News
‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’ discussed a partnership in the oil and gas sector
09.04.2026On 3 April, representatives of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ held online negotiations with representatives of the Japanese company ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’, during which they discussed prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Japanese side presented information on its activities, as well as the company’s capabilities in the oil and gas sector. During the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the proposals presented and considered the prospects for establishing cooperation in this area. The negotiations were organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan.
Mikhail Mishustin will attend the meeting of CIS Heads of Government in Ashgabat
09.04.2026Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May in Ashgabat. This was announced by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reports IIC. According to the diplomat, preparations for the visits are in full swing and reflect the high level of strategic partnership between Moscow and Ashgabat. Organisational work is nearing completion. Earlier, a protocol was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan regarding preparations for a meeting between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev and CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit on 9 October to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. In 2026, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS, heading the Council of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will act as co-chairs. Ashgabat’s active participation in the organisation’s work is seen as a factor in strengthening multilateral dialogue and stability in the region.
Turkmenistan is promoting cultural exchange and educational projects in Japan
09.04.2026Atadurdy Bayramov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, paid a visit to Nara Prefecture, the historic cradle of Japanese statehood. This was reported by the news agency Orient. A round-table discussion was held at Nara University of Education, dedicated to the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, as well as the unique Ahal-Teke breed. During the visit, discussions focused on establishing an official sister-city relationship with Nara, Japan’s first capital, as well as prospects for cooperation with the Nara National Museum. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held meetings with the prefectural governor and the mayor of the city, discussing areas of cooperation in the fields of tourism and education.
Turkmenistan will take part in the ‘Kazan Halal Market’ exhibition
09.04.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the international exhibition ‘Kazan Halal Market’, which will be held from 12 to 17 May in Kazan as part of the ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ event. This was announced by Talia Minullina, Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will feature food products, cosmetics, clothing, accessories and household goods. A halal certificate is a mandatory requirement for participation. In 2024, more than 150 companies from Russia and a number of other countries, including Turkmenistan, took part in the exhibition. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the forum, Turkmenistan, Russia and Afghanistan plan to sign an agreement on the creation of a new transit corridor.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent a message to the President of Vietnam
09.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State expressed his best wishes and noted the significance of this event. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan wished To Lam good health, energy and success in his state duties for the benefit of the Vietnamese people.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people has arrived in Austria on a visit
09.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 8 April for a visit to the Republic of Austria. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. He was seen off by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. A few hours later, the plane arrived in Vienna, where the delegation was met by representatives from both the Austrian and Turkmen sides. Turkmen-Austrian cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Contacts between the countries are maintained on a regular basis. Austria supports Turkmenistan’s international initiatives in the fields of security, energy and the development of transport corridors. Economic cooperation is developing within the framework of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission. Projects in industry, construction and the investment sector are being considered. Austrian companies are involved in the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects in Turkmenistan. Priorities include transport and logistics, including the development of transcontinental routes, as well as energy and the implementation of environmental solutions. The parties are also developing cooperation in education, science and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan spoke at the ceremony marking the start of construction of the settlement
09.04.2026On 8 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the ceremony marking the start of construction of a new settlement in the Ymambaba gengeshlik of the Yoloten etrap of Mary velayat. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that large-scale projects to build towns, villages and industrial facilities are continuing across the country. Particular attention is being paid to providing the population with modern and affordable housing. The President emphasised that, as part of national programmes, the construction of new settlements is being carried out consistently across all regions. According to him, this contributes to raising living standards and creating jobs. It was noted that the new settlement will cover more than 800 hectares. Plans are in place to build 4,500 residential buildings, designed to accommodate more than 22,500 residents. Schools, nurseries, a health centre, a community centre, administrative buildings and a mosque are also planned. The Head of State separately highlighted the importance of the socio-economic development of the Mary velayat and the implementation of major projects, including the forthcoming launch of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development. In conclusion, the President confirmed that regional development and improving the well-being of the population remain key objectives of state policy.
Discussions on the development of bilateral cooperation with the EU took place in Ashgabat
08.04.2026On 8 April, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the effectiveness of cooperation with the EU Delegation in Ashgabat. They discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation and a number of joint initiatives. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen their partnership.
Turkmenistan and South Korea held consular consultations in Seoul
08.04.2026On 8 April, consultations on consular matters were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo. During the meeting, topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation between consular services and emphasised the importance of regular consultations for studying best practices and further intensifying cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving and updating the legal framework. The participants confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening their partnership across the full spectrum of consular matters.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position on the international energy stage
08.04.2026Turkmenistan is actively involved in international energy events. From 31 March to 2 April, representatives of the country took part in the Offshore Technology Conference Asia 2026 (OTC Asia) in Kuala Lumpur, according to the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The conference, organised by PETRONAS, brought together over 25,000 participants from 80 countries. Among them were leading energy companies, government bodies, technology suppliers and research institutions. The main theme of the forum was the creation of a more sustainable and integrated energy system. PETRONAS President Tengku Muhammad Taufik emphasised the role of technology in enhancing the reliability of energy supply and integration within the value chain. The Turkmen delegation was supported by the ‘Turkmen Energy Forum’ (TEF). During the conference, meetings were held with industry experts, educational and training centres. Discussions focused on enhancing the skills of specialists, technical training and knowledge exchange. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with PETRONAS and Malaysian partners. The Turkmen side held negotiations with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), including Professor Ir. Dr. Hilmi Mukhtar. Discussions covered training programmes for the oil and gas sector, CAPE’s participation in future events in Turkmenistan, and the development of specialised professional development courses. Additionally, meetings were held with the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council. Issues regarding the strengthening of technical cooperation, human resource development and international collaboration were discussed. Following the conference, international partners were invited to participate in energy events in Ashgabat: the ‘TESC 2026’ International Scientific and Practical Conference (4–5 June) and the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’ (21–23 October). Participation in ‘OTC Asia’ enables Turkmenistan to gain access to cutting-edge offshore technologies, digital solutions and international best practices. This creates opportunities for long-term partnerships, professional development and the growth of human capital. An active presence on international platforms confirms the country’s strategic focus on strengthening ties and establishing its image as a reliable partner in the global energy sector.
University lecturers from Turkmenistan are undertaking training placements in India
07.04.2026From 30 March to 10 April, representatives from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the International University for the Humanities and Development are undertaking an internship in New Delhi as part of the ITEC programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The internship focuses on strategic and institutional planning, modern management in education, international quality standards, financial management and the digitalisation of the educational process. The programme includes seminars, joint academic sessions and the exchange of professional experience. As part of the visit, participants are also presenting the achievements of Turkmenistan’s education system and learning about India’s experience, including through visits to relevant educational institutions.
Ashgabat to build an observatory next to the children's library
07.04.2026An observatory equipped with a telescope is planned to be built in Ashgabat on the grounds of the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. This was announced by O. Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, according to TDH. The project is being implemented as part of the library’s modernisation with the support of the foundation. It involves renovating the building and creating facilities for children’s scientific and educational activities. The initiative was presented during a working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the project and supported the creation of astronomical facilities for young readers.
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