News
The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatics Centre in Ashgabat has been refurbished
28.07.2026The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ashgabat has reopened following a major refurbishment and now fully complies with international standards. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The complex, which has a capacity of 1,741 spectators, is designed for training and hosting competitions in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. It comprises a 50-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a water park, a children’s pool, sports halls and gyms, as well as supporting facilities. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and underwater video recording systems for hosting competitions.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the development of cooperation with Iran
28.07.2026On 27 July 2026, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the co-chairs of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation — Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations, primarily the UN. During the meeting, the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect, which form the basis of relations between the two countries, were emphasised. The Iranian side congratulated Turkmenistan on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan. Iran was one of the co-sponsors of the document. Issues relating to trade and economic cooperation were also discussed, as was the further strengthening of the role of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ashgabat showcased its achievements at an international forum in Samarkand
28.07.2026On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects. The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development. Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed prospects for cooperation
28.07.2026On 27 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in the further development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. The Minister conveyed greetings and best wishes from Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The Head of State sent his own greetings to the President of Iran and expressed his confidence that Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd’s visit would contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran are developing cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. Particular attention is being paid to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, the fuel and energy sector, transport, construction and agriculture, as well as to expanding contacts between representatives of the private sector. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of the Joint Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as a key mechanism for developing the partnership and implementing the agreements reached at the highest level. Following the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Iranian relations and exchanged best wishes.
The city of Arkadag is developing a concept for a smart and eco-friendly city
28.07.2026The city of Arkadag is developing as Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart’ and eco-friendly city, combining modern technology, national traditions and a comfortable urban environment. This is reported by AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’. The names of the city’s streets, avenues and institutions are linked to the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place in the city’s identity. One of the main avenues is named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, whilst the city’s landmarks include the ‘Taýçanak’ monument and a sculpture of the horse ‘Akhan’, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is home to the ‘Arkadag’ television channel and newspaper, whilst the local football club has achieved sporting success in a short space of time. The city is being developed in accordance with the principles of ‘smart’ infrastructure and sustainable development. Electric buses and electric cars operate on the routes, ‘smart’ bus stops have been installed, and park areas, public gardens and fountain complexes have been created. A healthcare cluster has been established in Arkadag, comprising a multi-specialist hospital, a Centre for Maternal and Child Health, a children’s health and rehabilitation centre, an emergency medical services centre and health centres. The city is also home to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Arkadag’s development is continuing under the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’. As part of the second phase of construction, new residential complexes, social facilities and industrial enterprises are scheduled to be commissioned by 2027. Particular attention is being paid to creating opportunities for young people: the city has modern schools and nurseries, and new jobs are being created for young professionals.
Uzbekistan is ready to expand its trade and investment partnership with Turkmenistan
28.07.2026At the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat, Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, expressed the Uzbek side’s readiness to expand partnership in the trade, economic and investment spheres. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat highlighted the development of bilateral relations within the framework of the strategic partnership. More than 20 leading companies from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are taking part in the forum. Industrial cooperation, including the production of construction and finishing materials, has been identified as one of the priority areas for collaboration. Participants at the event are exploring the possibility of concluding new contracts in the fields of steel structures, paints and varnishes, sandwich panels, plastic and rubber products, as well as ferrous metallurgy products.
Turkmen students are taking part in an international educational project
28.07.2026Students from three higher education institutions in Turkmenistan are taking part in the international summer programme ‘UNITEN Energy Adventure Summer Camp’, which is being held in Malaysia from 25 July to 2 August. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is being held at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) in Kajang and brings together students from various countries. Turkmenistan is represented by students from the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, participants are attending lectures and practical sessions on energy, innovative technologies and scientific research, as well as taking part in cultural events. The trip has been organised under cooperation agreements between Turkmen universities and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). The programme aims to promote academic mobility, facilitate the exchange of experience, strengthen international educational ties and enable students to acquire new professional knowledge and practical skills.
A school student from Turkmenistan has won gold at the ‘XCEL Global’ robotics competition
28.07.2026Kurambay Matsapayev from the ‘Line-Storm’ team represented Turkmenistan at the ‘XCEL Global’ international robotics competition in Australia and took first place. This was reported by the Orient news agency. For the ‘ImdatBot’ centre, an official partner of ‘Makeblock’, this victory marked the continuation of a successful year. In May, its students took part in the ‘Robotek Grand Tournament Astana 2026’, where Leysan Jumageldiyeva was awarded a free place to study at the Kazakh-British Technical University, whilst Tigran Melkumyan and Nuryagdy Bayryev won the ‘Innovative Technologies’ category. In 2025, students from the centre also won medals at the ‘XCEL’ Olympiad in Los Angeles. This series of international achievements was the result of systematic training at the centre, which has been teaching children using the ‘STEAM’ methodology since 2019 and developing robotics teams to take part in global competitions.
The Lebap velayat has increased the volume of passenger and freight transport
28.07.2026In the Lebap velayat, passenger traffic across all modes of transport reached 2,952.5 million passenger-kilometres in the first half of this year, significantly exceeding the figures for the same period last year. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. This growth is linked to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure: the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, the opening of international airports in Turkmenabat and Kerki, and the commissioning of a new section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. The modernisation of the ‘Lebapawtoulag’ fleet and the launch of a modern coach station in Turkmenabat have expanded bus routes and enabled the introduction of digital taxi services. The volume of freight transport also increased, reaching 3,991.1 million tonne-kilometres, exceeding last year’s figure by 72.5 million tonne-kilometres.
A Turkmen-Uzbek business forum has kicked off in the capital of Turkmenistan
28.07.2026The opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum took place on 27 July in the conference hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcome address to the participants. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, also took part in the opening ceremony. The forum will feature a thematic session dedicated to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the construction and industrial sectors. During the discussions, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in the production of building materials and industrial equipment, will deliver presentations. Following the conclusion of the plenary and sector-specific parts of the programme, participants will hold bilateral negotiations. Meetings are scheduled between representatives of the two countries’ government bodies, as well as negotiations between representatives of the private sector from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CIS will take stock of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship for the first half of the year
28.07.2026On 28 July, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS Member States will take place in Minsk. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the key topics of the meeting will be a review of the results of implementing the Concept for Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and the corresponding Action Plan for the first half of the year. In addition, participants will discuss preparations for the meetings of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which are to be held on 7 and 9 October in Turkmenistan, as well as issues of cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalisation, information and communication technologies, and healthcare.
Ashgabat emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability in the Caspian Sea
27.07.2026On 25 July, reports appeared in the foreign media concerning an attack on a vessel in the waters of the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this regard, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan stated that such actions were unacceptable, emphasising the need to uphold the principles of security and stability in the region. Turkmenistan, as one of the Caspian littoral states and a country with a status of permanent neutrality recognised by the United Nations, reiterated that the Caspian Sea must remain an area of peace, mutual respect, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations.
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