In Maastricht, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held a meeting with the King’s Commissioner and Governor of the Province of Limburg, Emile Roemer. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the Turkmen side presented the concept and the stages of preparation for an international event to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties discussed organisational matters relating to the event dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses, as well as issues concerning cooperation with local authorities and relevant provincial bodies. T. Atahallyev invited Emile Roemer and representatives of the Limburg administration to attend the event as guests of honour. The governor confirmed his willingness to assist with its organisation. Particular attention was paid to the development of inter-regional cooperation between the province of Limburg and one of Turkmenistan’s velayats. Potential areas for cooperation included trade, the economy and investment, industry, agriculture, science, education, culture and tourism. The parties expressed their interest in further strengthening ties between Turkmenistan and the province of Limburg, as well as in implementing joint projects and exchanging expertise.
As part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held meetings with the management of the shipbuilding companies ‘Royal IHC’ and ‘Damen Shipyards’, as well as with Professor Graham Jewitt, Rector and Managing Director of the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of water resources management, the implementation of water-saving and engineering technologies, and the exchange of experience and knowledge. The Turkmen delegation toured ‘Royal IHC’s production facilities in Kinderdijk. During meetings with company representatives, opportunities for collaboration in the fields of dredging, infrastructure modernisation, shipbuilding and the application of modern technical solutions for water management projects were discussed. Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between Dutch companies and relevant state bodies and enterprises in Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side expressed an interest in studying the best practices and developments of their Dutch partners. At IHE Delft, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and the training of water resources management specialists. Issues relating to the organisation of joint educational programmes, the exchange of lecturers and researchers, and the holding of thematic seminars were considered. T. Atahallyev noted his willingness to facilitate the development of direct links between IHE Delft and relevant institutes and universities in Turkmenistan. Representatives of Dutch organisations and companies were invited to take part in international events to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties also discussed the possibility of holding joint business events in the Netherlands involving representatives of government bodies, the business sector and leading companies from both countries. Following the meetings, interest in further developing cooperation in the water, education, scientific, technical and industrial sectors was confirmed.
During January–July 2026, development continued in the fields of education, science, healthcare and sport in Turkmenistan. This was reported on 1 August at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Mammedov, according to the news agency TDH. In the field of education, work continued on improving the education system and introducing modern teaching methods. Pupils and students took part in international subject Olympiads and achieved excellent results. During the summer, holiday programmes for children were organised at the Gokdere Children’s Holiday Camp, in the velayats and in Awaza. Entrance examinations have also begun at higher education and secondary vocational institutions. In the scientific sphere, international scientific and practical conferences were held. A ‘Digital Science’ department has been established at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences. In the healthcare sector, measures have been implemented to introduce modern treatment methods. Through the funding of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, children have undergone operations and received treatment. Modern health-improvement methods have been applied and specialised medical services provided at the country’s sanatoriums. In the field of physical education and sport, the training of professional athletes has continued. Turkmen athletes won 471 medals at major international competitions. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that work should continue on developing the scientific and educational sectors, improving the quality of teaching, modernising the healthcare system and further developing sport.
On 2 August, a conference was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to mark the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, which was initiated by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by senior officials and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, representatives of the academic community and higher education institutions – including the Turkmenistan Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – as well as students. Participants noted that the resolution was adopted by consensus on 24 July at the 106th plenary meeting of the current session of the UN General Assembly. The document was co-sponsored by 78 states. The initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law had previously been put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, emphasised in his address the significance of the adopted resolution and called for the implementation of the measures it envisages. It was reported that the relevant proposals had been submitted to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and had been approved. As part of the implementation of the resolution, it is planned to draw up a draft National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and a National Concept on ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’. Speakers highlighted Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of international law, permanent neutrality, peaceful coexistence and good-neighbourliness, as well as its contribution to strengthening regional and global stability. During the conference, congratulations were also extended to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’.
