News
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan approved key plans in education and healthcare
11.01.2026Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva presented draft work plans for the areas under her supervision for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They provide for the continuation of reforms in education, healthcare and sport: improving educational programmes, strengthening the material and technical base, introducing modern methods of disease prevention and treatment, as well as developing science, innovative industry and attracting talented young people to high technology. In addition, measures are planned to promote national culture and strengthen the country's international authority. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating a knowledgeable generation, improving the education infrastructure and monitoring reforms in healthcare and sports. The Head of State approved the work plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement them.
Turkmenistan sets out trade policy priorities for 2026
11.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented working plans for the trade complex for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plans include measures to ensure an abundance of goods and stable prices in the domestic market, develop trade and the digital economy, expand textile production and improve its quality. Particular attention is paid to preserving the national art of carpet weaving. The plans also include the introduction of modern e-Commerce methods at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, the modernisation of exhibitions and conferences of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the expansion of import-substituting and export production through the development of the private sector and the strengthening of international trade ties. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to continue work on the implementation of these tasks and ensure the effective use of the production capacities of the textile industry, and the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry: priorities and objectives for 2026
10.01.2026On 9 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov presented the oil and gas complex's plans for 2026 at a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’ will focus on the development of fields, the production of oil, gas and condensate, the production of liquefied gas, deep oil processing and the export of energy resources. The State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ will be engaged in the search for oil, gas, solid minerals and groundwater deposits, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies and digital systems. Among the priorities are new stages in the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field and the construction of an important section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline, the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of increasing production and the efficient use of capacity and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement the plans.
Ashgabat celebrated World Hindi Day
10.01.2026On the eve of World Hindi Day, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a festive event dedicated to one of the world's oldest languages. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The date coincides with the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975. Today, Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of prevalence. The programme was opened by students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, who demonstrated their high level of language proficiency through poetic recitations and vocal performances. The audience also enjoyed dance and music performances inspired by Indian cultural traditions and classical cinema. Special attention was paid to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Indian heritage: participants from the Ashgabat Yoga Centre presented a demonstration programme, emphasising the profound meaning of this practice. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Hindi is an important cultural and emotional link that promotes dialogue between peoples and the development of cooperation. The evening concluded with the awarding of active students and a tasting of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The event was a vivid example of how language and culture strengthen humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan.
Preferential loans as a tool for sustainable economic development in Turkmenistan
10.01.2026Turkmenistan has summarised the interim results of the implementation of the state strategy for financial support of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the social sector. This was reported by the IIC. As of December 2025, the preferential lending system has become one of the key instruments of the country's economic development. As part of the policy, about two thousand large investment projects have been financed. The implementation of these initiatives has created over 16,700 new jobs, which has contributed to increased social stability and strengthened the productive capacity of the regions. A significant amount of state support has been directed to the agro-industrial complex. Dayhan associations and private agricultural producers have gained access to long-term loans at 1% per annum. Financial resources are used for the technical re-equipment of the industry, the purchase of modern agricultural machinery, and the implementation of projects in livestock and poultry farming. The financing model used contributes to securing the domestic food market and gradually increasing the export potential of domestic products. In the social sphere, improving the housing conditions of the population remains a priority. The country has a mortgage lending system that provides for the purchase of housing for up to 30 years at 1% per annum with a five-year grace period. Special attention is paid to the city of Arkadag, where housing construction is carried out using modern technologies, and the existing financial mechanisms ensure the availability of housing for various categories of citizens. Young families receive additional targeted support — more than 185,000 couples have already taken advantage of preferential loans for home improvement. The dynamics of lending activity testify to the effectiveness of the socio-economic policy being implemented. Financial incentives for various industries form a stable basis for the further development of the national economy.
Foreign leaders sent New Year greetings to the President of Turkmenistan
10.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife wished the Head of State good health, happiness and prosperity, expressing their hope that 2026 would be a year of positive change. President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu also sent a congratulatory message, extending her best wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year.
Turkmenistan and India discussed the development of bilateral relations
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Indian relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the organisation of visits and meetings at the highest state level in the current year. The interlocutors considered the possibility of mutual visits by the heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries. In this context, they discussed the preliminary agenda for political consultations planned at the level of Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers. In addition, the role of the Inter-Governmental Turkmen-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was emphasised. The expediency of holding its next meeting in the near future was noted. Draft documents to be signed during the upcoming visits and meetings were also considered.
