News
Turkmen karateka wins international tournament in Dubai
15.02.2026Turkmen karateka Jora Ovezmyradov won the ‘Dubai International Doka Cup 2026’ tournament, held on 7–8 February in Dubai (UAE). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He won gold in the kumite discipline in the 55 kg category. D. Ovezmyradov is a 12th grade student at Specialised School No. 52 in Ashgabat and is trained by A. Charyev. The competition brought together 697 participants from 18 countries, and the Turkmen team brought home one gold medal.
Head of the MFA announces dynamic progress in Turkmen-Japanese partnership
15.02.2026Turkmen-Japanese relations are actively developing in the political, economic and cultural spheres, said Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov at a reception on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the countries have achieved significant success in strengthening their partnership based on trust and respect. The Minister emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue during the meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Emperor and Prime Minister in Tokyo in 2025. R. Meredov noted the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the opening of ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, where the Turkmenistan pavilion became one of the most visited, receiving more than two million guests. He also highly appreciated the contribution of Japanese companies, including ‘Hitachi’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’ and ‘Toyota’, to the country's economic development. Cultural cooperation is also actively developing: Japanese is taught at six universities and twelve schools in Turkmenistan, and more than 15,000 citizens of the country are studying it today.
Three million trees will be planted in Turkmenistan this year
15.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed a Resolution on continuing large-scale greening: in 2026, Turkmenistan plans to plant 3 million trees. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Half of the seedlings will be provided by ministries, departments, and the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, while the other half will be provided by regional administrations throughout the country. The programme provides not only for the creation of a traditional ‘green shield’ of coniferous and deciduous trees, but also for the development of orchards and vineyards. Fruit crops will be planted by variety in specially designated areas, which gives the initiative agricultural significance. The document also stipulates the mandatory use of drip irrigation to save water resources and increase plant survival rates. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for providing high-quality three-year-old seedlings.
Japanese Ambassador notes dynamic development of relations with Turkmenistan
15.02.2026Two meetings between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Japanese Emperor Naruhito in 2025 testify to the high level of bilateral relations. This was stated by Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki at a formal reception on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor's birthday, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The President of Turkmenistan visited Japan twice during the year — in April to participate in the ‘EXPO 2025’ exhibition in Osaka and in December as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit. The Diplomat emphasised that Serdar Berdimuhamedov's two meetings with Emperor Naruhito in one year are extremely rare and reflect the special nature of relations between the two countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted significant progress in the implementation of joint projects and announced the Embassy's plans to intensify its work in 2026, including in the areas of business, Japanese language learning and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of the UNODC programme was discussed in Turkmenistan
15.02.2026A national coordination meeting organised within the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme and for the control of passenger and freight transport was held at the Central Office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The participants reviewed the progress of the programme's implementation in Turkmenistan in 2025, identified the key needs of the relevant structures, and agreed on areas of cooperation for the first half of 2026. During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of further developing interdepartmental cooperation in the field of passenger and freight transport control and exchanged views on practical issues related to the implementation of the initiative.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international ties in 2025
14.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has made 15 state, official, and working visits to countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov announced at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 13. This was reported by TDH. The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that during the year, the tasks of the Concept of Foreign Policy of a Neutral State for 2022-2028 were implemented, and partnerships with international organisations were strengthened. In 2025, the country held 573 online meetings and 2,794 official negotiations with foreign states and international structures, and the international legal framework was supplemented with 264 documents. Inter-ministerial consultations and meetings were held with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation. Letters of credence were presented to new ambassadors to Turkmenistan from 19 countries, and Turkmenistan sent 13 ambassadors and two consuls abroad. Fourteen meetings of bilateral inter-governmental commissions and major international events were organised, including the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Conference on the Role of Women in Modern Society. Particular attention was paid to the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan held 22 exhibitions and 10 conferences in 2025
14.02.2026The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan held 22 exhibitions and 10 conferences in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister N. Atagulyev said at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the country's performance over the past year and plans for 2026. The information was published by TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, trade turnover increased by 18.8% compared to 2024, and production increased by 1%. The Ministry of Textile Industry ensured growth of 6.3%, including cotton yarn – 11.7%, fabrics – 18.8%, and leather products – 11.4%. The state association ‘Türkmenhaly’ exceeded its plan by 102.2%. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 299 auctions with almost 30,000 contracts registered, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry ensured a 4% increase in work performed. The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs increased the output of agricultural and food products by 8.1% and industrial goods by 6.7%. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the key priorities remain the strengthening of trade and economic ties, the growth of high-quality production and the provision of food security.
