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Turkmenistan is strengthening its transport and transit capacity
12.08.2026Turkmenistan is continuing to modernise its transport and communications infrastructure and to develop international transport and transit corridors. The main focus is on increasing passenger and freight traffic, expanding the capacity of transport systems and improving the quality of services, according to the news agency TDH. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 July to review the results of the first half of the year, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further improve the transport and communications sector. As part of the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investment in 2026’, the reconstruction of roads connecting the country’s regions and neighbouring states is continuing. Particular attention is being paid to rail transport. The rolling stock is being modernised, and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages, tankers and specialised carriages for the transport of various goods are being procured. One of the priorities remains the modernisation of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi’ railway line, which links the country’s regions with the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’, ‘TRACECA’, ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ international corridors. The modernisation of road infrastructure is continuing. A major project has been the 600-kilometre ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. Construction began on 24 January 2019 and was carried out in three sections: ‘Ashgabat–Tejen’, ‘Tejen–Mary’ and ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’. The final section was opened on 10 April 2026 in the presence of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Transport infrastructure is also being developed in the west of the country. As part of the ‘Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan’ border road, a 207-kilometre section is currently under construction. A 354-metre-long road bridge has also been built across Garabogaz Kol Bay. These projects are aimed at expanding regional transport links and transit capacity. The Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan continues to strengthen its material and technical base and improve the quality of passenger services. At the same time, work is underway to bring national legislation in the field of road transport into line with international standards. Civil aviation plays an important role in the transport system. The country’s aircraft fleet is being renewed, specialist personnel are being trained and airports are being modernised. ‘Turkmenistan’s National Civil Aviation Development Programme up to 2030’ provides for the introduction of modern technologies and international best practice. Turkmenbashi International Airport has undergone a major refurbishment, whilst a new international airport has been built and brought into operation in Balkanabat. At the same time, measures are being taken to expand the transit capacity of the airports. ‘Turkmenistan’s State Programme for Ensuring Civil Aviation Flight Safety’ sets out the main directions of state policy in this area, taking into account the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In addition, the development of maritime transport is continuing. Port infrastructure is being modernised, freight and passenger traffic volumes are increasing, and safety and navigation systems are being improved. At the ‘Balkan’ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard, domestic and foreign vessels are being repaired, and ships are being built for the national fleet. The plant has built and commissioned the dry cargo vessel ‘Gadamly’ – the first of its kind in the country. At the same time, the communications sector is being improved. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to review the results of the first six months of 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need to modernise the sector and introduce new types of services. By a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2028’ and the Action Plan for its implementation have been approved. The documents provide for the wider application of information and communication technologies and innovations, the improvement of the quality of public services, the development of entrepreneurship and the creation of a digital ecosystem. One of the priority areas of digitalisation is artificial intelligence. Pilot projects are being implemented in Turkmenistan to apply AI in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. Developments are also underway in the fields of big data, blockchain and cybersecurity. Work is continuing to improve the telecommunications infrastructure and the legal framework governing information and communications services. Following the launch of the country’s first national satellite, opportunities for the development of satellite communications, television and radio broadcasting have expanded. Work is underway on a programme of cooperation with foreign states and international organisations to ensure the cybersecurity of the digital system for the period 2025–2027. Particular attention is being paid to increasing the capacity of international communication channels and diversifying telephone traffic and data transmission. Opportunities are being explored to expand connections with neighbouring states and increase the transit of information flows between Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan also continues to put forward initiatives on the development of transport corridors and communications systems at international forums and high-level meetings. The implementation of projects in the transport, communications and digital sectors is aimed at enhancing the country’s transit potential, expanding international links and establishing a modern transport and communications infrastructure.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed the conference participants on Caspian Day
12.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the scientific and practical conference ‘Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Head of State noted the importance of the Caspian Sea for the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the littoral states. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening regional cooperation and developing international partnerships in the field of marine environmental protection. The message highlighted the First Caspian Summit in Ashgabat in 2002, the First Caspian Environmental Forum in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in 2012, the First Caspian Economic Forum in 2019 and the Sixth Caspian Summit on 29 June 2022. The President of Turkmenistan also emphasised the importance of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport for the development of international transport routes. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need to join forces in combating climate change, protecting water resources and preventing marine pollution. In this context, he highlighted Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative as an important area of cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the conference would contribute to the protection and study of the Caspian Sea’s natural resources, the improvement of the environment and the further development of cooperation between the Caspian states.
