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Turkmenistan and the ICRC discussed the development of humanitarian cooperation
15.03.2026On 13 March, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Biljana Milošević, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s regional office for Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues of humanitarian cooperation and prospects for further interaction. The Turkmen side emphasised the country’s commitment to its status of permanent neutrality, the strengthening of peace and the development of constructive international cooperation, paying particular attention to the humanitarian aspects of regional security and the protection of the civilian population. It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently adheres to the norms of international humanitarian law and upholds the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in humanitarian activities. Ashgabat also highly commended the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in providing assistance to people in difficult humanitarian situations and promoting international humanitarian law. The parties exchanged views on the implementation of the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and also discussed monitoring the humanitarian situation in the region and opportunities for expanding cooperation, including the exchange of experience, expert consultations and joint training activities. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the capacity of national bodies involved in humanitarian response.
A delegation from a Turkmen university visited the University of Westminster
14.03.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, including representatives from the International University for the Humanities and Development, visited the University of Westminster’s campus in London on Regent Street and Marylebone Street. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the University of Westminster — Joseph Coote-Cowling, Anastasia Bezborodova and others — conducted tours of the teaching buildings, laboratories, libraries, research centres and sports facilities. The Turkmen delegation met with Professors Nitasha Kaul and Karen Jackson, who spoke about the work of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and the Forum for the Study of the Silk Road and Uzbekistan, and expressed their willingness to organise joint seminars, online courses and programmes for students, including study visits to international organisations and companies. The parties discussed options for bilateral cooperation and agreed to continue these discussions through diplomatic channels.
Circus performances to mark Nowruz holiday to be held in Ashgabat
14.03.2026The State Circus of Turkmenistan will host festive performances to mark the Nowruz holiday. A special programme for residents and visitors to the capital will take place from 23 to 28 March 2026. This was reported by IIC. One of the main acts will be a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ equestrian troupe, renowned for its horseback acrobatics and performances on international stages. Audiences will also see a programme by the ‘Türkmen jigitleri’ troupe, demonstrating elements of traditional equestrian art. The programme includes performances by acrobats, jugglers and tightrope walkers. Aerial gymnasts will perform under the circus dome, whilst clowns will present comic acts for the audience. The festive performances are dedicated to Nowruz — the festival of the spring equinox, symbolising the renewal of nature and the arrival of spring.
Turkmenabat Chemical Plant is building a fertiliser production complex
14.03.2026Construction of a mineral fertiliser production complex is continuing at the Turkmenabat Chemical Plant named after S.A. Niyazov. The foundation stone was laid last year, reports TDH. The new complex is designed to produce 350,000 tonnes of superphosphate and 100,000 tonnes of ammonium sulphate per year. The project aims to expand the country’s chemical industry’s production capacity. The ‘Industry 4.0’ concept is being implemented at the plant. It involves the digitalisation of production processes and the use of artificial intelligence technologies to monitor chemical operations and ensure the accuracy of product composition. It is reported that industrial internet technologies and big data analytics will be applied in production. This will enable real-time monitoring of phosphate fertiliser output, optimisation of raw material and electricity consumption, and a reduction in the risk of production disruptions. The project also provides for the creation of new jobs for graduates of technical higher education institutions. Particular attention is being paid to environmental safety. The technology involves a closed-loop system for production gases, which will reduce emissions into the environment. The modernisation of the Turkmenabat Chemical Plant named after S.A. Niyazov is seen as part of the development of the chemical industry and the introduction of resource-saving technologies.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the ‘C5+1’ meeting in New Delhi
14.03.2026The Turkmen Ambassador to India, Shalar Geldinazarov, attended a diplomatic dinner at the US Embassy in New Delhi. The meeting took place in the ‘C5+1’ format and brought together the ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited to India. This was reported by Infoportal. The event was hosted by Sergio Gor, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. It was also attended by the ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Following the meeting, Sergio Gor posted on social media platform X that the negotiations had been productive. He noted the regular engagement between the US and the countries of Central Asia within the ‘C5+1’ framework. The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the US. In January 2026, Sergio Gor paid a visit to Turkmenistan. On 23 January, he met with the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the American diplomat alongside US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. The parties discussed trade and economic cooperation, regional security issues and bilateral relations.
