From 20 to 22 July, an OSCE seminar was held in Ashgabat on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution and the preparation of Turkmenistan’s new National Action Plan on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was attended by more than 30 representatives of state bodies in Turkmenistan and international experts. They discussed the improvement of national security mechanisms, exchanged regional experiences and considered recommendations for the development of a new action plan, taking into account contemporary threats.
In Turkmenistan, the modernisation of the library system, the development of digital technologies and the creation of a unified electronic network are continuing as part of the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Library Sector in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. One of the key priorities is to expand the collections of electronic libraries and improve the quality of citizens’ access to information resources. The digitalisation of the library sector is helping to introduce modern standards, foster a culture of reading and broaden educational opportunities for the population. Today, users have access to electronic versions of books, audiobooks and magazines covering a wide range of subjects. One of the key tools in this work is the digital library of the State Library of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan — ekitap.gov.tm. Its user base continues to grow, and the platform provides convenient access to the digital collection via a registration system. The digital library operates in accordance with Article 11 of the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Libraries and Librarianship’. Its collections include works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as fiction, academic, educational and children’s literature. This digital resource helps to promote reading and develop the educational environment.
The ‘Galkynyş’ gas field has become a key factor in the transformation of Turkmenistan’s energy sector and one of the cornerstones of the country’s economic stability. This is reported by the news website Asmannews. Its commercial development strengthens the state’s position in the global energy market and expands opportunities for international cooperation. In 2013, the launch of the first gas purification and processing complex marked the start of a new phase in the field’s development. Today, ‘Galkynyş’ is the main source of gas for the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline, ensuring consistent supplies along three routes. Development of the field continues, with projects underway to build new processing facilities and drill production wells. The development of ‘Galkynyş’ is contributing to industrial growth, job creation and infrastructure modernisation in the Mary velayat. The project’s successful implementation is the result of cooperation with international partners and the professionalism of Turkmen specialists. Looking ahead, the further expansion of gas routes and processing capacity will enable ‘Galkynyş’ to remain one of the main drivers of economic development in Turkmenistan and the region.
German specialists from the Maximilian Ludwig University Hospital in Munich (Germany) have arrived in Turkmenistan on a working visit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the International Centre for Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Ashgabat, representatives from the two countries are exchanging professional expertise, with a particular focus on the introduction of modern digital medical technologies for disease prevention and the organisation of rehabilitation care. During the visit, doctors from Germany also organised training courses for Turkmen specialists on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
The project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the Central Asian Institute for Ecological Research in Kazakhstan, has begun developing a project to introduce systems for the collection and reuse of rainwater. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone have been selected as pilot sites. The plan is to implement engineering solutions here for the collection, treatment and use of rainwater for watering green spaces. In the near future, the partners intend to sign a memorandum of cooperation and prepare an application to secure international funding. The project may subsequently be scaled up to other regions of the country.
The Turkmenistan Basketball Federation (TBF) has launched its official website, tkm.basketball. The launch was announced by the federation’s technical director, Bagtyyar Ibragimov, according to Turkmenportal. The platform has been created for fans, players and coaches. It will feature information on competitions, teams, national team results and the federation’s activities. The website is currently operating in test mode. Further content and technical improvements are planned. The Turkmenistan Basketball Federation was established in 1992. The organisation brings together more than 500 registered players and 36 regional clubs, holds over 100 tournaments annually and is a member of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan. Since 1998, the Turkmenistan Basketball Federation has been a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
A delegation from the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan is on a working visit to Ankara on 22–23 July, hosted by the Turkish Commodity Exchange (TÜRİB). This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme for the visit includes an exchange of expertise on the functioning of agricultural produce markets, the use of electronic warehouse receipts (ELÜS), the operation of the TÜRİS system, authorised classifiers and licensed warehouse storage. Negotiations are also planned on expanding exchange cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey. Representatives of the State Commodity and Stock Exchange of Turkmenistan will visit the Polatlı Commodity Exchange, where they will familiarise themselves with its laboratory facilities and logistics infrastructure.
On 22 July, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Kristin Hawkins, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening constructive Turkmen-American cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on his 85th birthday. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State noted that Turkmenistan greatly values its friendly relations with Italy and expressed confidence that these relations would continue to develop and strengthen for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Sergio Mattarella good health and happiness, and the people of Italy peace, continued progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on the national holiday — Revolution Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State wished President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi good health and happiness, and the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt peace, well-being and prosperity.
The international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Turkmenistan’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at ‘BB-’ with a Stable Outlook. The country’s ratings reflect its strong public finances, high level of net foreign assets and low level of public debt relative to other countries with ‘BB’ and ‘B’ ratings, Fitch Ratings reported. The short-term IDRs in both currencies have been maintained at ‘B’, with a Country Ceiling of ‘BB-’. The report also highlights Turkmenistan’s significant gas potential, as the country holds the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the first meeting of the ‘Dialogue Mechanism’ for heads of state research institutions from Central Asian countries and China, held in the Chinese city of Urumqi as part of the 9th ‘China–Eurasia 2026’ EXPO. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed issues relating to the environment, combating desertification, climate change and the development of scientific cooperation. Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan, presented the results of research in the field of desert studies and biodiversity conservation. The parties agreed to develop joint projects on reforestation, the protection of water resources, the creation of ecological corridors and the monitoring of glaciers. Following the meeting, an agreement was signed between the environmental research centres of the countries in the region, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Tashkent.