The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), funded by the European Union, has handed over two special vehicles for the canine service to the Border Service of Turkmenistan. The handover ceremony took place on 20 August, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The vehicles will be used in Ashgabat and Mary to transport dog handlers and service dogs, which should improve the mobility and efficiency of the units. EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa emphasised the importance of long-standing cooperation in the field of border management, while the Head of the Turkmenistan dog handling service, Dovletmyrat Gurtlyev, noted that the new equipment will strengthen the work of units across the country. The support was provided as part of a programme component aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to detect violations.
On 21 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador M. Mashalov met with President of the Senate of Malaysia Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah at the Malaysian Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiation, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia, emphasising its important role in the development of political and diplomatic relations. Special attention was paid to the need to intensify the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, organise mutual visits by parliamentarians and hold joint meetings. The interlocutors noted the high level of friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their readiness to further develop them on a long-term and mutually beneficial basis.
In the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a meeting was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who arrived in the country to participate in the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by TDH. During the negotiation, it was noted that Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations are becoming systematic and regular, reaching the level of a stable and mutually beneficial partnership. During the discussion, the commitment of both countries to the further dynamic development of inter-state dialogue based on centuries-old traditions of good neighbourliness and mutual benefit was emphasised.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the summit ‘Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan’. The Head of State's plane landed at the International Airport in Turkmenbashi, where a solemn meeting took place. This was reported by IIC. On behalf of the Turkmen side, the distinguished guest was welcomed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev. After the ceremony, the delegation headed to the ‘Avaza’ national tourist zone. During the visit, bilateral negotiation is planned between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The trilateral summit will discuss prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, economy, transport, communications, energy and humanitarian spheres. A number of documents are expected to be signed following the summit.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has arrived in Turkmenistan. The plane of the Head of State landed at the International Airport in Turkmenbashi. This was reported by IIC. Ilham Aliyev will take part in the trilateral summit ‘Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan’, which will be held in the national tourist zone ‘Avaza’. On behalf of the Turkmen side, the guest was met by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev. The forum will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, economy, transport, communications, energy and humanitarian spheres. A number of joint documents are expected to be signed following the meeting.
On 20 August, the eleventh round of annual political consultations between Turkmenistan and the United States took place in Washington. The Turkmen delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, and the American delegation was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pommersheim. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, paying particular attention to cooperation in the field of security, the expansion of trade and economic ties, and interaction within the framework of the C5+1 regional dialogue. The meeting reviewed specific projects involving American companies and opportunities to increase investment in the economy of Turkmenistan. Following the consultations, the sides confirmed the effectiveness of regular dialogue as a tool for strengthening the Turkmen-American partnership.
The International Exhibition and Fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ has kicked off in Ashgabat, organised by TurkmenExpo and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The forum has become an important platform for leading companies and brands of children's goods and services, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event is being held for the second time in an expanded format: this year, manufacturers from more than 20 countries are participating, showcasing goods, educational technologies and entertainment projects. The aim of the exhibition is to develop business cooperation, attract investment and strengthen positions in the regional market. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the government, the Mejlis, ministries, diplomatic missions, as well as residents and guests of the capital. The exhibition programme includes themed areas with interactive activities: in the Cyber Zone, there will be robot competitions and programming quizzes; in the VR Science Zone, visitors can immerse themselves in science through virtual reality; and in the master class area, there will be ceramics, fashion design and creative activities. Visitors can also enjoy a book fair, children's fashion shows, sports competitions and the final of the mental arithmetic competition. The exhibition offers children's goods for sale and a food court, making it a comfortable and interesting visit for the whole family.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, Aymyrat Gochmyradov, met with the Chairman of the Majlisi Namayandagon Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, Faizali Idizoda. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The sides discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the countries, noting its active expansion due to the initiatives of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Special attention was paid to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude to the Tajik parliamentarians for their participation in the conference and the Parliamentary Forum, which strengthened bilateral ties. The parties emphasised the importance of exchanging experience and developing joint positions on regional and international issues. They confirmed their intention to continue active cooperation through parliamentary mechanisms, including participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and friendship groups.
Iran plans to increase electricity imports from Turkmenistan. This decision was made at a meeting attended by Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi and Director General of the state energy company ‘Tavanir’, Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. ‘Tavanir’s Department of Transmission and Foreign Trade has been instructed to work out the technical and commercial details for increasing supplies. This step is aimed at strengthening energy security and diversifying sources of electricity supply. The new negotiation continues earlier agreements between the countries, including the participation of Iranian companies in the construction of the Mary-Mashhad power line, which should increase the transmission capacity of the power systems of both countries.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with US Secretary of State and Acting Advisor to the President for National Security Affairs Marco Rubio in Washington. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiation, economic cooperation and security issues in Central Asia were discussed. M. Rubio confirmed the US's readiness to develop trade and economic ties with Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to regional integration through the C5+1 platform and strengthening security in Central Asia.
A delegation from Turkmenistan will participate in the 10th Caspian Media Forum, which will be held on 22 August in Astrakhan, according to the news agency Orient. Representatives from the Caspian states of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also expected to attend the forum. The key theme of the meeting will be ‘The History of the Caspian Sea: From the Past to the Future.’ The programme includes discussion platforms, an educational intensive ‘Infoforum,’ and a session dedicated to cinema and the media sphere. In parallel, the 5th Caspian Seasons International Classical Arts Festival is taking place in Astrakhan from 19 to 30 August.
Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag, got acquainted with the preparation of the foundation’s and ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri’s stands for the International Exhibition and Fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’, which will be held in Ashgabat on August 21–23. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. The exhibition will feature projects in the field of children's health and development, video presentations of organizations' activities, as well as products from ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’, including medical devices and baby food. The program will be complemented by performances by the children's collective of the ‘Jahan’ Creative Center. ‘Kids Expo’ will bring together manufacturers of goods and services for children, from everyday products to educational and entertainment solutions.