On 18 September, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a delegation from the British company AQA Global Assessment Services, which included Director of International Business Development Sean Crowley, Director of Assessment Systems Anna Green, and Regional Consultant Vali Guseyn. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in improving the quality of education and assessment systems, taking into account the needs of the labour market. AQA has extensive international experience, ranging from the implementation of national certification and qualification standardisation systems to the digitisation of testing. In particular, in Uzbekistan, the company participated in the development of a new assessment model for secondary schools, and in Kazakhstan, it participated in the creation of a criteria-based system for graduates. The future partnership involves the exchange of experience in the field of examination platforms and certification, the introduction of digital solutions, the development of uniform qualification standards and methodological support for teachers. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of international standards in the planning of educational reforms.
An international exhibition has opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), which is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the Orient news agency. At the exhibition, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan presented achievements in the field of digital technologies and telecommunications, as well as projects reflecting the country's investment potential in this area. Participants were particularly interested in initiatives related to the development of national communications infrastructure, the introduction of innovative solutions and the strengthening of international cooperation in the ICT sector. According to representatives of the ministry, digitalisation remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's strategic development, and investments in this area create new opportunities for partners and investors.
On 16 September, Turkmenistan's Minister of Education J. Gurbangeldiyev met with Hiroshi Sasaki, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. During the talks, the parties discussed long-term prospects for cooperation in the field of education. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The positive dynamics of cooperation, which gained new momentum after the April visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Japan, was noted. Particular attention was paid to the growing interest of Turkmen youth in learning Japanese, which is now studied by thousands of students and schoolchildren in the country. During the meeting, specific proposals were discussed for the implementation of joint training programmes in the field of hydrogen energy. Issues related to the professional development of teachers of exact sciences through JICA and MEXT programmes were considered, as well as the coordination of the work of educational institutions in Turkmenistan where Japanese is taught. The Japanese side was invited to participate in an international exhibition and scientific conference on education and healthcare, which will be held in Ashgabat in October this year. The parties confirmed their commitment to further strengthening their educational partnership and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the planned projects.
On 16 September, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan A. Movlamov held a meeting with the newly appointed Director General of the Department for Central Asian and ECO Countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Hasan Ali Zaigham. The meeting took place at the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was reported by IIC. During the talks, the parties discussed topical issues of further strengthening and expanding multifaceted relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan. Key attention was paid to the practical aspects of implementing strategically important joint projects – the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power line. It was unanimously emphasised that the successful completion of these large-scale infrastructure projects would contribute to strengthening regional stability, sustainable economic growth and prosperity throughout the region.
On the sidelines of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025) held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Nicolas Ramseier, Chairman of the Swiss Foreign Business Council, delivered a speech. In his speech, he emphasised the commonality of approaches and the complementarity of the economies of the two countries. This was reported by IIC. Referring to his experience in business and politics, Ramseier pointed to the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring stability and sustainable development, combining business and legislative practices. He expressed confidence that Switzerland and Turkmenistan adhere to similar principles based on neutrality, stability and prosperity through cooperation, and that their economies are complementary: Switzerland has advanced technologies and capital, while Turkmenistan is rich in resources and offers vast opportunities. The Swiss representative outlined specific areas of cooperation of interest to the council members, including Turkmenistan's potential in the field of renewable energy, where Switzerland is ready to provide investment and expertise, and cooperation in reducing methane emissions with the involvement of leading engineers. Emphasis was placed on Swiss investors' interest in developing the ‘Galkynysh’ field. Ramseier emphasised that all these initiatives are practical proposals for joint work.
In a video address to participants of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), UN Deputy Secretary-General Rabab Fatima noted Turkmenistan's leadership in promoting the interests of landlocked countries and presented new initiatives to attract investment, according to the Orient news agency. Rabab Fatima thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for organising the forum and recalled that the event was a continuation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. According to her, Turkmenistan has confirmed its ability to bring partners together for inclusive multilateral cooperation. The UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasised the investment potential of landlocked countries, noting their young population and resources. Initiatives include an infrastructure financing mechanism, a global business network for direct contact with investors, and a digital reference book, ‘Vision for the Future,’ with priority sectors. She also announced a roadmap of 319 projects for the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034.
