News
Turkmen customs officials took part in a global meeting of the World Customs Organisation
27.02.2026Employees of the Training Centre of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the 21st Global Meeting of Regional Structures of the World Customs Organisation, held on 23–24 February at the organisation's headquarters in Brussels. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was held in a hybrid format. Participants discussed the exchange of best practices between regional training and expert centres, as well as current mechanisms for strengthening the capacity of customs administrations. Among the priority topics were the development of e-learning, the introduction of digital solutions and the expansion of the use of distance learning for specialists.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed prospects for cooperation and the agenda for 2026
27.02.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belarus hosted a meeting between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Katrin aus dem Siepen, the newly appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Germany in Belarus. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and the international agenda, noting the positive dynamics of Turkmen-German relations in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the theme of 2026 in Turkmenistan, which is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Preparations for key events, including the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, were also discussed. Ashgabat's readiness to further expand cooperation and implement mutually beneficial initiatives with European partners was emphasised.
Areas of Turkmen-British economic cooperation discussed
27.02.2026On 26 February, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting with London Stock Exchange Chief Executive Julia Anne Hoggett and UK Treasury Economic Secretary Lucy Rigby. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiations, the Turkmen side noted the importance of London as one of the world's leading financial centres and expressed interest in expanding practical economic cooperation with British partners, including attracting long-term capital for infrastructure and energy projects. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to the development of economic cooperation with the United Kingdom. Currently, there are about 30 companies with British capital registered in the country, operating in construction, industry, trade and services. The parties also noted the positive dynamics of trade and economic relations and the role of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council as an important coordination mechanism. In conclusion, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the areas of sustainable finance, banking, auditing, insurance and digital solutions.
New agreement will strengthen research into Turkmenistan's archaeological heritage
27.02.2026During their visit to the United Kingdom, a Turkmen delegation led by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Professor Timothy Williams of the Institute of Archaeology at University College London. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the Turkmen side noted the scientist's long-standing contribution to the study and preservation of the archaeological heritage of Turkmenistan, in particular ancient Merv. The importance of expanding joint scientific research and museum and exhibition cooperation was emphasised. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the UCL Institute of Archaeology, providing for the further development of partnership, joint expeditions, in-depth scientific research and the training of specialists in the field.
Ashgabat and London aim to give practical substance to their partnership
27.02.2026On 26 February, a bilateral meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper took place at Lancaster House. The Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Stephen Doughty, also participated in the negotiations, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, the regional agenda and current international topics. The importance of the first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format was noted and the readiness to fill it with practical content was confirmed. The Turkmen side once again emphasised its commitment to the peaceful political and diplomatic settlement of international issues on the basis of international law and the UN Charter. Particular attention was paid to the development of economic partnership, including cooperation in the fields of ‘green’ technology, digitalisation, transport, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further strengthening the Turkmen-British partnership. On the same day, a working lunch was held between the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Central Asia and the United Kingdom, organised by the British side. The participants discussed issues of regional security, sustainable development and interregional cooperation. In his speech, Rashid Meredov presented a number of initiatives to develop practical cooperation and strengthen regional security, including the launch of joint educational programmes and the creation of a ‘Turkmenistan-UK Cultural Dialogue’ format. The importance of assisting Afghanistan through the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, power lines and railway construction, was noted. It was also proposed to expand technical and advisory cooperation with the involvement of British companies and the introduction of digital solutions to increase the transparency of cross-border trade.
Turkmenistan has confirmed its readiness for practical dialogue with the United Kingdom
27.02.2026On 26 February, Lancaster House hosted a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers from Central Asia and the United Kingdom, which discussed prospects for deepening political dialogue, as well as trade, economic and investment cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Speaking at the meeting, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to the British side for the initiative to hold the first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format, noting its relevance against the backdrop of strengthening regional consolidation in Central Asia. The participants emphasised the interest of the countries in the region in forming a sustainable and competitive economy capable of responding effectively to global challenges. The priority areas for cooperation with the United Kingdom include energy and decarbonisation, the development of renewable energy sources, financial and trade technologies using the experience of London as one of the world's leading financial centres, as well as cooperation in the field of professional services and transport and logistics infrastructure. In conclusion, the Turkmen side confirmed its readiness for active practical cooperation both within the new format and on a bilateral basis. Regional and other topical international issues were also discussed during the meeting.
