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The State Stock Exchange of Turkmenistan has registered nine transactions totalling over 2.7 million dollars
27.07.2026Following the trading session held at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan last week, nine deals were concluded totalling more than 2.7 million US dollars. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The buyers of the products, who paid in foreign currency, were entrepreneurs from Turkey, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. They purchased cotton yarn, raw silk and cotton oil soapstock. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded deals to purchase cotton yarn and cotton fibre worth 78 million 93 thousand manats. It is noted that the results of the exchange trading indicate that business activity remains stable both in the foreign trade sector and on the country’s domestic market.
The results of the week’s developments and new diplomatic initiatives have been summarised
27.07.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a number of events relating to domestic development, international cooperation and the implementation of state programmes. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 20 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting on the digital system, during which he reviewed the progress of agricultural work. The focus was on preparations for sowing wheat, the cultivation of cotton and rice fields in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, sugar beet crops in the Mary velayat, as well as preparations for the autumn planting of potatoes, vegetables and melons. Issues relating to adherence to construction deadlines for facilities scheduled for commissioning in the velayats as part of socio-economic programmes were also discussed. On the same day, the Head of State received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. The parties noted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN, including collaboration in the fields of sustainable development, the strengthening of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, energy, transport and environmental protection. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continued implementation of programmes under the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030. The UN Resident Coordinator expressed her readiness to facilitate the further development of the partnership. On 24 July, Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via the digital platform. Participants discussed issues relating to the improvement of legislation, preparations for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in Ashgabat, cooperation with foreign companies in the fields of subsoil use, seasonal agricultural work, energy supply and the construction of railway infrastructure. It was also announced at the meeting that, from 1 August, school supplies would go on sale in cities and districts across the country ahead of the new academic year. In addition, a programme of events for August was approved, dedicated to the 2026 motto and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. As part of efforts to promote sport, joint training camps are planned in Ashgabat for cyclists from the Turkmenistan national team and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s priority positions for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document includes initiatives to strengthen peace and security, develop preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, energy, the climate agenda and international cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States within the UN, and to hold consultations on the Strategy for Universal Peace. In addition, the country will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, launch the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, and develop an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. There are also plans to continue work on supporting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, developing the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, and establishing new transport links across the Caspian Sea. Other areas of focus include the development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue, support for youth initiatives, the organisation of an international forum in connection with the proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the work of the UN Economic and Social Council for the period 2026–2028. On 24 July, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the conversation, the high level of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the prospects for its further expansion were highlighted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed exploring joint projects, including the creation of an ‘Industrial and Technological Belt’, a transport and logistics centre on the border between the two countries, and a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. At a meeting of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO, issues relating to further cooperation with the organisation were discussed. Materials have been submitted to UNESCO for the inclusion of three elements of national heritage on international and regional lists. In particular, it was proposed to include, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the traditions of folk medicine associated with endemic medicinal plants, and the art of making and wearing the ‘tahya’. Manuscripts devoted to the life and philosophy of Ibrahim Edhem have been nominated for the ‘Memory of the World’ programme. A meeting was also held of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and set out further tasks. Admissions to the country’s higher and secondary vocational education institutions are currently underway. In 2026, more than 18,000 people will enrol as first-year students at universities. Compared with last year, the number of places has increased by 1,239 due to the introduction of new study programmes. Representatives of Turkmenistan were also awarded commemorative medals for their participation in the ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ song and music festival, held as part of the International Days of Friendship in the Republic of Korea. The week’s key events reflect Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to develop international cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties and implement national development programmes.
Turkmenistan will propose holding a forum on international law
27.07.2026Turkmenistan set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on 24 July at a government meeting chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The report was presented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Rashid Meredov. According to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’, international law has traditionally been one of the key areas of cooperation between Ashgabat and the UN. As part of its efforts in this area, the country is consistently promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of international law. These include a proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. At the forthcoming session, Turkmenistan will also put forward an initiative to host an International Forum on its territory, where experts will discuss issues relating to international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan is preparing for consultations on the ‘Stable Energy’ forum
27.07.2026Issues relating to national development and foreign policy took centre stage at a government meeting via digital communications, chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on 24 July. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on the country’s strategic priorities for the upcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. In particular, to put the resolution on sustainable energy infrastructure into practice, Turkmenistan will begin consultations on organising a high-level summit entitled ‘Stable Energy for All’.
A proposal will be made to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue within the framework of the UN
27.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, chaired a Cabinet meeting via video link, during which current issues of state affairs were discussed. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the forthcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the key initiatives is the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue. This new multilateral platform is designed to promote climate initiatives and foster institutional international partnerships. Turkmenistan also intends to propose an initiative to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. Environmental security, climate change and the rational use of energy resources remain priority areas for Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies.
