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Turkmenistan and China pool expertise in protecting desert routes
05.01.2026Turkmen and Chinese scientists have strengthened cooperation in the study of desert areas as part of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are focusing on China's experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the motorway through the Taklamakan Desert, which is over 560 km long and protected by an artificial forest belt covering an area of over 3,000 hectares. The ecosystem of 20 million drought-resistant plants prevents sand drift and is supported by electrified wells with mineralised water. The project is recognised by the international community and contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and the application of technologies for growing cistanche on saxaul. The similarity of desert conditions with the Karakum Desert makes the exchange of experience particularly useful for Turkmenistan, which sees cooperation as a contribution to the development of sustainable ecosystems and the creation of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's capital discusses motto for 2026
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ was held at the Centre for Public Organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ It is noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ symbolises the country’s striving for new achievements and is associated with the Year of the Horse in the Eastern calendar, as well as the special role of Ahal-Teke horses in national culture. Within the framework of the event, an exhibition of decorative and applied arts with samples of horse equipment and jewellery was held, emphasising the continuity of traditions and the country's modern development. Participants also highlighted the social orientation of state policy in the areas of improving living standards, science and education.
Turkmenistan enacts law on virtual assets
05.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the law ‘On Virtual Assets’ came into force in Turkmenistan, legalising the crypto market and establishing requirements for mining and trading digital assets. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Regulation is entrusted to the Central Bank, which is responsible for licensing and operating rules. Financial transparency is monitored by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while technical issues — internet stability and electricity consumption — are overseen by the relevant departments. Mining is recognised as a type of entrepreneurial activity: to operate legally, it is necessary to register with the regulator, comply with energy consumption standards and use certified equipment. Crypto assets have been granted the status of civil rights objects, but cannot be used instead of the manat in settlements. Citizens are only allowed to mine through individual entrepreneurs with mandatory income declaration, and the state is not liable for any losses. Foreign investors are provided with legal protection, access to licensed exchanges, and clear rules within the framework of FATF standards. The key provisions of the law prohibit illegal mining, require income to be declared, and open the market to foreign players, subject to compliance with data security and localisation requirements.
The Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat hosted a celebration of Father's Day
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to Father's Day was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, students and teachers of the centre, residents of the capital, representatives of the public and the media, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Father's Day is a national holiday in Iran and is timed to coincide with the birthday of Hazrat Ali. It is celebrated as a day of respect for the head of the family. During the event, it was emphasised that the peoples of Iran and Turkmenistan are linked by common historical roots and similar values, including respect for parents, generational continuity and the preservation of family traditions. The festive programme included poetry readings, humorous skits and songs in Farsi, Turkmen, Russian and English. Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani thanked the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy for organising the event and noted the spiritual significance of the holiday. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Advisor to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasised that in Turkmenistan's culture, the role of the father also occupies an important place and is based on national traditions of respect for parents and the older generation.
Turkmenistan to participate in Caspian Region Transport Forum
05.01.2026On 15–16 April 2026, Astrakhan will host the 5th International Forum ‘Transport Logistics of the Caspian Region 2025.’ The agenda includes the development of the ‘North–South’ corridor and coordination of actions between the Caspian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. Special attention will be paid to issues of cross-border cooperation, simplification of document flow and settlements with Central Asian countries, as well as increasing the throughput capacity of ports and the railway network. Participation in the forum is of practical importance for Turkmenistan. The country is developing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and land routes within the ‘North-South’ corridor. Discussions with Caspian partners will allow for the synchronisation of logistics solutions and the strengthening of transit potential. The forum programme consists of two stages. Business visits to logistics facilities in the Astrakhan region are scheduled for 15 April. A plenary session with representatives of ports, shipping companies, railway operators and investors will be held on 16 April.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages on the occasion of the New Year 2026 from foreign leaders. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq sent New Year's greetings to the Head of State. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his wishes. In addition, a congratulatory letter was received from Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Fahd Al-Said. In his message, he expressed his wishes for health and well-being to the President of Turkmenistan and for progress and prosperity to the Turkmen people, noting his intention to continue developing friendly relations between the countries.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his anniversary
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development of Turkmen-German relations and confirmed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier good health and success in his public service for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Switzerland
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to Guy Parmelin on his inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted this event and expressed his wishes for good health, personal well-being and success in his new position in the interests of the further development and prosperity of the Swiss Confederation.
Ashgabat to host international textile industry exhibition
04.01.2026From 4 to 6 June, Ashgabat will host the international exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo-2026’. The event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition will cover a wide range of areas, including textile equipment, natural fibre processing, clothing and footwear manufacturing, home textiles, spare parts and auxiliary materials. Chemicals and dyes, accessories, fittings and the latest technologies, including industry know-how, will also be presented. The exhibition will serve as a platform for demonstrating the potential of Turkmenistan's textile industry and strengthening international cooperation. Participants and guests will be able to learn about innovative developments, establish business contacts and discuss prospects for joint projects and further cooperation in the industry.
Turkmenistan and EIB make progress in negotiations on framework agreement
04.01.2026Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Division for Central Asia, announced progress in negotiations on a Framework Agreement with Turkmenistan, which could pave the way for the EIB to start operating in the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In addition, E. Bumsteinas noted that the EIB has named 2025 as a key year for the development of EU cooperation with Central Asian countries and announced its intention to increase its activity in the region in 2026. In 2025, the bank increased its financing of projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure, digital connectivity and climate resilience as part of the Global Gateway initiative. In 2026, the bank plans to open its first regional office in Tashkent. The EIB also emphasised the strategic importance of Central Asia for the EU in terms of transport connectivity, energy security and climate policy.
Turkmenistan approves new procedure for registering refugees
04.01.2026The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan has approved an updated procedure for registering and recording persons who have applied for refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as those who have already been granted such status. This was reported by IIC. According to the new requirements, foreign citizens entering the country with the specified status are required to undergo migration registration within three working days of crossing the border. Registration is carried out at the place of permanent or temporary residence, subject to the availability of supporting documents. The document also provides for the introduction of a state information system for migration registration. The system will collect and store personal and biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. A separate set of rules concerns the obligations of the host party — hotels, medical institutions and other organisations. They are required to inform the migration authorities of the arrival and departure of foreign citizens no later than within 24 hours. For cases of mass arrival of persons in emergency situations, a simplified mechanism for registration at temporary accommodation points has been established, followed by migration registration for a period of up to three months. It is noted that the new procedure has been developed in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Refugees’ and is aimed at improving the efficiency of the migration control and registration system.
Midfielder for the Turkmenistan national team transferred to FC ‘Arkadag’
03.01.202625-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev of the Turkmenistan national team has officially become a player for the ‘Arkadag’ football club. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Last season, M. Diniyev played for Kyrgyzstan's ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’, based in Kara-Balta. He played 12 matches and scored two goals. The player's market value is estimated at €150,000. It is worth noting that in the 1/8 finals of the AFC Champions League 2, ‘Arkadag’ football club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, which includes world stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
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