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The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the fulfilment of human rights obligations
26.07.2026On 25 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Inter-ministerial Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the Commission’s work for the first half of 2026 and identified priority tasks for the coming period. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law for 2024–2026, and also discussed the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, aimed at further developing the national system for the protection of human rights and freedoms, taking into account the country’s international obligations. Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, emphasised Turkmenistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in the field of human rights and to developing international cooperation. Following the meeting, further areas of work were identified for the Interdepartmental Commission on Enhancing the Effectiveness of Turkmenistan’s Implementation of its International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Turkmenistan and the Maldives discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
26.07.2026On 23 July in Malé, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of the Maldives (resident in New Delhi), Sh. Geldinazarov, met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of the Maldives, Iruthisham Adam. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in the transport, communications and tourism sectors, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of the Maldives with a view to further developing bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
26.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held from 19 to 29 July in Busan (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The country is represented by Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, and Begench Durdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea. During the session, participants are discussing issues relating to the conservation of World Heritage sites, reviewing nominations for the inclusion of new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and considering measures to protect sites already inscribed on the List.
An international cycling training camp is to be held in Ashgabat
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov briefed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on preparations for joint training camps in Ashgabat involving athletes from the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the Turkmenistan national cycling team. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the necessary organisational work is currently underway to ensure the event is held to a high standard. The training camp programme also includes specialist seminars. In this regard, B. Mammedov submitted a corresponding proposal to the Head of State for consideration. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that measures to develop sport and support talented athletes are being consistently implemented in Turkmenistan. Having approved the proposal to hold joint cycling training camps in Ashgabat, the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure they are organised to the required standard.
A Turkmen athlete defeated his Brazilian opponent at ‘UAE Warriors 72’
26.07.2026Turkmen athlete Ata Atdayev performed well at the ‘UAE Warriors 72’ international mixed martial arts tournament, held on 23 July in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the online publication Arzuw News. During the tournament, A. Atdayev faced Brazilian fighter Paulo Victor. Following a tense contest, the representative from Turkmenistan emerged victorious. The ‘UAE Warriors’ tournament series, held regularly in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is considered one of the most prestigious venues for mixed martial arts competitions in the region and attracts participants from around the world. Aty Atdayev’s victory was further proof of the successful performances of Turkmen fighters on the international MMA stage.
The UN General Assembly has backed Turkmenistan’s initiative for an International Year of International Law
26.07.2026On 24 July 2026, at the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution entitled ‘International Year of Law, 2028’ was adopted by consensus. The document was initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 78 states, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the presentation of the draft, the Turkmen side stated that strengthening the primacy of international law is essential for maintaining global peace and security, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering multilateral cooperation. The adoption of the document confirms the international community’s support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to promote the principles of international law and build trust within the framework of the UN.
Archaeologists have discovered an early medieval monument in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026In the Balkan velayat, archaeologists have discovered a new historical site dating from the early Middle Ages. The find, made near the Gozli Ata mausoleum, has been identified as part of an ancient Oguz complex, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the centre of the complex stands a stone stepped tombstone featuring a bas-relief depicting the outline of a head. Experts believe it may have belonged to one of the spiritual mentors of the early Islamic period. A stone slab was also discovered nearby, featuring two holes for fastening and a carved ornament in the shape of wings, which is considered a traditional Sufi symbol. The excavations near the Gozli Ata mausoleum were organised following a report by Oregylych Amanov, a resident of the village of Akguyy in the Turkmenbashi etrap.
New, modern railway stations are to be built in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev reported on measures to modernise the railway sector. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the country’s socio-economic development, there are plans to construct modern railway station buildings in the velayats, which will improve the sector’s operational efficiency and enhance working conditions for staff. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, approved the proposals to build new railway stations in the Ahal, Balkan and Mary velayats and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the project’s implementation.
Turkmenistan presented its human capital development strategy in Ankara
25.07.2026Turkmenistan presented its approach to human capital development at a UNDP regional seminar held on 22–24 July in Ankara. The main emphasis was placed on the role of education and skills development as key factors in economic transformation, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The country has expanded access to higher education, updated educational standards and introduced a digital system for evaluating higher education institutions. In collaboration with the UNDP, a strategic human capital planning system is also being developed, which will enable the quality of education, demographic trends and the training of specialists to be aligned with the needs of the labour market. In addition, a demographic and economic model and software for scenario-based forecasting were presented, which help to assess the impact of decisions in the fields of education, employment and skills development on the economy. According to the Turkmen side, this approach will enable human potential to be utilised more effectively to boost productivity, foster innovation and ensure sustainable economic growth.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan is expanding its legislative and international activities
25.07.2026On 24 July, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve national legislation during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Draft laws are currently being drawn up concerning the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, the state registration of property rights, and Turkmenistan’s accession to international instruments. At the same time, amendments are being made to existing legislation. Inter-parliamentary cooperation is also continuing to develop. In particular, a meeting was held with a delegation led by the Head of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, at which the expansion of bilateral relations was discussed. Representatives of the Mejlis also took part in events organised by the UNDP and the International Organisation for Migration. Summing up, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further strengthen the legislative framework and improve legal acts.
A meeting was held in Ashgabat to discuss the monitoring of SDG indicators in the healthcare sector
25.07.2026In Ashgabat, representatives of the relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan held a working meeting with experts from the WHO, UNICEF and UN agencies. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed improving statistical reporting methodologies as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event, organised with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, is taking place as part of the preparations for Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review. The participants examined issues relating to the harmonisation of national and international approaches to measuring SDG 3 indicators, paying particular attention to the quality, comparability and completeness of health data. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further technical cooperation.
‘Green’ technologies and digitalisation: Turkmenistan prepares for an investment forum
25.07.2026The Turkmenistan Investment Forum is to be held in Ashgabat this October. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the progress of preparations for this event at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on 24 July. According to the news agency TDH, the forum and accompanying events are set to address issues relating to the country’s economic development, enhancing Turkmenistan’s investment appeal, as well as the prospects for the fuel and energy and industrial sectors, and the development of transport and communications systems. Key topics on the agenda include the digital and ‘green’ transformation of the economy, the introduction of digital financial technologies, the development of agribusiness, the sustainability of agriculture in the face of climate change, and environmental protection. In addition, forum participants will consider issues relating to the expansion of trade and the services sector, the development of public-private partnerships, cooperation with international financial institutions, and the further diversification of the economy. Following the report, a corresponding proposal was submitted to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan for consideration. The Head of State emphasised the importance of efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen international cooperation in this area, approved the holding of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in October, and instructed that preparatory work should continue.
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