News
A modern oil products terminal has been launched in Turkmenistan
03.02.2026The modern port of Turkmenbashi plays an important role in the development of Turkmenistan's oil refining industry and in ensuring the operation of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex (TOPC). This was reported by the IIC. As part of the expansion of the production and logistics infrastructure at the TOPC, a new berth No. 3 of the ‘Kenar’ enterprise has been put into operation, designed to load more than 2 million tonnes and unload more than 1 million tonnes of oil and oil products per year. The berth is equipped with modern automated equipment, safety and fire protection systems, which increases the reliability and efficiency of operations and contributes to the diversification of the country's export routes. The launch of the facility creates additional conditions for increasing processing volumes and consistent supplies of petroleum products to domestic and foreign markets.
Turkmen scientists receive awards at WYSII 2026 competition in Bangkok
03.02.2026Representatives of the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan received awards at the World Youth STEM Invention Innovation (WYSII 2026), which took place in Bangkok from 29 January to 2 February. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Patma Igdyrova, a trainee lecturer at the Department of Chemical Technology, spoke at the INTERACT 2026 International Conference, which was held as part of the forum. She presented her research on ‘Investigating Methods of Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Mandragora.’ As a result of her work, she was awarded two prizes: a Special Award in the field of education and training, the INTERACT 2026 Innovative Educator Award, and the Gold Award for the scientific significance of her research. Mekan Rozmyradov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, also took part in the competition. His scientific supervisor was Patma Igdyrova. His work on ‘Innovative Methods for Producing an Environmentally Friendly, Highly Sustainable Keratin-based Bioplastic Material’ was included in the TOP 5 in the ‘Ecology and Sustainable Development’ category. For this project, Mekan Rozmyradov was awarded a gold medal, the highest Special Award of the competition. The WYSII World Competition brings together young scientists and inventors from different countries every year and is considered one of the largest international platforms in the field of science and innovation.
Hero Arkadag: The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be a celebration for the people
03.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat as part of the AFC Champions League 2. During his visit to the stadium, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noted the importance of the upcoming match for the country and called for its organisation to be carried out at a high level, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘A victory for the team will be a great achievement, a draw will be a matter of chance, and any outcome of the match will be a celebration for the people and an incentive for new victories,’ said the Hero Arkadag. He also stressed the need for thorough preparation of the infrastructure, spectator stands and playing field, as well as coordination of all structures involved. The stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, was built for the 5th Asian Games in 2017 and will host its first official football match. The management must also ensure high-quality coverage of the event, an advertising campaign and conditions for the work of foreign media. The round of 16 matches will be played in two stages: the first in Ashgabat on 11 February and the second leg on 18 February in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the tie will play in the quarter-finals against the winner of the Al-Zawraa (Iraq) vs Al Wasl (UAE) tie.
Ashgabat celebrates the success of the ‘Galkynysh’ group at the Monte Carlo festival
03.02.2026The State Circus of Turkmenistan hosted a solemn celebration of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group of the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the international recognition of the group at the 48th Monte Carlo Circus Festival, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Watan’ news programme. The Turkmen delegation participated as guests of honour at the prestigious forum in the Principality of Monaco. At the end of the festival, ‘Galkynysh’ received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of world circus art. The celebrations began in the city of Arkadag and continued in Ashgabat. In the building of the International Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, the artists viewed the museum exhibits, after which they proceeded in a festive procession to the State Circus. At the solemn meeting, issues related to the popularisation of Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses and the expansion of their international fame were discussed. The ceremony became an important event of the year, which in Turkmenistan is held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
A record number of flamingos has been recorded on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea
03.02.2026The Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, with its wetlands, plays a key role in the migration, wintering and nesting of Eurasian waterbirds. In January, staff at the Hazar Reserve conducted their annual waterbird census. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The census revealed a record number of flamingos. The survey covered almost the entire water area of the Turkmen coast. Despite the drop in sea level and the reduction in the area of some wetlands, the weather conditions in January were favourable for birds. The total number of individuals recorded was 405,595, including 43 species and 4 species of unidentified identity. As usual, coots were the most numerous, with 179,904 individuals, followed by red-necked grebes (86,901) and mallards (30,772). Tufted ducks, red-crested pochards and various species of swans were also recorded. A particular success of the census was the 33,373 pink flamingos recorded, which is the best result in the history of observations. Continuing such census activities is important for the management of protected areas, the conservation of key ornithological zones and the confirmation of international Ramsar status.
