News
Ashgabat became a platform for high-level dialogue on medical diplomacy
20.02.2026A three-day forum on diplomacy in global health has concluded in the capital of Turkmenistan as part of the WHO's ‘AHEAD’ initiative. The event brought together leaders of international organisations, diplomats and experts from the CIS countries and Turkey and was the first significant event under the auspices of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, which has been declared the Year of Health Protection. This was reported by IIC. The forum's programme covered issues of governance in humanitarian crises, climate security and the fight against non-communicable diseases. Particular attention was paid to the development of negotiation skills and strategic communications. The interactive format allowed specialists from different generations to jointly develop approaches to strengthening the links between health care and foreign policy. The leadership of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations highly appreciated Turkmenistan's strategic role in promoting preventive diplomacy. It was noted that Ashgabat's policy of positive neutrality creates a reliable basis for regional cooperation. The country's concept views health security as a key element of global stability, where sustainable health systems and pandemic preparedness play a crucial role. The ‘AHEAD’ initiative has shown that medical diplomacy is an effective tool for building trust between states. Forum participants who received official certificates emphasised the importance of the Ashgabat platform for forming new international partnerships. The successful dialogue confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and international solidarity in ensuring a secure future.
Turkmenistan delegation held a series of meetings in Turkey as part of Cinema Days
20.02.2026From 16 to 18 February, as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in the Republic of Turkey, a delegation from Turkmenistan held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian dialogue and expanding cooperation in the fields of cinema, television and art. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On 16 February, a meeting was held at the TURKSOY headquarters between a delegation led by the Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, A. Shamyradov, and the Secretary General of the organisation, S. Raev. The parties discussed issues of deepening partnership and implementing joint projects to promote common cultural heritage. On 17 February, the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan held negotiations with Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. During the talks, the prospects for developing cooperation in the film industry, theatre and music, as well as opportunities for implementing educational programmes and creative exchanges were discussed. On 18 February, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, A. Kakayev, met with the Vice-Rector of Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, Barish Demirci. The parties discussed establishing academic contacts, conducting master classes and internships for students and specialists in creative fields. During the visit, members of the delegation laid flowers at the monument to Magtymguly Pyragy, located in the ‘Turkmenistan’ Park in Ankara. During the ceremony, the significance of the poet's literary heritage for world culture was emphasised. During the meetings, the Turkmen side also informed its partners about the priority areas of Turkmenistan's state policy and key international events in 2026, which will be held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan outlined its priorities for transport digitalisation at the UNECE session
20.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Annayev, is participating in the 88th session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, which is being held in Geneva. This was reported by the IIC. The session is being held under the theme of developing innovations in the future of inland transport and is dedicated to issues of digitalisation, automation, infrastructure modernisation and the sustainability of international transport systems. As part of the high-level segment, ministerial discussions were held on the implementation of intelligent transport solutions and the strengthening of international transport connectivity. The Head of the Turkmen delegation noted that the digital transformation of transport is a strategic priority for the country, emphasising the development of electronic document management, intergovernmental data exchange and the formation of the ‘North-South’ and ‘West-East’ digital corridors. Cooperation with the UNECE in the field of multimodal transport and automated data exchange was also highlighted. The session is attended by representatives of transport agencies, international organisations, business and the expert community. The forum will continue until 20 February 2026.
Turkmenistan is hosting National Film Week
19.02.2026On 16 February, National Film Week, organised by the Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association, opened in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. On the first day of the event, screenings took place at three of the city's main cinemas. The ‘Ashgabat’ cinema showed the feature film ‘Gyzyl Alma’ (‘Red Apple’) by director Hekim Alovov, which tells the story of the blossoming of sincere feelings between Mergen and Alma, which change their destinies and emphasise their loyalty to national ideals. The ‘Watan’ cinema and concert centre presented the short film ‘Yaşlar’ (‘Young People’) by Isgendermuhammet Annamuhammedov. The film reflects the first feelings of young people, touches on the upbringing of the younger generation and promotes national wedding traditions, emphasising the importance of family values and a healthy lifestyle.
The US Ambassador described Turkmen diplomats as exemplary professionals
19.02.2026The Ambassador of the United States of America to Turkmenistan, Elizabeth Rood, congratulated Turkmen diplomats on their professional holiday, noting their contribution to strengthening peace and developing friendly relations with other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Diplomat emphasised that the skills and abilities of diplomatic workers help build bridges and overcome borders. E. Rood also highly appreciated the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States, emphasising the joint work of diplomats on economic projects and regional security issues. In conclusion, the Ambassador thanked her Turkmen colleagues and the staff of the American Embassy in Ashgabat for their daily contribution to the development of international relations.
Gas production in Turkmenistan reached 76.5 billion cubic metres in 2025
19.02.2026In 2025, natural gas production in Turkmenistan amounted to 76.5 billion cubic metres, and oil production amounted to 8.38 million tonnes. These figures were presented by the Chairman of the State Committee for Statistics, Dovletgeldi Amanmuhammedov, at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Compared to 2024, there was an increase in the production of petroleum products: diesel fuel, petrol, kerosene, petroleum bitumen and liquefied hydrocarbon gases. Significant growth was also recorded in the building materials and metallurgy industries, with a substantial increase in the production of cement and metal products. In the food industry, there was an increase in the production of confectionery, sausage products, pasta and butter. In the textile industry, the production of cotton yarn and fabrics increased. Positive dynamics were observed in the transport and telecommunications sectors: the volume of freight and passenger traffic, as well as communication services, increased. In agriculture, there was an increase in the production of vegetables, melons, potatoes, eggs and milk compared to the previous year.
