News
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania organised a football match
22.09.2026On 19 September 2026, a friendly football match featuring members of the diplomatic corps took place in Romania. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. The match was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, according to the IIC. Before the match, participants were briefed on Turkmenistan’s achievements since independence in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The country’s foreign policy, based on the principles of neutrality and equal cooperation, was also outlined. Particular attention was paid to state policy on the development of mass sport and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Representatives of the diplomatic corps took part in the friendly match. The match took place in an atmosphere of sporting rivalry, mutual respect and teamwork. The organisers highlighted the importance of such events for the development of sports diplomacy and the strengthening of international partnerships.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the development of cooperation
22.09.2026On 21 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova and the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union, as well as the prospects for their further development and current areas of cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as to issues on the international and regional agenda. During the meeting, organisational matters relating to the holding of joint events and further cooperation at the bilateral level and in international forums were also discussed. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and to maintain regular contacts on issues of mutual interest.
The Turkmen startup ‘SalamMotion’ has reached the final of the Startup World Cup 2026
21.09.2026On 19 September, the national selection round for the Startup World Cup 2026 international competition took place in Ashgabat. The winner was the start-up ‘SalamMotion’, which has developed a service for creating video content using artificial intelligence. The project will represent Turkmenistan in the competition’s final in the US, according to the Orient news agency. The final will take place on 4–6 November in San Francisco. More than 200 teams from around the world will take part. The top prize is US$1 million. A total of 51 applications were submitted to the competition. Twelve projects made it through to the pitch battle, where they presented their ideas in English. The judging panel included representatives from the BIZANGEL Business Angels Club and the US Embassy in Turkmenistan. The audience choice award went to the start-up ‘Elkitap’. Over 150 guests attended the event, including Kristin Hawkins, the US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Turkmenistan. Bill Reichert, Chief Evangelist at Startup World Cup and partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures, delivered a video message. The national selection round was organised by StartUp Academy, Turkmenistan’s first private start-up accelerator and the official regional partner of the Pegasus Tech Ventures fund.
The customs service’s digital solutions were showcased at an exhibition in Ashgabat
21.09.2026From 17 to 19 September 2026, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted an Exhibition of Economic Achievements to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan presented a technology pavilion at the exhibition, dedicated to the modernisation of the customs system and the digitalisation of trade procedures, according to the press office of the agency. The exhibition featured the ‘Single Window’ electronic system and the electronic GPS monitoring system for transit freight. Interactive panels demonstrated how these technologies can speed up customs procedures, enhance the transparency of controls and enable real-time tracking of consignments. Joint projects with international partners were also showcased. The pavilion featured a consultation area where visitors could obtain information on customs clearance and business support services. The exhibition highlighted the State Customs Service’s activities aimed at developing the country’s transit and logistics potential and facilitating international trade.