Turkmen schoolchildren presented their paintings at an exhibition in Tokyo
02.02.2026Twenty-six young talents from Turkmenistan presented their works at the ‘Art Beyond Boundaries’ school art exhibition, which took place from 22 January to 1 February in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The works of Turkmen artists were presented on the country's thematic wall. The exhibition was organised by the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society in conjunction with the SUMI International Association. In addition, on 31 January, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo National Art Centre to present certificates of appreciation to the participants of the exhibition. The event was attended by representatives of foreign embassies in Japan, leaders of the ‘Japan-Eurasia’ Society, the SUMI International Association, artists and guests of the exhibition. At the end of the ceremony, all participants received certificates of appreciation.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Iran met with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute
02.02.2026On 29 January, Ilyas Gayipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with Muhammad Hassan, the newly appointed President of the ECO Cultural Institute. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting took place in Tehran on the premises of the university. During the negotiation process, the prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. In addition, the participants discussed the possibility of jointly organising events under the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan delegation promotes technology and business in Eswatini
02.02.2026Meetings were held in the Kingdom of Eswatini with the participation of a Turkmen business delegation led by the founder of the ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ holding company, Hydyrberdi Abdyrahmanov. The visit continued the agreements reached during last year's visit by King Mswati III to Ashgabat, reports AsmanNews. On 27 January, the delegation was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe. The high level of representatives underscored the strategic importance of the visit and the readiness to cooperate with Turkmen companies. On 29 January, a key meeting was held with the head of the Eswatini Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Savannah Maziya, who noted ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ as a strategic partner. Last year, the minister visited the Turkmen ICT and electronics holding's factory. Eswatini plans to become a regional innovation hub, and Turkmenistan's experience can contribute to digital transformation and job creation for young people. The Turkmen delegation was also received by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The parties discussed commercial contracts, including sugar purchases by the Turkmen side, which will strengthen the trade balance between the countries. The visit confirmed the successful implementation of the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations signed in August 2025. Joint work is focused on technology, the implementation of Turkmen IT solutions, the exchange of climate-resilient practices and the creation of conditions for private capital. The trip demonstrates the formation of a new ‘South-South’ cooperation axis and the positioning of Turkmenistan as an exporter of technology and industrial solutions.
Rasul Klychev will present the concert ‘Symphonic Pictures’ in Ashgabat
02.02.2026On 17 February, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Rasul Klychev, will present a concert entitled ‘Symphonic Pictures’ to Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The event will take place at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. The programme will feature well-known works by Russian composers: Modest Mussorgsky's ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, combining a variety of musical images and the mood of artistic works; Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic picture ‘The Three Wonders’ and symphonic suite ‘Scheherazade’, the third part of which is called ‘The Young Prince and Princess’; Anatoly Lyadov's symphonic picture ‘Baba Yaga’, based on Russian folklore and legends. The concert will allow the audience to hear vivid symphonic works, filled with characteristic imagery, colour and musical drama, which reveal the richness of orchestral sound.
Turkmen specialists achieve success at the ‘Atabay’ gas field
02.02.2026The oil and gas industry continues to develop actively in Turkmenistan, remaining one of the key sectors of the national economy. One of the significant achievements was the successful drilling of the ‘Atabay-1’ appraisal well at the ‘Atabay’ field in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, which is part of the Central Karakum gas-bearing region, reports AsmanNews. The well reached a design depth of 1,200 metres, and during exploration and testing of nine formations of the upper and lower Cretaceous period, eight were found to be gas-bearing. Particular attention was paid to the industrially significant inflow of environmentally friendly, sulphur-free natural gas with a flow rate of 284,000 cubic metres per day at a depth of 1,136-1,134 metres. It is planned to transfer the well to production management for commissioning, which will expand the supply of ‘blue fuel’ to consumers, strengthen the country's energy security and increase its export potential. The introduction of modern technology and equipment increases the efficiency of gas field development and confirms the consistent development of Turkmenistan's oil and gas and geological sectors.
Prospects for academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed
02.02.2026On 1 February, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, held a meeting with the President of Lusail University, Nitham Mohammed Hindi. This was reported by Orient. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between universities in the two countries and the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Lusail University and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. The meeting was also attended by Fatma Mansur Al-Mesleh, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Lusail University, and Adam Mohammed Ali Fadlallah, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The Ambassador provided information on Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy. He also announced that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and spoke about the international scientific conferences planned to mark the 35th anniversary of independence.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of CIS Ambassadors with Sergey Lavrov
02.02.2026On 27 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, took part in a meeting between Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ambassadors of CIS member states accredited in Moscow. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of executive bodies of other Eurasian organisations. During the conversation, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, key international issues were discussed and the results of multilateral cooperation for 2025 were summarised. The participants identified priority tasks for the near future: strengthening foreign policy coordination, developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as joint measures to ensure regional security.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
