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Turkmenistan entered the top 10 countries in terms of imports to Uzbekistan
16.01.2026Turkmenistan entered the top ten largest suppliers of goods to Uzbekistan in January–November 2025. This was reported by ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing a report by the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. Imports from Turkmenistan amounted to US$926.2 million. The country ranked eighth among Uzbekistan's trading partners. The top ten also included China (US$12.8 billion), Russia (US$7.8 billion), Kazakhstan (US$3 billion), Turkey (US$1.7 billion), South Korea (US$1.5 billion), Germany and India (US$1 billion each), Belarus (US$698.8 million) and the United States (US$656.1 million). Uzbekistan's total imports for the reporting period reached US$41.9 billion, which is 18.7 per cent more than a year earlier. Supplies were made from 180 countries. Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for January–November 2025 amounted to $1.064 billion.
Scientists note changes in snow conditions in the mountains of Turkmenistan
16.01.2026Glaciers and snow cover in Central Asia are shrinking due to global warming. The rise in average annual temperatures is leading to a reduction in snow cover in mountainous areas. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The state of glacier and snow systems directly affects the water balance of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, transboundary rivers that provide water resources and economic development for millions of residents of five countries in the region. The Kopetdag and Koytendag mountain ranges are located in Turkmenistan. There are no large glaciers here, but seasonal snow cover plays an important role in shaping the local climate and hydrological regime. Kopetdag, stretching along the south-western border of the country, is characterised by high biodiversity. It is home to snow leopards, argali and urial. The vegetation cover of the mountains protects the soil from erosion and regulates meltwater runoff. In Koytendag, seasonal snow cover lasts until May and influences the formation of permanent and temporary watercourses. This region is the only habitat in Turkmenistan for the markhor, a species of goat. Snow cover is also characteristic of the Greater and Lesser Balkan Mountains, where plant species grow, including those listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. Scientists are recording changes in the timing of snowfall and melting, as well as shifts in the seasons. These processes are reflected in the state of the country's ecosystems and landscapes. In this regard, Turkmenistan is stepping up its monitoring of snow cover and mountain ecosystems. Research is focused on assessing the consequences of climate change and developing long-term adaptation measures.
In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to modernise education and science
16.01.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to modernise its education and science system. As part of state programmes, kindergartens, schools, universities and health centres have been put into operation and continue to be built throughout the country. The educational buildings are equipped with modern equipment, multimedia systems, computers and internet access, according to the state news agency TDH. Several kindergartens and new schools have been opened in Ashgabat to mark Knowledge and Student Youth Day, including in the Parahat-7 and Choganly residential complexes. A new school has also been put into operation in the Lebap velayat. First-graders traditionally received ‘Bilimli’ laptops as gifts. The use of interactive forms of teaching is expanding in schools and universities. Particular attention is being paid to training specialists for various sectors of the economy and linking education, science and production. In 2025, the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was opened. New facilities of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan have been commissioned in Mary, including an educational building, a dormitory and a sports complex. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052. The document defines long-term approaches to managing the sector, taking into account the labour market, demographics and international standards. In 2025, new textbooks and manuals were published with the participation of the Ministry of Education, the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and university teaching staff. Programmes to improve the qualifications of teaching staff have been implemented. The education system actively developed international cooperation. Projects are being implemented with UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA and other UN agencies. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctorate of Tsukuba University. Turkmen schoolchildren and students participated in international Olympiads and competitions. In April, the II International Subject Olympiad in Mathematics was held among schoolchildren. Young scientists won gold medals at the BIICC-2025 competition in Malaysia. In 2025, programmes for training Turkmen youth at universities in Romania, as well as China and Hungary, were approved in the fields of IT, medicine, agriculture, engineering and other priority specialities. At the same time, the country's scientific potential is being strengthened. The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan conducts applied research in the fields of chemistry, energy, ecology, bio- and nanotechnologies. Particular attention is paid to the rational use of natural resources and ecological developments. At the end of the year, Turkmenistan's education and science system strengthened its material base, expanded international ties and enhanced the training of personnel focused on the country's long-term development.