At an informal consultative meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in Cholpon-Ata, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, outlined the main points of the agenda for the forthcoming summit, which is to be held on 8 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, Ashgabat has already sent a draft agenda to its partners. The document includes five main areas of cooperation. The first concerns regional and international security, political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and the economy, energy and transport. The second area relates to the environment. Discussions are planned on environmental protection, adaptation to climate change, the rational use of the waters of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, and the restoration of the Aral Sea. A separate section will be devoted to humanitarian cooperation. This will cover cultural, educational and scientific ties, as well as youth and student exchanges. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the relevance of the proposed topics for all participating states. The summit at ‘Awaza’ is also set to be accompanied by international forums and cultural events.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in an informal consultative meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, which took place in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyz Republic). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the Head of State announced that the next summit in this format would take place on 8 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan was ready to ensure the necessary organisational standards for the upcoming event. Appropriate measures are already being taken in the country to prepare for it. The summit in Awaza will aim to further strengthen cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, develop political dialogue and expand economic ties.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, presented a report on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for January–July 2026. This was reported by TDH. Over the course of seven months, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook visits to the United States, China, Austria, the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as Iran. The President of Turkmenistan paid visits to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. As part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, meetings of the Commonwealth’s relevant bodies were held in the country, including a meeting of the heads of government of the CIS states on 22 May in Ashgabat. During the reporting period, 428 foreign delegations arrived in Turkmenistan, whilst 761 delegations were sent abroad. A total of 287 meetings at various levels were held via video conferencing, and 1,376 official negotiations and meetings involving foreign states and international organisations were organised. The international legal framework was expanded with the addition of 137 documents. Work also continued on holding political consultations with the foreign ministries of other countries. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held talks with the heads of the UN, the FAO, the EBRD, the International Maritime Organisation and the Organisation for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Between January and July 2026, Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of new Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from a number of states, as well as those of the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Diplomatic representatives of Turkmenistan also took up their duties following the presentation of their credentials in foreign states and international organisations. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further developing Turkmenistan’s cooperation with countries around the world and international organisations. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been instructed to continue work on expanding external relations and to ensure preparations for upcoming international events.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the performance of the ministries under its jurisdiction, sectoral agencies and the business sector for January–July 2026. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During the reporting period, the growth rate of trade turnover under the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations stood at 106.8 per cent compared with the same period last year. At the Ministry of the Textile Industry, production growth reached 105.4 per cent. At the enterprises of the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association, total revenue growth stood at 107.3 per cent. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 169 auctions, resulting in 17,898 contracts being registered. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry increased the volume of work completed to 119.4 per cent. Over the seven-month period, 14 exhibitions and 8 conferences were held. At the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the growth rate for agricultural and food production stood at 107.2 per cent, and for industrial goods at 107.1 per cent. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that work should continue on supplying markets and retail outlets with food and other goods, modernising the retail sector, developing private-sector production and improving the operations of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, reported on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, proposed by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The resolution was adopted unanimously on 24 July during the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the importance of the adopted document and congratulated those present at the meeting on this occasion. During the meeting, Rashid Meredov presented proposals for implementing the initiative. In particular, it is proposed to draw up a National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and to establish an Interdepartmental Working Commission to coordinate the preparation of events. The plan provides for the organisation of political, diplomatic, scientific, educational, cultural and informational events in Turkmenistan and abroad. It is also proposed to draw up a National Concept on ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ for distribution amongst UN member states. Between 2026 and 2028, it is planned to hold regional and international forums on issues of international law, with the participation of national and foreign experts. Educational programmes, the development of teaching materials and digital resources, as well as competitions for young people and awareness-raising events, are also envisaged. It is proposed to establish the Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Furthermore, a high-level World Forum on International Law is planned to be held in Ashgabat in 2028 under the auspices of the UN. The Head of State approved the proposals put forward and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the necessary work.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August 2026, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov reported on the performance of the oil and gas sector for January–July. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During this period, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ fulfilled 108.7 per cent of its oil production target and 105.5 per cent of its oil refining target. Petrol production stood at 121.6 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 113.5 per cent, polypropylene at 100.2 per cent, lubricating oils at 103 per cent, and liquefied gas at 122.6 per cent. Production of natural and associated gas reached 108.1 per cent. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan instructed that efforts to increase oil and gas production, develop hydrocarbon fields and steadily expand the production capacity of enterprises in the sector should continue.
Turkmenistan’s GDP growth rate for January–July 2026 stood at 6.3 per cent. The country’s macroeconomic indicators were presented by Deputy Prime Minister H. Geldimyradov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 1 August 2026, according to the news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that during the reporting period, growth in the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent, in construction at 6.7 per cent, in transport and communications at 10.3 per cent, in trade at 8.5 per cent, in agriculture at 4.1 per cent, and in the services sector at 8.4 per cent. Compared with the same period last year, output increased by 10.4 per cent. Retail turnover rose by 10.1 per cent, whilst foreign trade turnover increased by 9 per cent. Revenue targets for the State Budget for the seven-month period were met at 101.1 per cent, whilst expenditure targets were met at 97.3 per cent. Wages, pensions, state benefits and student grants were paid in full and on time. Capital investment from all sources of funding increased by 4.7 per cent compared with the same period last year. Information was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme and the construction of various types of facilities. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the need to further improve the functioning of the economic, financial and banking sectors, and to maintain sustainable GDP growth rates and the development of economic sectors.
In The Hague, during a visit by a Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, T. Atahallyev, meetings were held with Joost Flamand, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Frans Prinsen, Director of the Office of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed preparations for international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmenistan’s national equestrian traditions, which are to take place on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. T. Atahallyev presented the programme of events, their objectives and international significance, and invited the Dutch side to take part in the forthcoming events. The Dutch representatives expressed their support for the initiative and their willingness to assist in organising the events. Issues relating to the participation of official representatives and further coordination between the parties were also discussed. During the meetings, views were exchanged on the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, including political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties.