News
The customs authorities of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are strengthening their cooperation
31.07.2026On 30 July 2026, a videoconference took place between representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the application of preferential treatment during customs clearance of imported goods under the Agreement on the Organisation of the Exchange of Advance Information. During the meeting, issues relating to electronic data exchange, the improvement of customs procedures and the acceleration of trade flows were considered. The event followed on from the agreements reached in June 2026 during an official visit, when the text of the Agreement and the Protocol on Cooperation were finalised and signed. The participants reaffirmed their readiness for further cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives in the field of customs administration.
A UNDP seminar in Ashgabat focused on the financing of environmental projects
31.07.2026On 30 July, a consultative workshop was held in Ashgabat as part of the UNDP project ‘Umbrella Programme to Support Development of Biodiversity Finance Plans’, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the findings of the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR) on biodiversity financing and the preliminary results of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) in Turkmenistan. The project applies the methodology of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), which aims to assess funding needs, analyse current expenditure and identify opportunities to mobilise additional resources for the conservation of natural ecosystems. The workshop addressed issues relating to public and private investment in biodiversity conservation, the state of the regulatory framework, and a preliminary assessment of expenditure in this area. Participants’ suggestions will be taken into account when preparing further analytical materials. The findings will form the basis for developing a National Biodiversity Finance Plan and determining the resources required to achieve national targets in this area. The project also aims to improve environmental governance and enhance the effectiveness of investments in the conservation of natural capital. According to Farhat Orunov, programme analyst for the UNDP’s environmental portfolio in Turkmenistan, the materials submitted will help to provide a deeper understanding of current expenditure on biodiversity conservation and the existing public policy mechanisms in this area.
The Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the EU Ambassador
31.07.2026On 30 July 2026, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, the prospects for cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, energy, the environment, science and education, the creation of transport corridors and the expansion of trade and economic ties were highlighted. The importance of the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ format in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals was also emphasised. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Turkmenistan–European Union’ inter-parliamentary dialogue as a mechanism for strengthening cooperation and exchanging views on topical issues. Beata Peksa noted the role of Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality and its participation in international cooperation in the fields of security, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, gender equality, environmental protection, digitalisation and water resource management. At the conclusion of the meeting, D. Gulmanova expressed her gratitude to the Ambassador for her contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union, as well as to inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Romania are strengthening their cooperation in the energy and logistics sectors
30.07.2026On 29 July, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Romania, Annamammet Annayev, met with Mihai Daraban, President of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed the development of economic cooperation, focusing in particular on the energy sector and port logistics. Mihai Daraban expressed interest in resuming the ‘AGRI’ project, which would enable the supply of Turkmen natural gas to the European market via the port infrastructure of Turkmenbashi and Constanța, using a route through Azerbaijan, Georgia and the ‘BRUA’ gas pipeline. Annamammet Annayev highlighted the potential of Turkmenistan’s economy and proposed establishing a regional distribution centre for Turkmen products at the port of Constanța, which, he said, would help to expand trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
There are plans to build a tourist complex called ‘Little Turkmenistan’ in Bukhara
30.07.2026There are plans to establish the ‘Little Turkmenistan’ cultural and tourist complex in Bukhara. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The prospects for the project’s implementation were discussed by the Deputy Chair of Uzbekistan’s Committee on Tourism, representatives of the Turkish company ‘Finwest Finance Company’, the Eurasian Union of Local Authorities, and the joint venture TURKMEN HALY LLC. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues relating to attracting investment, developing modern hotel and tourism infrastructure, and promoting national crafts, gastronomy and cultural heritage, the source notes.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of the Algerian Ambassador
30.07.2026On 29 July, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, accepted the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Turkmenistan, Boumédiène Guennad. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, she congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in strengthening bilateral relations. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as best wishes to the people of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, Boumédiène Guennad was briefed on the activities of the Mejlis, the process of improving the legislative framework, and the main directions of the country’s domestic and foreign policy. The parties discussed the prospects for developing friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Algeria, as well as for expanding cooperation in line with the common interests of the two states. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his readiness to contribute to the further strengthening of inter-state dialogue.
