News
A meeting between the Ambassadors of Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait took place in Dushanbe
05.08.2026On 4 August in Dushanbe, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, A. Gochmyradov, met with the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, Mohammad Rashid Al-Amiri, who had arrived on a courtesy visit to mark the start of his diplomatic mission. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties noted the steady development of Turkmen-Kuwaiti relations with the support of the leaders of both states. The Kuwaiti Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for its assistance in ensuring the safe transit of Kuwaiti citizens through Turkmenistan due to the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of humanism, good neighbourliness and international cooperation was emphasised. The interlocutors also noted that the opening of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Dushanbe creates further opportunities for expanding cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The parties reaffirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan briefed the Kuwaiti diplomat on the events dedicated to the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, and presented a book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘A Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness’.
A system for the protection of maternal and child health is being developed in Turkmenistan
05.08.2026In Turkmenistan, implementation is continuing of the National Programme for the Protection of Maternal and Child Health for 2026–2030, ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’, approved by a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan on 20 June 2026. The document aims to improve reproductive health, reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality, and expand access to high-quality healthcare, according to the news agency TDH. The programme provides for disease prevention, early diagnosis, improvements to medical care for women during the antenatal and postnatal periods, the development of a screening system, support for families and improved training for medical staff. There are plans to review the educational programmes of relevant educational institutions, introduce new specialisms and increase student intake. In addition, the country is continuing to implement state programmes in the healthcare sector, including the ‘Saglyk’ (‘Health’) State Programme. Particular attention is being paid to breastfeeding and the prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency and vitamin D deficiency. According to the 2023 National Micronutrient Survey, the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age, pregnant women and children has decreased compared with 2011. The development of preventive medicine, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, physical education and sport, as well as the improvement of the primary healthcare system, remain key priorities. The modernisation of medical infrastructure is continuing. Across the country’s regions, clinics, research and clinical centres, health centres and maternal and child health centres are being built and refurbished. Healthcare facilities are being supplied with modern equipment, medicines, consumables and specialised transport. The programme provides for the further development of the regional maternal and child health system, the introduction of modern clinical protocols, the strengthening of the regulatory framework and the expansion of international cooperation. Particular attention is paid to reproductive health, the prevention of infertility, the early detection of congenital and acquired diseases, and the maintenance of high immunisation coverage. In accordance with the National Immunisation Schedule, children are vaccinated against 14 infectious diseases. The procurement of vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation is funded from the state budget. Support continues in the country for children without parental care, as do the activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, which funds treatment, operations, rehabilitation and the purchase of medical equipment. The national programme will be implemented in two phases: between 2026 and 2028, the main activities will be carried out and an interim assessment of the results will be conducted; between 2029 and 2030, the programme will be completed and its targets achieved.
The Turkmenistan U-17 national team will start in Pot 2 of the Asian Cup qualifiers
05.08.2026Turkmenistan’s U-17 football team has been placed in Pot 2 ahead of the draw for the 2027 AFC U-17 Championship qualifiers, which is due to take place on 27 August. The final stage of the tournament will be held in Uzbekistan from 12 to 29 May 2027, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Nine participants in the final stage have already been determined following the results of the previous edition. In addition to Uzbekistan, these include the national teams of Australia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Japan, China, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea and Qatar. The remaining seven places will be contested in a single qualifying round from 8 to 20 November 2026. Thirty-five teams will take part, divided into seven groups. The group winners will progress to the final stage. In the second pot, alongside Turkmenistan, are the national teams of Malaysia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Kuwait and Laos, so they will not face each other in the group stage. The first pot comprises Yemen, Thailand, Indonesia, the UAE, India, Oman and Iran, whilst the third pot includes Afghanistan, Syria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong and Palestine. The fourth and fifth pots comprise the national teams of Pakistan, Mongolia, Singapore, Lebanon, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Bhutan, Cambodia, Macau, Brunei, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Guam.
