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Turkmenistan has joined the Asian Development Bank’s project to modernise border infrastructure
02.05.2026Turkmenistan has joined the Asian Development Bank’s project to modernise modern border crossing points as part of the CAREC programme. Technical assistance amounting to US$1 million has been allocated to the initiative, according to the news agency Orient. The project aims to upgrade border infrastructure using innovative and environmentally friendly solutions and covers countries in the region and partners. It involves preparing project documentation for key border crossing points, introducing new approaches to infrastructure construction, and training specialists in border facility management. Turkmenistan’s participation will help accelerate the modernisation of the transport and logistics system and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade through the introduction of modern technologies and the optimisation of border procedures. The ADB notes that weak infrastructure and complex control processes remain problematic factors affecting the cost and speed of transport in the region. The project is expected to increase the throughput capacity of border crossing points and improve conditions for the development of trade and transport routes involving the country.
Moldova paid tribute to the memory of the Turkmen writer Nurmyrat Saryhanov
02.05.2026On 29 April, a formal ceremony was held in the Moldovan village of Delacau to mark the 120th anniversary of the birth of Nurmyrat Saryhanov, a classic of Turkmen literature. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was attended by Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the Anenii Noi district administration, members of the public and local residents. Those attending the ceremony paid tribute to the writer by laying flowers at the memorial where he is buried. Nurmyrat Saryhanov died in May 1944, fighting for the liberation of Moldova from the fascist invaders. His fate became a symbol of the unity of literary talent and personal heroism: in 1942, he went to the front, setting aside his creative work in favour of the struggle for freedom. The memorial in Delacau, where the writer’s memory is enshrined, has been extensively restored on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan and South Korea discussed cooperation in shipbuilding and transport
02.05.2026Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea have discussed prospects for expanding economic cooperation, including in the shipbuilding sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. These issues were raised during a meeting between Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan. In addition to shipbuilding, the parties exchanged views on potential cooperation in the field of rail transport, as well as in the transport and communications sectors. It is noted that the ‘Balkan’ shipbuilding and ship repair yard is currently implementing a project, in collaboration with the South Korean company ‘Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co., Ltd.’, to build two dry cargo ships, each with a carrying capacity of 6,100 tonnes.
‘Puyang Shengyuan’ is set to launch polycarbonate production in Turkmenistan
01.05.2026The Chinese petrochemical group ‘Puyang Shengyuan Petrochemical Group’ intends to ensure that over 20% of the production of high-quality polycarbonate in Turkmenistan is locally sourced. This was announced by the company’s President, Wang Xichen, at the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to Wang Xichen, the company is ready to implement major strategic projects aimed at strengthening the country’s resource security and modernising its industrial sector. This involves the transfer of technologies for the production of high-quality polymers and environmentally friendly materials, followed by their integration into Turkmenistan’s industrial system. It is also noted that the cooperation includes the introduction of modern environmental standards, the development of sustainable supply chains and the creation of a technical support network across the country. The company’s Head emphasised that entering the Turkmenistan market is viewed as a long-term strategy focused on the production of high value-added products based on local raw materials.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a discussion on the implementation of the decisions of the ‘EU–Central Asia’ Summit
01.05.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in a meeting on the implementation of the agreements reached at the ‘EU–Central Asia’ Summit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Representatives of the European External Action Service, the European Commission and ambassadors from countries in the region took part in the discussion. The parties assessed the political situation, outlined further steps and preparations for the ministerial meeting. An intensification of dialogue and expansion of cooperation were noted. The European Commission presented progress in key areas — transport, energy, climate, raw materials and digitalisation. Central Asian ambassadors spoke about national initiatives, emphasising infrastructure, connectivity and investment. The coordination of upcoming bilateral formats was also discussed. Following the meeting, participants stressed the need to maintain the pace of cooperation and focus on achieving practical results.
A seminar on the protection of investors’ rights in the securities market was held in Ashgabat
01.05.2026A seminar was held in Ashgabat for specialists from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange. The event was organised as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan aimed at developing the country’s financial market, reports Turkmenportal. UNDP experts reviewed international practices regarding investor protection, standards for investment activities in the securities market, and the operations of the Ashgabat Stock Exchange. The project covers the improvement of legislation, the development of a strategy for the securities market, the professional development of specialists, and the development of the depository system.
The Turkmenistan Women’s Union and UNICEF discussed support for mothers
01.05.2026A meeting took place at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan between Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Central Council of the Women’s Union, and Jalpa Ratna, Head of the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed programmes to support parenthood and promote breastfeeding. Berdiliyeva spoke about the Women’s Union’s educational work among young women as part of the ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’ strategy. New areas of cooperation in the field of early childhood development were also discussed. Jalpa Ratna noted the effectiveness of the partnership with the Women’s Union and expressed her willingness to continue joint projects.