Turkmenistan participated in a forum on reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector
19.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the annual conference on the implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Methane Partnership in the Oil and Gas Sector, which was held in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation included representatives of the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the implementation of measurable reporting and the reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector in accordance with the requirements of the Gold Standard. The conference was attended by representatives of more than 150 companies, accounting for over 42% of global oil and gas production, as well as government and academic partners. During the event, the Turkmen side held bilateral meetings with representatives of the World Bank and UNEP, where, in particular, a grant project to create a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions was discussed.
Turkmen cinema receives international recognition in Ankara
19.02.2026On 17 February, the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre in Ankara hosted a screening and award ceremony for the film ‘The Composer’ as part of the Days of Turkmen Cinema in Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Composer Kerim Berdimuhamedov was awarded the special ‘Winged Golden Steed’ award for the film's musical score. His work was highly praised by film industry professionals, critics and the international cultural community. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship received the ‘Grand Winged Falcon’ award for its contribution to the creation of the film. The ceremony emphasised the importance of public organisations' participation in the development of national culture and support for filmmakers. The awards were presented by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. The Turkmen side was represented by Minister of Culture A. Shamyradov, who expressed gratitude for the high appreciation of the work of Turkmen filmmakers and noted the contributions of the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in supporting cinema at the national level. During the ceremony, it was noted that modern Turkmen cinema preserves national traditions and at the same time actively integrates into the international cultural space, participates in the exchange of experience and contributes to world cinema.
Turkmenistan reaffirms its role as a strategic partner of the WHO
19.02.2026The international seminar ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’ kicked off at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in the capital. The forum confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of positive neutrality and humanism and created a platform for coordinating the efforts of the international community, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age.’ The participants paid particular attention to the speech by Oxana Domenti, Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) AHEAD programme at the European Union. According to her, Turkmenistan is now an active participant in global processes and is consistently promoting the objectives of medical diplomacy at both regional and international levels. The expert noted the country's key achievements: the Ashgabat Declaration aimed at combating non-communicable diseases and initiatives at the UN, including the promotion of International Bicycle Day. She also emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS and the country's participation in the development of five key WHO priorities for the European region. Oxana Domenti called the seminar in Ashgabat a contribution to the development of global medicine and expressed confidence that its results would form the basis for new joint projects under the auspices of the WHO.
A meeting on preparations for the Year of International Law was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
19.02.2026On 18 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held the first consultative meeting on the implementation of the Action Plan for 2026 for the preparation and conduct of the Year of International Law in 2028. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, general information was presented on the developed Action Plan, which had previously been reviewed at a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The document provides for a set of organisational and methodological, scientific and practical, educational, international, and information and communication activities. It was noted that the initiative to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law was put forward by the President of Turkmenistan at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The Action Plan covers five key areas: organisational preparation, holding international scientific and practical conferences, implementing educational and awareness-raising initiatives, organising international and bilateral events, and supporting youth and scientific projects. Particular attention is paid to strengthening international law as the basis for global peace, trust and sustainable development, as well as unlocking the potential of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as an important political and legal instrument for maintaining stability and cooperation. As part of the information support, a special section dedicated to the Year of International Law will be created on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and extensive explanatory work will be carried out in the national and foreign media. The meeting confirmed the readiness of the relevant ministries and departments for active interdepartmental cooperation.
Turkmen hockey players advance to the semi-finals of the U18 World Junior Championship
19.02.2026Turkmen hockey players have advanced to the semi-finals of the 27th U18 World Junior Championship in Division III Group B, which is being held in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The decision on the team's advancement was made based on the results of the final games of the group stage, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Earlier, the semi-finalists were determined ahead of schedule in groups A and B – the national teams of Iceland and Thailand. Four teams competed for the remaining two spots: Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, Turkmenistan and Luxembourg. In the final round, South Africa beat Luxembourg 7-3, which secured the latter's last place in Group B and allowed the Turkmen team to advance to the semi-finals, taking second place. Thus, the semifinals will feature Thailand vs. Turkmenistan and Iceland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners will play for a spot in Division III Group A, while the losers will determine the bronze medalist. The U18 Championship, held under the auspices of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in Group B Division III, is the seventh strongest tournament among the six teams with the lowest rankings.
Turkmenistan's digital transformation programme comes into action
19.02.2026In the International Year of Peace and Trust, marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, key documents were adopted for the further development of the country's digital economy. Among them is the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028.’ This was reported by TDH. The document defines priority areas: the development of digital infrastructure, e-government, digital education and medicine, financial technologies, data transmission networks and international cooperation. The concept takes into account international standards and national interests, as well as modernises the legal framework and stimulates investment. The concept continues the work begun by the ‘Concept for 2019-2025’. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of introducing digital systems into the economy and developing e-government. In January 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy and the Action Plan for its implementation. The main objectives of the programme are to improve the quality of public services, develop entrepreneurship, introduce information and communication technologies, and create a unified digital ecosystem. The plan includes the development of 4G and 5G networks and digital infrastructure in cities, including the ‘smart city’ of Arkadag, where modern digital services and medical systems are already in operation. The documents provide for the introduction of artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), the creation of a national AI strategy, support for start-ups and the training of IT specialists. There are plans to develop e-commerce, digital financial services, automate public services and industry, and introduce digital platforms in agriculture, transport and healthcare. An important part of the programme is ensuring information and cyber security, increasing the digital literacy of the population and training specialists to work with modern technologies. There are also plans for active international cooperation, attracting investment and exchanging experience with foreign partners. The implementation of the Concept and the State Programme is aimed at increasing the efficiency of economic sectors, developing innovative technologies and creating conditions for the sustainable socio-economic development of the country.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