Film about cultural dialogue involving Turkmenistan presented in Georgia
27.02.2026On 25 February, the premiere of the Georgian feature-length documentary film ‘Culture Will Save the Universe’ took place at the Cinema House in Tbilisi. The film is dedicated to the role of culture in the development of inter-state dialogue and the strengthening of mutual understanding and trust between nations. The film presents the cultural diversity of Turkmenistan, China and Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia Z.Quin, member of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Education, Science and Youth V. Bozhadze, film director T. Malania, as well as representatives of the country's scientific and creative intelligentsia. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of high-level visits and cultural and humanitarian cooperation for the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations, emphasising the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. Participants at the event expressed the opinion that the film would contribute to the development of cultural diplomacy and the strengthening of humanitarian ties. The role of culture as a tool for promoting peaceful cooperation between states was also emphasised.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador discussed AI and cybersecurity with European partners
26.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in the first session of the expert series ‘The Talk,’ organised by the ‘Norm’ platform in conjunction with ‘Diplomatic World’ and supported by ‘Cardo Brussels.’ This was reported by the IIC. Diplomats, representatives of European institutions and the business community took part in the discussion. The discussion focused on digitalisation, the development of artificial intelligence and the adaptation of national legislation to new technologies, with an emphasis on data protection and cybersecurity. The Turkmen side emphasised the modernisation of the legal framework, the development of electronic public services and the readiness to implement international practices. The Ambassador expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Europe in the field of digital transformation. On the same day, S. Palvanov, together with the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia, met with Belgian MEP Pascal Arimont.
Turkmenistan launches regional project to combat marine litter in the Caspian Sea
26.02.2026The UNDP, together with UNEP, the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, held a kick-off workshop to launch the regional project ‘Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea’. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, academia and NGOs. The project was officially launched in Turkmenistan and aims to prevent and reduce pollution of the Caspian Sea, primarily from plastic waste. Participants were presented with the key objectives of the initiative: improving waste management legislation, developing monitoring, preventing pollution and expanding cooperation within the framework of the Tehran Convention. As noted by the UNDP representative, the project provides for a comprehensive approach — from analysing sources of marine litter and updating the regulatory framework to promoting the principles of the circular economy, attracting investment and involving local communities. The initiative is being implemented with financial support from Russia in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and is scheduled to run until October 2027. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing land-based sources of pollution and coordinating the actions of the Caspian countries within the framework of existing agreements.
Turkmenistan promotes joint trade zones at ECO meeting
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) was held in Tehran. Measures to stimulate cross-border and regional trade in order to increase trade turnover between participating countries were discussed, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the creation of joint trade zones, initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Turkmenistan's successes were presented, including a joint trade zone with Uzbekistan. The Council supported the technical and economic feasibility study of this initiative. The ECO Secretariat will begin preparing a corresponding project to implement Turkmenistan's proposal.
Turkmenistan strengthens its role in international parliamentary dialogue
26.02.2026On 25 February, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, held a meeting with Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, messages from the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, were conveyed. The summit in the capital of Turkmenistan is seen as a continuation of the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to promote the International Year of Law. Martin Chungong supported Ashgabat's initiative, noting the importance of the legal agenda and the rule of law for global stability. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between Central Asian countries, which creates a synergistic effect in international discussions. The main outcome of the meeting was the confirmation of Ashgabat's readiness to host the 16th Summit of Women Parliamentarians of the IPU. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing gender equality in politics and strengthening inter-state relations based on the principles of inclusive development and institutional sustainability. Preparations for the event are already well underway.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul met with the Rector of Medipol University
26.02.2026A meeting between Consul General Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov and Rector of Medipol University Bahadir Kurshat Gunturk was held at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of higher education, science and medicine, focusing on the development of academic contacts and the exchange of experience. The interlocutors also discussed the creation of favourable conditions for Turkmen students to study in Turkey, the expansion of scholarship programmes, academic mobility and joint scientific projects. The importance of concluding relevant agreements for the long-term and systematic development of the partnership was noted.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
