Experts from the Laboratory of Alternative Energy Sources and Measurement Instrument Technologies at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have introduced a new material for viticulture: hydrophobic sulphur concrete cages. PhD in Technical Sciences, Meretmuhammet Hudayberdiyev, has the potential to revolutionise agriculture. This information was featured in the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: The Golden age’. Traditionally, grape trellises are made of wood or metal, but these materials are susceptible to rot, corrosion, and deterioration due to moisture and chemical exposure. The new sulphur concrete composite lacks these drawbacks—it possesses high mechanical strength, resistance to aggressive environments, and, most importantly, hydrophobic properties, i.e., the ability to repel water. This technology, developed by Turkmen scientists, is opening new horizons for the agricultural sector by reducing maintenance costs and increasing production efficiency. The application of these technologies is particularly important for countries with hot climates where traditional materials wear out quickly. Experts highlight that sulphur concrete trellis serves as a successful example of the effective use of modern materials in agriculture and contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture. In the future, this technology could be adapted for other crops requiring support structures.
From 28 May to 18 June 2025, a series of training sessions for young people was held in six etraps of Turkmenistan as part of a UNDP regional project on preventing violent extremism. The events, organised by UNDP with the support of the Government of Japan, brought together more than 180 participants from the country's pilot districts. This was reported by the IIC. The training sessions aimed to raise young people's awareness of government programmes for socio-economic support and to develop skills that will help them to remain resilient in the face of modern challenges. Participants in the mentoring training sessions had the opportunity to engage in open dialogue and exchange experiences. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and contributes to the creation of an inclusive environment for the active participation of young people in society.
David Pommerenke, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Graz University of Technology (Austria), paid a working visit to the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan. The Austrian expert's visit was aimed at strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between universities in the two countries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the visit, the professor gave a lecture to students on ‘Electrostatic damage’, where he shared his professional experience and answered questions from future specialists. Particular attention was paid to the protection of electronic components from static electricity. A significant part of the visit took place in the ‘Antenna and Feeder Devices’ laboratory, where an exchange of experience in the field of radio engineering systems took place. Teachers and students of the institute demonstrated to the Austrian guest their developments in the field of digital television, satellite broadcasting and radio communication systems, which were highly appreciated by the professor. The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation, emphasising their mutual interest in developing partnerships. Particular attention was paid to the importance of integrating advanced international experience into educational and scientific processes.
The 17th round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place in Brussels on 17 June this year. The meeting, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, allowed the parties to discuss key issues of human rights protection, the rule of law and gender equality. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The delegation included representatives of the Ministries of Education, Labour and Social Protection, Internal Affairs, Justice, the Supreme Court, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, the Turkmen side presented progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights (2021-2025), including measures on judicial reform, protection of socio-economic rights and promotion of gender equality. Particular attention was paid to the fulfilment of international obligations, including those under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The parties also discussed cooperation with the UN, the OSCE and other international organisations, emphasising Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue in the field of human rights. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on further developing partnership in this area.
From 21 to 23 August, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international universal exhibition and fair. This was reported by the portal ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The forum will serve as a platform for presenting products and services aimed at children, ranging from everyday goods to solutions in the field of education and leisure. The event will be attended by companies seeking to strengthen business ties and promote their brands on the market. According to the organisers, the aim of the exhibition is to stimulate the introduction of innovative approaches in the children's goods and services industry, as well as to attract foreign investment to the national market.
Preparatory work is underway at the Turkmenabat Chemical Plant for the start of construction of a new production complex. This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. According to a Decree signed by the President of Turkmenistan, the construction of the facility has been entrusted to the South Korean company Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. The new complex will be designed to produce 350,000 tonnes of superphosphate and 100,000 tonnes of ammonium sulphate annually. Foundation work is being carried out in cooperation with Korean engineers and specialists. In addition, the Turkmenabat Chemical Plant continues to actively supply the country's agricultural sector with fertilisers this year. Since the beginning of the year, it has produced about 11,300 tonnes of mineral fertilisers, including 5,200 tonnes of nitrogen and over 6,000 tonnes of phosphorus.
