The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with the coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute, Abdullah Demir, in the Belgian capital. The main topic of the negotiations was the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the joint promotion of the heritage of great poets and humanists. This was reported by the online publication Orient. Ambassador S. Palvanov proposed creating a special project dedicated to the peacemaking ideas of Magtymguly Pyragy and Yunus Emre, whose philosophical views remain relevant in the modern world. Special attention was paid to holding joint events in Brussels within the framework of the Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by Turkmenistan. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through the organisation of exhibitions, literary evenings and other cultural events that will allow the European audience to become better acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the two peoples. These initiatives are designed to strengthen cultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding between the peoples.
On 1 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Minsk hosted a meeting between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, and Homoud Saleh Mohsen Al-Saadi, the new Chargé d'Affaires of Qatar. This was reported by the online publication Orient. During the negotiations, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral and international cooperation. Ambassador N. Shagulyev emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of neutrality and peaceful foreign policy, noting the special significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan. Special attention was paid to the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held on 5-8 August in Avaza. This event will be an important platform for addressing pressing issues of economic development and international cooperation. The Qatari side expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and confirmed its interest in strengthening partnership relations with Turkmenistan. Chargé d'Affaires Al-Saadi highly appreciated Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening international stability and expressed support for the country's initiatives on the world stage. The meeting in Minsk was another step in the development of dialogue between Turkmenistan and Qatar, demonstrating their mutual desire to expand cooperation in various areas.
During the visit to China, the delegation of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan headed by Velmyrat Ovezov held a series of important meetings. In Shaanxi Province, negotiations were held with the Chairman of the People's Association for Friendship Xing Shanping, where the parties discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, education, sports and agriculture. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to develop humanitarian exchanges and invited Turkmen specialists to share their experience. ‘We are interested in deepening cooperation, especially in the fields of art and education,’ said Xing Shanping. Of particular importance was the meeting with Sun Weidong, Secretary-General of the ‘China-Central Asia’ format, who shared warm memories of his work in Ashgabat. The visit of the Turkmen delegation continues the tradition of active humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, established within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries. These contacts contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples and open up new prospects for youth exchanges.
On 31 July 2025, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand Apirat Sugondhabhirom, who is completing his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Turkmen-Thai relations, paying particular attention to the development of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The importance of further strengthening the legal framework for bilateral cooperation was noted. Special attention was paid to the successful cooperation between the two countries in international forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to Thailand for its contribution to the preparation of the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which will be held in Avaza. Discussing prospects for cooperation, the sides expressed interest in developing inter-university ties and other forms of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the Turkmen side thanked the Ambassador for his significant contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Thailand, noting his active work to strengthen bilateral cooperation during his diplomatic tenure.
During a familiarisation trip to China, a youth delegation of Turkmen journalists visited Yulin City in Shaanxi Province, a centre of agricultural innovation where the desert has given way to technology and green fields. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Yulin impressed with its combination of history and urbanism, as well as its successes in modernising agriculture. In the Yuyang Agro-Park, journalists learned about high-tech solutions ranging from GPS navigation and drones to automatic irrigation systems and AI soil analysis. These technologies have already increased yields by 30-40% and form the basis of a sustainable agroecological model. Particular attention was drawn to a seed processing enterprise, one of the largest producers in China. Here, strict quality control is combined with advanced breeding and packaging methods. Yulin also plans to host Turkmen farmers for training seminars. Such an exchange of experience could give new impetus to Turkmenistan's agricultural sector, especially in arid regions.
A cub of the caracal, a rare cat species native to southern and Central Asia, has been spotted in Turkmenistan for the first time. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. This may indicate the successful reproduction of the species at the northern border of its range and the stability of the local population. The exact number of caracals in the region remains unknown. Scientific programmes are being implemented to study their ecology and distribution in Turkmenistan, with support from, among others, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The organisation assists with monitoring the species, which contributes to a better understanding of the population status in the region. The caracal, also known as the steppe lynx, is distinguished by tufts on its ears and its secretive behaviour. It plays an important role in regulating the population of small animals and serves as an ecological indicator.
On 30 July, Selbi Hanova, Head of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, met with participants of the UNICEF youth eco-camp to discuss UN Secretary-General António Guterres' message ‘A Moment of Opportunity’ on climate change. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his address, Mr Guterres stated that the world is on the verge of a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and emphasised that in 2024, investment in clean energy exceeded $2 trillion, surpassing investment in traditional sources. The meeting participants watched a video address by the UN Secretary-General and discussed how each person can contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. Young people expressed their willingness to support sustainable environmental initiatives and promote the transition to clean energy.
On 31 July, two deals worth a total of US$1.591 million were signed on the foreign market of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the purchase of liquefied gas. In addition, businessmen from Hong Kong concluded a deal with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the purchase of cotton lint. Both deals are the result of continued interest from foreign partners in Turkmen export products.
Turkmenistan is preparing to host the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will take place in August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. This global event affects more than 570 million people from 32 countries and aims to promote their integration into the global economy, improve access to investment and overcome geographical isolation. UN conferences on landlocked developing countries are held every ten years. The first was held in Almaty in 2003 and led to the creation of the Almaty Programme of Action (APoA), and the second was held in Vienna in 2014, where the Vienna Programme for 2014-2024 was adopted, aimed at developing infrastructure and transit logistics. The decision to hold the third conference in Turkmenistan confirmed the country's authority on the international stage. The forum coincides with the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan's neutrality by the UN. The main theme of the meeting will be development through partnership, especially in light of current challenges, such as the fragmentation of the global economy and the transformation of transport systems. The conference will include forums for civil society, youth, the private sector and parliaments. Thematic events are planned, covering issues such as transport, sustainable energy and climate, as well as cultural and humanitarian events. Active participation by young people, businesses and the public is expected, which should give new impetus to sustainable development. The conference is an important step in strengthening Turkmenistan's role as a platform for international dialogue and the promotion of policies for peace, neutrality and sustainable development.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter on the occasion of the national holiday, Swiss Confederation Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the head of Turkmenistan wished Karin Keller-Sutter strong health, happiness and success, and the people of Switzerland peace, further development and prosperity.
On 28-29 July 2025, a regional training seminar was held in Turkmenbashi, organised by the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The event brought together representatives of customs services and experts from six countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. During the seminar, participants discussed modern approaches to ensuring maritime transport security and managing potential risks. Particular attention was paid to issues of inter-agency and international cooperation in this area. The delegates highly appreciated the infrastructure capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the level of customs control in Turkmenistan. The holding of such a seminar underscores Turkmenistan's growing role as an important transport and logistics hub in the region and its commitment to international maritime safety standards. The event was an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging best practices in the field of maritime security.
The ‘Elin Balyk’ fishery is completing a seven-month cycle of farming the first batch of Rosenberg king prawns. This ambitious project, which began with the import of tiny larvae from Thailand, is now showing impressive results - about one million individuals, each reaching 30 cm in length. This is reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In addition to shrimp, the farm successfully breeds tilapia, African catfish and sturgeon using modern aquaculture methods. Particular attention is paid to the quality of water from the Karakum River, which undergoes multi-stage treatment, and specially developed feed enriched with vitamins and minerals. The company's immediate plans are not only to saturate the domestic market, but also to enter the international market. The first batch of farmed shrimp will soon go on sale, which will be an important event for gourmets and restaurateurs in Turkmenistan. At the same time, work is continuing on the development of technology for farming Vannamei shrimp in the waters of the Caspian Sea. This project marks a new stage in the development of Turkmenistan's food industry, demonstrating the country's potential in the field of modern aquaculture and import substitution of delicatessen products.