News
Ashgabat will serve as a forum for discussing reforms in the field of gender equality
20.03.2026On 26–27 March 2026, Ashgabat will host a meeting of parliamentarians from Eastern Europe and Central Asia dedicated to strengthening the legislative framework on gender equality and the eradication of violence against women, reports IIC. The event is organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan Trust Fund (JTF). During the discussions, parliamentarians will discuss practical legal reforms to eliminate structural inequality and discriminatory norms. The promotion of the rights of women and girls is seen as a key element of sustainable and inclusive development in Central Asia. Parliamentarians play a vital role in bringing national laws into line with international standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. They also oversee the allocation of budgetary resources and monitor compliance with gender equality principles at all levels of government. The programme for the two-day event includes interactive sessions with parliamentarians, experts and activists, as well as field visits to government bodies, civil society organisations and healthcare facilities. The event will be conducted in English, Turkmen and Russian with simultaneous interpretation.
Turkmen businesses showcased new brands at the UIET exhibition
20.03.2026A major exhibition showcasing the achievements of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET) took place in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The exhibition featured an updated catalogue of private brands, including contact details, websites and profiles of the country’s leading entrepreneurs. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The exhibition showcased successes in the processing industry and food production. Private enterprises are equipped with modern machinery, supply the domestic market and are actively expanding into export markets. The brand catalogue demonstrates the technological innovation and competitiveness of Turkmen business. The growth in the number of private brands confirms that entrepreneurship has become one of the driving forces of the economy, capable of rapidly introducing innovations and adapting to global trends. The exhibition and the register of manufacturers reflect a new reality in which Turkmen brands are becoming a mark of quality both within the country and beyond its borders.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the ‘Equuleus’ equestrian centre in China
20.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the ‘Equuleus’ international equestrian complex during his visit to the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. He was met at the entrance by representatives of the Chinese Horse Breeding Association, the scientific community and the complex. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and cultural and humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and China. During the visit, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was shown the complex’s facilities, a horse parade and performances by racehorses. He also familiarised himself with Ahal-Teke horses, which are bred in China using Turkmen traditions. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited an exhibition dedicated to the role of the Ahal-Teke horse in world culture and met with members of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Chinese horse breeders. During the meeting, the significance of the Ahal-Teke breed as an element of cultural heritage and a symbol of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation was noted. The role of international cooperation in the development of horse breeding and the exchange of experience was emphasised. The National Leader of the Turkmen people invited the Chinese side to take part in events dedicated to the National Day of the Turkmen Horse and Turkmenistan’s Independence Day. At the conclusion of the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov departed for Turkmenistan. He was met by officials at the capital’s International Airport. The visit to the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and the expansion of cooperation in various fields.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan gave a lecture at the University of Leuven
20.03.2026A lecture entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ was held at the University of Leuven in Belgium, featuring Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, and Central Asia researcher Derya Soysal. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s development since gaining independence in 1991, emphasising its commitment to neutrality, equality and mutual respect in international relations. He noted the importance of national identity and the Turkmen language as the foundation of cultural unity and the preservation of historical memory. The motto and theme of the lecture symbolise the country’s strength and determination through the image of the Ahal-Teke horse. The students watched a video presentation on Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and achievements. Yuji Beleza shared his experience of language learning and the importance of intercultural communication, whilst Derya Soysal highlighted Central Asia’s growing role on the world stage and the importance of academic dialogue. The lecture took an interactive form with a lively discussion, after which participants sampled traditional Turkmen dishes. The event was noted as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering an interest in culture and forging future links between Turkmenistan and European youth.
The British Ambassador and a UNICEF representative praised inclusive education in Ashgabat
20.03.2026The British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, and UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74 in Ashgabat to learn about inclusive education practices and the adaptation of the school environment for children with disabilities. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, they met with the school administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education and specialists, discussed progress and challenges, and visited classrooms where teachers demonstrated the pupils’ learning and social development outcomes. The guests were invited to lessons featuring interactive tasks, exercises and dancing, where the children actively involved them in the process. The visit took place as part of the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Schools for Children with Disabilities in Turkmenistan’ project, funded by the UK Department for International Development, and highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers, families and partners in creating schools adapted to each child’s needs. UNICEF and international partners continue to support inclusive education in the country.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan hosted a lecture by a professor from the University of Oxford
19.03.2026On 14 March, a lecture was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with Professor Antonios Tzanakopoulos of the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The event was attended by lecturers and students from the university, according to the online news site TerraNews. During the lecture, the professor spoke about current developments in international law, discussed methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes and the role of international courts in maintaining global stability. Students asked questions about international humanitarian law and the specifics of studying at the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Law. Following the visit, Tzanakopoulos emphasised the importance of academic exchanges between universities for the development of cooperation and the training of specialists of international calibre.
An event was held in Turkmenistan to mark Turkey’s National Anthem Day
19.03.2026On 18 March, an event was held in Ashgabat to mark the Day of the Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem and the Day of Remembrance for Mehmet Akif Ersoy. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The ceremony took place at the Turkish Cultural Centre at the country’s Embassy. Participants honoured the memory of the fallen with a minute’s silence, after which the national anthems were played. Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech. During the programme, the military attaché, Colonel Sedat Kirmizi, presented a report on the events of the Battle of Gallipoli. A video about the life and creative legacy of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, prepared by Bekir Shirin, a representative of the Turkish Ministry of National Education, was also shown. A key element of the event was the performance of the oratorio ‘Çanakkale Zaferi’ (‘Victory at Çanakkale’). The programme concluded with an awards ceremony.
A Turkmen university held an online Olympiad in the discipline of ‘Strength of Materials’
19.03.2026On 18 March, the 5th Open International Online Olympiad in the subject of ‘Strength of Materials’ was held online at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction for students from universities in Turkmenistan and other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was attended by 877 students from a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, China, Russia, Turkey and Central Asian nations, as well as specialist universities in Turkmenistan. The competition consisted of a single round: participants solved six problems in 120 minutes, with their work assessed by lecturers from foreign universities. According to the organisers, such events contribute to the development of international educational cooperation, the exchange of experience and the identification of gifted students.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister
19.03.2026Turkmenistan has declared its support for four international initiatives proposed by China. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following a meeting with Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Ashgabat has also confirmed its readiness to actively participate in preparations for the third ‘China–Central’ Asia summit. Wang Yi, for his part, emphasised the importance of strengthening the traditionally friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries and the need to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that the high level of trust between the leadership of Turkmenistan and China serves as a solid foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral relations. The negotiations took place during the visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan was represented at the Nowruz celebrations in Tbilisi
19.03.2026On 17 March, large-scale celebrations were held in Tbilisi to mark International Nowruz Day, with the support of the city council. The festivities were attended by diplomatic missions from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey, as well as representatives of diaspora communities and cultural organisations, according to the news website Asmannews. The exhibition by the Embassy of Turkmenistan attracted particular interest: guests viewed works by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as traditional costumes, jewellery, carpets and souvenirs, as well as sampling national cuisine and exploring the themed stand. Nowruz, symbolising the renewal of nature and the beginning of new life, unites different cultures and strengthens mutual understanding. The celebrations concluded with a concert featuring national music and dance.
Delegates at ‘IFT 2026’ discussed the agro-industrial and energy sectors
19.03.2026On the sidelines of the ‘IFT 2026’ International Investment Forum, which brought together hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries, active efforts were made to strengthen international cooperation. The event served as a platform for dialogue and concrete solutions, reports IIC. Bilateral meetings were the central focus of the forum: 36 rounds of negotiations were held in B2B and B2G formats. The IFT platform brought together government bodies, the private sector of Turkmenistan and international financial institutions. Discussions centred on strategic economic directions. Particular attention was paid to the agro-industrial and fuel-energy sectors. Members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan discussed joint projects in construction, logistics and the textile industry. Cooperation with global financial institutions to support innovative initiatives was also considered. The main outcome of the forum was the signing of a package of agreements, which lays the foundation for long-term industrial and technological cooperation. The agreements are aimed at introducing modern technologies into production and expanding Turkmenistan’s export potential. The forum confirmed the steady growth in the country’s investment attractiveness, creating a platform for the region’s sustainable development.
Turkmenistan is launching a major digital transformation and AI development initiative
19.03.2026The Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, has announced the implementation of a large-scale digital transformation programme for the country. At the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’, he spoke about plans to build a national data centre, develop a state strategy in the field of artificial intelligence, and establish a specialised AI Development Centre based at the ‘Türkmentelekom’ State Enterprise, reports Turkmenportal. The digital transformation is being carried out as part of the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. The programme covers the introduction of 5G technologies, cloud services, big data, the Internet of Things and fintech, as well as the modernisation of e-government, telemedicine and distance learning. Pilot projects utilising artificial intelligence are already being implemented in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. At the same time, construction of the second phase of the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag is continuing, using cutting-edge digital solutions, and IT centres are being established in both the capital and Arkadag. Hudayguliyev reported on negotiations with major foreign internet platforms regarding the development of e-commerce and called on foreign investors to invest in Turkmenistan’s digital infrastructure, noting that this is one of the most effective ways to modernise the telecommunications sector.
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