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Pakistan Day was marked in Ashgabat with a formal ceremony
24.03.2026On 23 March, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Turkmenistan to mark Pakistan Day. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora, Turkmen businesspeople, as well as embassy staff and officials. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The National Flag of Pakistan was raised by the country’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Faryal Leghari, to the strains of the National Anthem. As part of the celebrations, she also read out messages from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Turkmenistan will strengthen regional energy partnerships at the ‘APRECA’ forum
24.03.2026Turkmenistan plans to play an active role in the ‘Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia’ Investment Forum (APRECA) in Baku, which could strengthen regional dialogue on the energy transition and facilitate new investment projects, reports the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing Director of Country Engagement and Partnerships at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Gurbuz Gonul. The forum, which will take place in June 2026 as part of Baku Energy Week, will bring together governments, investors and developers to promote renewable energy projects and the modernisation of electricity grids in the region. According to IRENA, Turkmenistan has high potential for renewable energy: around 300 days of sunshine per year and up to 40% of its territory suitable for wind energy, which opens up opportunities for diversifying the energy mix and participating in the regional energy transition. Cooperation is taking place within the framework of the ‘APRECA’ initiative, which aims to improve the regulatory framework, attract investment and strengthen regional cooperation. Turkmenistan has been a member of IRENA since 2018 and actively participates in its regional projects.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed expanding academic cooperation
24.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-Rector for International Policy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Gunter Gaublomme, Director of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed prospects for academic and practice-oriented cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Belgium, including knowledge exchange, joint educational programmes and capacity building. Particular attention was paid to economic diplomacy, climate issues, water resource management and the energy transition, with an emphasis on linking academic expertise with the practical challenges of sustainable development. Representatives of Belgian institutions expressed their willingness to participate in specific initiatives, including educational programmes and professional development courses, emphasising the importance of the practical value of future agreements. The parties agreed to explore the launch of joint programmes in the fields of economic, climate and energy diplomacy, as well as the potential use of EU instruments to support such projects. Following the meeting, mutual interest in a sustainable partnership, academic exchanges and the organisation of joint events in Turkmenistan and Belgium was confirmed.
Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the ‘EXPO 2027’ exhibition in Belgrade
24.03.2026The Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan has re-launched an international tender for the design and construction of the national pavilion for the World Specialised Exhibition ‘EXPO 2027’ in Belgrade. Applications are being accepted until 18:00 on 13 April 2026, according to the news publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The issue of preparations for the country’s participation in the exhibition was discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 March. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the work being carried out to ensure a high level of participation. It is reported that preparations are underway for the construction, equipping and design of the national pavilion. The exhibition will be held under the motto ‘Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All’.
A Turkmen company supplies denim products to Europe
24.03.2026‘Ayna Denim’ collaborates with the international brands ‘Colin’s’ and ‘Befree’ in the production of denim products. A company representative revealed this to the publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’ at an exhibition in Ashgabat marking the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). The production facility is located in the UIET industrial zone in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat. The company employs around 400 staff. The company notes that local raw materials are used in production, and the entire process is organised on a full-cycle basis — from design development to sewing and the final finishing of products. ‘Ayna Denim’s infrastructure includes branches in Istanbul and a retail network in Ashgabat. Branded stores operate in the ‘Garaşsyzlygyň 15 ýyllygy’ shopping centre and the Gurtly residential area. The company also accepts custom orders from 1,000 units of product. The main export markets are Russia and European countries. Poland is among the promising markets. Water-saving technologies and eco-friendly materials are used in production, which helps to reduce the environmental impact.
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Iran held a telephone conversation
24.03.2026On 23 March, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged greetings on the occasion of Nowruz and expressed their best wishes for the well-being of the peoples of both countries. The Iranian Foreign Minister thanked the Turkmen side for the humanitarian aid sent on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation to children in Iran, noting its significance as a gesture of support.
The Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and the United States discussed bilateral cooperation
24.03.2026On 23 March, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to the outcome of the visit to the US in February this year by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan presented a collection of works on international relations
24.03.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has published the third edition of the collection ‘Current Issues in Contemporary International Relations’. The publication marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 18th anniversary of the university’s founding, according to the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The collection has been published by the ‘Ylym’ publishing house of the Academy of Sciences and includes academic papers by master’s students from the 2025–2026 academic year. The materials cover topics such as digital diplomacy, international law, economics, political communications, online journalism and Oriental studies. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of political and economic processes in the countries of East and Central Asia. The papers examine Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course, based on the principles of permanent neutrality. The publication is intended for students, researchers and specialists in the field of international relations.
The Turkmen Stock Exchange conducted 29 transactions over the course of the week
23.03.2026A total of 29 deals were concluded during the week on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Companies from the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Georgia and Uzbekistan purchased polypropylene and base oil produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as liquefied gas from the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern, in exchange for foreign currency. The total value of export transactions exceeded US$13,889,000. In addition, textile products, including terry and denim fabrics, were sold for export. The buyers were companies from the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. On the domestic market, entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, base oil and packaging film produced by ‘Türkmennebit’. The value of the transactions exceeded 26,251,000 manats.
Turkmenistan is developing training for badminton coaches
23.03.2026A badminton training seminar aimed at coaching development was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was organised by the Badminton Asia Confederation and the Badminton Federation of Turkmenistan, with the participation of international experts. The seminar was attended by 24 instructors and coaches who had completed the ‘Shuttle Time’ programme. At the end of the nine-day course, participants were awarded international certificates. The second stage of the seminar is scheduled for April 2026. During the visit, the parties discussed the development of cooperation, including an invitation to a coach from Malaysia. The formation of national teams is planned to begin at the Turkmenistan Championships on 4–5 December in the U12, U15 and U18 categories.
Turkmenistan and China discussed the implementation of the agreements reached
23.03.2026On 23 March, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation. The main focus was on the results of the recent visit to the People’s Republic of China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during which a meeting took place with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The diplomats also exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan has sent her congratulations to her Pakistani colleagues
23.03.2026The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, has sent messages of congratulations on the occasion of International Nowruz Day to the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan. In her messages, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis emphasised that this joyous holiday, symbolising renewal, harmony and beauty, brings joy to people and helps to strengthen the values of mutual understanding and unity. The Chairwoman of the Mejlis expressed her confidence that inter-parliamentary cooperation, which is an important part of bilateral relations, will continue to develop and strengthen for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. In addition, Dunyagozel Gulmanova wished Pakistani parliamentary leaders good health and further success in their public service.
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