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The Afghan delegation discussed the development of economic cooperation in Ashgabat
07.08.2026An Afghan delegation paid an official working visit to Ashgabat, during which it discussed with the Turkmen side the development of economic cooperation and the expansion of trade and investment ties. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The delegation comprised representatives of the Board of Directors of the Herat Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and the country’s business community. Meetings were held in Ashgabat with the leadership of the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of the Turkmen business community. The parties discussed ways to increase trade turnover, streamline trade procedures, expand cooperation between the private sectors, and implement new investment projects. During the negotiations, the role of Turkmenistan as one of Afghanistan’s key economic partners was highlighted. The parties also emphasised the importance of geographical proximity, the port of Turgundi, the ‘Herat–Turgundi’ railway and regional projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, for the development of trade and transit cooperation.
The OSCE Head highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening dialogue and stability
07.08.2026The current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, described Turkmenistan as a valuable partner for the organisation in strengthening dialogue, stability and cooperation. He made this statement following an official visit to the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During his visit, Ignazio Cassis held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. The parties discussed cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation across the organisation’s three security pillars. The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the role of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in fostering constructive dialogue with Turkmenistan. He met with staff at the centre and expressed his appreciation for their work in implementing the organisation’s mandate and developing engagement with state institutions and civil society. The visit to Turkmenistan formed part of Ignazio Cassis’s regional tour. He had previously visited Azerbaijan and plans to visit Armenia and Georgia in the autumn.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to developing its partnership with the OSCE
07.08.2026During a meeting with the Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, which currently holds the Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the visit marked an important stage in the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed issues of international cooperation, the maintenance of peace, stability and sustainable development. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to bilateral relations. The Head of State reaffirmed his interest in the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Switzerland in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
A coach from the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club spoke highly of the Ashgabat velodrome
07.08.2026From 4 to 20 August, Ashgabat is hosting a joint training camp for the Turkmenistan national cycling team and a cycling club from Abu Dhabi (UAE). Fahd Housh, coach of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, spoke highly of the sporting infrastructure in the Turkmen capital. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the indoor velodrome meets Olympic standards and provides optimal conditions for professional training due to its high-quality track surface, the parameters of the bends and its modern infrastructure. The expert, who took up cycling in 1985, noted that he is now passing on his many years of experience to young athletes. He also emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of cycling. It was previously reported that the delegation from Abu Dhabi comprises 28 people, whilst the Turkmen side is represented by 15 athletes led by head coach Kakabay Atayev. During the training camp, the participants will cover around 1,270 kilometres on the open road, hold six training sessions and three seminars at the Olympic Village velodrome. Following the training camp, the Turkmenistan national team will compete in the Track Asia Cup in Thailand, which takes place from 28 to 30 August, and will then take part in the Asian Games in Japan from 29 September to 2 October.
Experts from Turkmenistan are taking part in a training course on the glaciers of the Tien Shan
07.08.2026Young professionals from Turkmenistan are taking part in the International Summer School on data collection methodologies for modelling changes in glaciation in the inner Tien Shan. This has been reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The course is taking place from 3 to 8 August at Lake Issyk-Kul, with the participation of experts in hydrology, meteorology, glaciology and ecology from Central Asian countries. The programme aims to study the consequences of glacier retreat in the region. According to the World Bank, by 2050 the area of glaciation could decrease by approximately one-third, increasing the risk of floods and mudslides. Practical sessions are being held at the Tien Shan International Scientific Centre, including the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu hydrometeorological station and the Kara-Batkak Glacier. Scientists and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, France, Belgium and Japan are involved in delivering the sessions. The summer school is being run with the support of the World Bank as part of a regional project to restore sustainable landscapes.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeded $598 million in the first half of the year
07.08.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in January–June 2026 amounted to $598.9 million. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the reporting period, Uzbekistan imported Turkmen goods worth $503 million, whilst its exports to Turkmenistan totalled $95.9 million. Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover for this period reached $41 billion, an increase of $2.8 billion, or 7.4 per cent, compared with the same period in 2025. In 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to $1.2 billion.