Issues of cooperation with the UN discussed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The main focus was on summarising the results of the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development for 2021-2025. The role of the Steering Committee in coordinating joint work was noted. Issues related to the preparation and launch of a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 were also discussed. During the meeting, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding the presence of specialised UN agencies, structures and programmes in the country. The progress of UN programme and project activities in Turkmenistan was discussed separately. It was noted that a number of bilateral and regional projects are continuing to be implemented under existing agreements. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the preparation of joint events, including a conference with the participation of the FAO, courses for young diplomats and other initiatives.
Turkmenistan's foreign policy: key international events of 2025
09.01.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan consistently developed foreign policy relations in bilateral and multilateral formats. The year was marked by the International Year of Peace and Trust and coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, which was reflected in active work on international platforms. This was reported by TDH. Cooperation with the United Nations remained one of the key areas of foreign policy. On 21 March, at the plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ initiated by Turkmenistan was unanimously adopted. In September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he reaffirmed the country's commitment to the UN Charter and announced a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening international dialogue. During the visit, meetings were held with the UN Secretary-General and Heads of State. Regional dialogue in Central Asia has been actively developing. In November, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his speech, he outlined the priorities for cooperation, including transport and logistics, energy, trade, industrial cooperation, water and environmental issues, as well as the humanitarian sphere. It was confirmed that in 2026 the chairmanship in this format will pass to Turkmenistan, and the next summit will be held in an expanded format, ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. Throughout the year, Turkmenistan also actively participated in the ‘Central Asia+’ dialogue. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States of America, Japan and Italy. The main focus was on security, economic cooperation, investment, energy, transport, and the environmental and climate agenda. Cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States played a significant role in foreign policy. In October, the President of Turkmenistan participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in the Republic of Tajikistan, and in December, he participated in an informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg. Speeches emphasised the need to develop trade and economic ties, transport and logistics projects, and humanitarian cooperation. Turkmenistan also continued its cooperation with other international organisations. In September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin in the ‘SCO+’ format, where he confirmed his interest in expanding cooperation in the economy, transport, energy and humanitarian spheres. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, participated in the International Economic Forum ‘Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025’ and in the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, where Turkmenistan has observer status. An important part of the foreign policy agenda was the holding of international events in the country. In 2025, a number of international conferences and forums were held in Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, including events under the auspices of the UN and meetings dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and Neutrality Day. Bilateral negotiations with foreign partners were held on the sidelines of these events. Overall, Turkmenistan's foreign policy activities in 2025 focused on developing multilateral dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the principles of permanent neutrality in the international arena.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from German leaders
09.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from the leadership of the Federal Republic of Germany. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, sent his congratulations to the Head of State. In his message, he wished the President of Turkmenistan and the people of the country peace and happiness in the new year. A separate congratulatory letter was sent by Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz. He wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his family health and prosperity, and expressed hope for continued joint work on solving pressing issues in the name of a safe and peaceful future.
Turkmenistan presented an updated strategy for nature conservation
09.01.2026Ashgabat has completed the development of an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, taking into account the experience of previous programmes and Turkmenistan's commitments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by IIC. The main innovation will be the electronic reporting format: The seventh national report will be presented via a digital platform for the first time. The strategy adapts the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework to national conditions. The priorities are combating desertification, biological protection of plants, control of invasive species and conservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated flora. There are plans to expand the network of specially protected natural areas (currently 4.38% of the country's territory), including the opening of the Greater Balkan Nature Reserve and several wildlife sanctuaries in the Koytendag, Gaplangyr and Amudarya regions. The BIOFIN project, in collaboration with the GEF and UNDP, analysed the financing of environmental protection measures: currently, 99% of the costs are covered by the state budget, which is allocated to laboratories, equipment for inspectors and the infrastructure of nature reserves. In the future, it is planned to involve business, young people and science in environmental initiatives. Work on the strategy was carried out throughout 2025 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and takes into account the link with the National Adaptation Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach will strengthen legislation and balance economic growth with the protection of natural ecosystems.
Mergen Orazov has begun preparing FC ‘Arkadag’ for the AFC Champions League play-offs
09.01.2026Renowned Turkmen football expert Mergen Orazov has returned from Europe and taken charge of ‘Arkadag’ Football Club. In February, the team will play decisive matches in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, according to IIC. Orazov's return is a significant event for Turkmen football. The coach is known as a successful specialist at club and international level, and his European experience is seen as an important factor in preparing the team to face one of the strongest clubs in the region. The coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ is currently focusing on tactics, the physical condition of the players and studying the opponent. ‘Al-Nassr’ has a strong line-up and extensive experience of playing on the continental stage, which requires a high level of concentration and discipline from the Turkmen team. For ‘Arkadag’, participation in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs is an important step in the club's development and a chance to make a name for itself on the Asian football scene. The appointment of M. Orazov underscores the seriousness of the team's tasks ahead of the February matches.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
