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Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of freight transport
16.08.2026Representatives of Uzbekistan’s transport and logistics sector discussed measures to develop freight transport between the two countries with Shadurdy Meredov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place in Tashkent, according to the news agency Orient. The discussion was attended by representatives of the Centre for Transport Studies, the Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Association of International Road Hauliers and major freight forwarding companies. The Uzbek side proposed simplifying transport procedures and reducing border crossing times. In particular, the discussion centred on electronic visa processing for drivers, reducing associated fees and speeding up procedures at the ‘Farab–Alat’ border crossing. It was also proposed to establish a ‘green corridor’ for lorries carrying perishable goods and to build a second bridge on the neutral strip. The parties considered revising weight and size restrictions, expanding the use of the Turkmenbashi Seaport’s infrastructure for road and rail transport, and resuming direct scheduled air services. The Embassy of Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to forward the Uzbek side’s proposals to the relevant state authorities for further consideration and the development of joint solutions.
Turkmenistan will present photographic works at the UNESCO exhibition in Almaty
16.08.2026Photographs from Turkmenistan will be included in a UNESCO exhibition dedicated to the culture, traditions and natural heritage of Central Asia. The exhibition is due to take place in autumn 2026 in Almaty, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The exhibition will showcase the best entries from the international photography competition ‘Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity’. In addition to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will take part in the exhibition. The photographs will depict traditional livestock farming, intangible cultural heritage, the lives of local communities, pastures and the region’s natural landscapes. The works were selected by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty as part of the International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists. The competition was open to professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and over.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Bangladesh
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues relating to political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the further development of inter-agency and intergovernmental contacts. Following the political consultations held in Ashgabat, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation and implement the agreements reached. The effectiveness of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh within the framework of international and regional organisations was also noted. The parties reaffirmed the importance of mutual support for initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Head of the MFA of Turkmenistan met with the outgoing Turkish Ambassador
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of Turkmen-Turkish relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the role of mutual visits at the highest and senior levels in strengthening bilateral ties. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The parties noted the development of trade relations and their interest in increasing trade turnover. They also reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation within international and regional organisations, primarily the UN, and to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties. Ahmet Demirok expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their support during his diplomatic tenure. Rashid Meredov highlighted the Ambassador’s personal contribution to the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations and wished him every success in his future endeavours.
Turkmenistan is developing its education system
16.08.2026In the documents of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, education is defined as one of the key factors in the country’s socio-economic and cultural development. The main focus is on improving the quality of training, the digitalisation of education and the development of modern skills, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Electronic systems and interactive educational platforms are being introduced across the country, whilst the study of the exact sciences, engineering and IT, as well as foreign languages, is being expanded. Modern schools, nurseries and higher education institutions are being built, including in the city of Arkadag. The development of education is also linked to the upbringing of young people based on national values. The educational process combines modern teaching methods with the study of Turkmenistan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as the fostering of patriotism, a strong work ethic and high moral and ethical standards. Particular attention is paid to young people as participants in scientific and innovative development. The country is creating the conditions for research activities, support for youth start-ups, innovation proposals and academic initiatives. Educational institutions are training specialists for high-tech industries and management. The concept for the development of the education system envisages a shift towards fostering critical thinking and professional competences, the expansion of digital technologies, the creation of digital libraries and distance-learning platforms, as well as the development of IT education. Key priorities remain the alignment of education with the needs of the energy sector, industry, the agro-industrial complex and the digital sector, the promotion of multilingualism, and the construction of modern educational and research institutions. The implementation of these priorities is regarded as the foundation for training qualified personnel and for the further socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Bangladesh held their first political consultations
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, the first political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh took place in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, whilst the Bangladeshi delegation was led by Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The parties discussed the state of political and diplomatic relations and agreed to continue regular contacts. They noted the desirability of reciprocal visits at the highest and senior levels, as well as between the Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the expansion of the legal and treaty framework, and the development of inter-parliamentary ties. The negotiations also examined the prospects for trade and economic cooperation. In particular, discussions centred on establishing cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The oil and gas sector, transport, agriculture and the textile industry were identified as promising areas for cooperation. In addition, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of culture, education and tourism. The participants reaffirmed their interest in the further development of a mutually beneficial partnership.