A Turkmen fighter engaged in a stare-down before his bout at the PFL Charlotte tournament
07.08.2026Turkmen mixed martial arts fighter Dovletjan Yagshimuradov exchanged glances with British fighter Simeon Powell ahead of their upcoming bout as part of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) tournament. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The light-heavyweight bout is set to take place on 7 August in Charlotte (North Carolina, USA) at the Bojangles Coliseum. The fight is on the main card of the PFL Charlotte event. The bout was originally scheduled to take place in New York, but was rescheduled following a decision by the local athletic commission, which barred Powell from competing due to a previous operation. The opponents have remained matched up and will fight a week after the original date. Yagshimuradov’s record stands at 26 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw, whilst Powell’s is 12 wins and 2 losses. The main card is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN. Mixed martial arts enthusiasts and fans of Dovletjan Yagshimuradov in Turkmenistan will be able to watch the bout live on the ‘Belet’ platform. The fight is due to take place at approximately 08:30 am on 8 August, Ashgabat time.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey will support media coverage of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
06.08.2026The international news portal ‘Turkic World’, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, will begin providing regular coverage of the preparations for and proceedings of the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. A special section has been launched on the portal, where official news, information materials and reports on events in the run-up to the session will be published on a regular basis. During the session itself, the section will be promptly updated with material on its proceedings, key speeches, decisions taken and initiatives put forward. The creation of the section is the result of joint work between the embassy and the portal’s editorial team — the aim of the project is to provide comprehensive coverage of the event and to inform the international community about Turkmenistan’s state policy. The materials are available at: https://turkic.world/tm/latest/.
‘Awaza’ will host a meeting between the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan
06.08.2026At the end of July, the leaders of the six Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration in Cholpon-Ata, reaffirming the high level of trust between the states of the ‘CA-6’ format. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting served as preparation for the 8th official Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which is due to take place on 8 October 2026 in Turkmenistan’s ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea. This regional integration framework has taken shape over the past eight years. The first step was a meeting of Central Asian leaders in Astana, which laid the foundations for the ‘CA-5’ framework and aimed to strengthen trust between states, coordinate foreign policy and remove bureaucratic barriers. Over the course of the seven subsequent meetings, the countries resolved issues relating to the delimitation and demarcation of borders, established mechanisms for managing water and energy resources, increased trade, and established joint transport corridors. The second step was Azerbaijan’s accession to the platform. Baku was granted guest-of-honour status, and its full membership was subsequently announced at the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent — thus establishing the ‘CA-6’ format. This gave the countries of the region access to Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and European markets. The third step was an informal meeting of the leaders of the six countries in Cholpon-Ata. In addition to a joint declaration, the participants discussed issues relating to security, logistics, water management and energy. At the forthcoming meeting in Awaza, the leaders plan to discuss regional security, trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport logistics, the environment, water resources, as well as humanitarian and youth cooperation.
Turkmenistan is expanding its cultural heritage and international cooperation
06.08.2026Work is continuing in Turkmenistan to develop culture, preserve the national heritage and promote it abroad. One of the priorities of state policy is to support creative activities, modernise cultural infrastructure and improve the regulatory framework, according to the news agency TDH. Libraries, museums, theatres and arts institutions play a significant role in the cultural sphere. The country is implementing the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Library Sector in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029’, aimed at modernising library services and introducing digital technologies. Electronic catalogues and virtual libraries are expanding access to information resources. Museums in Turkmenistan continue their work to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Their collections are being expanded with new exhibits, whilst digital projects and virtual tours are being developed. In recent years, exhibitions of the country’s museum treasures have been held at cultural centres abroad, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and museums in Germany. In 2026, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ concluded at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Theatre, music and opera are flourishing. The country’s theatres stage productions based on works by Turkmen and foreign authors. The development of the national opera continues, with well-known works being reintroduced into the repertoire and new productions being created. As part of Culture Week 2026, the opera ‘Leyli and Majnun’ was performed. Particular attention is paid to the preservation of traditional art forms. The performing art of the bakhshi and the national art of singing and dancing known as ‘kushtdepdi’ are being