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Turkmen teachers are attending a professional development course in Nice
29.07.2026Resul Orazberdiyev, a lecturer in the Department of Romance-Germanic Languages at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, is taking part in professional development courses at the Francophonie International Centre in Nice. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Lecturers from the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages are also taking part in the educational programme. Participants are studying modern methods of teaching foreign languages and new linguistic approaches. The courses are aimed at enhancing the professional skills of specialists and improving the quality of language education at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the training, participants will be awarded international certificates.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discussed the development of railway cooperation
29.07.2026A meeting took place at the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister, Sylap Nurberdiyev, and a delegation from the state-owned enterprise ‘Tajik Railways’, led by Deputy Chairman Karimzoda Rajabmurod. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ways of expanding cooperation, including increasing freight volumes and improving tariff policy. Particular attention was paid to strengthening transport and logistics links between the two countries.
The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post has been modernised
29.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the modernisation of the ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post, situated on one of the key sections of the international transport corridors on the Turkmen-Iranian border, has been completed. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. During the works, buildings and facilities were renovated, and conditions were created to increase the post’s throughput capacity. A digital management system has also been introduced, ensuring the monitoring and recording of the movement of vehicles and goods, as well as speeding up customs procedures. The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post is situated at the junction of several international transport corridors and plays an important role in the transit of goods and vehicles. The modernisation was carried out as part of a programme for the phased upgrading of Turkmenistan’s border crossings, aimed at developing the country’s transit potential. Previously, following comprehensive reconstruction, the ‘Garabogaz’ and ‘Artyk’ customs posts were put into operation.
Turkmenistan and New Zealand held their first political consultations
29.07.2026On 28 July, the first political consultations took place between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand at the level of department heads. The negotiations were held via videoconference, according to the press office of the Turkmen Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the development of political and diplomatic dialogue, reaffirmed their readiness to continue mutually supporting initiatives within international organisations, primarily the UN, and noted their shared approaches to issues relating to the strengthening of peace and stability. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the areas of sustainable transport, energy and environmental security. The Turkmen side thanked New Zealand for co-sponsoring the resolution initiated by Turkmenistan entitled ‘Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation’. Prospects for cooperation within the framework of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) and possible joint projects were also discussed. The Turkmen side presented initiatives to ensure global environmental security, including the promotion of the UN’s environmental strategy for Central Asia, the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia, and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. The participants in the consultations examined the prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation. Among the promising areas identified were high technology, agriculture and water management, industry, and the development of direct contacts between representatives of the private sector. The parties paid particular attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They discussed opportunities for inter-university collaboration, joint scientific research, virtual meetings, online festivals, exhibitions, Culture Days, cooperation between museums and libraries, as well as collaboration within the framework of UNESCO. Following the consultations, the parties reaffirmed their intention to develop political dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, and trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the head of the EBRD
29.07.2026On 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 Ashgabat on a working visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD in the trade, economic, financial, banking and investment sectors. Odile Renaud-Basso noted the country’s rapid pace of development, spoke positively of the economic reforms being implemented and expressed the bank’s interest in further strengthening the partnership. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development strategy is aimed at diversifying the economy, supporting entrepreneurship, producing export-oriented and import-substituting goods, and attracting investment into key sectors. The Head of State identified energy, transport, the digital economy and environmental protection as priority areas for cooperation with the EBRD. Particular attention was paid to the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors, as well as the implementation of projects in the field of ‘green’ energy. In addition, discussions centred on the development of agriculture, the rational use of water resources and the expansion of cooperation in the banking, financial and transport and logistics sectors. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the EBRD and reaffirmed their readiness to develop mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan has updated its requirements for temporary storage facilities
29.07.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has amended the requirements regarding the equipment and location of temporary storage warehouses. The relevant order has been registered by the Ministry of Justice. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The amendments are aimed at modernising warehouse infrastructure and strengthening customs controls. Under the new requirements, open-type warehouses must be equipped with fully functional X-ray and television systems for inspecting goods. New requirements are also being introduced for automated accounting systems, their integration with the customs authorities’ information systems, and the provision of remote access for customs officers. Warehouses must provide a dedicated communication channel for the exchange of electronic data. In addition, the requirements for video surveillance have been updated: systems must monitor the premises, the storage and dispatch of goods, ensure that recordings are retained for at least 60 days, and be linked to the State Customs Service’s video surveillance system. The order was signed by Mammetguly Hudaygulyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. Responsibility for overseeing its implementation has been entrusted to Durdymyrat Bayryev, Deputy Chairman of the Service.