A sadaqah was held in Turkmenistan to mark the registration of a new mosque
16.08.2026On 14 August, a celebratory sadaqah was held at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre in the city of Arkadag to mark the presentation of the registration certificate for the new mosque, ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The name of the mosque, which has a capacity of 30,000 people, was approved following suggestions from the local community and registered by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the established procedure. The day before, on 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag, where he familiarised himself with the plans for the second phase of construction. At a working meeting, he was informed of the registration of the new mosque’s name. During the sadaqah, the Mufti of Turkmenistan recited the ‘tebarek’ prayer and offered supplications for peace, prosperity and the unity of the people. Participants in the event were served traditional dishes. After the sadaqah, the elders visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers. During the prayer, verses from the Holy Quran were recited and prayers were offered for the country’s prosperity, unity and a peaceful life for the people.
India’s Independence Day was celebrated in Ashgabat
16.08.2026At a reception in Ashgabat to mark India’s Independence Day, the Indian national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed. The a cappella rendition was given by the Turkmen singer Tachnabat Yomudova, who was joined by guests at the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The reception in the Turkmen capital was held to mark the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, which the country celebrates on 15 August. The theme of this year’s celebrations was ‘The Power of Youth’ and the contribution of the younger generation to the country’s development by 2047. Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, addressed the reception. He expressed Delhi’s readiness to expand cooperation with Ashgabat in the trade, economic, cultural and educational spheres. “India is ready and intends to further strengthen cooperation as a partner country in the Global South, as a developing country, and as a close friend and partner in the wider neighbourhood,” he said. According to the Ambassador, trade between the two countries exceeded $270 million last year. He noted the growing interest among Turkmen citizens in medical tourism and higher education in India, and also congratulated Turkmenistan on the upcoming 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, which will be celebrated next month. ‘Vande Mataram’ is a song in Sanskrit and Bengali, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Since 1950, following the adoption of the Indian Constitution, it has held the status of a national song, whilst the country’s national anthem is ‘Jana Gana Mana’. In August 2026, the Indian Parliament passed a law extending legal protection to the national song, similar to that afforded to the national anthem.
Ashgabat is set to host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026
16.08.2026On 19 September 2026, Ashgabat will host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026 international competition. Start-ups will present their projects to a panel of experts and compete for a place in the global final in San Francisco, according to the Orient news agency. Start-ups from various sectors are invited to take part, regardless of their stage of development. Participants must complete an application form, prepare a pitch deck and present their project to the jury. The winner of the regional round will earn the right to represent Turkmenistan at the Startup World Cup global final, which will take place on 4–6 November 2026 in San Francisco. The top prize at the global final is US$1 million. Participation in the regional round is free of charge, but places are limited.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met with the Head of ‘DUX Middle East’
14.08.2026On 13 August, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, who is also accredited to Oman, held a meeting with Rasul Guliaev, Chairman and Executive Director of ‘DUX Middle East (FZC) LLC’. This was reported by the press office of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Saudi Arabia. R. Guliaev spoke about the activities of his company, which is registered in the Sultanate of Oman, and expressed an interest in purchasing petroleum products manufactured at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. Ambassador M. Ayazov, in turn, invited the businessman to take part in the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, which will be held in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026.
Turkmenistan will take part in the CIIE 2026 exhibition
14.08.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will be held in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November 2026. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Agreements on participation were reached on 12 August during a video conference between the Turkmen delegation and the leadership of the Eurasia Department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The meeting discussed preparations for the national pavilion, where the country’s export and manufacturing potential is to be showcased. The parties also discussed the development of bilateral trade, the streamlining of export and import operations, and support for joint investment projects. Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country took part in the negotiations.
Turkmenistan preserves its historical and cultural heritage
14.08.2026In the run-up to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the country is taking stock of its efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage and develop its culture. State policy combines ancestral traditions with modern technologies, reports AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. One of the main tools for the protection of monuments is the State Register of National Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites. Its data is integrated into land registries, which allows archaeological sites to be taken into account in urban planning. As part of the ‘State Programme for 2022–2028’, research is being carried out at historical heritage sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ancient Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench, as well as the ‘käriz’ (qanat) at the Paryz-Depe settlement. Ground-penetrating radar, digital technologies and 3D modelling are being used in the study of Bronze Age settlement sites — Gonurdepe, Altyndepe and Namazgadepe. The work by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Anau – Culture Originated from the Millennia’, remains a key scholarly source on the country’s ancient history. The book presents research on Turkmenistan’s role in the development of ancient civilisations and the Great Silk Road. International scientific cooperation constitutes a separate area of focus. One example of this was the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, which showcased artefacts from Margiana and Parthia.
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