Turkmenistan is laying the foundations for new sporting achievements
21.09.2026The development of physical education and sport in Turkmenistan is one of the key priorities of state policy. The country places particular emphasis on creating the conditions for participation in sport, training the next generation of athletes, developing professional sport and enhancing the international competitiveness of the national teams. As part of efforts to achieve these objectives, sports infrastructure, specialised schools and training centres are being developed, and opportunities are being created to host competitions and train qualified specialists. Work with young people holds a special place. Sports competitions are regularly held amongst school pupils, students and young athletes. Representatives from all regions of the country take part in these, which helps to broaden the sporting base and identify promising athletes. The development of student sport is also regarded as an important component of training the next generation of athletes. In 2026, the international results achieved by Turkmen athletes continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of this system. In the first seven months alone, the national teams won 471 medals at international competitions. In the months that followed, the athletes continued to compete in continental and world events, adding to the country’s medal tally. Moreover, the geographical scope and diversity of these achievements span a wide range of disciplines. Turkmen athletes perform successfully in combat sports, weightlifting and athletics, chess, boxing, wrestling and other sports. A significant proportion of these results are achieved by members of the younger generation, which testifies to the development of the sports talent development system. At the same time, the system for training coaches, referees and other specialists is being improved. International seminars and training courses are regularly held in Turkmenistan, focusing on modern training methods, competition rules, refereeing and the organisation of sporting events. Representatives of the country also take part in specialist training programmes abroad. This helps to improve the qualifications of staff and to integrate international standards into the national sports system. International cooperation is also of great importance. Turkmen national teams take part in competitions at various levels, whilst national federations collaborate with international and regional sports organisations. Such cooperation enables athletes to gain experience of competing at major international events, and allows specialists to exchange professional knowledge and best practices. The sports infrastructure is also being developed. Sports facilities, training grounds and specialised institutions are being modernised across the country. The creation of modern training conditions is accompanied by the development of medical and diagnostic support for athletes. Taken together, this creates the necessary environment for the systematic training of athletes. A separate element of state support is the provision of financial incentives for sporting achievements. Athletes and their coaches receive state awards and cash incentives for outstanding results at international competitions. Preparation for the major international competitions of the upcoming Olympic cycle remains a key priority. Turkmen athletes are training in athletics, weightlifting, boxing, judo, swimming, para-powerlifting, and freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Thus, Turkmenistan’s modern sports system is developing along several interrelated lines simultaneously. Mass participation and youth sport build up a pool of talent, specialised training ensures the development of skills, international competitions provide athletes with the necessary experience, whilst the personnel training system and state incentives create additional conditions for achieving high results. It is precisely this combination of factors that enables Turkmenistan to steadily expand its presence on the international sporting stage and to nurture a new generation of athletes capable of representing the country at the major continental and world competitions.
Uzbek entrepreneurs have shown interest in ‘LORS’ refrigerators from Turkmenistan
21.09.2026The ‘Gyrawly suw’ business association from the Mary velayat showcased refrigerators under the ‘LORS’ trademark at the Exhibition of Economic Achievements. The exhibition is being held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The company manufactures seven types of refrigeration equipment that meet international standards. The models vary in capacity and colour, with options featuring solid or glass doors. The appliances can be used both at home and in retail outlets for storing and displaying products. According to Akmuhammet Bayhanov, a representative of the ‘Gyrawly suw’ company, the company was the first in the country to establish production of refrigerators under the ‘LORS’ brand. ‘Since the launch, we have been striving to meet the domestic market’s demand for high-quality appliances,’ he said. Participation in the exhibition helped the company strengthen its position, find new partners and showcase its latest products to its compatriots. Entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan expressed an interest in wholesale supplies and reviewed the terms of purchase. To expand exports, the company plans to increase production to 300–400 units per month. Due to growing demand for shop refrigerators, the company intends to produce 10–20 such units per day. The company was founded in 2025. The factory is equipped with digital machinery from China and Iran. Leading specialists have undergone training abroad to automate production processes. Some of the chemical components are imported. The company sources polypropylene for the casings and insulating foam from local manufacturers. This reduces the production cost. Wholesale customers are offered a three-year warranty on all products.
New healthcare facilities are set to open in time for the professional holiday
20.09.2026On 18 September, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Mammedov reported on preparations for events to mark Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. As part of the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, an additional complex of buildings at the ‘Arçman’ sanatorium in the Baherden etrap of the Ahal velayat is scheduled to be commissioned in October. In Ashgabat, the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Oncology, the International Centre for Paediatrics and the Dental Centre will be opened. The professional holiday will also be marked by the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ and other events. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the relevant proposal to the Head of State. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that preparations be made for the exhibition and conference, and that opening ceremonies be organised for the new medical facilities.
