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Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed cooperation in the media sector
19.08.2026On 18 August 2026, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, M. Seyitmammedov, met with the Executive Director of the Qatar Media Corporation, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the media sector. Particular attention was paid to collaboration between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and the Qatar Media Corporation, as well as to the exchange of expertise. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the main directions of Turkmenistan’s foreign and domestic policies, spoke about the country’s achievements and the international events being held to mark the 35th anniversary of state independence. The parties also emphasised the importance of reciprocal visits by high-level delegations and participation in international forums and academic conferences.
Turkmenistan and Finland are developing cooperation in the digital sector
19.08.2026Representatives from the International University for the Humanities and Development are taking part in a study visit to Helsinki, which is taking place from 17 to 22 August as part of the European Union’s regional project ‘Connectivity for Central Asia’ (C4CA). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of the Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Finnish Institute of Public Administration (HAUS). The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and foster cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, communication technologies and digital infrastructure. During the visit, N. Shikhlyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, discussed areas of cooperation and joint initiatives in the fields of education and science with the project leaders. The parties agreed to implement part of the project at the International University for the Humanities and Development. The participants also examined Finland’s experience in the fields of digital development, e-infrastructure and the implementation of digital solutions in higher education and public administration.
The MFA of Turkmenistan discussed the development of Turkmen-Iranian relations
19.08.2026On 18 August, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Seyed Mostafa Hosseinipour, the newly appointed Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the city of Mary. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the start of the meeting, the Consul-General presented his consular commission, after which he was presented with his consular exequatur. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Iranian cooperation and the further development of friendly and good-neighbourly relations. The Consul-General expressed his readiness to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral ties and the intensification of consular cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed cooperation within the framework of the ECO
19.08.2026On 17 August 2026, a meeting took place in Tehran between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation (ECO), Ilyas Gayipov, and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Permanent Representative to the ECO, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the development of cooperation within the framework of international organisations, including the United Nations, as well as key events during Pakistan’s chairmanship of the ECO in 2026–2027. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 30th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation, which will take place on 15–16 November in Islamabad. The interlocutors noted the importance of regular political dialogue for expanding co-operation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed the participants at ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’
19.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the participants and guests of the international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ on its opening in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message noted that in Turkmenistan, priority is given to the all-round development of children and young people, their physical health, spiritual upbringing, education and mastery of modern technologies. To this end, the country is creating the necessary conditions and opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills and creative abilities. The Head of State emphasised that the annual ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition provides specialist companies, educational centres and international organisations with an opportunity to showcase products, services, modern innovations and promising areas of development for children. The exhibition features sections dedicated to cognitive development, creativity, art, music and sport. The event also includes competitions and contests for children. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of preparing the younger generation for social life, developing their creative potential, and fostering their moral and patriotic education. The President of Turkmenistan wished the participants and guests of the exhibition good health, well-being and success.
Turkmenistan and Japan are preparing for a new meeting of the economic committee
19.08.2026On 17 August, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, met with the newly appointed President of the Japan Business Association, Y. Kanehana of ROTOBO. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation, which is to be held in Tokyo from 14 to 16 December 2026. There was also an exchange of views on joint initiatives, including projects in the field of the circular economy.
The opponents for ‘Arkadag’ Football Club in the AFC Champions League 2 have been announced
19.08.2026The draw for the group stage of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League-2 took place in Kuala Lumpur. The reigning champions of Turkmenistan, ‘Arkadag’ Football Club, will compete in Group B, reports IIC. The Turkmen side’s opponents will be ‘Al-Jazira’ from the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s ‘Gol Gohar’ and Bahrain’s ‘Al-Muharraq’. Following the draw, ‘Al-Jazira’ were placed in Pot 1, ‘Gol Gohar’ in Pot 2, ‘Al-Muharraq’ in Pot 3 and ‘Arkadag’ in Pot 4. The group stage will begin on 15 September 2026. The tournament final is scheduled for 15 May 2027. ‘Arkadag’s fixture list will be published at a later date.