developed. Specialists in the field of culture are trained at the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire and the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, as well as at music and art schools. In Ashgabat, construction is continuing on the ‘Güneşli’ Children’s and Youth Centre, which will house the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library, complete with digital facilities and an observatory. The project is being funded by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. National competitions remain one of the key areas for fostering creative potential, including the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Award, the television competition ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’, as well as the ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ and ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’ competitions. Cultural diplomacy is an important part of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation. As part of the Strategy for the Development of Cultural Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052, the country is expanding its humanitarian ties and developing cooperation with international organisations, including UNESCO, TURKSOY and ICESCO. Cooperation with UNESCO on the preservation of sites of historical and cultural heritage continues. Monuments, traditions and natural sites in Turkmenistan of universal significance have been included in the organisation’s relevant lists. In 2026, Ashgabat hosted the 27th TURKSOY Opera Days, bringing together artists from Turkmenistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Events were also held to mark the 110th anniversary of the composer Veli Muhadov. Turkmenistan is expanding its cooperation with ICESCO following its granting of observer status with the organisation. During the ‘KazanForum 2026’ international events, initiatives to develop cultural cooperation were presented, including the prospect of Ashgabat being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028. Cultural Days, exhibitions, concerts, theatre festivals and film screenings are held regularly both at home and abroad. In 2026, Azerbaijan Cultural Days took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag, whilst Turkmenistan Cultural Days were held in Moscow and Tbilisi. The domestic film industry is also developing. The film ‘The Composer’, produced by the Oguz Han ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, has received international awards from TURKSOY. The film had previously been recognised at international film festivals. Cultural diplomacy is also linked to the development of tourism. As a member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Turkmenistan is developing cooperation in the field of cultural and educational tourism and the promotion of the country’s historical attractions. The works of Magtymguly Pyragy hold particular significance within the country’s cultural heritage. In 2024, the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex was opened in Ashgabat to mark the 300th anniversary of the poet and thinker. Efforts are also being made to promote Ahal-Teke horses. To this end, international equestrian competitions and horse beauty contests are held, and the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group performs abroad.
‘Kenar’ is boosting Turkmenistan’s export capacity for petroleum products
06.08.2026The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ is increasing the volume of production and supply of petroleum and petrochemical products in demand on international markets. The leading enterprise for the storage and shipment of petroleum products, ‘Kenar’, is contributing to the development of export potential, reports the online news site AsmanNews. Since the start of the year, more than 1,890,000 tonnes of petroleum products have been dispatched from here to domestic and foreign customers, including over 372,000 tonnes for export. The facility handles the transport of various types of products, including aviation kerosene, motor petrol, diesel fuel and lubricating oils. In recent years, ‘Kenar’s infrastructure has undergone technical modernisation. An automated railway loading and unloading gantry for light petroleum products, with a capacity of 3.85 million tonnes per year, has been commissioned. All operations, including loading, weighing and document processing, are carried out digitally. The vapour recovery system prevents the loss of over 300 tonnes of petrol annually and reduces the environmental impact. In collaboration with the British company Petro Gas LLP, a new marine berth No. 3 has been constructed, equipped with advanced equipment manufactured in the USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Its capacity enables the transhipment of significant volumes of raw materials and finished products. Additional process safety is ensured by autonomous pumping and transformer stations, whilst the installation of ‘TS-1’ filters on the aviation kerosene pipeline enhances operational reliability.
Turkmen entrepreneurs have been invited to the TTR II 2026 exhibition in Romania
06.08.2026Turkmen entrepreneurs will be able to take part in the autumn session of the TTR II 2026 tourism exhibition, which will take place from 19 to 22 November 2026 at the Romexpo Exhibition Centre in Bucharest (Romania). This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. TTR II 2026 will bring together representatives of the tourism industry, including national tourism organisations, agencies, tour operators, hotel chains, airlines and transport companies. The exhibition will showcase tourist destinations, hotel and transport services, digital solutions and industry innovations. B2B meetings, negotiations and events aimed at establishing new business contacts are also planned. The exhibition has been held twice a year – in spring and autumn – since 1999 and is one of Romania’s largest tourism business platforms, bringing together participants from both the national and international markets.
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