Turkmen tennis players won two gold medals at the tournament in Manama
14.02.2026Turkmen tennis players won two gold medals at the first Western and Central Asia Junior Championships for players under 14, which concluded in Manama (Bahrain). This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Representatives from 13 countries participated in the ITF Asia 14&U Development Championships (West & Central Asia). Turkmenistan was represented by four athletes. In the singles competition, 12-year-old Nazli Hudaykuliyeva from Ashgabat School No. 87 won the title. In the final, she defeated Jordan's Ayasofia Gokashau in three sets, 0-6, 6-1, 6-3. In the doubles, Nazli Hudaykuliyeva and 12-year-old Sulgun Ishankuliyeva won the final against athletes from Lebanon 6:3, 7:5. Earlier, both tennis players successfully competed in the international category ‘A’ tournament in Isa Town (Bahrain). At that time, Sulgun Ishankuliyeva and Jordanian A. Gokashau won silver in doubles, while Nazli Hudaykuliyeva was among the top four in singles. Nazli trains under the guidance of Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky. Sulgun is a student of ‘Jahan’ Creativity Center and trains with distinguished coach Jennet Hallyeva, and in the national team under the guidance of Yuri Rogussky. The results of the second tournament of the West and Central Asia Championship for juniors under 14 will be announced in the coming days.
The President of Turkmenistan summarised the economic results and outlined the objectives for 2026
14.02.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov summed up the country's performance in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. The Head of State noted that significant progress had been made due to the hard work of the people in the International Year of Peace and Trust, all planned targets had been met, and the pace of economic development remained high, reports AsmanNews. According to the President of Turkmenistan, GDP growth was 6.3%, with industry adding 1.8%, trade 9.6% and agriculture 7%. The volume of investment increased by 6%, and about 7,000 new jobs were created in large and medium-sized enterprises. Over the past year, 116 industrial and socio-cultural facilities and 645,000 square metres of housing were commissioned. Construction of the second phase of the Arkadag ‘smart’ city continued, and farmers ensured the country's food security. As part of international activities, a number of events were held to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's legal status of neutrality. On International Neutrality Day, a forum was held with the participation of Heads of State and leaders of international organisations, at which important resolutions and documents were adopted that strengthened the country's authority. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that 2026 has been declared ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This motto sets the direction for work and places responsibility on all members of the Cabinet of Ministers and participants in the meeting. It inspires us to enhance the country's authority and further prosperity of the Motherland, the Head of State emphasised. In accordance with the Socio-Economic Development and Investment Programme for 2026, it is planned to commission more than 900,000 square metres of housing, open general education institutions with 3,380 places and pre-school institutions with 1,080 places. Construction of new residential areas, shopping centres, public service buildings, as well as cultural and medical facilities will begin in the capital and velayats. Among them are the International Paediatrics Centre, the Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre, the Dental Centre, and the Archman sanatorium complex with 400 places. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that a number of international events related to the motto of the year will be held during the year. A State Organising Committee has been set up to ensure a high level of preparation and implementation of all planned events. The Head of State also noted that the programme for 2026 includes a huge amount of work. He expressed confidence that through united and selfless work, together with the people, all the planned milestones and goals will be achieved.
Turkmenistan's participation in ‘EXPO 2030’ discussed in Riyadh
14.02.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, held a meeting with the Head of the department for work with interested countries of the ‘EXPO 2030 Riyadh’ company, Mohammed Bin Garad. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed Turkmenistan's participation in the ‘EXPO 2030’ World Exhibition. The exhibition will be held in Riyadh from October 2030 to March 2031. The parties emphasised that the country's participation will strengthen its international authority, promote achievements in various fields and expand trade and economic ties.
‘Rönesans’ aims to further develop its activities in Turkmenistan
13.02.2026The Turkish company ‘Rönesans’ has been operating in Turkmenistan since 2010, implementing a number of major projects in the field of civil construction and industrial infrastructure. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the company's department head, Yigit Unsal, during this time, projects have been completed in the Mary and Lebap velayats, as well as in Ashgabat, significant experience has been gained, and strong partnerships have been built with local organisations and suppliers. The company is currently working on four projects: servicing a previously built facility in Lebap, reconstructing a facility implemented by another company, building a shopping and entertainment centre next to the ‘Garagum’ Hotel near the capital's airport, and constructing an additional block as part of the ‘JTG’ project, one of the key projects for ‘Rönesans’ in the region. The company intends to expand its presence in Turkmenistan, is developing new initiatives and strengthening cooperation with local partners. ‘Rönesans’ also took part in an Exhibition of Turkish Export Goods in Ashgabat, which, according to Y. Unsal, helped to strengthen business contacts and develop Turkmen-Turkish economic cooperation.
Turkmen film ‘The Composer’ to be shown in Ankara
13.02.2026On 17 February, the film ‘The Composer’ by the Oguzhan ‘Turkmenfilm’ Association will be screened at the Yashar Kemal Cultural Centre (İnce Memed Hall) in Ankara. The event is organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey in cooperation with the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), according to IIC. The film has already received international recognition. In November 2025, the first ‘Diamond Butterfly’ Award ceremony was held in Moscow at Nikita Mihalkov's Masterskaya ‘12’ theatre. Turkmen artist Meylis Hudayberenov was nominated for ‘Best Artist’ for his work on the film ‘The Composer’. The prize fund for this category was $250,000.
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