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Turkmenistan has presented measures to improve road safety to the UN
23.07.2026On 20 July in New York, at a UN General Assembly meeting on road safety, Ovezgeldi Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of the Internal Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He noted the country’s commitment to the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 and emphasised that the problem of road traffic accidents requires a comprehensive international approach. Among the national measures mentioned were the annual month-long campaign ‘Road Safety is the Peace of Our Life’, the state programme on road safety, and the ministries’ plans to reduce accident rates. It was also reported that penalties for traffic offences had been tightened following the adoption of relevant amendments to the legislation. O. Kakalyev highlighted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WHO, CIS states and international organisations in the areas of exchanging expertise and improving the regulatory framework. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to continue its work on improving road safety.
The Turkmen brand ‘Balam’ is considering entering the Chinese market
23.07.2026The confectionery brand ‘Balam’ plans to enter the Chinese market and expand the geographical reach of its product deliveries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Currently, ‘Balam’ products are supplied to Russia, Georgia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The company produces more than 50 types of confectionery, including puff pastries, croissants, semi-finished products and chocolate spread, as well as bakery products. The company uses modern equipment and local raw materials, paying particular attention to quality and hygiene standards. Founded in Ashgabat in 2016, the company intends to expand its export reach and strengthen the brand’s position in foreign markets.
Turkmen performers receive awards at a festival in South Korea
23.07.2026The international song festival ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ took place in Gwangju, South Korea, to mark the upcoming ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ summit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Begench Gayipov, a lecturer at the Maya Kuliyeva Conservatoire, and Arslan Jumayev, an artist from the Cultural Centre of the Charjew etrap in the Lebap velayat. They performed their own interpretation of the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’ in traditional dress. Following the festival, the Turkmen artists were awarded commemorative medals and certificates from the Friendship Association in recognition of their contribution to the development of cultural dialogue and international humanitarian cooperation.
Turkmen tennis players are set to begin their campaign in the Davis Cup tournament
23.07.2026The Turkmenistan national tennis team are set to begin their campaign in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV qualifying tournament, which is taking place in Colombo (Sri Lanka). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the draw, the Turkmenistan team will compete in Group B alongside the national teams of Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait. The Turkmenistan players will face the Kuwaiti team in their first match. At the end of the tournament, the top two teams will secure places in Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone. The Turkmenistan squad comprises Yuri Rogussky, Selim Chagylov, Ali Geldiyev and Resul Atayev. The team captain is Meylis Orazmuhamedov, and the head coach is Mirali Gasanov. Last year, the Turkmen tennis players won the Group V tournament, securing four victories with an aggregate score of 12–0, and earned the right to compete in Group IV of the Davis Cup.
Turkmen school pupils have won medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad
22.07.2026Six school students from Turkmenistan represented their country at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Shanghai from 10 to 21 July. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the end of the competition, Agaperman Berdimyradov, a 12th grade student at Secondary School No. 40 in the Yoloten etrap of the Mary velayat, won a silver medal. The bronze medallists were Begench Akmyradov, a 12th grade student at Specialised Secondary School No. 49 in Ashgabat, Maliksha Meylismyradov, a 12th-year student at Specialised Secondary School No. 86 in Ashgabat, and Hemra Gurbanov, a 10th-year student at the same school. A total of 685 school pupils from 119 countries took part in the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad.
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are organising the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championships
22.07.2026In The Hague, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held a meeting with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Director-General for Political Affairs. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparations for the World Equestrian and Beauty Championship for Ahal-Teke horses, which is due to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen equestrian centre in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen Ambassador provided an update on the organisational preparations and noted that the competition will be the first international event of this calibre for Ahal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. Participants from various countries will present the finest examples of this breed. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the organisation of high-level events as part of the championship, as well as the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum in The Hague, involving government bodies and business representatives from both countries. The parties considered prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, adaptation to climate change and the development of water management infrastructure. In addition, Sapar Palvanov held a meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit within the Protocol Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the protocol service. Organisational matters relating to the preparation of upcoming events and visits by high-level delegations were discussed. The Dutch side confirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with its Turkmen partners to ensure the successful organisation of the championship and the further development of bilateral relations.
Representatives from a Turkmen university are undertaking further training at Petronas University
22.07.2026As part of efforts to develop scientific and educational cooperation, a group of students and lecturers from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas has been sent to Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia for training and professional development. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The university’s cooperation with Petronas Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd and Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia has been ongoing for several years. In 2024, the parties signed a new Memorandum of Understanding providing for the further expansion of cooperation in the fields of science and education. The visit began on 14 July. As part of the programme, which comprises two weeks of study and one week of professional development, participants will learn about new technologies and the application of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in production processes. Students and lecturers will also familiarise themselves with the university’s educational system, its laboratories, training centres, research activities and the company’s production facilities. The knowledge and practical experience gained will be used to improve the training of specialists and to introduce modern approaches into the educational process.
Kristin Hawkins has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the United States in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026The U.S. Department of State has appointed Kristin Hawkins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She succeeded Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who has completed her diplomatic mission in the country, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The State Department noted Elizabeth Rood’s contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan. Kristin Hawkins will continue to work on developing cooperation between the two countries and maintaining bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Georgia on his 55th birthday
22.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, on his 55th birthday and wished him good health and success in his public duties, and the people of Georgia peace, well-being and prosperity. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted the steady development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia, based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation on an equal footing. The President of Turkmenistan also thanked Mikheil Kavelashvili for the hospitality shown during his recent state visit to Georgia, emphasising his personal contribution to strengthening Turkmen-Georgian relations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a WTO seminar in China
22.07.2026A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a training seminar on World Trade Organisation issues, which took place from 5 to 21 July 2026 in the cities of Beijing, Fuxin and Fuzhou in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of the international trading system, enhance the professional skills of specialists and support efforts related to Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The event took place at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Participants learnt about China’s experience in engaging with the WTO, safeguarding national interests within the organisation, and managing free economic zones. Discussions also covered the adaptation of national legislation to international trade rules and WTO agreements, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in this process. The seminar facilitated the exchange of experience in the field of trade and economic cooperation and the improvement of Turkmenistan’s legal framework as part of the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation.
The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Regional Centre
22.07.2026On 21 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Particular attention was paid to the development of regional cooperation, the promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue, and the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of peace, security and sustainable development. During the meeting, issues relating to the preparation of upcoming joint events and the implementation of regional programmes and projects under the auspices of the UN were also discussed. Following the negotiations, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing their cooperation.
A technical seminar on the launch of the ‘e-TIR’ digital system was held in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026On 20 July, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to implement the international digital ‘e-TIR’ system and prepare for the first freight shipments using it. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, a technical seminar was held with the participation of representatives from the customs services of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNCTAD. Participants discussed practical issues relating to the launch of the system and the conduct of the first pilot shipment along the ‘Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ route. It was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to implement ‘e-TIR’ for international road transport, which contributes to the development of the country’s transit potential. From 22 to 24 July, the first pilot shipments using the ‘e-TIR’ system and training events will take place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, with the support of the UNECE and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
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