On 17 June, 13 deals worth a total of US$17.399 million and 6.5 million manats were concluded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Among the largest participants in the foreign market were entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, who signed contracts with the State-owned Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the supply of liquefied gas. Businessmen from Uzbekistan also purchased Portland cement of the brand ‘CEM I 32.5 H/ CEM II A-I 32.5 H’ from their Turkmen partners. On the domestic market, local entrepreneurs signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for the purchase of road bitumen of the ‘BND 60/90’ brand. Auctions on the SCRMET continue to show activity among both foreign and local participants, confirming sustained interest in Turkmenistan's key export and production goods.
The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a seminar on ‘Digitalisation, IT and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education,’ dedicated to the introduction of the STEM approach into the educational process. The event was conducted by Melda Yildiz, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Fulbright Scholar and lecturer at the New York Institute of Technology. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The seminar was attended by students and teachers, as well as specialists responsible for the digitalisation of education, the development of digital platforms and the integration of AI into the educational environment. Participants were introduced to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) concept as a model of interdisciplinary education aimed at developing critical thinking, technical literacy and teamwork skills necessary for a successful career in the context of digital transformation. After the event, the international guest was given a tour of the institute, including visits to the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy, the UNESCO Club ‘Culture of the World’, the Training Studio and the ‘White Yurt of Turkmen’ pavilion, created as part of the university project ‘Young Messengers of Peace’.
Turkmen doctors have performed neurosurgery for the first time on one of their youngest patients diagnosed with occlusive hydrocephalus. The medical intervention was successful and made possible thanks to comprehensive support from the industry and initiatives by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. This was reported by IIC. The patient was a one-month-old baby from the Balkan velayat. After conducting a detailed examination and obtaining an interdisciplinary opinion, doctors decided on surgical treatment. The operation was performed at a national medical facility by Turkmen specialists and was completed without complications. As of today, the child's condition is stable: he is under observation, responding to his surroundings and showing positive signs of improvement. This case is a striking example of the introduction of advanced medical technologies and the development of expertise in the field of paediatric neurosurgery.
An electronic visa (e-Visa) system is being launched in Turkmenistan, which will simplify entry for foreigners and make the country more attractive for tourists and business travellers, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The key change is that an invitation is no longer required to obtain an e-Visa. Visa notifications will be automatically sent to diplomatic missions and migration authorities. The procedure for issuing and extending visas is determined by the country's President, and the forms are approved by the Migration Service. In the future, the system plans to introduce AI and analytical platforms for migration analysis, facial recognition and biometrics.
Hiroshi Sasaki, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, visited Specialised School No. 140 in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As part of the international initiative READ JAPAN PROJECT, the diplomat donated books about Japan to the school. This project is being implemented with the support of the Japanese foundation ‘The Nippon Foundation’ and the ‘’Tokyo Foundation for Research Policy. Japanese is part of the curriculum at School No. 140 from the early grades. The READ JAPAN PROJECT, launched in 2008, aims to distribute English-language literature about Japan to universities and libraries around the world.
On 17 June, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov had a working visit to Kazakhstan to take part in the second ‘Central Asia – China’ summit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Before the start of the summit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the main meeting, chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Heads of State discussed issues of political dialogue, trade, economic and energy cooperation, logistics and innovation. The President of Turkmenistan proposed developing a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN, emphasising the importance of neutrality and preventive diplomacy. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the importance of joint transport projects, especially in the context of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and the ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’, as well as the development of energy partnerships and technological exchange. In the cultural sphere, it was proposed to establish a permanent platform – the Central Asia – China Cultural Dialogue. Special attention was paid to preparations for the International Forum in Ashgabat in December, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. Following the summit, key documents were signed, including the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Turkmenistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan, the Astana Declaration of the Second Summit ‘Central Asia – China’, initiative to create favourable conditions for mutual travel of citizens within the ‘Central Asia – China’ Format, and an agreement on the establishment of sister-city relations between the Ahal velayat and Shaanxi Province. After completing his visit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for Turkmenistan. The summit confirmed the readiness of the Central Asian countries and the PRC to further deepen their strategic partnership in the interests of sustainable development and universal well-being.