At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov presented the factors that make the country a reliable partner for international business, according to the Orient news agency. The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister noted that investment attractiveness is directly linked to the state's development strategy and foreign policy. According to A. Gurbanov, economic modernisation, support for the private sector and digitalisation are key areas of National Programmes until 2052. The ‘green economy’ and the development of renewable energy sources are also priorities. The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister emphasised the country's political stability and neutrality as a guarantee of long-term cooperation. Among the promising sectors, he highlighted energy (including the TAPI project), transport and logistics, agriculture and innovation. Particular attention is paid to renewable and hydrogen energy. According to the Deputy Minister, investments in Turkmenistan are protected by international agreements and a reliable legal framework, and projects in the country are of regional importance, contributing to the stability and development of Central Asia.
Turkmenistan considers the UN anniversary session a key stage in strengthening international peace and security. The country emphasises the interconnection between political, military, economic, environmental and food security, remaining committed to a policy of neutrality and peaceful conflict resolution, according to the state news agency TDH. During the session, Ashgabat will present initiatives on the development of mediation, the creation of platforms for negotiations and the holding of international forums, including the Forum for Peace and Trust (2025) and the meeting ‘Central Asia – A Space for Peaceful Coexistence’. Turkmenistan intends to submit a draft resolution on the role of neutrality in maintaining peace, as well as to advocate for the establishment of an International Day of Mediation. Particular attention will be paid to sustainable development, transport and energy. The country will propose to proclaim the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035), develop the Ashgabat Process and energy connectivity, and create a Global Platform for Digital Integration. On the environmental agenda, Turkmenistan will initiate the creation of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification, the promotion of conventions on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, and the implementation of programmes to save the Aral Sea and preserve the Caspian ecosystem. There are plans to establish a Climate Technology Centre for Central Asia. In the humanitarian sphere, Ashgabat is promoting the initiatives ‘Women, Peace and Security,’ ‘Youth, Peace and Security,’ as well as the International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy and a project on the cultural heritage of the Silk Road. In the field of international law, Turkmenistan intends to propose declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, as well as continuing its campaign for election to the UN Security Council. The country will emphasise its commitment to non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. At the anniversary session, Turkmenistan will present a comprehensive approach to security and development based on neutrality, trust and multilateral cooperation, confirming its readiness for active interaction within the UN.
On 16 September, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Islamabad, A. Movlamov, welcomed the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Pakistan, Zoltán Varga, to the embassy. The meeting was held as part of establishing working contacts between the Heads of diplomatic missions. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen diplomat congratulated his colleague on the successful presentation of his credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and expressed confidence in the effectiveness of his work in his new post. During the conversation, A. Movlamov informed the Hungarian Ambassador about the activities of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, noting its importance in the development of intergovernmental cooperation with the Pakistani authorities, business and cultural circles. The interlocutors emphasised their readiness for close cooperation within the diplomatic corps in Islamabad and focused on the importance of strengthening interregional ties to enhance stability and sustainable development in the region.
The grand opening of the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the country's independence, took place in Ashgabat at the Exhibition Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The large-scale exhibition demonstrates the dynamics of the national economy's development and its contribution to the expansion of international cooperation, according to IIC. The exhibition features key industries that shape the economic potential of the state. The relevant ministries, departments and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan have set up their own exhibits. Visitors can see achievements in energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals, textiles, carpet making, construction, transport and communications. A separate section is devoted to the successes of the agricultural sector, the processing and food industries, as well as the development of healthcare, education, sports and tourism. The exhibition focuses on both traditional industries and new, innovative areas of the economy. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 20 September inclusive.
The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF-2025) opened on 18 September in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, with the main goal of attracting foreign and domestic investment to the country's economy. The forum will last two days, until 19 September. This was reported by Turkmenportal. At the opening ceremony, Turkmenistan's Minister of Finance and Economy Mammetguly Astanagulov read out a welcome address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants. According to the organisers, TIF-2025 brought together more than 800 delegates from over 45 countries. Among them were representatives of government agencies, international organisations, as well as leaders of large companies and business circles.
A delegation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, led by Ulvi Fikret oglu Akhundlu, Deputy Head of the Election Department (ODIHR), is visiting Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, the State News Agency, and political parties. The main purpose of the trip was to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation and identify priorities for interaction. The Head of the delegation noted ODIHR's readiness to develop a partnership with Turkmenistan and emphasised the importance of expanding joint projects and exchanging international experience.