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Border trade between Turkmenistan and Iran will gain new momentum
27.08.2025Iran intends to create a joint border market with Turkmenistan to attract investment. This was announced at a press conference by the Governor of North Khorasan, Bahman Nouri, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In March 2025, representatives of the two countries' government agencies discussed the construction of a trade zone on the border. According to the parties' plan, the project should contribute to the development of cross-border trade and strengthen economic cooperation. Turkmenistan and Iran also plan to build two new railway lines in the Sarahs border crossing area, which will increase transport volumes.
Preparations are underway in Turkmenistan for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
27.08.2025On 19 September, the ‘Maslahat Köşgi’ Palace in Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the key representative body of the government. The event is timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the country's independence and reflects a new stage in the development of democratic processes, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The agenda of the meeting includes summarising the work done over the past period, setting priorities for the near and long-term future, and approving proposals to strengthen the foundations of democracy. Preparations are being supervised by the Presidium, with an Organising Committee set up to ensure the high standard of the forum. The meeting emphasises the principle of national unity, which is the basis of the modern political system of Turkmenistan, and the motto ‘The State is for People!’. The forum serves as a platform for synchronising the work of the government and society, reflecting the strategic course of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The meeting is of particular importance as it is being held in the International Year of Peace and Trust and in the year of the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The decisions taken will contribute to strengthening Turkmenistan's foreign policy course, based on peace and cooperation, and will ensure the sustainable development of the state.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan organise cross-cultural Days
27.08.2025Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will hold cross-cultural days. The events will take place in October 2025 in Azerbaijan and in April 2026 in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The events will be part of the agreements reached on 22 August at a trilateral meeting in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In a joint statement, the parties emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation, including the development of ties between cultural and scientific institutions, the media, creative associations and universities in the region.
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan strengthen strategic partnership
27.08.2025On 22 August, a trilateral meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in politics, economics, energy, transport, and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector, including the export of electricity and gas, as well as the development of transport and logistics corridors along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route. Projects in the field of industrial cooperation, cross-border trade and digitalisation were discussed. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, education, science, sports and tourism. A joint statement was adopted, defining key areas of partnership, including in the field of ecology and climate initiatives. The meeting in Avaza was called a historic event, confirming the desire of the three countries to give new impetus to strategic cooperation and take it to a higher level.
President of Turkmenistan congratulates President of Moldova on Independence Day
27.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the entire Moldovan people on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Maia Sandu good health and prosperity, and the people of Moldova peace, consistent development and prosperity.
President of Turkmenistan sends congratulations to Prince of Monaco
27.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Prince Albert II of Monaco and the people of Monaco on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that cooperation is based on mutual respect and trust, expressing interest in further strengthening ties. The President of Turkmenistan noted his confidence that the partnership will develop successfully in the interests of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Albert II good health and well-being, and the people of Monaco peace, progress and prosperity.
A film about the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy will be shown in Kazan
27.08.2025As part of the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival ‘Altyn Minbar’, there will be a special screening of the film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’. The film, directed by Muzaffarjon Erkinov, is included in the non-competitive programme ‘Russia – Islamic World’. This was reported by IIC. A joint project by filmmakers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, created in 2024, the film tells the story of the life and work of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, who was active in the 18th century. The film highlights important stages in the thinker’s biography, including his studies at the Kukeldash madrasah in Buhara and the Shergozihan madrasah in Hiva. The film is scheduled to be shown at the ‘Rodina’ cinema in Kazan on 9 September. The screening is organized as part of the festival programme aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
An expert webinar on SDG monitoring was held in Turkmenistan
27.08.2025An expert webinar aimed at strengthening national capacity in monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals was held in Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in cooperation with the country's State Committee on Statistics. This was reported by IIC. Experts from authoritative international organisations, including FAO, UN-Habitat, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UNEP, were invited to participate in the online meeting. During the webinar, international experts shared practical recommendations on key areas of sustainable development, such as fisheries management, urban infrastructure and public utilities development, as well as the protection of aquatic ecosystems and monitoring of endangered species. The methodologies and tools obtained during the webinar will improve the national system of statistical observation and data analysis, which will increase the effectiveness of monitoring Turkmenistan's progress in implementing the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Fitch Ratings has given a consistent outlook for Turkmenistan's credit rating
26.08.2025One of the leading international rating agencies, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Turkmenistan's foreign currency credit rating at ‘BB-’ with a consistent outlook. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan. In justifying their decision, the agency's analysts noted the country's strong sovereign balance sheet compared to other countries in the ‘BB’ and ‘B’ rating categories. Experts emphasised that Turkmenistan has a high ratio of net foreign assets to GDP and a low level of public debt. An important factor in the stability of the economy is the country's vast natural gas reserves. According to analysts' forecasts, by 2027, Turkmenistan's net foreign assets will reach 50.8% of GDP. The country's foreign exchange reserves are recognised as among the highest in the Central Asian region, covering more than 52 months of external payments. Natural gas continues to dominate exports, accounting for 67% of total exports to foreign countries in 2024. A significant portion of gas exports (88%) was directed to the Chinese market. Negotiation is currently underway on the construction of a fourth branch of the gas pipeline to China.
An ‘Antiplagiat’ programme has been created in Turkmenistan
26.08.2025Teachers and students at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University presented the ‘Antiplagiat’ (‘Anti-plagiarism’) software. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the ‘Turkmenistan’ newspaper. This software is capable of analysing texts in Turkmen and other languages. The development has been certified by the State Intellectual Property Service of Turkmenistan. In addition, young researchers have created a programme for calculating energy consumption, which allows the operation of lighting devices to be controlled without expensive sensors and computing devices.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Additional Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan
26.08.2025On 25 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Pakistan's Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan, Syed Ali Asad Gillani. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The negotiation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including in international and regional formats. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties, the development of cooperation between foreign ministries, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian contacts. The parties agreed to continue working on projects for the transport and energy integration of Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and neighbouring countries.
Turkmenistan may become a supplier of ferries to Uzbekistan
26.08.2025Uzbekistan is considering purchasing ferries from a Turkmen shipyard, according to Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov, as reported by the Orient news agency. According to the Minister, having its own fleet will help speed up cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea, where delays currently reach 30-40 days. I. Mahkamov emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the development of the Middle Corridor, where they provide transportation across the Caspian Sea due to their port infrastructure. At the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was signed, including the creation of joint ventures and privileges for cargo transportation. A Memorandum of Cooperation in shipbuilding was also signed in Ashgabat between Ilhom Mahkamov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev. Uzbekistan intends to use ferries to increase transport volumes across the Caspian Sea. In addition, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of civil aviation: a Protocol was signed on the launch of direct flights between the two countries.
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