The Turkmen delegation is preparing the venue for the World Equestrian Games in the Netherlands
30.07.2026The Deputy Chairman of the State Organising Committee, Deputy Prime Minister T. Atahallyev, together with members of the Committee, is on a working visit to the city of Kronenberg in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The delegation is preparing for the participation of Ahal-Teke horses in the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, reports the news agency TDH. As part of the visit, meetings are being held with local horse breeders and international experts engaged in research in the field of horse breeding. The main focus is on selecting a venue for the events, designing it in a national style and ensuring it meets international standards. During the meetings, the venue for the international competitions was presented. Participants discussed the specifics of organising the competitions, the layout of the site and the placement of design elements related to the upcoming events. Local experts highlighted the importance of exchanging experience in the field of Turkmen horse breeding, including the traditions of rearing and training Ahal-Teke horses. Issues relating to the promotion of national horse-breeding methods amongst specialists from various countries were also discussed. The inclusion of the art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity marked international recognition of these traditions. During the meetings, the history of Ahal-Teke horses, their distinctive characteristics and the format of the forthcoming competitions were also discussed. The preparatory activities are aimed at ensuring the participation of Turkmen teams and the organisation of the events in accordance with international requirements.
A meeting with the Algerian Ambassador took place at the MFA of Turkmenistan
30.07.2026On 29 July 2026, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Boumédiène Guennad, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Turkmenistan (resident in Ankara), who presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. M. Byashimova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and expressed her readiness to assist him in carrying out his duties. The parties discussed the prospects for developing Turkmen-Algerian cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. They noted the importance of regular contacts between the foreign ministries of the two countries, as well as the organisation of meetings at the highest and senior levels. Particular attention was paid to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the strengthening of the legal and treaty framework for cooperation. The diplomats reaffirmed their interest in continuing cooperation within international and regional organisations, primarily the UN, with a view to strengthening peace, stability and sustainable development. In the economic sphere, the parties agreed to expand their participation in exhibitions and business forums in Ashgabat and Algeria. Agriculture and the textile industry were highlighted as promising areas for cooperation. Discussions also covered the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties, including cooperation between the ministries of culture and education and the higher education institutions of both countries, as well as the development of joint programmes in the fields of sport and tourism. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed cooperation on migration
30.07.2026On 29 July 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ramazan Sechilmish, Deputy Head of the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres, noting the important role of contacts at the highest and senior levels. The main focus was on strengthening the legal and treaty framework for cooperation in the field of migration. The participants reviewed draft documents and expressed their readiness to continue exchanging experience and cooperating in this area.
The prospects for the EBRD’s involvement in energy projects in Turkmenistan were discussed
30.07.2026On 28 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. The parties discussed the bank’s involvement in the country’s environmental and energy projects, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State noted that Turkmenistan is focusing on the development of clean and ‘green’ energy, as well as the diversification of the energy sector. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the prospects of involving the EBRD in the implementation of new national projects in these areas. Issues relating to the development of the agro-industrial complex, the rational use of water resources and the expansion of cooperation in the environmental sphere were also discussed.
Turkmenistan and the EBRD discussed transport and economic projects
30.07.2026On 28 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, who had arrived in the country on a working visit. During the negotiations, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical location facilitates the development of modern transport infrastructure and international multimodal corridors along the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ routes, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Furthermore, the President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the EBRD in the trade, economic, financial and banking sectors. Energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental protection were identified as priority areas for further partnership. The President of Turkmenistan also reaffirmed the country’s readiness to expand practical cooperation with the EBRD in the implementation of major infrastructure projects.
Investors from around the world will gather at TIF 2026 in Ashgabat
30.07.2026The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) will take place from 1 to 2 October at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event will serve as an international platform for discussing investment projects, with the participation of representatives from government bodies, international financial institutions and the business community, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum is organised by the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of Turkmen Congress. Confirmed participants include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and UK Export Finance. The forum’s programme will cover issues relating to energy and petrochemicals, transport corridors, the digital economy and virtual assets, green projects, the agro-industrial sector, tourism and urban infrastructure, as well as water resource management. A separate session will be devoted to the application of artificial intelligence in the economy. Participants will be able to hold meetings with representatives of government bodies, take part in a seminar on the legal and financial aspects of project implementation, and establish business contacts with international financial institutions. Registration for the forum will open shortly on the event’s official website.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
