News
Turkmen university rises to the ‘gold category’ of the UI GreenMetric ranking
06.12.2025The Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan entered the ‘gold category’ of the UI GreenMetric world ranking for 2025. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The university improved its position, scoring 7,675 out of 10,000 points and rising to 306th place. Among the 12 Turkmen universities included in the ranking, the university became the leader. In 2025, 1,745 universities from 105 countries participated in UI GreenMetric. The assessment is based on six areas, ranging from infrastructure and energy to sustainable transport and scientific research. The ‘gold category’ is awarded to universities that have scored more than 7,500 points. Oguz Han University has strengthened its position for the fourth year in a row: from 637th place in 2022, it rose to 306th in 2025. This result reflects the growth of environmental indicators and Turkmenistan's efforts to develop sustainable education and comply with international environmental standards.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed new formats for cooperation
06.12.2025On 4 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of cooperation and highlighted issues of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. It was noted that the meeting in September on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly gave a new impetus to joint work. During the conversation, Turkmenistan's proposals to hold an International Forum ‘Central Asia – Space of Peaceful Coexistence’ under the auspices of UNESCO and the Alliance of Civilisations were considered, including the idea of a Global Summit on Culture of Peace, Trust and Mutual Respect. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the preparation of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for the Peace and Trust Forum
06.12.2025On 5 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Kaja Kallas congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and noted the role of the country's neutral course in maintaining peace and sustainable development. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation and noted the importance of mechanisms for interaction in the ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ format. The main issues on the bilateral agenda were considered. Preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, were discussed separately.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Sadyr Zhaparov on his birthday
06.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov on his birthday. In his message, he noted the achievements of Kyrgyzstan under the leadership of Sadyr Zhaparov and emphasised his contribution to the development of the statehood, economy and international authority of the country, reports AsmanNews. The Head of Turkmenistan also highlighted the consistent development of bilateral relations and the constructive nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Sadyr Zhaparov good health, prosperity and success in his future work.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of the Republic of Finland
06.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and the Finnish people on the occasion of Independence Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Alexander Stubb good health and prosperity, and the citizens of Finland peace, stability and continued prosperity.
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed expanding ties in the oil and gas industry
05.12.2025Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in the oil and gas sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The topic of expanding cooperation was central to the meeting between the State Minister of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ Maksat Babayev, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli. Although diplomatic relations between the countries were established in 1995, practical energy partnership developed in the early 2000s. It was then that ‘Dragon Oil’ began operating in Turkmenistan under a production sharing agreement. In addition, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ and ‘Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd.’ extended the production sharing agreement, with the contract now valid until 1 May 2035.
Turkmen customs authorities lead Central Asia in terms of cargo clearance speed
05.12.2025A new study by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has shown that Turkmenistan's road customs checkpoints are highly efficient. They demonstrate the best performance in terms of the speed of processing export and transit cargo among the countries of Central Asia, according to the IIC. At key points in Garabogaz, Farap and Dashoguz, the average time for processing vehicles was only 37 minutes. For comparison, this procedure takes about 1 hour 10 minutes in Uzbekistan, 1 hour 30 minutes in Kazakhstan, 1 hour 40 minutes in Tajikistan, and 1 hour 44 minutes in Kyrgyzstan. Turkmen checkpoints also showed high efficiency in reducing queues: the average waiting time was up to 35 minutes. In neighbouring countries, the waiting time is significantly higher: 40 minutes in Kyrgyzstan, 1 hour 15 minutes in Tajikistan, 12 hours 20 minutes in Uzbekistan and more than two days in Kazakhstan. These figures underscore Turkmenistan's role as a reliable and fast transit route between Asia and Europe, which is important for the development of international logistics corridors.
Iranian Ambassador congratulates Turkmenistan on 30th anniversary of neutrality
05.12.2025Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the government and people of Turkmenistan, noting its importance for peace, stability and development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. He stressed that Turkmenistan's neutral status strengthens trust and security in the region and is important for bilateral cooperation with Iran. The Ambassador also noted Turkmenistan's initiative, due to which the UN declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. The Head of the diplomatic mission expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will strengthen relations between the countries, and wished the Turkmen people prosperity and the leadership a successful forum.
The Ambassador of Tajikistan emphasised the active development of relations with Turkmenistan
05.12.2025Strategic partnership relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan continue to develop actively, covering all areas of bilateral cooperation, said Vafo Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The diplomat noted that Turkmen-Tajik relations are based on friendship and mutual understanding, and that Turkmenistan, demonstrating positive neutrality, makes a significant contribution to stability, peace and international cooperation. The Ambassador emphasised that Tajikistan firmly supports Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and respects its path of development. He also congratulated the country's leadership and people on the anniversary of neutrality, wishing them peace, prosperity and the successful implementation of national programmes.
China has expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan
05.12.2025China is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in key areas, strengthen transport links and develop cooperation in the ‘China-Central Asia’ format. This was stated by Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The diplomat recalled that this year Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, recognised by a Resolution of the UN General Assembly. According to the Ambassador, the policy of positive neutrality has become the basis for the country's development and the strengthening of regional stability. The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasised that in recent years they have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership and are demonstrating high results in all areas of cooperation.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Turkmenistan next week
05.12.2025Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to Turkmenistan next week. This was announced by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, according to the news website Asmannews. According to Bayraktar, cooperation in the field of natural gas supplies will be on the agenda of the negotiations. The minister stressed that connecting Turkmen gas is important for both Turkey and European countries, as it opens up opportunities for its transportation via the southern gas corridor.
Ashgabat discusses improving preparedness for biological threats
05.12.2025From 1 to 3 December, the PanPRET tabletop simulation exercise and the final meeting to finalise the draft National Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Plan (NPPRP) were held at the UN Office in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was organised by the WHO European Office and relevant agencies in Turkmenistan. Representatives from health, veterinary and other departments involved in emergency management participated in the exercises. The training was conducted by international WHO experts, including Christine Blackmore. The State Veterinary Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan was represented by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the Department of International and Scientific Relations, who emphasised the importance of such exercises for strengthening coordination and national biosafety mechanisms. The programme was based on the PRET model developed by the WHO to increase resilience to new biological threats and focused on cross-sectoral cooperation, effective information exchange and community involvement.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
