The Turkmenistan national team won seven medals at the World Sambo Cup, which took place in Yerevan (Armenia). This was reported by the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. More than 289 athletes from 21 countries took part in the tournament. They competed in 33 weight categories in sports and combat sambo, as well as in the blind athletes’ category. At the end of the competition, the Turkmen sambo athletes won 1 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. Sanjarbek Avazberdiyev won the gold medal in combat sambo (up to 64 kg). He defeated opponents from Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazakhstan to take the top spot on the podium. Last year, he twice won silver at the World Cups. Hakberdi Jumayev won the bronze medal in the same weight category. He secured several victories during the tournament and was only defeated in the semi-finals. Silver medals in combat sambo were won by Ahmet Tanryberdiyev (up to 58 kg), Kerim Kerimov (up to 71 kg), Kurbanay Kurbanova (up to 50 kg) and Ziba Orunova (up to 65 kg). Ataniyaz Amangeldiyev secured another bronze medal in sport sambo (up to 88 kg). The World Cup in Yerevan was the first official tournament of 2026 on the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) calendar. The results count towards the world rankings.
Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ international forum, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Turkey and Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are based on cultural ties, shared history and language. According to him, Turkmenistan holds special significance for the Turkish people as their ‘ancestral homeland’ and a place of enduring friendly ties. Alpaslan highlighted the role of tourism as a tool of ‘soft power’ and a form of inter-state dialogue. He added that Turkey is among the world leaders in the tourism sector and is ready to share its experience, technologies and approaches to infrastructure development. He also highlighted projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. These included the development of modern Silk Road routes and the creation of integrated tourist itineraries linking cities across the region — from Merv to Konya and from Ashgabat to Istanbul.
Erdenet Kasymov, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant government departments and industry organisations are taking part in the event, reports IIC. During his speech, he highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between countries in the region, including Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The prospects for growth in mutual tourist flows and joint initiatives to promote the tourism potential of Central Asia were discussed. The issue of creating combined tourist routes featuring the natural and cultural attractions of both countries was raised separately. The exchange of experience in infrastructure development and improving the quality of tourist services was also discussed. Cooperation in tourism is seen as one of the areas for expanding bilateral ties and strengthening regional interaction.
On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Martin Brook, the new Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan. The diplomat presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him every success in his work. He noted the importance of developing Turkmen-Italian cooperation. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the reception and stated his readiness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries. The parties reaffirmed the consistent nature of their relations and emphasised the importance of regular contacts at various levels. In this context, the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic in October 2025 was noted. Areas of cooperation in the trade, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. Particular mention was made of cooperation within the UN framework and the significance of the archaeological exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’, which took place last year in Rome. The parties also expressed their support for the continuation of business forums involving the business communities of both countries.
Kanan Firovsi oglu Aliyev, Chief of Staff at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the tourism industry from various countries, reports IIC. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of expanding regional cooperation and the potential for collaboration between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism. Joint itineraries, the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of ties between relevant organisations were discussed. It was also noted that both countries possess significant opportunities for the development of tourism thanks to their cultural heritage, infrastructure projects and geographical location. The development of partnership in this sphere is seen as a factor in strengthening bilateral relations.
On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Egor Zaitsev, Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. They discussed the current cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WHO and its development in key areas. They also reviewed the outcomes of the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, which took place in Ashgabat in February. It was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan and the WHO. The parties also discussed joint activities planned for this year. At the conclusion of the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation and implementing joint projects in the field of public health.
The International Forum ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’, dedicated to the development of tourism in Central Asia, has kicked off in Turkmenistan. One of the notable participants was the company ‘Nazarly Arzuw’, which presented a concept for travel along the Silk Road with an emphasis on authentic experiences and the region’s ‘hidden gems’, reports IIC. The company focuses on an in-depth immersion in the culture and history of Central Asian countries, offering itineraries ranging from Uzbek bazaars to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Turkmenistan. Particular attention is paid to a personalised approach: tours are tailored to travellers’ interests. Participation in the forum enabled ‘Nazarly Arzuw’ to establish itself as a major player in the regional tourism market. The organisers note that ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ remains a platform for professional dialogue and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
UNDP in Turkmenistan has handed over two sets of equipment for laser levelling of agricultural land to the district administration of Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi in Dashoguz velayat and to the ‘Obahyzmat’ production association in the Darganata etrap of the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The handover took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan on sustainable land management in the Aral Sea basin, supported by the GEF. The new technology enables fields to be levelled with precision, improving the distribution of irrigation water, reducing soil salinisation and waterlogging, and increasing crop yields. The equipment will be used on pilot sites, with subsequent roll-out to farmers. Training sessions on how to use the technology have already been held for specialists and local farmers. The project aims to restore degraded land, conserve ecosystems and introduce sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The Sambo and Combat Sambo World Cup has kicked off in Yerevan, featuring around 300 athletes from 21 countries. The Turkmenistan national team started the tournament successfully, winning three medals on the first day of competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. In combat sambo, silver medals were won by Kurbanay Kurbanova (up to 50 kg) and Zyba Orunova (up to 65 kg), both of whom confidently reached the finals in their respective categories. In sport sambo, Ataniyaz Amangeldyev, representing the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, took bronze in the up to 88 kg weight class. The first day’s results—two silver and one bronze medal—marked a strong start for the team and confirmed the level of development of sambo in Turkmenistan.
Turkmen designer Govkher Guvernet-Pirkulyeva took part in the “Maroc Fashion Week 2026” in Marrakech, where she presented her own collection on an international runway. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The show brought together designers, buyers, and representatives of the fashion industry from various countries, serving as a platform to promote Morocco’s fashion sector on the global stage. As part of the fashion week, designers from China, France, and Turkmenistan showcased their work, along with Moroccan brands. Participants also included well-known fashion houses such as Max Mara and Gérard Darel. “Maroc Fashion Week” is positioned as the country’s first fashion week and aims to develop the creative industry and promote both traditional and contemporary Moroccan fashion.
On April 13, during exchange trading on the external market, deals were concluded between foreign and Turkmen suppliers for a total amount of $26.6 million, according to the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan. Businesspeople from Türkiye purchased technical sulfuric acid from the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya,” and also concluded agreements with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the supply of cotton yarn. In addition, representatives of the business sector from Uzbekistan reached an agreement with the State Concern “Turkmennebit” on supplies of base oil of the “CN-600” grade.
At the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, Turkmenistan was elected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term. The country will begin its work in the commission on January 1, 2027, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The election is seen as recognition of Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of scientific and technological cooperation and opens additional opportunities for participation in the international agenda in the fields of science, innovation, and digitalization. The CSTD is a functional body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established in 1992. It serves as a key intergovernmental platform for discussing issues of science, technology, and innovation and their impact on sustainable development. The commission consists of 43 member states, elected for four-year terms with consideration of regional balance. International organizations, the scientific community, and business representatives also participate in its work. The main tasks of the CSTD include analyzing technological trends, supporting innovation, reducing the digital divide, developing the scientific and technological capacities of developing countries, and promoting international cooperation. The commission holds annual sessions in Geneva, where recommendations are developed for ECOSOC and priorities in science and technology are discussed in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For participating countries, membership in the commission provides access to expert analysis, the opportunity to influence the global science and technology agenda, and to strengthen international ties in the field of innovation.