News
Hero Arkadag proposed setting up a Turkmen-Afghan commission
12.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has proposed the establishment of a Turkmen-Afghan commission on economic cooperation. This was reported by TDH. The proposal was put forward during negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs, as part of a working visit to Afghanistan. The parties discussed joint projects and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, including the TAPI gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission line and the fibre-optic communication link. The Afghan side expressed its willingness to consider the proposal.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have agreed on gas supplies to Herat Province
12.08.2026The state-owned concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s state-owned corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the gas sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the document, the parties have agreed to collaborate on the development of relevant infrastructure in Herat Province, as well as on the supply of Turkmen gas to industrial enterprises, power stations and the general public. The signing ceremony took place during a working visit to Afghanistan by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the visit, the parties also discussed the progress of construction of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline, the potential of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ corridor and other international transport corridors. The significant role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in realising the region’s transport and logistics potential was also highlighted.
The international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is set to open in Ashgabat
12.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international trade fair is set to open in Ashgabat shortly. More than 100 exhibitors, including local and international companies, will take part in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Among the participants already registered are: - the Russian companies ‘Vertera’ (healthy food for children), ‘ROXY-KIDS’ (products for newborns), ‘Splat’ (oral care products) and ‘Uvelka’ (ready-made breakfasts); - the Turkish company ‘Wee Baby’ (products for newborns); - German companies ‘Sanosan’ (cosmetics for babies, children and mothers) and ‘VARTA’ (household batteries); - the Japanese company ‘Omo-Oso’ (hypoallergenic nappies); - Iranian companies ‘Kalleh’ (dairy products), ‘Port de Kalleh’ and ‘Sorima’ (yoghurt production). The French Institute in Turkmenistan, the Italian Embassy, the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan, the American Centre in Turkmenistan, UNICEF and other international organisations will also be presenting their stands at the exhibition.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to Japan paid tribute to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
12.08.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan took part in commemorative ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mark the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of those cities. The events took place on 6 and 9 August 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The ceremonies were attended by the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament, members of the Cabinet, and Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country. In their speeches, the Japanese side emphasised the importance of preventing the use of nuclear weapons and continuing international efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the strengthening of peace. A. Bayramov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, laid flowers at the memorials to the victims of the bombings and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. During the visit, the Turkmen diplomat held meetings with the leadership of the cities and prefectures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, outlining to the Japanese side the main principles of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy — permanent neutrality, a commitment to peace and a dedication to dialogue. It was also noted that the UN General Assembly resolution, adopted on Turkmenistan’s initiative, declaring 2028 the ‘International Year of International Law’, served as further confirmation of the country’s commitment to strengthening international legal norms.
A children’s environmental event to mark Caspian Sea Day took place at ‘Awaza’
12.08.2026On 10 August, an environmental event for children was held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone to mark Caspian Sea Day. The event was organised by the UNDP and its partners as part of the UNDP and UNEP regional project ‘Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea’, implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The campaign was attended by children staying at the ‘Daýanç’ and ‘Arzuw’ health centres. During interactive sessions, they learnt about the Caspian Sea’s unique biodiversity, the threat posed by plastic pollution and microplastics, and the importance of joint efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem. The programme included practical training sessions on water and coastal safety, fire safety and first aid. The event concluded with an interactive quest entitled ‘Defenders of the Caspian’ and a creative workshop, where the children created posters promoting nature conservation and learnt about environmental monitoring tools.
An exhibition and conference covering three areas is to be held in Ashgabat
12.08.2026From 10 to 12 October 2026, the Exhibition Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’. The event will bring together companies, experts, relevant organisations and industry representatives from Turkmenistan and abroad, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The main focus will be on modern technologies, new solutions, the exchange of experience and the development of international cooperation. Over the course of three days, the exhibition venue will host B2B and B2G meetings, expert discussions, presentations of new technologies and masterclasses will take place at a single venue. Participants will present solutions in the fields of medical technology, pharmaceuticals, educational programmes, sports equipment, fitness and rehabilitation, and will also be able to establish business contacts and identify new opportunities for cooperation in Turkmenistan.
Afghanistan is inviting Turkmen investors to take part in new projects
11.08.2026The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has invited Turkmen entrepreneurs, industrialists and investors to visit the country as part of an economic delegation. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The invitation was extended during a working visit by a delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment to Turkmenistan, organised at the invitation of the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Chamber for Provincial Affairs, met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, as well as Turkmen entrepreneurs, industrialists and investors. The participants discussed joint investment projects, the establishment of enterprises, the conclusion of long-term contracts and the expansion of business ties. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi emphasised the need to increase the number of direct contacts and reciprocal visits by business delegations. The Afghan side invited Turkmen companies to visit the country to explore investment opportunities and develop bilateral cooperation. The priority sectors identified include the oil and gas sector, energy, industry, mining, agriculture, transport, railway infrastructure, transit, logistics and warehousing.
Turkmenistan is promoting initiatives at the UN
11.08.2026Turkmenistan continues to promote initiatives within the United Nations in the fields of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, international law, transport, energy, the environment and sustainable development. The UN General Assembly has already adopted more than 30 resolutions proposed by Turkmenistan, according to the news agency TDH. The promotion of the principles of neutrality remains one of the key priorities of the country’s foreign policy. In September 2025, at the high-level plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of neutrality in maintaining international peace, security and sustainable development. On 20 May 2026, the 82nd plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution ‘The role and importance of a policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development’, initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 47 states. The document became the first UN resolution adopted under a separate agenda item of the General Assembly devoted to issues of neutrality. Turkmenistan also advocates strengthening the central role of the UN and the primacy of international law. In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. On 24 July 2026, the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. It was co-sponsored by 78 states. The document provides for the promotion of international law as the foundation of peace, security and sustainable development. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 August, comprehensive proposals for implementing this initiative were presented to the President of Turkmenistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed drawing up a National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and establishing an Interdepartmental Working Committee comprising representatives from ministries, departments, higher education institutions and research organisations. As part of the Year of International Law, there are plans to hold regional and international forums, educational courses and lectures; to prepare teaching and information materials; to create digital educational resources; and to organise ‘International Law Week’, model UN sessions and youth competitions. It is proposed to establish the Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. It is envisaged that this will serve as a platform for academic and diplomatic exchange and for hosting the annual ‘Ashgabat International Legal Dialogue’ and summer schools for young legal scholars. The proposals also provide for the active involvement of the media, the creation of a multilingual internet portal or a dedicated information section on the Year of International Law. Turkmenistan proposes, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat and specialised agencies, to draw up a calendar of international events for 2028. Ashgabat plans to host, under the auspices of the UN, a high-level World Forum on International Law and to consider the possibility of adopting the Ashgabat Declaration. In addition, it is proposed to draw up a National Concept entitled ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ and to circulate it among UN Member States as a United Nations document. It is proposed that the opening of the Year of International Law take place at UN Headquarters in New York, with high-level events also to be held in Geneva, Vienna and other international centres. A separate section is devoted to Turkmenistan’s priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document has been drawn up taking into account the initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In the field of peace and security, Turkmenistan intends to propose the holding, under the auspices of the UN, of inter-state consultations on the preparation of a Strategy for Universal Peace. An initiative is also being put forward to declare the years 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy and to establish, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Following on from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s initiative to establish the University of Peace and Neutrality, there are plans to discuss the creation of an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy within the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the digital sphere, Turkmenistan proposes to develop, under the auspices of the UN, an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. A dialogue among international experts on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence is also planned to be held in Ashgabat. In the field of transport, Turkmenistan will continue its work on creating a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity within the framework of the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035’. The country also intends to participate in the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration. Among the new initiatives are the establishment in Turkmenistan, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as the creation of a trans-regional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. In the environmental sphere, it is proposed to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue as a multilateral platform for climate change and international cooperation. Turkmenistan also intends to advocate for strengthening the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. In the energy sector, consultations are planned to prepare for the high-level forum ‘Stable Energy for All’, in accordance with the resolution ‘The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in driving sustainable development’. The humanitarian agenda includes the further development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women within the framework of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. Work will also continue to expand youth participation in international and regional initiatives and to support the Central Asian Youth Dialogue. Turkmenistan will continue its cooperation with the UN in the field of international law and its activities as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028. At the same time, the country is preparing for elections to UN bodies. During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, it is planned to nominate Turkmenistan for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032, as well as to other elected UN bodies.
