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Iran has praised Ashgabat’s initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea
14.08.2026The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, took part in the forum, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The diplomat stated Iran’s readiness to support initiatives by the Caspian littoral states aimed at addressing the problem of falling water levels and mitigating its impact on the region’s population and infrastructure. The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasised the need for practical measures, the exchange of data between countries and the establishment of an early warning system. Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani also spoke highly of the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to hold a Special Summit on the Environment of the Caspian Sea. The diplomat emphasised the importance of five-party cooperation and the principle of the indivisibility of security in the region. According to him, cooperation between the Caspian states is based on the provisions of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. Caspian Sea Day is celebrated in Turkmenistan every year on 12 August to mark the entry into force of the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.
Turkmen specialists are studying AI and ‘green’ energy in Germany
14.08.2026An international research internship on the application of artificial intelligence, the reduction of methane emissions and the development of renewable energy is taking place at Clausthal University of Technology (Germany). The programme, organised by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), will run until 16 August 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Participants include staff from the country’s Ministry of Energy, lecturers and researchers from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, as well as representatives from the Natural Gas Research Institute and the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. Participants are studying the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in industry and the energy sector, as well as methods for working with neural networks and detecting anomalies. The sessions are being held jointly with German professors and researchers. The internship programme also includes research into well integrity, deep drilling and the modelling of photovoltaic systems, as well as visits to solar and wind power facilities and a sulphur dioxide gas processing plant. The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise in the fields of digital technologies, the ‘green economy’ and alternative energy, as well as to strengthen international scientific cooperation.
The Head of the MFA of Turkmenistan met with the IOM’s Regional Coordinator for Central Asia
14.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Serhan Aktoprak, Head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mission in Kazakhstan and IOM Regional Coordinator for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties identified priorities for cooperation in the areas of migration management, the protection of migrants’ rights and regional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to take into account environmental factors and the principles of sustainable development in the Caspian region within the framework of international and regional cooperation.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan addressed a conference marking Caspian Sea Day in Iran
13.08.2026On 11 August 2026, the Department of Environment of Iran hosted a conference to mark Caspian Sea Day. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the event, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The conference addressed issues relating to environmental protection and the preservation of the ecological condition of the Caspian Sea. The event was also attended by the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Head of Iran's Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Majlis, ambassadors from the Caspian states, and the governors of Golestan and Gilan provinces. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the Caspian Sea in the country’s foreign policy agenda and emphasised the need for further international cooperation in its protection, including within the framework of the United Nations. Particular attention was paid to the forthcoming meeting of Heads of State on environmental issues relating to the Caspian Sea, which is to take place on 9 October 2026 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its initiative in organising the meeting.
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed key areas of cooperation
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the main areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE, including regional security, economic, environmental and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and ensuring environmental security in the Caspian region.
Turkmen weightlifters won 14 medals at the Asian and Central Asian Championships
13.08.2026The Turkmenistan weightlifting team has won 14 medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Tashkent. The tournament is taking place from 7 to 14 August, with over 300 athletes from 29 countries taking part. At the same time, the winners of the Central Asian Championships are being decided, according to IIC. In the under-60 kg category, Atabek Azamatov from the ‘Olimp’ sports school won two silver medals at the Asian Championships. He lifted 113 kg in the snatch and totalled 245 kg in the total. Shabnam Kerimbayeva from Dashoguz velayat, competing in the under-53 kg category, won gold in the clean and jerk with a lift of 103 kg and two silver medals – in the snatch (83 kg) and the total (186 kg). In the junior competition, she won two silver and one bronze medal. At the Central Asian Championships, she won three gold medals. Gulzada Berdimuhammedova from the Mary velayat, competing in the under-57kg category, secured three silver medals for the national team at the Central Asian Championships. Her results were 67kg in the snatch, 85kg in the clean and jerk, and 152kg in the total. In total, Turkmen athletes won 8 medals at the Asian Championships — 1 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze — and 6 medals at the Central Asian Championships — 3 gold and 3 silver. The competitions are still ongoing.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his condolences to the President of Colombia
13.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his condolences to the President of the Republic of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, following the earthquake in the west of the country, which has resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent a message of congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan
13.08.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, wishing him good health and success in his public duties. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted the high level of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Armenia, emphasising that they are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence in the further development and deepening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of the peoples of both countries.
Russia has called for closer environmental cooperation in the Caspian Sea
13.08.2026The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was attended by Pyotr Shchukin, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his speech, the Russian diplomat emphasised the need to pool the scientific and technical capabilities of the five Caspian states. He called for more active use of the five-party working groups and regional bodies, including the Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological Committee, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Pyotr Shchukin also highlighted the significance of the in-depth thematic environmental summit initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. According to him, the decisions of the upcoming Caspian Environmental Summit, to be held in ‘Awaza’ in October, could give further impetus to joint efforts. “Active joint efforts by the ‘five’ and close cooperation between our experts, including within the framework of the relevant five-party groups, are essential,” the diplomat stated. The representative of the Russian diplomatic mission emphasised that Russia advocates preserving the Caspian region as an area of peace, stability and good-neighbourliness, and is ready to support constructive initiatives by the Caspian states.
Rashid Meredov met with the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Xiaojun Grace Wang, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the main areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, as well as further coordination and practical collaboration. Particular attention was paid to upcoming joint events, the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the UN, and issues relating to environmental sustainability and the conservation of the Caspian Sea.
Discussions were held in Turkmenistan on developing cooperation with the European Union
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for Turkmen-European cooperation, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda. Particular attention was paid to political dialogue, cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem.
The Tajik Ambassador outlined the prospects for the development of the Caspian region
13.08.2026The Ambassador of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan stated at an event marking Caspian Sea Day that, in the medium term, major contracts and staff training could become key factors in the region’s sustainable development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the implementation of such initiatives will help to strengthen economic ties, expand trade, enhance investment attractiveness and create new production facilities. The diplomat also noted the traditionally friendly nature of relations between the states of the region, based on mutual respect, trust and constructive cooperation on issues of common interest.
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