News
A meeting was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan with the French Ambassador, who is concluding his diplomatic mission
29.08.2026On 28 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-French relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of contacts at the highest and senior levels. The main focus was on trade and economic cooperation, including agriculture and water management, as well as ‘green’ technologies. The parties also noted the results of their long-standing cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Philippe Merlin expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their hospitality.
Turkmenistan is expanding the use of AI in the education system
29.08.2026A regulatory framework for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is being established in Turkmenistan. The work involves the development of a National AI Strategy, state programmes and new educational standards, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In early 2026, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that work begin on establishing a regulatory framework for AI. The Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with international experts from the UNDP, is developing the National AI Strategy. In addition, the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 is being implemented, and an AI Development Centre is being established at the ‘Turkmentelekom’ telecommunications company. The basis for the introduction of AI is provided by the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Education’, the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and the corresponding State Programme. These documents provide for the use of digital technologies, including AI, in the public sector and in education. The experience of CIS countries and the European Union is being studied as part of the development of national regulations. In particular, the provisions of the European AI Act are being examined, including the classification of AI systems by risk level, transparency requirements and the protection of users’ rights. Work is also underway on technical regulations for AI products, copyright issues, the protection of personal data and the allocation of powers amongst state bodies in the area of overseeing the use of AI. In May 2026, a draft National Strategy for Turkmenistan in the field of AI was prepared in collaboration with the UNDP. In July, the country proposed developing, under the auspices of the UN, an International Code on the Peaceful Use of AI for Digital Trust in Diplomacy. The practical application of AI has already begun in certain sectors. Since June 2026, the State Customs Service has been using AI technologies to automatically calculate customs duties. In education, the main areas of digital transformation have been identified. These include providing educational institutions with high-speed internet and modern technology, improving AI literacy amongst teachers and students, developing AI systems that support the Turkmen language, and strengthening the protection of personal data. In 2026, a delegation from the Ministry of Education held negotiations with OpenAI at the World Education Forum in London. The parties discussed the use of AI for data analysis and personalised learning, as well as improving the AI literacy of students and teachers. From the 2026/2027 academic year, new national educational standards for training specialists in the field of AI will be introduced. A Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems’ has been launched at the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and a specialisation in ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis’ has been introduced at the Polytechnic Secondary Specialised Educational Institution of the Ministry of Communications. Turkmenistan is also studying South Korea’s experience in training AI professionals and is testing adaptive learning platforms for mathematics and AI tools for managing the quality of education in collaboration with UNESCO bodies.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister met with the EU Ambassador
29.08.2026On 28 August 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the political, economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The results of joint projects in the fields of the rule of law, human rights, the environment, digitalisation, transport and private sector development were highlighted. The parties also emphasised the importance of cooperation within the ‘EU–Central Asia’ framework. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to Beata Peksa for her contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union.
The Head of Turkmenistan received the credentials of the new Turkish Ambassador
29.08.2026On 28 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, Shener Cebeci, who presented his credentials. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in his work to further strengthen inter-state relations. Shener Cebeci conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the meeting, the parties noted the strategic nature of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They discussed cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, primarily the United Nations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the significance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s participation in the events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality on 12 December 2025. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Business Council in further expanding cooperation was highlighted. The parties also discussed the development of ties in the fields of culture, science, the arts and creativity. Shener Cebeci gave an assurance that, during his diplomatic mission, he would work to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
Turkmen businesspeople are invited to an industrial forum in Minsk
29.08.2026Entrepreneurs and representatives of the business community in Turkmenistan are invited to the Belarusian Industrial Forum, which will take place on 14–16 October in Minsk. The event is organised by the company ‘Expoforum’, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum will feature six specialised exhibitions focusing on industrial engineering, welding and digital technologies, the chemical and oil and gas sectors, polymers and laboratory solutions. Themed conferences, a welding competition and a subcontracting exchange are also planned to involve small and medium-sized enterprises in production chains. The forum aims to develop business ties, foster direct interaction between the state and the industrial sector, and promote modern equipment on international markets.
A meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was discussed at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan
29.08.2026On 28 August, a conference was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants included a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Chair of the Turkmen National Cultural Centre, G. Avezdurdiyeva, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, and compatriots working and studying in Uzbekistan. During the conference, the importance of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in the country’s socio-political life, the consolidation of society and the discussion of issues of national importance was highlighted. Particular attention was paid to the session scheduled for 23 September, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. It is planned that this meeting will review the country’s development achievements, future socio-economic priorities and long-term objectives. Separately, participants discussed the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. A corresponding resolution by the UN General Assembly was supported by 78 states. The conference concluded with a cultural programme featuring musical performances on the dutar. The art of making the dutar and the traditions of playing it are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
SOCAR will be the General Partner of OGT 2026 in Ashgabat
29.08.2026The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) will be the General Partner of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026’ (OGT 2026), which will take place on 21–23 October in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum will bring together energy companies, investors, financial institutions, technology suppliers, and representatives of the international energy sector. The partnership between SOCAR and OGT reflects the development of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The company continues to expand its activities in exploration and production, refining, trading, the gas business and international investment. As part of its Corporate Strategy to 2035, SOCAR is developing its international presence, technological capabilities, digitalisation and projects to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2023, SOCAR opened a representative office in Ashgabat. The company maintains cooperation with the state-owned concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’. One of the key joint projects remains the ‘Dostluk’ field in the Caspian Sea. An inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding on its joint exploration and development was signed in January 2021. Turkmen energy resources are also involved in cross-border Caspian cooperation. The ‘Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan’ (BTC) pipeline transports crude from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan alongside Azerbaijani oil. SOCAR’s international portfolio includes projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. In particular, the company has expanded its operations in Italy following the acquisition of Italiana Petroli (IP), and has also acquired stakes in the ‘Tamar’ gas field off the coast of Israel and the ‘Baleine’ project in Côte d’Ivoire. OGT 2026 will be held under the motto ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress’. The main topics will include investment in Turkmenistan’s energy sector, the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field, gas export routes, the TAPI project, the development of hydrocarbon resources in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, gas processing, digitalisation, the reduction of methane emissions and low-carbon technologies. The forum is organised by the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, and the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ in collaboration with the ‘Turkmen Energy Forum’. The previous OGT brought together over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries. OGT 2026 will continue efforts to attract investment, develop technological cooperation and implement international energy projects.
Turkmen project named best at environmental congress
29.08.2026A representative from Turkmenistan took first place at the 5th International Environmental Congress ‘Youth – Builders of the Future,’ held August 10–15, 2026, in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan, according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. The forum brought together around 1,000 participants from Central Asian countries, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkey and other states. The main topics included environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, climate change and environmental education for young people. Turkmenistan was represented at the congress by Oguldurdy Bayramova, a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Technologies at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan. In the ‘Best International Environmental Project’ competition, she took first place in the relevant category. Participants in the competition presented innovative environmental projects and exchanged experiences.
The first World Championship for Ahal-Teke racehorses will take place in the Netherlands
29.08.2026The first-ever World Championship for Ahal-Teke horses will take place from 4 to 6 September in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. The event will be held at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, one of Europe’s largest equestrian centres, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. This will be the first time that a world championship dedicated to the Ahal-Teke breed has been held in Europe. Experts, horse breeders, athletes and horse enthusiasts from various countries are expected to attend. The championship will feature sporting competitions and a beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses. The judging panel will assess the riders’ skill, the horses’ sporting qualities, as well as their conformation, grace, stamina and the characteristic golden sheen of their coats. Ahal-Teke horses are now bred in many countries and take part in international shows and competitions. The championship is intended to promote the further development of international cooperation in the fields of horse breeding and equestrian sports. The tournament is organised by the State Association ‘Türkmen atlary’, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the European Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association. The tournament will also showcase Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and the traditions of national horse breeding. In recent years, the country has been developing international cooperation in this field, focusing on preserving the purity of the breed, scientific research and the promotion of the national school of horse breeding.
A solar power station has been commissioned at the school in Mary
29.08.2026On 27 August, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan commissioned a solar power station at Secondary School No. 36 in the city of Mary. The project was implemented as part of the ‘Green School’ programme to improve energy efficiency and learning conditions, according to IIC. The system comprises a 12.5 kW photovoltaic power station, a 48 kWh lithium-ion battery, a hybrid inverter, inverter-based air conditioning units and digital monitoring equipment. The plant provides lighting for the sports ground and school playground in the evenings. It will also be used as a practical training facility for schoolchildren and students in the region.
Korean companies are expanding their cooperation with the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery
29.08.2026Lee Won-jae, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex (TORC). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the plant’s director, Dovran Chishiyev, the parties discussed the development of cooperation in the oil and gas sector and the expansion of Korean companies’ involvement in the modernisation of the plant. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea also met with representatives of ‘Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology’ (KSIT) and ‘Yuhan Tech’, familiarised himself with the progress of their projects and discussed operational matters. He noted the embassy’s readiness to support the activities of South Korean enterprises in Turkmenistan. To conclude the visit, the delegation toured the production facilities at the TORC.
Turkmenistan will expand its cooperation with the UN in key areas
29.08.2026Turkmenistan has set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. These include sustainable transport, energy and environmental security, the climate agenda, and cooperation in the interests of women and young people, according to the news agency TDH. In the transport sector, the country intends to propose the creation, under the auspices of the UN, of a trans-regional corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. It is also proposed to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035’, adopted on its initiative at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and its work on the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. In the energy and climate sectors, the country intends to promote issues relating to energy security, ‘green’ energy and hydrogen technologies. Consultations are planned during the 81st session to prepare for the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. Previously, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, proposed the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an ‘Energy Code’ and a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy. Turkmenistan will also continue to implement the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration, adopted following the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In the humanitarian sphere, the country intends to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, thereby expanding the participation of women and young people in regional and international processes. Work will continue under the agendas ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace and Security’. At the 81st session, Turkmenistan will continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and in other bodies of the UN system. In April, the country was unanimously elected to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the period 2027–2030. The main objective of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy within the UN framework remains the development of multilateral cooperation and the promotion of initiatives in the fields of peace, sustainable development, transport, energy, the environment, climate and humanitarian cooperation.
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