Turkmenistan promotes international initiatives on the global stage
01.05.2026Turkmenistan continues to develop its foreign policy cooperation with international partners. This year’s key events have included foreign visits by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In February, Hero Arkadag visited the USA. Meetings were held with representatives of the business community and company executives. Investments, trade development and the expansion of business contacts were discussed. Projects in the field of sport, including golf and equestrian sports, were considered separately. On 27 March, a meeting of the bilateral Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation with the US was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed investment cooperation and the growth of trade turnover. In March, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the People’s Republic of China. A meeting took place in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The high level of cooperation in politics, the economy and the humanitarian sphere was reaffirmed. Joint projects in the gas sector were discussed, including the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field. Prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector were also considered. On 18 March, negotiations were held with the management of CNPC. Further stages of the field’s development were discussed. On 17 April, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ project was launched in the Mary velayat, including the construction of a gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year. In April, Hero Arkadag visited Austria. In Vienna, he took part in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. Turkmenistan’s position on the development of international energy cooperation and the climate agenda was reaffirmed. During the visit, meetings were held with the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as with representatives of the UN, UNIDO and the IAEA. Issues relating to industrial development, energy and international cooperation were discussed. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the development of ‘green’ energy. A willingness to cooperate in the field of hydrogen energy was noted. Particular attention was paid to initiatives on energy security. A proposal was made to consider drafting an ‘Energy Code’ under the auspices of the UN and an international document on energy cooperation. In April, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Kazakhstan. In Astana, he took part in the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Issues relating to climate change, water resources and environmental security were discussed. Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Centre to combat desertification in Central Asia. The creation of a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN was also initiated. The need to comply with international standards and take into account the interests of all countries in the region was emphasised. The issue of the Aral Sea was addressed separately. Turkmenistan advocates strengthening the role of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and developing cooperation with the UN. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies will soon begin operations in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan outlined its approach to regional security at the forum
01.05.2026A Central Asian forum was held in Dushanbe, attended by representatives of think tanks, international organisations, the expert community and diplomatic missions from countries across the region. The event was organised by the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum focused on issues of regional security and its development in the near future. The programme included a plenary session and four thematic panels. Participants discussed intra-regional and external challenges, as well as opportunities for cooperation. Following the event, recommendations were drawn up on strengthening cooperation and mitigating risks. During one of the sessions, Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, noted that the countries of Central Asia are strengthening cooperation and forming a new foundation for the regional security architecture. According to him, dialogue, trust and the equal consideration of the interests of the region’s states remain key.
Turkmenistan represented the IT sector at a forum in Japan
01.05.2026A delegation from the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan took part in the international innovation forum ‘SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026’, which was held in Tokyo from 27 to 29 April 2026. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together companies, start-ups and experts from various countries. The main focus was on new technologies, digital solutions and the development of international cooperation. Participants presented developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, ‘smart’ cities, ‘green’ energy and the digital economy. There was also an exchange of experience and discussion of joint projects. The Turkmen delegation held working meetings with foreign technology companies. Discussions centred on digital infrastructure, telecommunications, AI, services and the development of the start-up ecosystem.
An OSCE seminar on identifying victims of human trafficking was held in Ashgabat
01.05.2026On 28–29 April 2026, a seminar entitled ‘Identifying victims of human trafficking: strengthening national security through a multidisciplinary approach’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by the OSCE. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was hosted by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Its aim was to present the practices of participating States in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing them with assistance. Experts from the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings spoke about indicators of such crimes and methods for profiling victims and offenders. The OSCE’s international obligations and the experience of countries in the region were also examined. Particular attention was paid to legislation and measures for the long-term support of victims. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, stated that Turkmenistan is participating in international efforts to combat human trafficking. According to him, the seminar aims to develop an approach that takes into account the social and psychological aspects of working with victims. Participants discussed the importance of addressing the post-traumatic condition of victims and the need for inter-agency cooperation in identifying them. The seminar was attended by representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Bar Association and civil society organisations.
The development of ‘green’ energy was discussed at a business forum in Ashgabat
01.05.2026A Turkmen-Chinese business forum was held in Ashgabat, where cooperation in the electricity sector was discussed. This was reported by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. S. Saparov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan, stated that there are 11 power stations operating in the country with a total capacity of 7,000 MW. This enables the country to meet domestic demand and increase electricity exports. Particular attention is being paid to the development of renewable energy sources and the reduction of emissions. In the Gyzylarbat etrap of Balkan velayat, a 10 MW solar-wind power station has been prepared for commissioning. A proposal from ‘Power China’ to build a 300 MW solar power plant using preferential long-term financing is also under consideration. China remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners in the energy sector. The parties continue to discuss joint projects in the field of ‘green’ energy.
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