Two new solutions for the oil and gas industry have been patented in Turkmenistan
19.08.2026Two new solutions for the oil and gas industry have been developed and patented in Turkmenistan — a biological method for cleaning soil contaminated with petroleum products and a building material based on gas purification waste. This is reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The first development is a method for the deep remediation and restoration of soil contaminated with petroleum products. It is based on the isolation and cultivation of specialised strains of local degrading microorganisms capable of breaking down heavy hydrocarbons under conditions of summer heat and soil salinity. The method makes it possible to replace costly and environmentally hazardous chemical reagents when remediating the effects of man-made pollution at oil and gas facilities. The second development is a patent for a formulation of organo-mineral sulphur-polymer concrete. The material is produced using surplus technical sulphur, which is a by-product of natural gas purification at fields. Sulphur-polymer concrete can be used in hydraulic engineering, in the construction of irrigation canals, brackish water drainage systems and port facilities – wherever conventional cement concrete rapidly deteriorates under the influence of salts. The use of this material reduces the cost of capital construction and addresses the issue of sulphur waste disposal.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China exceeded $4.8 billion in the first half of the year
18.08.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China for January–June 2026 amounted to $4,821,969,000, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In June 2026, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $890,262,000. Turkmen exports accounted for the bulk of this trade: in the first half of the year, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $4 billion 44 million 409 thousand to China. Imports from China over the same period totalled $777 million 559 thousand. For the whole of 2025, trade between the countries exceeded $10 billion 46 million 52 thousand.
Turkmenistan and its neighbours on the Caspian Sea: a comparison of resort areas
18.08.2026The resorts on the Caspian Sea are shared amongst the five coastal states – Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Each country is developing its own resort infrastructure, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In Turkmenistan, the main resort remains the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone near Turkmenbashi. The area features hotels, health resorts and water parks, and the length of its well-maintained beaches reaches around 25 kilometres. The zone is aimed, amongst others, at foreign tourists. In Kazakhstan, holidaymakers are welcomed by Aktau, with its high-class hotels and well-equipped beaches, as well as the Kenderli resort area south of Zhanaozen, with its sandy beaches and warm summer climate. In Russia, resort life on the Caspian Sea is centred in Dagestan – in Makhachkala, Kaspiysk and Derbent. In the Astrakhan Region, tourists are drawn not to beach holidays but to nature-based holidays: fishing and holiday camps in the Volga Delta. In Azerbaijan, the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula – Bilgah, Nardaran and Shuvalan – are popular, as are the resorts further south, in the Lankaran area, where the coastline meets the foothills of the Talysh Mountains. In Iran, the resort area covers the provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan. In Mazandaran, tourists are welcomed by Ramsar and Noshahr, whilst in Gilan it is the port town of Anzali. These regions are renowned for their green landscapes and mild climate. Each of the five Caspian countries is developing its own model of tourism – ranging from large-scale resort areas to eco-tourism and fishing holidays.
The ‘Bagdan’ company is expanding its confectionery production
18.08.2026The ‘Bagdan’ confectionery factory, which has been operating since 2017 in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, produces sweets. The production process utilises vacuum-drying technology, which preserves up to 95 per cent of the nutritional benefits of fruit and berries without the use of artificial preservatives, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The range includes sweetcorn sticks, nuts and Turkish delight with various fillings. The products are sold throughout the country, and there are around 20 branded retail outlets in Ashgabat. The company plans to expand its exports to CIS countries, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
A rail tour to Kunya-Urgench is to be organised in Turkmenistan
18.08.2026From 28 to 30 August 2026, the magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’, published by the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, is organising a tour to the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Participants will travel by rail to the historical monuments of the ancient city and explore its architectural and cultural heritage. The magazine ‘Medeniýet we Syýahat’ also organises domestic tourist itineraries to the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Koytendag valleys and other destinations. Both rail and road transport are used for these trips.
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