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The touristic ‘Eastern Express’ has increased interest in the regions of Turkey
31.01.2026The night train service between Ankara and Kars has become one of Turkey's most popular tourist routes. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Culture and Tourism Department of the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan. The touristic ‘Eastern Express’ runs three times a week. The train covers the route in about 24 hours. The carriages are equipped with sleeping compartments. The programme includes scheduled stops for excursions. The route passes through Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum. On the way to Kars, the train stops in Erzincan and Erzurum, and on the return journey, it stops in Ilich, Divrigi and Sivas. The final destination is Kars. The city is known for its historical monuments, winter landscapes and regional cuisine. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also home to the Sarikamish ski resort and Lake Çıldır on the border between Kars and Ardahan. In winter, the lake freezes completely. Here, tourists go sledding and watch ice fishing.
Turkmenistan and V.N. Tatishchev Astrakhan State University expand scientific and educational ties
31.01.2026The Consul of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan, Gadam Ilamanov, held a meeting with the Rector of Astrakhan State University (ASU) named after V.N. Tatishchev, Igor Alekseyev. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of scientific and educational cooperation. About 4,000 foreign students study at ASU, more than 3,000 of whom are citizens of Turkmenistan. With the support of the consulate, the university has signed agreements with leading Turkmen universities, including Magtymguly Turkmen State University, S.A. Niyazov Agricultural University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as the joint Turkmen-Russian school named after A.S. Pushkin. The interlocutors discussed joint educational programmes with the possibility of obtaining a second degree, academic mobility of students and teachers, professional development of teaching staff, as well as scientific research and practical activities.
Universities in Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed joint academic initiatives
31.01.2026On 30 January, an online meeting was held between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan and ADA University (Azerbaijan). This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in science and education and discussed promising areas of interaction. Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding, joint academic projects were considered: exchange of experience, organization of conferences, lectures and seminars, participation of teachers and students, as well as joint publications. The participation of Turkmen diplomats and students in the educational programs of ADA University was noted. The role of the joint Turkmen-Azerbaijani commission in the development of scientific and educational cooperation was emphasised. The possibility of holding joint events for World Turkic Language Family Day, declared by UNESCO on 15 December, and further prospects for joint work in the scientific and educational sphere were also discussed.
Turkmen-German dialogue strengthens economic ties
31.01.2026On 30 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a video conference with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties noted the active development of trade and economic relations, which testifies to the high level of bilateral dialogue between Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the Turkmen-German Business Forum during his working visit to Germany in September 2023, which served as an impetus for further intensification of economic cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of the bilateral meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ dialogue, as well as the negotiations with representatives of German business held in Astana in September 2024. Noting the regularity of cross-economic days, business forums and exhibitions, the participants discussed the role of the Joint Turkmen-German Working Group and the Eastern Committee of German Economy, whose activities contribute to the expansion of practical intergovernmental cooperation.
Turkmen freight locomotives repaired in China
31.01.2026The ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan has signed a contract with the Chinese locomotive manufacturer ‘CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.’ for the overhaul of freight locomotives, according to TerraNews. Under the agreement, 20 freight locomotives were overhauled at the factory in China. After delivery to Turkmenistan, the equipment was put into operation and is being used for transit, export and import transportation. The locomotives are equipped with modern equipment, which has improved their traction characteristics and operational capabilities, enabling the transport of large volumes of cargo over long distances.
In 2026, Russia will host the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan
31.01.2026Russia will host Turkmenistan Culture Days in 2026. This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Mihail Galuzin following meetings in Ashgabat with Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and his Deputy Ahmet Gurbanov, according to IIC. According to Mihail Galuzin, the event will be one of the key events in humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The parties also discussed the implementation of joint projects in the field of education and infrastructure. Among the priorities is the creation of a Russian-Turkmen university. There are also plans to expand the joint A.S. Pushkin School in Ashgabat by constructing an additional educational building. Another project will be the construction of a new building for the State Russian Drama Theatre. It is expected that this will expand the repertoire and improve conditions for the creative team. The negotiations confirmed the parties' interest in developing a long-term partnership.
Turkmenistan delegation continues training programme in Cambridge
31.01.2026Advanced training courses for university administrators from Central Asian countries are continuing in Cambridge, with representatives from Turkmenistan's education system participating. The programme runs from 25 to 31 January, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Turkmen delegation includes representatives from Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. The programme includes training sessions, seminars, and experience-sharing sessions. Participants study modern models of leadership and strategic planning in the PRESETT system, as well as management practices in the field of teacher development and the continuing professional development (CPD) system. Special attention is paid to communicative and personality-oriented methods of teaching English. The introduction of digital platforms, interactive methods and artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process is also discussed. Participants analyse the structure and effectiveness of training programmes and observe training sessions to evaluate teaching methods and materials used. The courses discuss approaches to harmonising language programmes based on the CEFR and methods for assessing four key skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. The organisers note that the programme is aimed at introducing international experience and developing cooperation in the field of education.
