Today is the final, third day of the major International Exhibitions ‘Türkmentel–2025’ and ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2025’, held jointly at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The central event of the day was a seminar organised by the International Telecommunication Union on the topic ‘Digital Transformation of Public Administration: From Digital Registers to the Introduction of Artificial Intelligence.’ The discussion of global trends and practices in the field of e-Government confirmed Turkmenistan's focus on modernising public administration and actively implementing advanced digital solutions. The winners of the ‘Digital Solution – 2025’ innovative projects competition will be announced in the final part of the forum. The competition is aimed at stimulating the development of the national IT ecosystem and supporting young professionals, and its key areas cover artificial intelligence, robotics, the concept of a ‘smart’ city, digital medicine and e-Education. The joint holding of two major exhibitions for the first time in this format attracted more than 80 companies from dozens of countries and confirmed the growing status of Turkmenistan as an important regional hub in the fields of digital technologies, telecommunications and transport and logistics solutions.
A panel discussion, which was held as part of the International Startup Forum 2025, became a key platform for discussing the future of IT entrepreneurship in the region. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Experts from Turkmenistan and Central Asian countries focused on systemic issues that determine the growth of the technological ecosystem. The discussion centred on improving the legal and regulatory conditions for business, training and retaining personnel, expanding access to investment for early-stage startups, and creating effective tools for state and private venture funds. The participants were particularly interested in the presentation by Perman Annamammedov, co-founder of the KinesteX startup. At the age of 24, he has already implemented a project that has become a notable example of the potential of young IT entrepreneurs in Turkmenistan. The team has developed an innovative fitness app based on fast artificial intelligence. Its goal is to support users who strive for regular training and a healthy lifestyle. The built-in AI assistant works like a personal trainer: it analyses movement technique in real time through a smartphone camera, gives recommendations on how to adjust exercises, provides nutrition advice and helps reduce the risk of injury. The key focus is on motivation and sustainable habits. The project's financial results confirm its success: after the latest round of venture capital investment, KinesteX's valuation reached $8 million — a significant figure for a startup with only three years of history.
On 13 November, a telephone conversation was held between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister and Diaspora of the Republic of Seychelles, Barry Faure. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of cooperation on international platforms, primarily within the framework of the UN, noting the similarity of the two countries' positions on issues of global peacebuilding and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan remains one of the regional leaders in the introduction of modern aviation technology and demonstrates a strategic approach to the development of civil aviation. This was stated by Boeing Commercial Sales Director Pavel Chichko, speaking at the International Conference ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2025’ (ITTC–2025), according to Turkmenportal. According to him, Turkmenistan is consistently setting high standards for the industry, not only developing a modern aircraft fleet and airport infrastructure, but also expanding the routes of the national carrier. The Boeing representative recalled that the company's cooperation with the national airline of Turkmenistan has been going on for several decades. ‘There is currently a firm order for the delivery of Boeing 737s, which will be an important element in the renewal of the narrow-body aircraft fleet,’ he said, adding that the company is ready to consider expanding its fleet of wide-body aircraft for long-haul flights.
On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held telephone negotiations with the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening political dialogue, increasing economic interaction and expanding cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries. During the conversation, preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, were also discussed.
Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Doreen Bogdan-Martin, speaking at the 18th International Exhibition and Scientific Conference ‘Türkmentel–2025’ and the forum ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2025’ in Ashgabat, noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the formation of the foundations of a hyper-connected world. This was reported by TerraNews. She emphasised that the country has made significant progress in the development of digital infrastructure, and that the 5G communication standard has been introduced in the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag, allowing for the integration of digital services and modern technological solutions. Speaking about the global agenda, Bogdan-Martin noted that bridging the digital divide and achieving universal connectivity will require significant effort and will likely take until 2030. The ITU Head also highlighted the importance of ‘Türkmentel–2025’ as an international platform for sharing experiences and strengthening partnerships. ‘The forum creates opportunities to join forces and adopt best practices on the path to common goals,’ she emphasised.
On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The interlocutors noted the steady development of the Turkmen-Emirati partnership and discussed key areas of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. A separate item of discussion was the preparation for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
On 13 November, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors confirmed the desire of both countries to further develop bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The effective coordination between Turkmenistan and Ghana in multilateral forums, primarily within the framework of the United Nations, was noted. A separate item of discussion was the preparation for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan considers digitalisation to be one of the key drivers of national development and is consistently implementing major projects to modernise the telecommunications sector. This was stated by Minister of Communications Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev, speaking at the International Startup Forum organised as part of the ‘Türkmentel–2025’ conference. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to the minister, digital transformation is enshrined as a key area of state policy. Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev outlined the main priorities of the digital agenda: Infrastructure: modernisation of the telecommunications network, participation in international projects to create digital transit corridors, expansion of the use of the ‘TürkmenÄlem52E’ satellite to improve Internet access in remote regions. Digital services: introduction of modern digital platforms in education, healthcare and public administration. Human capital and inclusion: training of specialists in the field of ICT and AI through educational programmes and internships abroad, development of digital inclusion and reduction of the digital and gender gap. The minister paid special attention to international cooperation. He emphasised that the partnership between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and UNDP has become a striking example of effective joint work. The Minister of Communications reported that, together with UNDP, a project to introduce a system of interdepartmental interaction had been completed, which significantly increases the transparency and efficiency of data exchange between government agencies.
On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held telephone negotiations with Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current dynamics of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation and identified potential for its further expansion. They emphasised the high level of political interaction and mutual interest in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two close states. During the conversation, the Diplomats also exchanged views on preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
As part of the UNDP project ‘Assistance in the implementation of a pilot system of interdepartmental electronic information exchange in Turkmenistan’, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Communications and the e-Governance Academy (Estonia). This was reported by IIC. The document aims to develop a long-term partnership in the field of digital transformation of public administration, including the organisation of specialised training and consulting programmes. The signing was held during the ‘Türkmentel-2025’ International Exhibition and Scientific Conference, which underscores the strategic importance of the agreement for strengthening the country's capacity for innovation and promoting digital initiatives. The signing of the Memorandum was another step in the UNDP programme to support digital transformation in Turkmenistan. In line with the UNDP's global Digital Strategy, the organisation promotes the development of inclusive, sustainable and secure digital ecosystems.
A working meeting between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, and Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, was held at the Women's Union of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Dmitry Shlapachenko expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for dialogue and noted the significant contribution of the Fund to strengthening children's health and creating conditions for their well-being. Welcoming the UN coordinator, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised that Turkmenistan, as an active member of the UN since the early years of independence, is systematically developing its partnership with the Organisation in a wide range of socially important areas. The parties discussed preparations for the international conference on the role of women in modern society: developing international cooperation for sustainable development, scheduled for December in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. It was noted that the forum is particularly relevant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status, enshrined in three UN General Assembly resolutions, and the 80th anniversary of the Organisation itself. Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasised that ‘Avaza’ has strengthened its status as a venue for major international meetings. As proof, he cited the high-level conference held in August and the Avaza Political Declaration adopted by the participants, which reflects the international community's support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and sustainable development. During the discussion, the role of women leaders actively involved in the country's development was emphasised, from public policy and business to social initiatives. Strengthening their status and promoting the principles of gender equality remain strategic objectives reflected in the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the state's international commitments. It was noted separately that Turkmenistan initiated the creation of the Central Asian Women's Dialogue, a regional platform aimed at developing women's participation in ensuring peace, security and sustainable growth. The project was implemented with the assistance of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy and UNDP.