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Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan exceeded $118 million in 2025
18.07.2025Trade between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan reached $118.4 million in January–May 2025, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Of this amount, $19.2 million was exported from Azerbaijan, while imports of Turkmen goods amounted to $99.2 million. Overall, Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover for the five months grew by 13.7% to $20.9 billion. Exports decreased by 1.2% to $11 billion, while imports increased by 36.5% to $9.9 billion. The trade surplus decreased almost fourfold to $1.03 billion. For comparison, in 2024, trade between the two countries was close to $400 million.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries signs contract with ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern
18.07.2025Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (MHI-AP), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., has signed a three-year contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the maintenance of the country's largest fertiliser plant, ‘Garabogazkarbamid’. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Under the agreement, MHI-AP will supply spare parts and consumables for key equipment, including gas turbine generators, compressors and pumps. The work will be carried out in cooperation with Mitsubishi Corporation. According to Takehiko Kikuchi, MHI's regional director for Asia-Pacific and India, the partnership with ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ contributes to the sustainable operation of the plants and is in line with the company's strategy of supporting projects at all stages, from construction to operation. The ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant in Garabogaz is the largest urea producer in Central Asia. It was built with the participation of Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan) and Gap İnşaat (Turkey), using technologies from companies in Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan
18.07.2025On 17 July, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. During the talks, the parties discussed the current state and further directions of bilateral cooperation, covering political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to coordinating efforts in the international arena, including within the framework of the UN. In addition, issues related to the preparation and participation of the Uzbek delegation in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) were discussed.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people completed his foreign visit
18.07.2025As part of his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the cities of Fuzuli and Shusha. The trip included both business and cultural events, highlighting the high level of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations, according to the news website Asmannews. Upon arrival at Baku International Airport, Hero Arkadag held talks with official representatives of Azerbaijan, during which the importance of the talks was noted and confidence was expressed in the further deepening of bilateral cooperation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people then headed to Fuzuli, where he was met by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. At the airport, information was presented on the region's air infrastructure, including new airports in Fuzuli, Lachin and Zangilan. The modernisation of Turkmenistan's aviation industry was also highlighted, including the development of the capital's airport and the renewal of the aircraft fleet. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev then headed to Shusha, where Hero Arkadag was presented with urban development projects in Fuzuli: residential neighbourhoods, schools, medical facilities and roads. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty gave recommendations, which were positively received by the Azerbaijani side. In Shusha, the delegation visited a residential complex under construction, cultural heritage sites and historical monuments. Special attention was paid to the new mosque, which is being built with the participation of Italian and Azerbaijani architects, as well as the Arkadag city project as an example of ‘smart’ urban planning in Turkmenistan. One of the important symbolic moments was the visit to the Jidir Plain, a traditional venue for folk festivals. In honour of the visit, Hero Arkadag was presented with a Karabakh horse named Dostluk, which was perceived as a sign of strong friendship between the two peoples. The role of the Akhal-teke horses, a symbol of Turkmen identity, and Turkmenistan's efforts to preserve them were also highlighted. The delegation also visited the house-museum of the famous Azerbaijani opera singer Bulbul, the Govher Aga Mosque, the Mehmandarov house-museum and a photo exhibition dedicated to Heydar Aliyev. People's Artist of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Polat Bulbuloglu gave a tour of the museum and expressed his gratitude for the attention paid to Azerbaijan's cultural heritage. The visit ended on the Jidir Plain, where horse shows were held. At the end of his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people left for Fuzuli International Airport, from where he flew to Turkmenistan. The visit of Hero Arkadag was an important stage in the development of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, emphasising the closeness of cultures, common historical heritage and the course towards deepening cooperation.
Turkmen students attend summer courses in Italy
18.07.2025From 28 June to 2 August, students from the International University for the Humanities and Development are participating in an intensive programme to study Italian language and culture at the University for Foreigners in Perugia, strengthening academic ties between Turkmenistan and Italy. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The University for Foreigners in Perugia is one of two specialised universities in Italy dedicated exclusively to teaching students from other countries. It is the oldest and most prestigious educational institution, combining academic education, scientific research and the promotion of Italian language and culture. For Turkmen students, such a trip is not only an opportunity to improve their language skills, but also to gain a deeper understanding of Italy's rich cultural heritage. Proficiency in Italian opens up access to original works of literature, cinema, music and art, broadening horizons and enriching personal experience. The cultural programme includes learning about Italian traditions, cuisine, history and modern life. For maximum immersion, students are encouraged to communicate with native speakers, visit museums and historical sites, and try national dishes. In return, Turkmen students share their knowledge of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage with their Italian peers, promoting mutual understanding and strengthening friendly ties between the two countries.
