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Turkmen cultural figures took part in the TURKSOY Young Poets’ Festival
22.07.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in the 2nd International Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World, which was held in Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by TURKSOY in conjunction with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Turkmen delegation comprised Kerim Hallyev, Garahanjar Bayhanov and Yusup Meredov. The festival opened in Shusha as part of the Molla Penah Vagif Poetry Days. During the event, young poets were honoured for their contribution to the development of culture and literature in the Turkic world. Kerim Hallyev and Garahanjar Bayhanov were awarded the ‘Molla Penah Vagif’ medal, whilst Yusup Meredov was presented with a TURKSOY diploma.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is competing at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships
21.07.2026The Turkmenistan national team will compete at the Under-17 Freestyle Wrestling World Championships, which are taking place in Baku from 21 July to 4 August. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ahead of the competition, the team completed the final stage of their preparations for the world championships. The Turkmenistan squad comprises Noker Guvanjov (up to 65 kg weight class), Mekan Hudayberenov (up to 71 kg) and Shaapbas Esgerov (up to 80 kg). At the championships, these young wrestlers will represent Turkmenistan and compete for world championship medals, whilst having the opportunity to demonstrate the standard of their training on the international stage.
The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry met with the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated her on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation, as well as the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development for 2026–2030, the preparation of Turkmenistan’s Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the SDGs, and the work of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Strategic Advisory Council. Particular attention was paid to the development of new joint initiatives, the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the UN, and the implementation of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
A meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 20 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and discussed the further implementation of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and commitments within the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) following Turkmenistan’s granting of observer state status within the organisation. Promising areas for further cooperation were considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks were identified to strengthen Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, and work plans were drawn up for the coming period.
The ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern has increased its oil and gas production figures for the first half of the year
21.07.2026At the end of the first six months of 2026, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ achieved growth in its production figures. Oil production reached nearly 2,053,000 tonnes, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The subsidiaries of the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust fulfilled their target by 108.5 per cent, producing 155,800 tonnes of oil in excess of the target. The state-owned enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’ exceeded its target by 1,227 tonnes. The overall increase in oil production compared with the same period last year was approximately 101 per cent. The group’s oil and gas production divisions produced more than 2,454 million cubic metres of natural gas during the first half of the year. The ‘Körpeje’, ‘Keýmir’, ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Gumdagnebit’ departments achieved strong results in the collection and utilisation of associated gas. The ‘Keýmir’ Oil and Gas Production Department achieved the highest figures in field development. Hydrocarbon production here totalled 236,600 tonnes, representing 122 per cent of the target. The ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Ýaşyldepe’ natural gas production units also demonstrated strong performance, meeting their targets by 111 per cent and 115 per cent respectively. Through the modernisation of production facilities and the application of state-of-the-art technologies, specialists from the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust restored operations at 216 wells. This enabled the additional extraction of 93,300 tonnes of oil and over 210 million cubic metres of gas. Over the six-month period, the divisions of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ Trust carried out drilling work totalling 67,500 metres, which represents almost 112 per cent of the target. The construction of 12 new wells has been completed, 11 of which are production wells. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex met its raw material processing target by 102 per cent. During this period, 728,500 tonnes of diesel fuel, 702,100 tonnes of motor petrol, 244,400 tonnes of petroleum bitumen, 202,400 tonnes of kerosene, 86,000 tonnes of liquefied gas, 33,800 tonnes of polypropylene and 28,700 tonnes of lubricating oils. These figures reflect the continued development of the oil and gas sector and the improved efficiency of production processes at the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern.
The Head of Turkmenistan received the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to further develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. Xiaojun Grace Wang conveyed greetings and best wishes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations were discussed. The Head of State noted that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the key areas of the country’s foreign policy, emphasising the consistent nature of the partnership. The parties also reviewed joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030, as well as issues relating to peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, energy security and the development of transport and transit corridors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council as a platform for developing cooperation in key areas. Xiaojun Grace Wang stated that she would make every effort to further strengthen the partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN. At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the work of the new Resident Coordinator would contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held a telephone conversation
21.07.2026On 20 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Russian cooperation, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of joint educational and cultural projects. The Heads of the foreign ministries also reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings, including multilateral events at the highest and high levels planned to take place in Turkmenistan in October 2026. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side.
Turkmenistan is set to expand the capacity of the ‘Balkan’ shipyard
21.07.2026On 18 July, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, B. Annayev, to continue modernising the national merchant fleet and to expand the production capacity of the ‘Balkan’ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister presented a report on the implementation of measures to develop the shipbuilding industry, including the renewal of the fleet and the construction of new dry cargo vessels. It is noted that these measures are aimed at developing the country’s maritime infrastructure and increasing the volume of freight transport.
Turkey has appointed a new ambassador to Turkmenistan
21.07.2026The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has appointed a new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan. The relevant Decree was published on 18 July in the official gazette, ‘Resmi Gazete’, according to IIC. The new Head of the diplomatic mission in Ashgabat is Şener Cebeci, who previously served as Deputy Director-General for Central Asian Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has replaced Ahmet Demirok, who had headed the embassy since January 2024 and has now been recalled to the central office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Belarusian companies are exploring opportunities to enter the Turkmenistan market
21.07.2026Around 30 representatives of Belarusian companies took part in a working meeting on the prospects for entering the Turkmenistan market. The event, ‘Business Breakfast with a Diplomat’, took place on 15 July at the Brest branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the participation of Yuri Dmitrichkov, Counsellor for Trade and Economic Affairs at the Belarusian Embassy in Turkmenistan, according to IIC Turkmenistan. Participants were briefed on the latest information regarding the Turkmen market and discussed ways to develop cooperation. The main areas of interest were the export of furniture, foodstuffs, agricultural machinery, glass, compound feed, livestock farming equipment, as well as services in the fields of design and logistics. The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the meeting had been organised to facilitate Belarusian companies’ entry into the Turkmen market.
A training course on combating echinococcosis was held in Ashgabat
21.07.2026A five-day training course on the prevention, diagnosis and control of echinococcosis was held in Ashgabat for specialists from Turkmenistan’s public health and epidemiological and veterinary services. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The training was organised by the World Health Organisation’s country office and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations as part of a Pandemic Fund. The sessions were delivered by international FAO experts to staff from the ministries of health and agriculture. Participants studied the epidemiology of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, practised laboratory diagnostic methods and discussed inter-ministerial cooperation. It is planned to use the knowledge gained to improve national programmes for the prevention of zoonotic diseases, employing a comprehensive approach.
Turkmenistan has presented a new approach to the digitalisation of the water sector
21.07.2026South Korea is launching the international programme ‘Smart Water Management in Central Asia – 2026’, organised by the Korea Foundation and the UNESCO International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management, according to the Orient news agency. The project aims to introduce digital solutions into the region’s water management sector. The event is seen as an important step in the preparations for the first ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September. Turkmenistan has adopted a unique approach to participation: instead of the usual technical delegation, Ashgabat has sent a special group comprising representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection to develop cooperation in the water sector. The delegation will take part in meetings and seminars in Seoul, Daejeon and other technology hubs in South Korea. A key event will be the forum on 23 July, where representatives from Turkmenistan, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) and IT companies will discuss joint projects on the implementation of ‘smart’ technologies, digital monitoring and the efficient use of water resources. Cooperation with South Korea is in line with Turkmenistan’s new climate initiatives, including the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and the Centre for Combating Desertification. Korean digital solutions in the field of water management could become one of the practical tools for the work of these organisations.
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