exchanging experiences, presenting projects and establishing international business contacts. The topics will include investment, logistics, digitalisation and integration into global supply chains. Turkmen companies will present innovative and environmentally friendly initiatives, including the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies, the development of renewable energy sources and digital solutions. Turkmenistan actively cooperates with UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICEF and UNCTAD, participates in international forums and exhibitions, and signs agreements with partners from Europe, Asia and the CIS. This contributes to the modernisation of the private sector, entry into new markets and the strengthening of export positions. The forum within the framework of LLDC 3 will be an important step in the development of national entrepreneurship, its integration into the global economy and the expansion of cooperation with international structures. Turkmenistan's experience can serve as a benchmark for other landlocked developing countries in addressing similar challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute
02.08.2025The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with the coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute, Abdullah Demir, in the Belgian capital. The main topic of the negotiations was the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the joint promotion of the heritage of great poets and humanists. This was reported by the online publication Orient. Ambassador S. Palvanov proposed creating a special project dedicated to the peacemaking ideas of Magtymguly Pyragy and Yunus Emre, whose philosophical views remain relevant in the modern world. Special attention was paid to holding joint events in Brussels within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by Turkmenistan. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through the organisation of exhibitions, literary evenings and other cultural events that will allow the European audience to become better acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the two peoples. These initiatives are designed to strengthen cultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding between the peoples.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed prospects for cooperation in Minsk
02.08.2025On 1 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Minsk hosted a meeting between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, and Homoud Saleh Mohsen Al-Saadi, the new Chargé d'Affaires of Qatar. This was reported by the online publication Orient. During the negotiations, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral and international cooperation. Ambassador N. Shagulyev emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of neutrality and peaceful foreign policy, noting the special significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan. Special attention was paid to the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held on 5-8 August in Avaza. This event will be an important platform for addressing pressing issues of economic development and international cooperation. The Qatari side expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and confirmed its interest in strengthening partnership relations with Turkmenistan. Chargé d'Affaires Al-Saadi highly appreciated Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening international stability and expressed support for the country's initiatives on the world stage. The meeting in Minsk was another step in the development of dialogue between Turkmenistan and Qatar, demonstrating their mutual desire to expand cooperation in various areas.
Turkmenistan and China strengthen humanitarian cooperation through youth exchanges
02.08.2025During the visit to China, the delegation of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan headed by Velmyrat Ovezov held a series of important meetings. In Shaanxi Province, negotiations were held with the Chairman of the People's Association for Friendship Xing Shanping, where the parties discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, education, sports and agriculture. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to develop humanitarian exchanges and invited Turkmen specialists to share their experience. ‘We are interested in deepening cooperation, especially in the fields of art and education,’ said Xing Shanping. Of particular importance was the meeting with Sun Weidong, Secretary-General of the ‘China-Central Asia’ format, who shared warm memories of his work in Ashgabat. The visit of the Turkmen delegation continues the tradition of active humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, established within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries. These contacts contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples and open up new prospects for youth exchanges.
Thai Ambassador completes mission to Turkmenistan
02.08.2025On 31 July 2025, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand Apirat Sugondhabhirom, who is completing his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Turkmen-Thai relations, paying particular attention to the development of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The importance of further strengthening the legal framework for bilateral cooperation was noted. Special attention was paid to the successful cooperation between the two countries in international forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to Thailand for its contribution to the preparation of the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which will be held in Avaza. Discussing prospects for cooperation, the sides expressed interest in developing inter-university ties and other forms of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the Turkmen side thanked the Ambassador for his significant contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Thailand, noting his active work to strengthen bilateral cooperation during his diplomatic tenure.
Turkmenistan delegation familiarized itself with agricultural innovations of China
01.08.2025During a familiarisation trip to China, a youth delegation of Turkmen journalists visited Yulin City in Shaanxi Province, a centre of agricultural innovation where the desert has given way to technology and green fields. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Yulin impressed with its combination of history and urbanism, as well as its successes in modernising agriculture. In the Yuyang Agro-Park, journalists learned about high-tech solutions ranging from GPS navigation and drones to automatic irrigation systems and AI soil analysis. These technologies have already increased yields by 30-40% and form the basis of a sustainable agroecological model. Particular attention was drawn to a seed processing enterprise, one of the largest producers in China. Here, strict quality control is combined with advanced breeding and packaging methods. Yulin also plans to host Turkmen farmers for training seminars. Such an exchange of experience could give new impetus to Turkmenistan's agricultural sector, especially in arid regions.
A caracal cub has been spotted for the first time in Turkmenistan
01.08.2025A cub of the caracal, a rare cat species native to southern and Central Asia, has been spotted in Turkmenistan for the first time. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. This may indicate the successful reproduction of the species at the northern border of its range and the stability of the local population. The exact number of caracals in the region remains unknown. Scientific programmes are being implemented to study their ecology and distribution in Turkmenistan, with support from, among others, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The organisation assists with monitoring the species, which contributes to a better understanding of the population status in the region. The caracal, also known as the steppe lynx, is distinguished by tufts on its ears and its secretive behaviour. It plays an important role in regulating the population of small animals and serves as an ecological indicator.
Ashgabat discusses UN Secretary-General's speech on renewable energy
01.08.2025On 30 July, Selbi Hanova, Head of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, met with participants of the UNICEF youth eco-camp to discuss UN Secretary-General António Guterres' message ‘A Moment of Opportunity’ on climate change. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his address, Mr Guterres stated that the world is on the verge of a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and emphasised that in 2024, investment in clean energy exceeded $2 trillion, surpassing investment in traditional sources. The meeting participants watched a video address by the UN Secretary-General and discussed how each person can contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. Young people expressed their willingness to support sustainable environmental initiatives and promote the transition to clean energy.
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