Turkmenistan will be represented by 34 athletes at the Asian Games in Japan
20.09.2026The 20th Asian Summer Games, the continent’s largest sporting event, will get underway on 19 September in Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony will take place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The competitions will run from 19 September to 4 October 2026. In addition to Aichi and Nagoya, individual events will be hosted by Tokyo, Osaka, and the prefectures of Shizuoka and Gifu. In the run-up to the opening, a three-day welcome ceremony for the national delegations was held, featuring the raising of national flags and the playing of national anthems. On the final day, the flags were raised for the delegations from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Thailand, Kazakhstan and the Philippines. Turkmenistan will be represented at the Games by 34 athletes. They will compete in eight of the 43 sports included in the programme: freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, wushu, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, kurash, athletics and karate-do.
Turkmenistan took part in the UN Regional Seminar in Tokyo
20.09.2026Turkmenistan took part in a United Nations regional seminar held in Tokyo on 16–17 September 2026. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event focused on youth empowerment, digital resilience, strategic communications and strengthening the rule of law in Central Asia. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan. The seminar was also attended by representatives from Central Asian states and Japan, as well as international organisations, youth groups and expert communities. Participants discussed topical issues relating to regional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Central Asian Network for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CAPVE). They also discussed the further development of regional cooperation and the strengthening of ties between government bodies, youth organisations, the expert community and international partners. Participants noted the importance of joint efforts and the exchange of experience for sustainable development, empowering young people and strengthening cooperation in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan’s foreign policy combines neutrality with international partnership
20.09.2026Turkmenistan consistently pursues a foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, peacefulness, dialogue on an equal footing and mutually beneficial cooperation. Its key priorities include strengthening good-neighbourly relations, developing multilateral diplomacy, expanding economic and humanitarian ties, and participating in the resolution of pressing regional and global issues. The distinctive feature of this model lies in combining a consistent approach to international security issues with openness to broad cooperation. Neutrality, in this context, is regarded as the foundation of the foreign policy course, enabling the maintenance of relations with states, international organisations and various regional associations. Permanent neutrality occupies a central place in Turkmenistan’s foreign policy framework. Its significance extends beyond merely refraining from participation in military blocs and conflicts. Neutral status defines the country’s overall diplomatic style — a focus on political and diplomatic methods, respect for the sovereignty of states and the search for mutually acceptable solutions. In UN documents, Turkmenistan’s neutral status is also viewed in the context of its peace-loving foreign policy and its participation in international efforts to strengthen stability. One of the key pillars of its foreign policy is active participation in multilateral diplomacy. Cooperation with international organisations, including the United Nations, plays a particularly important role in this regard. For Turkmenistan, the UN platform enables it to simultaneously promote its own initiatives and participate in discussions on issues of universal significance. These include international security, preventive diplomacy, sustainable development, international law, the environmental and energy agenda, transport connectivity and humanitarian cooperation. Preventive diplomacy takes on particular significance in this context. For a state maintaining neutral status, conflict prevention, maintaining dialogue and creating conditions for negotiations are key areas of diplomatic activity. Central Asia occupies a special place in foreign policy. The regional approach involves the development of good-neighbourly relations, the expansion of economic and humanitarian ties, and the joint resolution of cross-border issues. These include transport, energy, water resources, the environment, and trade and economic cooperation. At the same time, regional diplomacy is not limited solely to relations between the states of Central Asia. Formats for the region’s interaction with other states and organisations are being developed. This model makes it possible to align Central Asia’s interests with broader economic and political processes in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. Economic cooperation also occupies an important place in Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. The development of trade links, the attraction of investment, the implementation of infrastructure projects and the expansion of business contacts are regarded as key areas of international cooperation. Energy cooperation is of particular importance. The energy sector is viewed not only as a means of exporting resources, but also as an area for long-term international partnership, technological cooperation and ensuring the sustainability of energy systems. The environmental dimension of energy diplomacy is also gradually expanding. The agenda includes energy efficiency, resource-saving technologies, renewable energy sources and the search for new avenues of energy cooperation. Turkmenistan’s geographical location lends particular significance to transport diplomacy. The country views the development of transport links