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The President of Turkmenistan is to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea
12.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, will pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea and take part in the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, reported on preparations for the visit at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 11 September. According to the news agency TDH, a number of inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental documents are due to be signed during the visit, aimed at developing cooperation in the fields of the economy, investment, transport, logistics, the chemical industry, infrastructure, industrial construction, the environment, water management, science and education. It was noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea were established in 1992. Since then, the countries have concluded 118 inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental agreements. High-level contacts play an important role in bilateral relations. In recent years, there have been five state, official and working visits by Heads of State. In November 2022, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero Arkadag, visited the Republic of Korea. Trade and economic cooperation is developing. Seventeen investment projects involving Korean companies have been registered in Turkmenistan. Major projects that have been completed include a sulphur purification complex at the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field and a gas-chemical complex for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene in the settlement of Kiyanly. In 2008, the Turkmen-Korean Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation was established. To date, nine meetings of the Commission have been held. The parties also cooperate in the fields of science, education, culture and other social and humanitarian areas. Multilateral cooperation is developing within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Forum, established in 2007 on the initiative of the Korean side. In 2023, Turkmenistan chaired the Forum, and its 16th meeting took place in Ashgabat. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, to ensure preparations for the state visit and participation in the Summit.
A meeting on the implementation of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea has begun in Awaza
12.09.2026The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, dedicated to developing a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea (UN SPAS), has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC. Over the course of two days, representatives from countries in the region, international organisations and experts will discuss the programme’s priorities, transboundary water cooperation, water security and the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin. On the first day, participants reviewed the programme’s content, its alignment with national and regional initiatives, and the prospects for strengthening cooperation. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue, trust and joint action to address the interlinked challenges of water resources, climate change and the state of ecosystems. It is expected that the meeting will result in the adoption of a document setting out the participating countries’ common approaches. The event is being held with the participation of relevant government bodies in Turkmenistan and with the support of UNDP/GEF, the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative and other partners.
The CIS Secretary-General noted the high standard of organisation of the meetings in Turkmenistan
12.09.2026A meeting of the heads of delegations in a restricted format took place in Ashgabat as part of the 111th session of the CIS Economic Council. The participants discussed the main areas of economic cooperation, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev thanked the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for organising the meeting and for his hospitality. He also congratulated the Turkmen people on the upcoming 35th anniversary of independence, which is celebrated on 27 September, and highlighted the significance of the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, scheduled for 23 September 2026. Sergey Lebedev highlighted the high standard of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and the organisation of events during its chairmanship. The Secretary-General of the CIS expressed his confidence that the forthcoming autumn summits of the Commonwealth’s leaders at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone would be held to a high standard.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Singapore on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations
12.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, and the people of Singapore on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by AsmanNews. The message of congratulations noted that relations between Turkmenistan and Singapore are based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation and his confidence that it would develop in the interests of both countries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the leadership of Singapore good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of the country progress and prosperity.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the State Minister for the Economy of Japan
12.09.2026On 11 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Kenji Yamada, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, paying particular attention to trade and economic ties, investment, high technology and the implementation of joint projects. Kenji Yamada conveyed warm greetings from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also noted the significance of the President of Turkmenistan’s visits to Japan and the country’s participation in ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka. The President of Turkmenistan extended reciprocal good wishes to the Japanese leadership and emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding the partnership in the fields of the economy, trade and industry. It was noted that bilateral cooperation is developing on the basis of mutual respect, equality and trust. Turkmenistan has had positive experience of working with Japanese companies in the transport, gas-chemical and agro-industrial sectors. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in the further development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
A Memorandum of Cooperation between the CIS and the IAC has been signed in Ashgabat
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026 in Ashgabat, CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev and Oleg Storchevoy, Chairman of the Interstate Aviation Committee, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the CIS Executive Committee and the IAC. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The document provides for cooperation in the development of air transport, the improvement of the regulatory framework, air traffic management and the enhancement of flight safety. Particular attention is paid to the development of the transport services market, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, cyber security and reducing the environmental impact of aviation. The parties have agreed to exchange information, expert materials and practical experience, as well as to hold consultations and organise joint events.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed expanding their economic partnership
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Kenji Yamada. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, focusing primarily on trade and economic interaction. During the meeting, they considered issues relating to the expansion of business contacts, the implementation of joint projects and the introduction of Japanese technologies and expertise into Turkmenistan’s economy. The parties also exchanged views on cooperation in the energy sector, industry, transport, the chemical industry, digitalisation and the development of the circular economy. Particular mention was made of the role of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation in the development of bilateral trade and economic ties. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue the dialogue and strengthen the Turkmen-Japanese partnership.