The Language Institute of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a US diplomat
14.03.2026An educational meeting was held at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, attended by Aleksey Sanchez, Political Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of European Languages and Literature. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the US diplomatic mission also joined the discussion. The main topic of the meeting was Aleksey Sanchez’s presentation on the influence of Spanish cultural heritage on the formation of modern US culture. He spoke about the tradition of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States and the role of the Spanish language in the country’s literature, art and public life. Separately, the Diplomat presented an overview of the cultural and historical characteristics of South American countries, focusing on the diversity of regional dialects of the Spanish language. A discussion took place during the meeting. Students asked questions about the literary norms of the Spanish language and its linguistic features in different countries.
Turkmenistan will send humanitarian aid to Iran
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree on the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by TDH. The Decree was issued to mark the month of Ramadan and the sacred Night of Power – Laylat al-Qadr – as well as in keeping with the traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness. According to the Decree, a humanitarian consignment will be sent to the people of Iran, primarily to children, on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. It will include medicines, medical supplies and other products.
Large-scale tree planting will take place in Turkmenistan on 21 March
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Resolution on the organisation of a nationwide tree-planting campaign. According to the document, the mass planting of saplings will take place on 21 March 2026. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The decision was taken with the aim of expanding forest areas, maintaining green spaces and implementing the Resolution ‘On the planting of saplings in Turkmenistan in 2026’. Ministries, sectoral departments and the governorships of the velayats, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, have been instructed to ensure a high level of organisation for the campaign.
The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the development of ‘Türkmennebit’
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Resolution aimed at developing the country’s oil and gas industry. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ has been tasked with taking steps to further strengthen the enterprise’s material and technical base.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a Decree granting pardons to convicted citizens
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree ‘On the pardon of convicted persons in honour of the sacred Night of Power’. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The document was adopted in accordance with the principles of mercy and humanism, and with a view to strengthening the cohesion of Turkmen society and family values. Under the Decree, the pardoned citizens are released from further serving their main sentence of imprisonment.
The ‘Lebap’ Cement Plant is ramping up production for national construction projects
14.03.2026The Koytendag region, with its rich resource base, remains a strategic industrial hub for Turkmenistan. As part of socio-economic development programmes, the ‘Lebap’ cement plant was constructed in two phases, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The first phase began operations in 2013, and the second eleven years later, which helped to strengthen the import substitution policy and supply the country’s major construction projects with domestically produced cement. Today, the plant supplies materials for the construction of residential complexes, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities across the country. The plant produces Portland cement and its sulphate-resistant variants. Last year, the plant produced over 1.53 million tonnes of product, and in the first two months of this year – 218,000 tonnes. Once it reaches full capacity, the volume of supply will reach up to 2 million tonnes per year. Raw materials are extracted from five quarries located between 3 and 70 km away, which reduces transport costs and the cost of production. Delivery is carried out by road and rail, and strict monitoring of contract fulfilment ensures competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. More than 800 qualified specialists are responsible for the plant’s success. The administration and trade union of the Koytendag etrap actively motivate the workforce by recognising the best employees. Modern technology and the dedication of the staff enable the ‘Lebap’ plant to maintain its leading position and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
FC ‘Arkadag’ has won the Turkmenistan Football Federation Cup
14.03.2026The Turkmenistan Football Federation Cup concluded in Ashgabat on 12 March. ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Şagadam’ faced off in the final at the ‘Aşgabat’ Stadium, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The reigning champions confirmed their status with a 2-0 victory: Meylis Diniyev scored in the 3rd minute, and Didar Durdyev sealed the win in the 61st minute, securing FC ‘Arkadag’s second consecutive title. In the third-place play-off, ‘Ahal’ beat ‘Aşgabat’ 2-0: Ashyr Jumadurdyev scored in the 79th minute, and an own goal by Mergen Nurlyev sealed the final score. An awards ceremony was held after the final. Eight teams took part in the tournament, divided into groups: Group A – ‘Köpetdag’, ‘Ahal’, ‘Şagadam’, ‘Nebitçi’; Group B – ‘Arkadag’, ‘Aşgabat’, ‘Merw’ and the U-20 national team.
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