Turkmenistan and Libya discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation
27.07.2026On 24 July, Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, met with Mahmoud A. Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the further development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Libya, the intensification of trade and economic cooperation, and the expansion of business ties. The parties exchanged views on trade, investment, entrepreneurial activity and other priority areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening contacts between the business communities of the two countries and making effective use of new opportunities for cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to consistently develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest, to implement joint initiatives in the future and to strengthen trade and economic relations.
Turkmenistan secured a convincing victory over Iraq in the Davis Cup tournament
27.07.2026The men's tennis team from Turkmenistan beat the Iraqi team 3–0 at the Davis Cup zonal tournament in Colombo (Sri Lanka). This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The victory for the Turkmenistan team was secured by Resul Atayev, Ali Geldiyev, and the doubles pairing of Selim Chagylov and Ali Geldiyev, who won their doubles match. Despite the one-sided scoreline, the match lasted over five hours. Due to this victory, the Turkmenistan national team will continue their fight to retain their place in Group IV of the Asia-Oceania zone. In the decisive play-off match, the Turkmen tennis players will face the Northern Mariana Islands team. The winner will retain their place in Group IV, whilst the loser will be relegated to Group V.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are to hold a three-day business forum
26.07.2026From 27 to 29 July, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ business forum. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event will feature B2B meetings between representatives of government and commercial organisations from both countries. Participants will discuss the development of cooperation in construction, industrial collaboration and the production of building materials. The forum is expected to serve as a platform for signing new contracts, discussing the supply of raw materials and finished products, and launching joint projects.
Turkmenistan has drawn up its priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly
26.07.2026Turkmenistan has finalised the document entitled ‘The Country’s Priority Positions for the Upcoming 81st Session of the UN General Assembly’. This was announced on 24 July at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, according to the news agency TDH. The document has been drawn up taking into account the international initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Following its publication, it will be submitted to the UN Secretariat and circulated amongst the organisation’s member states. Among the key priorities of the foreign policy agenda are the strengthening of peace and security, and the development of preventive diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to hold consultations on the creation of a Strategy for Universal Peace, to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, and to put forward an initiative to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. There are also plans to continue work on establishing an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. In the digital sphere, Turkmenistan will propose the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. In the environmental sphere, plans include the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and support for regions facing water scarcity and drought. In the transport sector, the country will continue work on compiling the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as a ‘South Asia–Central Asia–Europe’ trans-regional corridor via the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and to host a global forum in Ashgabat. These measures are also linked to preparations for the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032.
Ashgabat and Tashkent discussed the creation of an industrial and technological corridor
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a telephone conversation with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, put forward initiatives to expand bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The parties discussed the prospects for implementing new joint projects based on their accumulated experience of cooperation, including facilities promoting friendship and economic cooperation — the ‘Ashgabat’ and ‘Tashkent’ parks, bridges across the Amu Darya and a border trade centre. One of the proposals was the creation of an Industrial and Technological Corridor between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The project aims to develop high-tech manufacturing and the production of export-oriented goods. An initiative was also put forward to establish a transport and logistics centre on the Turkmen-Uzbek border, which would form part of the ‘East–West’ route and help to strengthen ties between Asia and Europe. To coordinate joint initiatives, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the advisability of establishing a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. It is anticipated that this new mechanism will enable the systematisation of cooperation and the implementation of long-term projects.
Turkmenistan is expanding the capabilities of its geological exploration sector
26.07.2026On 24 July, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov presented a report on the activities of the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’. This was reported by the news agency TDH. It was noted that work is continuing in the country on the rational use of mineral resources, including geological exploration for rare minerals, drawing on international experience. Cooperation with leading foreign companies in the field of underground resource exploration is also being developed. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted a proposal on the development of international cooperation in this field to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for consideration. The Head of State approved the initiative and instructed that the necessary steps be taken to implement it.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have launched the exchange of customs data via eTIR
26.07.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan have established an exchange of data on road transit through the Caspian Sea using the eTIR digital system. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. With organisational support from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the parties successfully carried out a test exchange of information on consignments travelling from Azerbaijan via Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, as well as from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan to the Republic of Turkey. The project has become one of the first examples of direct data exchange on transit road transport between the customs authorities of the two countries, which are situated on the ‘Europe–Central Asia’ international transport corridor. The eTIR system enables the real-time exchange of customs information, reduces paperwork, speeds up customs clearance, cuts costs and simplifies trade operations, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of transit routes. The implementation of eTIR was carried out as part of the project ‘Developing Regional Connectivity through Digitalisation of Customs Operations and Creating “Smart” Customs’.
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