A joint training camp for cyclists from Turkmenistan and the UAE is taking place in Ashgabat
12.08.2026Joint training camps involving the Turkmenistan national cycling team and representatives of the ‘Abu Dhabi’ club from the United Arab Emirates are continuing in Ashgabat. The athletes are carrying out training sessions and tactical drills at the Olympic Village, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, the foreign athletes underwent medical examinations at the Health and Rehabilitation Centre. Specialists carried out complete blood counts and electrocardiograms, assessing the athletes’ physical condition and their adaptation to training loads. Based on the results of the examinations, individual recommendations were drawn up for the athletes to adjust their training programmes. Representatives of the UAE delegation also noted the infrastructure of the Olympic Village, the medical care and the climatic conditions in Ashgabat. The joint training camp is aimed at developing international sporting cooperation and preparing athletes for upcoming competitions.
A portrait of Nury Halmamedov has been in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts for 60 years
12.08.2026The State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan houses the painting ‘Portrait of the Composer Nury Halmamedov’ by Mamed Mamedov, an Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan. In 2026, the work will celebrate its 60th anniversary, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The portrait holds a special place amongst the numerous works of art dedicated to Nury Halmamedov. In the painting, the composer is depicted against a rural landscape, leaning against an old mulberry tree. His bright red shirt contrasts with the autumnal colours of nature and serves as a compositional focal point of the painting. Art historian and Honoured Worker of Culture of Turkmenistan Azat Annayev notes that the work is open to two interpretations. According to the first, the artist captured the composer in a moment of creative reflection. The second is linked to the recollections of Yevgeny Mikhelson, an Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan, who recounted how Nury Halmamedov stood in the courtyard, leaning against a tree, whilst awaiting the admissions committee’s decision. According to Azat Annayev, Mamed Mamedov portrayed the composer not only as an outstanding musician, but also as a man deeply invested in his creative work. The image of the mulberry tree in the painting also takes on symbolic significance, evoking notions of resilience and vitality. Mamed Mamedov and Nury Halmamedov were born in 1938. Both were brought up in a children’s home and received higher education at art universities in Russia. In 1964, Mamed Mamedov graduated from the I. Repin Leningrad Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and returned to Turkmenistan. In the 1960s, the artist became one of the leading figures of a new generation of Turkmen painters. He was a member of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – a group of seven Turkmen painters so named by the art historian Galina Saurova. Mamed Mamedov’s works are on display at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. These include ‘Prayer for Water’, ‘Wedding’, ‘Conversation about the Universe’, ‘Karakum’ and other pieces. Among these, ‘Portrait of the Composer Nury Halmamedov’ is considered one of the artist’s most famous works. Six decades on, the painting continues to hold its place in the museum’s exhibition, portraying the image of the outstanding Turkmen composer through a combination of portraiture and symbols of his native landscape.
Ashgabat and Kabul discussed the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ corridor
12.08.2026On 10 August, as part of a working visit to Afghanistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, discussed the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan. This was reported by TDH. The parties noted the corridor’s importance for expanding transport and transit links between Central and South Asia, as well as the regions of the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean Seas. An agreement on the establishment of the ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey’ route was signed in Ashgabat in 2017. Turkmenistan had previously proposed measures to improve the corridor’s efficiency, including the creation of a Single Logistics Centre, the development of infrastructure at cargo dispatch and reception points, the harmonisation of tariff policies, the simplification of customs procedures based on the ‘Single Window’ principle, and the preparation of a digital atlas of the route.
Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed the development of bilateral relations
12.08.2026On 11 August, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the state of and prospects for Turkmen-Saudi relations, as well as issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to political and diplomatic dialogue and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. The participants also discussed cooperation within the framework of international organisations and current issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular contacts and joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan organised a ‘Back to School’ campaign
12.08.2026The Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation ‘Ýeňme’ and the Turkmenistan Centre for the Support of People with Disabilities, organised a ‘Back to School’ charity campaign. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The initiative is now in its fifth consecutive year and aims to support children with disabilities and those from socially vulnerable families ahead of the new school year. As part of the event, EU Ambassador Beata Peksa and staff from the diplomatic mission met with the children and presented them with school rucksacks containing essential school supplies. An interactive programme featuring games, music and competitions was also organised for the participants. ‘Always be curious, ask lots of questions, and never stop learning,’ said Beata Peksa. The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan continues to support inclusive education, equal opportunities for children and the activities of local civil society organisations.