as an opportunity to expand international economic cooperation and enhance regional connectivity. Transport projects have the potential to link Central Asian markets with other parts of the Eurasian space. Consequently, the development of rail, road, maritime and multimodal routes is viewed within the broader context of international trade. Here, foreign policy and economic interests intersect directly. The development of transport infrastructure simultaneously strengthens transit potential, expands trade opportunities and contributes to the development of regional ties. The foreign policy agenda also includes a humanitarian dimension. Cultural, educational and scientific ties enable the formation of long-term contacts between societies and the strengthening of mutual understanding. Through educational exchanges, scientific cooperation, cultural programmes and international dialogues, an additional level of diplomacy is formed, one that is not limited to inter-state relations. In this context, humanitarian diplomacy serves to bring societies closer together in the long term. It creates channels of interaction capable of enduring regardless of changes in the international landscape. The approach to international law deserves special attention. For a neutral state, compliance with universally recognised norms and principles of international law is of particular importance, as it is precisely legal mechanisms that enable relations to be built on the basis of sovereign equality and predictability. Hence Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening international legal mechanisms, developing legal dialogue and enhancing the role of diplomatic means of dispute resolution. Turkmenistan’s foreign policy also takes into account new areas of international cooperation. These include digitalisation, artificial intelligence, new energy technologies and environmental security. These areas are taking an increasingly prominent place on the international agenda alongside security issues, as well as technological, climate and socio-economic matters. Participation in these processes creates an opportunity to combine national priorities with international initiatives. At the same time, the fundamental principle remains: promoting cooperation through dialogue and multilateral mechanisms. Overall, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy encompasses several levels of engagement. The first relates to bilateral relations with individual states. The second area relates to regional cooperation. The third involves participation in the activities of international organisations. The fourth area is the development of economic, humanitarian and environmental ties, which complement traditional diplomacy. Consequently, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy represents a model in which neutrality is combined with active international engagement. Its key elements are political and diplomatic dialogue, good neighbourliness, multilateralism, international law, economic interdependence and humanitarian cooperation. It is precisely the combination of these elements that shapes foreign policy as a comprehensive system geared towards preserving the independence of the country’s foreign policy course, expanding international cooperation and creating favourable conditions for the country’s long-term development.
TIF 2026 will bring together representatives from over 200 foreign companies
20.09.2026The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) will take place on 1–2 October at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. Representatives from more than 200 foreign companies from over 40 countries will attend, according to Arzuw.news, citing the online publication ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The business programme comprises eight thematic sessions focusing on the oil and gas and chemical industries, energy, construction, transport and logistics, trade and agribusiness, cooperation with international financial institutions, innovation and the ‘green’ transition. Negotiations between company representatives are scheduled to take place as part of the forum. Participants will be able to view the list of delegates and send requests for meetings via the TIF 2026 mobile app. Among the confirmed participants are companies from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Germany and other countries. The oil and gas sector is represented by ‘TotalEnergies’, ‘Dragon Oil’, ‘ADNOC’, ‘Siemens Energy’, ‘MHI’ and ‘Tatneft’. International financial organisations and banks, including the World Bank, the IFC, the Asian Development Bank, the EBRD and the Islamic Development Bank, will also take part in the forum. Registration for participants will remain open until 22 September.
A forum of the Association with the participation of foreign diasporas was held in Turkmenistan
20.09.2026A forum of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen Worldwide was held at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan. Delegates from all regions of the country and representatives of overseas diasporas took part, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Following the performance of the national anthem, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Rejep Bazarov, read out a welcoming address from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The delegates heard a report on the work carried out and discussed the Organisation’s objectives. Representatives of overseas branches from Germany, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey spoke about supporting their compatriots and preserving their native language and traditions abroad. Outstanding members of the Association were presented with certificates of honour. The forum concluded with a message of gratitude addressed to the President of Turkmenistan. Before the event began, participants laid flowers at the Monument to Independence of Turkmenistan. An exhibition of national heritage was presented in the foyer, featuring museum artefacts and works by masters of applied arts.
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