‘Pipe Metal’ has announced its readiness to expand its supplies of metal products to Turkmenistan
29.07.2026The Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat served as a platform for discussing the prospects for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed the introduction of new technologies, the exchange of expertise and opportunities for the joint production of building materials and equipment. Alisher Abdurahmanov, a representative of the Uzbek LLC ‘Pipe Metal’, highlighted the high potential for cooperation with Turkmenistan. According to him, the company, established in 2022, has already reached a production volume of up to 20,000 tonnes of finished products per month. The company manufactures electric-welded and shaped pipes, rolled metal products and hot-rolled sheets that comply with state standards. ‘Pipe Metal’ is already working with partners in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and the first shipment of products to Turkmenistan marked the start of a new venture. Abdurahmanov emphasised that the development of Turkmenistan’s construction sector is creating high demand for high-quality materials, whilst the geographical proximity of the two countries helps to reduce logistics costs. The representative of the Uzbek company expressed a willingness to expand supplies and develop a long-term partnership, noting that strengthening trade ties would contribute to the development of both countries’ economies.
The Uzbek Ambassador highlighted the prospects for expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan
29.07.2026Ashgabat is hosting a Turkmen-Uzbek business forum aimed at further developing economic cooperation between the two countries. Representatives of government bodies and leading companies from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the event, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Ravshanbek Alimov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, commended the high standard of organisation of the meeting and emphasised the business community’s interest in expanding trade, investment ties and industrial cooperation. The diplomat paid particular attention to cooperation in the production of building materials, highlighting the prospects for establishing joint ventures, exchanging technology and increasing mutual supplies. According to R. Alimov, Uzbekistan is open to expanding industrial cooperation with Turkmenistan and implementing new joint projects. He also expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for their support in developing bilateral relations.
Representatives from Turkmenistan are taking part in a youth camp in Beijing
29.07.2026The international summer camp ‘Youth Development for a Shared Future 2026’ is taking place in Beijing, bringing together students, young professionals and leaders of youth organisations from 15 countries. More than 80 representatives from Turkmenistan are taking part in the event, according to the Orient news agency. Representatives of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the camp’s importance for the development of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. The programme includes educational sessions, training workshops, creative competitions and joint projects aimed at strengthening friendly ties and exchanging experiences.
Turkmenistan is preparing a nomination for the inclusion of Koytendag on the UNESCO World Heritage List
29.07.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted an international meeting on the preparation of a nomination dossier for the inclusion of the transboundary natural site ‘Karst, Canyons and Caves of Koytendag’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the online publication Arzuw News. Experts from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, the USA and Slovakia discussed the findings of the spring 2026 expeditions to the Koytendag and Surkhan nature reserves. Particular attention was paid to the dinosaur footprints in Koytendag, noting their unique state of preservation and scientific value. The site was included on the UNESCO Tentative List in September 2025. The next step will be to submit a request for a preliminary assessment, following which, subject to a positive recommendation from the IUCN, a final nomination dossier will be prepared.
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended a meeting of the WTO Working Group in Geneva
28.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part as an observer in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, which took place on 27–28 July at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The delegation comprised representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. During the meeting, the Turkmen experts familiarised themselves with the mechanisms of the WTO accession negotiation process, examined issues relating to market access for goods and services, the harmonisation of legislation, and interaction with the organisation’s Secretariat. The experience gained will be used to strengthen Turkmenistan’s negotiating capacity and to prepare for the next stages of its own WTO accession process.
The President of Turkmenistan received Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development
28.07.2026On 27 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd, who had arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The guest conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. She also noted the importance of the recent visit by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan to Iran and the negotiations held with the country’s leadership during that visit. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the kind words and expressed his confidence that the meetings and negotiations during the Iranian delegation’s visit would contribute to the further strengthening of Turkmen-Iranian relations. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan, whilst adhering to its status of permanent neutrality, is developing cooperation with countries around the world and international organisations. It was emphasised that relations with Iran are based on centuries-old historical and cultural ties, and on the principles of mutual respect and trust. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The interlocutors noted the important role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in implementing the agreements reached at the highest level and in identifying new areas for partnership. Following the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd expressed their confidence in the further development of constructive cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran and exchanged best wishes.
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