Turkmenistan’s private sector is expanding production and exports
12.08.2026In Turkmenistan, the private sector is expanding its production capacity, introducing modern technologies and adopting new market mechanisms. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Entrepreneurs are playing a part in supplying the food market, promoting import substitution and increasing exports. Domestic enterprises are also obtaining international quality and safety certificates, including ISO and HACCP. Particular attention is being paid to the agro-industrial sector and the food industry. Greenhouse farms ensure year-round vegetable production, which makes it possible to supply the domestic market and expand export deliveries. The private sector is also involved in the development of the electronics industry and the diversification of the economy. The next area of focus is the introduction of digital systems in line with the objectives of Turkmenistan’s National Programme for Socio-Economic Development for 2022–2052.
Commercial gas production has commenced at the ‘Magtymguly’ field
12.08.2026Production well No. A8, with a depth of 4,981 metres, has been drilled at the ‘Magtymguly’ gas field in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. The daily output amounted to over 1.3 million cubic metres of natural gas and around 130 tonnes of gas condensate, according to the website of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. The field is located within the ‘Block 1’ contract area. The well is in the initial stage of development, so production volumes are expected to increase in the future. The work is being carried out under a Production Sharing Agreement between the Malaysian company ‘PETRONAS Çarigali’ and the state-owned concern ‘Türkmennebit’. This year marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. During this period, five platforms have been constructed in the Caspian Sea and the coastal zone, and around 40 exploration, appraisal and production wells have been drilled. Joint production has exceeded 44 billion cubic metres of gas and 16 million tonnes of liquid hydrocarbons. A gas processing plant and an onshore gas terminal have also been commissioned. The next phase involves the development of the 19th and 20th offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea and the conduct of 2D seismic surveys in blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14.
An OSCE course on inspection methods has concluded in Ashgabat
12.08.2026A five-day training course on risk analysis and screening methods at international airports, organised by the OSCE Centre in collaboration with the Turkish International Academy against Smuggling and Organised Crime (TADOC), has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Twenty representatives from the Transport Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Service, the State Customs Service and the Aviation Security Service of the ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ agency took part in the training. TADOC experts familiarised the specialists with modern methods of detecting contraband, assessing risks when analysing flights, passengers, cargo and luggage, as well as identifying suspicious behaviour and conducting interviews. Particular attention was paid to checking travel documents and identifying methods used to conceal narcotic substances. The practical session took place at Ashgabat International Airport, where participants practised search and inspection techniques in real-life conditions. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that the course reflects the practical implementation of the provisions of the Tirana Declaration on strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime.
The private company ‘Parahat’ is expanding its production and exports
12.08.2026The private company ‘Parahat’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, is expanding its food production and increasing its exports. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The company produces juices, drinks, dairy products, meat products and confectionery. Local fruit and vegetables, which are stored in modern cold stores, are used in the production process. The production processes are equipped with digital technologies and modern machinery. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 40,000 litres of juice per day. ‘Joş’ and ‘Eçil’ juices, ‘Han’ iced tea, and ‘Özi’ and ‘Arma’ drinks are supplied to overseas markets, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Other brands include ‘Süýtli dere’, ‘Däp’, ‘Ýeserje’, ‘Güneşli’, ‘Köşüli’, ‘Eşretli’ and ‘Halal’. The company also intends to increase its production capacity and expand the geographical reach of its exports of Turkmen products.
Italian Sports Day is to be held in Ashgabat
12.08.2026The Italian Embassy in Turkmenistan will host ‘Italian Sport Day’ in Ashgabat on 21 August. The event will take place from 18:00 to 19:00 at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event is being organised in collaboration with Turkmen Expo as part of the specialised exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Kids’. Admission is free for all. Italian Sport Day in the World is held as part of an international initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In 2026, events are being held with the participation of Italian diplomatic missions and cultural centres in various countries. The event in Ashgabat aims to develop humanitarian and youth ties between Turkmenistan and Italy.
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