A delegation from Turkmenistan visited the Peelbergen centre in the Netherlands
05.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, visited the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg as part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where it inspected the preparations for the upcoming international event. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Turkmen representatives met with the centre’s management and equestrian specialists. The parties discussed organisational, technical and protocol matters, including the programme, accommodation for participants, and the staging of sporting, cultural and exhibition events. The delegation toured the sports facilities, training areas and infrastructure of the centre, and also observed the training of Turkmen specialists undergoing training in show jumping. The importance of further professional cooperation between specialists from Turkmenistan and the Netherlands was emphasised. Particular attention was paid to the venues where an exhibition of Turkmen products is to be held, as well as displays by foreign companies and international brands operating in the field of equestrian sports and horse breeding. The parties also discussed issues relating to coordination, security, technical support and the layout of the venues. It was noted that this will be the first time the event has been held outside Turkmenistan, and that its programme will combine sporting, cultural, exhibition and business events. Following the visit, confidence was expressed that the event will help to promote Ahal-Teke horses and foster international cooperation in the field of equestrian sports.
Students from Turkmenistan won six gold medals at IMC-2026
05.08.2026Turkmen students won 6 gold and 3 silver medals at the 33rd International Mathematics Competition (IMC-2026), held from 27 July to 4 August 2026 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. This was reported by the press office of the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. Around 450 students from various countries took part in the competition. Turkmenistan was represented by students from the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan.
The Ambassadors of Turkmenistan and Italy held a meeting in Islamabad
05.08.2026On 3 August 2026, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, met with Ugo Ciarlatani, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Pakistan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Italian relations, as well as ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, interaction between the missions, and cooperation with Pakistani government bodies and the business community. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue, develop professional interaction and strengthen friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Italy.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador discussed the development of horse breeding with a French expert
05.08.2026On 3 August, M. Charyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, met with Alexandre Gros, a national technical expert at the French Equestrian Federation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed the training of specialists in the field, the exchange of international expertise, and the prospects for the development of Turkmen-French cooperation in the field of horse breeding. The participants also reviewed preparations for the World Equestrian Championships and the International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which are to be held on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (Kingdom of the Netherlands). Alexander Gros confirmed his willingness to deliver a presentation on the history of the Ahal-Teke breed in France at an international scientific conference to be held as part of the championships. In addition, the prospects for cooperation between the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and relevant French institutions were discussed, including the training of Turkmen trainers and instructors and the adoption of international best practice. Following the meeting, Alexander Gros highlighted Turkmenistan’s efforts to preserve and develop the Ahal-Teke breed, and expressed his willingness to help promote the country’s national equestrian heritage.
Experts from Turkmenistan are studying AI and ‘green’ technologies in Germany
05.08.2026Experts from the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, and the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ are taking part in an international research internship in Germany, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme is taking place from 25 July to 16 August 2026 at Clausthal University of Technology. Its aim is to study leading international expertise in the fields of renewable energy, reducing methane emissions, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in industry, as well as to develop scientific and technical cooperation and digital technologies. During the first few days of the internship, the Turkmen specialists, together with German scientists, took part in practical sessions on artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks and data normalisation. The participants also carried out laboratory research on well integrity, the drilling of highly deviated wells and the prediction of photovoltaic plant performance using artificial intelligence algorithms. To conclude the programme, the delegation will visit a German sulphur-containing gas processing plant and power stations utilising renewable energy sources. The internship is being held as part of the European Union and GIZ strategic project ‘European Union for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029’.