The Bayramali Textile Complex has launched a wool processing workshop
11.08.2026A new workshop for processing camel wool and goat down has been commissioned at the Bayramali Textile Complex. The enterprise is already producing yarn for the domestic and foreign markets, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The raw materials used in production are sourced from state-owned and private livestock farms. The workshop is equipped with high-performance machinery from the People’s Republic of China and the Italian company ‘Cormatex S.r.L.’. Production capacity stands at 130 tonnes of wool yarn per year. Operations are organised into three shifts. The workshop comprises a spinning section, a laboratory and a fibre-dyeing section. Quality is monitored at all stages of production. The yarn is characterised by its thermal insulation properties, lightness and a wide range of colours. It is intended primarily for the manufacture of special-purpose fabrics. It is planned to use recycled wool to produce duvets, pillows, belts and other home textiles. The launch of this new production facility expands the processing of domestic raw materials and creates further opportunities for developing the textile industry’s export potential.
The Turkmenistan Embassy in Kazakhstan held discussions on the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan meeting
11.08.2026A meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan with Omurzak Ozganbayev, a member of the Council of Senators and an honourable elder (aksakal). The parties exchanged views on the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to be held on 23 September 2026 in Ashgabat, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Omurzak Ozganbayev recalled his visit to Ashgabat to take part in the 15th session of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), held from 11 to 13 March 2024 under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. He noted the high standard of organisation of the event and the Turkmen hospitality. The meeting also discussed the elections to the Kurultay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which are due to take place on 23 August 2026. The participants highlighted the historical and cultural common ground between the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the new state body, the Halyk Kengesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan), based on the traditions of the Turkic peoples. According to Omurzak Ozganbayev, the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan will mark an important stage in the implementation of strategic objectives, the strengthening of national unity and the further development of the country.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are strengthening their energy cooperation
11.08.2026On 10 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook a working visit to the Mary velayat and visited Afghanistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. From Ashgabat International Airport, Hero Arkadag travelled to Mary International Airport. The National Leader of the Turkmen people then arrived at the Islam-Cheshme border zone in the town of Serhetabat, Tagtabazar etrap, and travelled to Afghanistan. During the visit, negotiations were held with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in the fuel and energy, transport and logistics, electricity, education and other sectors. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project and its ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ section, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’. The project’s role in developing energy cooperation and expanding economic ties between the countries was highlighted. The parties also considered issues relating to the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission line and the fibre-optic communication line. Discussions centred on the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ transport corridor, the creation of logistics infrastructure and the simplification of freight transport procedures. In the field of education, attention was drawn to the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan students at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan and training specialists for the gas sector, including for the TAPI project. The National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed establishing a Turkmen-Afghan commission on economic cooperation to further promote joint projects and strengthen the legal framework for cooperation. During the visit, a signing ceremony was held for a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ of Afghanistan. The document provides for joint work on the creation of specialised infrastructure in Herat Province, as well as the supply of Turkmen gas to industrial enterprises, power stations and the general public. As part of the trip, video footage was presented showing the progress of construction on the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline. Around 300 units of modern specialised machinery are being used to carry out the work. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag returned to Mary International Airport, from where he flew to Ashgabat.
FFT specialists took part in the AFC conference
11.08.2026A conference organised by the Asian Football Confederation for elite female referees and assistant referees was held in Malaysia. Kristina Bersenyova, an international referee from Turkmenistan, took part in the event, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The participants underwent testing on the laws of the game and physical fitness. The Turkmen referee successfully met all the standards. Following the conference, Kristina Bersenyova received an invitation to officiate matches in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
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