Turkmenistan presented its concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan presented its concept for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The presentation took place on 29 January in Minsk at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS, according to IIC. The priorities were announced by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus. According to him, the programme is based on the principles of Peace and Trust. Ashgabat proposed to declare 2027 the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS. The initiative is aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure and international transport corridors. There are also plans to strengthen digital interaction and innovative cooperation as factors in the region's competitiveness. In the political sphere, Turkmenistan advocates coordinating actions to protect international law. CIS countries have been asked to develop a coordinated position within the UN. Ashgabat also hopes to gain support for its initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. The humanitarian part of the concept covers youth exchanges, sports, the promotion of multilingualism and environmental projects. Separate emphasis is placed on the ‘green economy’ and scientific and technical cooperation. The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, which will be held in Kaliningrad in April, and reviewed a report on the development of Commonwealth statistics.
Turkmenistan officially assumed the chairmanship of the CIS
31.01.2026Turkmenistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The concept of the chairmanship and the plan for its implementation were presented by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, before the first meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS in Minsk in 2026. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador noted that Turkmenistan considers the CIS an important platform for cooperation between states with common economic and humanitarian interests. Work during the chairmanship will be carried out in accordance with the organisation's statutory documents and will be aimed at developing multilateral cooperation. As part of its mandate, Turkmenistan will head the activities of key CIS bodies, including the Councils of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. In 2026, meetings and forums are planned both in Turkmenistan and in other countries of the Commonwealth. The meeting in Minsk also approved the working plan of the Council of Permanent Representatives and the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the CIS. Separate consideration was given to the implementation of the CIS statistics development project, aimed at improving the effectiveness of integration processes.
A Resolution on the development of the digital economy has been signed in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution approving the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and its implementation plan, according to the news resource AsmanNews. The programme aims to introduce modern digital solutions and create a high-tech, competitive digital environment in the country. Ministries, departments and local authorities in the provinces, Ashgabat and Arkadag have been tasked with ensuring its implementation.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan reviewed plans for digitalisation and industry development
31.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held another meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. The discussion focused on issues of legislation, economics, digitalisation, industry, culture and foreign policy. This was reported by TDH. Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova said that the country continues to update its legal framework. Amendments are currently being prepared to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the Code of Administrative Offences, as well as the laws ‘On Migration’ and ‘On Fisheries and the Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources’. The work is being carried out taking into account the proposals of the ministries and an analysis of international practice. At the same time, she said, the Mejlis is expanding its international contacts. The credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Chad were accepted, a meeting was held with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and deputies took part in UN events. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the laws being adopted and instructed that the preparation of new drafts should continue. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the development of the banking system. He said that as part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028,’ information and communication technologies are being introduced and the technical base of the Central Bank, the State Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenistan’ and the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenbaşy’ is being updated. The proposal was approved. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov spoke about the work to ensure the consistent operation of the oil refineries of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. He reported on measures for oil processing, supplying the domestic market and exporting products abroad. The proposals presented were also supported. After that, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on plans to commission new facilities in 2026 in the velayats and Ashgabat. These were social and industrial buildings. The list of facilities was approved. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the preparation of an exhibition of export products from the Republic of Turkey, which will be held in Ashgabat. About 100 companies have registered to participate. The President of Turkmenistan instructed that the event be organised to a high standard. Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova then presented information about the festival ‘Dünýäde ýaňlanýar ajap dessanym, toý tutýar Garaşsyz Türkmenistanym’, which will take place in March in Dashoguz velayat. The programme includes concerts, master classes and a scientific and practical conference. Preparations for the festival were approved. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Orazdurdyeva reported on the establishment of the electronic journal ‘Scientific Research and Innovation’ at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The journal will be published in Turkmen, English and Russian. The President supported the initiative. Next, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law. The document provides for cooperation with the UN, the holding of international forums and educational programmes. The plan was approved. Concluding the main reports, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on measures to digitise the economy. He presented drafts of the State Programme and the Plan for its implementation. The President of Turkmenistan signed the relevant Resolution. During the meeting, other issues were also considered, on which decisions were taken.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed joint educational projects
31.01.2026On 30 January, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, Chairwoman of the National Vocational Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of experience, joint capacity-building programmes and the development of technical and vocational education. Following the meeting, it was agreed to continue the dialogue and explore opportunities for joint educational projects, including those related to the teaching of Urdu in Turkmenistan.
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