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister met with the UN Permanent Coordinator
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Myahri Byashimova, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations system, including the implementation of joint programmes and initiatives. During the meeting, they also considered promising areas for cooperation, topical issues on the regional and international agenda, and preparations for upcoming high-level events. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development and expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
The 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council took place in Ashgabat
12.09.2026The 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States took place in Ashgabat. The meeting was opened and chaired by the Council’s Chairman, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Delegations from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting, as did CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev. In a closed-door session, the parties discussed current issues relating to economic cooperation. The participants approved the Action Plan for the implementation of the Transport Security Strategy for 2026–2030. Reports from the Interstate Council on Standardisation and the Inter-governmental Council on Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Complex Issues were also considered. Particular attention was paid to innovation and technological development. Drafts of the Concept for Cooperation in the Production of Advanced Materials for High-Tech Sectors, initiatives on the digital transformation of the timber industry, and the development of radio navigation up to 2030 were presented. A number of specialist institutions have been granted the status of CIS reference organisations in the fields of transfusion medicine, medical education, rehabilitation and digital development. Following the meeting, 12 documents will be submitted to the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS for approval. The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council will take place on 27 November 2026 in Moscow.
An exhibition showcasing economic achievements is to be held in Turkmenistan
12.09.2026Turkmenistan is preparing for an exhibition showcasing the country’s economic achievements. It will take place on 17–19 September at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. It will showcase the achievements of various sectors of the economy and the country’s production capacity. Key state organisations and enterprises, as well as private companies from all sectors of the national economy, will take part in the event. The aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate the results of economic reforms and the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
Nature reserves in Turkmenistan are studying the manul population
12.09.2026Scientists from the Kopetdag, Bathyz, Koytendag and Gaplangyr state nature reserves carried out a joint expedition in the high-altitude regions of Kopetdag to search for traces of the manul — a rare feline predator. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the 4th edition of the Red Book of Turkmenistan, published in 2024, the manul was classified as an ‘endangered species’. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as a species of least concern, although it was previously classified as near threatened. According to scientific data, the manul was commonly found in the mountains of Turkmenistan in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries; however, little precise information about its habitats has survived. Surveys conducted by nature reserves since 2018 have recorded the manul on Mount Dushakerek within the Kopetdag Nature Reserve, on Mount Murze, in the Dashtoy Valley and in the Greater Balkans. This winter, staff from the Balkan Environmental Protection Department used camera traps to record the manul on Mount Lesser-Balkan. The manul is one of the smallest wild cats. In appearance, it resembles a domestic cat, but is distinguished by a shorter, stockier body, short legs, round pupils, low-set ears and thick, long fur – the fluffiest of any feline. Its coat is usually grey, with reddish or ochre patches. The manul is found in Central Asia, as well as in Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, China and India. It is not adapted to running fast, but is well camouflaged, leads a cautious lifestyle and takes refuge in rock crevices, other animals’ burrows or the grass. As a result, the manul is rarely encountered by humans and remains a poorly understood species.
Turkmen musicians are taking part in the Tsinandali Festival
12.09.2026Turkmen musicians are taking part in the eighth international Tsinandali Classical Music Festival, which is being held in Georgia from 3 to 13 September 2026. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. They are representing Turkmenistan as part of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra alongside performers from Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. A musician from the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan has been appointed concertmaster of the orchestra. As part of the festival, the young musicians are taking part in seminars and masterclasses led by renowned figures from the world of classical music. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, met with the organisers and the Turkmen participants of the festival. During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of the forum for the development of international cultural dialogue and creative cooperation.
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