Cyclists from Turkmenistan and Abu Dhabi are holding a training camp in Ashgabat
05.08.2026A joint training camp involving the Abu Dhabi cycling club and the Turkmenistan national team is taking place in Ashgabat from 4 to 20 August. This has been reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Twenty-eight representatives of the UAE club are taking part in the event, including management, the coaching staff, a technical specialist and 24 athletes. Training sessions are taking place at the Olympic Village facilities, as well as on the streets and cycle routes of the capital. The training camp programme includes road races along Ataturk, Archabil and Kopetdag avenues and in the Gokdere area. The cyclists will cover distances ranging from 60 to 150 kilometres, with the total training distance amounting to approximately 1,270 kilometres. Six training sessions and three instructional seminars are scheduled to take place at a dedicated velodrome. The sessions are being organised in collaboration with relevant state bodies, which are providing safety and medical support. Cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the Turkmen Cycling Federation has been developing since 2023 and includes joint training camps and participation in international competitions. Fifteen athletes from the Turkmenistan national team are taking part in the current training sessions under the guidance of head coach Kakabay Atayev and his assistant, Igor Yoldashev. Following the conclusion of the training camp in Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan national team will take part in the Track Asia Cup in Thailand, which will take place on 28–30 August. The highlight of the season will be the Asian Games in Japan.
Freight and passenger transport in Turkmenistan showed growth over the first seven months
04.08.2026A meeting was held at the administrative building of the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan to review the performance of the transport and communications sector over the first seven months of this year. This was reported by the press office of the ministry. The growth rate in the volume of work carried out and services provided stood at 114 per cent. Freight transport by road, rail, air, sea and river increased by 103.6 per cent compared with the same period last year, whilst passenger transport rose by 102.4 per cent. The Ministry of Rail Transport met its target for services provided by 107 per cent, the Ministry of Road Transport by 118.8 per cent, the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ by 118.5 per cent, the State Service for Maritime and River Transport by 102.1 per cent, and the Ministry of Communications by 115.5 per cent.
The ‘Melody’ Orchestra is to present a concert entitled ‘Heart of the East’ in Ashgabat
04.08.2026On 29 August, the ‘Watan’ Cinema and Concert Hall in Ashgabat will host a festive concert by the ‘Melody’ Youth Orchestra, entitled ‘Heart of the East’. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The programme will feature new orchestral arrangements of well-known Eastern compositions, combining traditional motifs with a contemporary sound. The musicians will perform pieces reflecting the cultural heritage of the peoples of the East. The repertoire will include Turkmen, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Tajik, Kazakh and Arabic melodies. Each piece will be presented in a contemporary orchestral interpretation whilst retaining its national character. The ‘Melody’ Orchestra, led by cellist Annaoraz Dovletov, is renowned for its performances of classical, contemporary and folk pieces in original arrangements. The organisers note that the event is aimed at a family audience. Seating in the auditorium is limited.
Turkmenistan and Iran are strengthening their cooperation in the study of manuscripts
04.08.2026Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan, discussed the history of cultural and scientific ties between the two countries and current areas of cooperation in an article for the Turkmen media. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, the shared civilisational heritage of Iran and Turkmenistan is deeply rooted in the region’s history. The Ambassador cited Greater Khorasan, as well as Merv, Nisa, Sarahs, Nishapur and Abiverd. During the Seljuk era, Merv was one of the centres of literature, astronomy and mathematics. Among the authors who wrote in Persian, Arabic and Turkmen, Rouzbahani mentioned Anvari Abiverdi, Zamakhshari, Fakhr al-Din Razi and Magtymguly Pyragy. According to the Ambassador, libraries in Turkmenistan hold thousands of manuscripts in Persian and Arabic, whilst Iran’s archives contain texts in Turkic, Arabic and Turkmen relating to the region’s history. Cooperation continues in the study and cataloguing of ancient manuscripts, the joint publication of books, translation and scholarly research into these works. In June 2023, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, with a two-volume edition of the revised divan of Magtymguly Pyragy. Through the efforts of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat, several works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, have been translated into Persian and published, including the book ‘Worshipping Mother — Worshipping a Sacred Person’. The translation of one of the volumes of the encyclopaedia ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’ is ongoing, as is the translation of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s book ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’; its presentation is scheduled for a later date.
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