Indian Film Festival to be held in Ashgabat from 20 to 24 January
16.01.2026From 20 to 24 January 2026, the Ashgabat cinema will host the Indian Film Festival. This was reported by the IIC. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India. The festival aims to develop humanitarian ties and cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme includes nine films from different years, representing more than 50 years of Indian cinema. Viewers will be shown both classic Bollywood films and contemporary films that have received international recognition. Admission to all screenings is free. Seating in the hall is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Turkmenistan presented an exhibition at the OTS Culture Week in Vienna
16.01.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria took part in the Culture Week of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) at the United Nations Centre in Vienna. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event featured an exhibition dedicated to 2026 under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The exhibition included traditional fabrics, national costumes, carpets, handicrafts, silver jewellery and artistic images of Ahal-Teke horses, demonstrating the richness of Turkmen craftsmanship and the cultural significance of horses. The opening was attended by the Secretary General of the OTS, representatives of the UN in Vienna, diplomats and invited guests. The embassy emphasised Turkmenistan's desire to develop cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation in the Turkic world.
Iranian representatives presented Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian
15.01.2026Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi presented the State Library of Turkmenistan with more than 40 books in Persian. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During a meeting with the library's director, Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, the parties discussed cooperation in the field of culture and education. The Iranian guests also familiarised themselves with the library's rare and modern publications. The Ambassador presented the library with a Persian translation of the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Enä tagzym – mukaddeslige tagzym’ (‘Worshipping a Mother - Worshipping a Sacredness’) and the advisor presented more than 40 other books in Persian.
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Ambassador of India
15.01.2026On 14 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev met with Indian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed ways to intensify trade and economic cooperation and expand mutual trade. The priorities of the negotiations were the textile industry, logistics, the digital economy, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Particular attention was paid to new joint projects that could open up additional opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries. The Indian Ambassador confirmed his readiness for deeper cooperation and emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan for India's foreign policy. The Turkmen side noted the high level of trust between the countries and expressed confidence that the agreements reached would strengthen bilateral industrial dialogue.
Representatives from the University of Westminster visited Magtymguly TSU
15.01.2026From 12 to 13 January, representatives of the University of Westminster (United Kingdom) — Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Science and Educational Exchange Andrew Linn and Research Fellow, Doctor of Philosophy Anastasiya Bezborodova — visited Magtymguly Turkmen State University as part of a programme to accelerate English language learning in Central Asia. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. During the visit, a meeting was held with the university's management to discuss issues related to the development of science and education, raising professional standards and expanding cooperation. Teachers and students of the Faculty of English Language and Literature attended professional development courses on modern methods of teaching English and intensifying language learning, including its study as a second language.
Ancient Merv: Central Asia's open-air museum
15.01.2026The Merv Oasis is one of the key monuments of world civilisation, a unique archaeological complex where, for more than five thousand years, cities have successively emerged, reflecting the development of humanity from early agriculture to the era of empires. This was reported by the IIC. The phenomenon of ‘wandering cities’ associated with changes in the course of the Murgab River has turned Merv into a kind of open-air museum. The sites of the Ancient Merv Reserve, included in the UNESCO list, occupy an important place in the cultural policy of Turkmenistan. Archaeological discoveries by Viktor Sarianidi, Mikhail Masson and other scientists have confirmed the global significance of the region as a centre of Bronze Age civilisation. Today, the preservation and international presentation of this heritage are seen as the basis of cultural diplomacy and a symbol of the continuity of the country's historical development.
Turkmenistan modernises its fleet of high-tech agricultural machinery
15.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to actively upgrade its agricultural machinery with a view to improving the efficiency of field work and implementing agro-industrial projects. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In 2025, 400 sprayers and 400 mineral fertiliser spreaders from ‘John Deere’ were purchased to modernise the agricultural sector. New ploughing tractors and grain harvesters from various manufacturers are also expected to be delivered in the near future. Today, modern grain and cotton harvesters, tractors and trailer equipment are used in Turkmen fields, ensuring the smooth running of sowing and harvesting campaigns. The machine and tractor fleet is based on multifunctional ‘John Deere’ models and ‘Claas’ harvesters. The renewal of the technical base and the introduction of automation and telematics reduce the burden on farmers and increase productivity, which is considered one of the strategic directions for the development of agriculture in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for upcoming visits
15.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Beata Peksa, the European Union's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, was held on 14 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for upcoming visits at the high levels. In addition, an exchange of views was held on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The meeting also discussed the implementation of current and future joint projects in the fields of high technology, transport, economics, energy, environmental protection and vocational education.
Turkmen services rescued the crew of a dry cargo ship in the Caspian Sea
15.01.2026On 14 January 2026, the coast guard of Turkmenistan received an SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was in distress in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In accordance with international maritime regulations, the Turkmenistan state authorities involved in responding to emergencies took measures to rescue the crew. As a result of the operation, all 14 people on board were rescued. According to preliminary data, they are citizens of Iran and India. The Turkmen side is currently carrying out the procedures required by international rules.
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