Ashgabat will host an American-Turkmen book fair
18.07.2025On 24 July 2025, the State Library of Turkmenistan will host a joint book fair organised by the US Embassy. The event will open at 11:00 and will present literary works from both countries, creating a space for cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. The fair will feature literary readings with representatives of the diplomatic mission, English language competitions, and creative activities for visitors of all ages. Special attention will be paid to developing an interest in reading and learning English among the Turkmen audience. The initiative reflects the desire of both sides to strengthen cultural ties and create new opportunities for intercultural exchange. The event is open to all and promises to be a significant event in the cultural life of the capital of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Belarus discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation
18.07.2025On July 17, 2025, negotiations were held in Minsk between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belarus Nazarguly Shagulyev and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Pavel Utyupin. During the meeting, the parties held detailed discussions on the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations. This was reported by the IIC. Particular attention was paid to coordinating upcoming high-level visits and joint events within international organisations. The diplomats considered specific steps to further strengthen Turkmen-Belarusian cooperation in various areas. The talks took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, confirming the mutual interest of the countries in developing a multifaceted partnership. The sides expressed their readiness to intensify political dialogue and outlined plans for further cooperation.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the ‘Sea Breeze’ resort complex
18.07.2025During an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the ‘Sea Breeze’ resort complex on the Caspian Sea coast, according to the news website TerraNews. The founder of the complex, Emin Agalarov, told the guests about current and planned projects, emphasising the large-scale development plans for ‘Sea Breeze’. The complex, located near Baku, includes over 500 residential and commercial properties with a total area of more than 3 million square metres. Currently, about 20,000 people live there, with plans to increase the population to 50,000 by 2028 and to 500,000 in the future.
Visit of Croatian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head to Turkmenistan scheduled for October
18.07.2025Preparations for the visit of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Gordan Grlić-Radman, to Ashgabat, scheduled for October, were the main topic of a telephone conversation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Head of the Croatian Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The visit will include key events, such as the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Croatian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Economic Forum with the participation of business circles from both countries. The parties noted the successful interaction on international platforms, in particular at the UN and the OSCE, and discussed preparations for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). Attention was also paid to the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for December 2025 in Ashgabat. The upcoming events are expected to give new impetus to bilateral relations and broaden the horizons for cooperation.
Turkish Airlines strengthens cooperation with Turkmenistan
18.07.2025Sinan Dilek, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines for Central and South Asia, emphasised the strategic importance of Turkmenistan for the airline. This was reported by the news agency Orient. As part of strengthening its position in the region, the company has divided its management of Asian and Far Eastern destinations since September 2024, increasing the number of flights to Ashgabat from 7 to 17 per week. Turkish Airlines is actively developing cooperation with Turkmen partners, including staff training at the company's academy in Istanbul, organising familiarisation and press tours, and supporting local travel agencies. A FAM tour to Cappadocia is planned for 2025. Most of the employees of the Ashgabat office are citizens of Turkmenistan. The company notes their contribution to the development of air transport and corporate culture. S. Dilek, who has been working for Turkish Airlines for more than 13 years, emphasised the importance of developing cultural and business ties and expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Turkmenistan.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan appointed to New Zealand
18.07.2025A ceremony was held in Wellington to present credentials to Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. For the first time in history, Atadurdy Bayramov was accredited as Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to this country. His appointment reflects Turkmenistan's desire to strengthen international ties and expand its diplomatic presence. According to the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov dated 27 April 2025, Bayramov, who holds the post of ambassador to Japan, has also been appointed representative to New Zealand. Along with Micronesia, Turkmenistan has become one of the first countries to send a diplomat to Wellington. On the same day, representatives of the Solomon Islands, Poland, Turkey and the Maldives also presented their credentials. The ceremony included elements of Maori culture, including the traditional hongi greeting, symbolising respect and cultural exchange. Participation in this ritual emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue in international relations.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Chairwoman of the Parliament of Azerbaijan
17.07.2025During his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, where he met with the Speaker of the National Parliament Sahiba Gafarova. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the visit, Hero Arkadag also familiarised himself with the activities of the legislative body and visited the parliament museum. During the talks, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of strategic partnership between the two states and noted the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy in the development of bilateral relations. The National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed to intensify the activities of parliamentary friendship groups and to establish joint work in the fields of women's and youth diplomacy. Among the initiatives announced by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty was the holding of youth scientific and educational forums under the auspices of the parliaments of the two countries. Sahiba Gafarova welcomed the proposals and expressed readiness to further strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.
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