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Turkmenistan Culture Days are taking place in Tbilisi
17.07.2026The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are currently taking place in Tbilisi, coinciding with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit. The events are aimed at further developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, according to the news agency TDH. As part of the opening ceremony, an exhibition of national decorative and applied arts was held. The exhibition featured museum artefacts, works by artists and sculptors, as well as examples of the traditional cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The programme for the Days of Culture included meetings between cultural figures, library staff and theatre directors from Turkmenistan and Georgia. Participants discussed the exchange of experience and prospects for expanding professional contacts. The creative delegation from Turkmenistan also visited Tbilisi’s sights. The opening ceremony concluded with a festive concert featuring singers, musicians, and folk and dance ensembles. Turkmen artists performed musical pieces, including Georgian songs. The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are continuing.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the Turkmen-Georgian Forum
17.07.2026On 16 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum, where he outlined the key areas for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that, in early 2026, an Investment Programme was approved in Turkmenistan, aimed at maintaining gross domestic product growth at 6.3 per cent. The President of Turkmenistan identified the development of the fuel and energy sector as one of the priority areas. Turkmenistan has commenced the fourth phase of industrial development of the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field, whilst also continuing to develop hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea and to build partnerships with foreign oil and gas companies. New hydrocarbon processing facilities have been commissioned in the country. Liquid petroleum products are exported to countries in Asia and Europe. The gas chemical industry is also developing, and the production of mineral fertilisers, polymers and other chemical products is expanding. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the development of the private sector and the expansion of production of construction, metal, plastic, cable and electrical engineering products. The output of finished textile products exceeds 130,000 tonnes per year, around 80 per cent of which is exported. Agriculture is also increasing its export potential. Turkmenistan is one of the major suppliers of environmentally friendly food products. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport, logistics, communications, infrastructure and the use of maritime terminals. The President announced that Turkmenistan is engaged in negotiations to establish a cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The Head of State noted Turkmenistan’s interest in Georgia’s experience in the fields of tourism and services, and emphasised the need to hold regular business forums in both countries.
The President of Turkmenistan’s visit to Georgia strengthens bilateral ties
17.07.2026On 16 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, arrived in Georgia on a state visit. A ceremony was held at Shota Rustaveli International Airport in Tbilisi to officially welcome the Head of Turkmenistan, who was received by the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, negotiations took place between the Presidents. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, inter-parliamentary dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, transport, logistics, communications and port infrastructure. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the constructive cooperation between Turkmenistan and Georgia within international organisations, particularly the UN, and expressed his gratitude to the Georgian side for its support of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and its international initiatives. One of the key areas of the negotiation was the development of transport links. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of implementing the initiative to establish the ‘Caspian Sea–Black Sea’ transport corridor along the route ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania’. According to the Head of State, linking the Caspian and Black Sea regions creates opportunities for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian ties. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to expand cooperation with Georgia in the fields of culture, science, education and sport. A Turkmen-Georgian business forum was held as part of the visit to Tbilisi. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, noted that there were extensive opportunities for developing cooperation between the private sector and the business communities of the two countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the forum was intended to promote the expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation. The Head of State noted that, in early 2026, an Investment Programme had been approved in Turkmenistan, aimed at maintaining gross domestic product growth at 6.3 per cent. Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke about the development of the fuel and energy and gas-chemical sectors, the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea, and the expansion of production of mineral fertilisers, polymers and other chemical products. The President of Turkmenistan also noted the growing role of the private sector in the national economy. The country is developing the production of construction, metal, plastic, cable and electrical engineering products. The volume of finished textile production exceeds 130,000 tonnes per year, around 80 per cent of which is exported. Particular attention was paid to the development of agriculture, transport, logistics and infrastructure. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that Turkmenistan is engaged in negotiations to establish a cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast and called on the business communities of both countries to participate in the implementation of this project. Turkmenistan is also interested in Georgia’s experience in the fields of tourism and services. The President of Turkmenistan proposed holding business forums in both countries on a regular basis. As part of the event, an exhibition of products manufactured in Turkmenistan took place. At the ‘Expo Georgia’ venue, displays were presented by the ministries of the textile industry, industry and construction, energy, construction and architecture, health and the medical industry, as well as culture. Representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan also took part in the exhibition. The exhibition showcased the country’s industrial and export potential and served as a platform for developing business contacts and discussing new projects. Following the tour of the exhibition, an official reception was held in honour of the President of Turkmenistan on behalf of the Prime Minister of Georgia. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia is continuing.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed expanding their business partnership
17.07.2026A delegation from the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, led by Executive Director Michael Harms, arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. Meetings were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the heads of relevant ministries and departments, according to the IIC. The parties discussed the development of cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of joint industrial projects. Negotiations were also held with the leadership of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on the supply of high-tech equipment, the introduction of digital solutions and the modernisation of production facilities. The five-day consultations are aimed at expanding trade and economic cooperation and strengthening the presence of German businesses in the Turkmen market.
Sports cooperation with Pakistan was discussed in Turkmenistan
17.07.2026On 15 July, Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, met with Allaberdi Saparov, Chairman of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of sport. The Ambassador presented the Turkmen side with official ‘Trionda’ footballs, manufactured for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Faryal Leghari, a ball from the professional series was also presented to the President of the Turkmenistan Football Federation, Guvanchmuhammet Ovekov. During the meeting, the parties expressed an interest in organising friendly matches between athletes from Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
Turkmenistan paid tribute to the father of the Emir of Qatar
17.07.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ashgabat to offer his condolences on the death of the father of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the diplomatic mission, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by the Qatari Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Nasser Ahmed Mohammed Al-Taher. A book of condolences was opened at the Qatari Embassy. Nokerguly Atagulyev, representatives of the Turkmen authorities, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan all left messages in the book. Representatives of the Arab community living in the country also paid their respects.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Connect for Peace 2026’ media festival in Almaty
17.07.2026Representatives of the media and the media community in Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘Connect for Peace Festival 2026’, dedicated to the development of media literacy, which took place in Almaty. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event brought together more than 100 journalists, media experts and representatives of civil society organisations from Central Asian countries. The festival marked the conclusion of the two-year regional project ‘CARAVAN’, implemented by ‘Internews’ with the support of the European Union. As part of the project, around 1,500 pieces of content were produced, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the information environment to disinformation. The programme included panel discussions, expert sessions and practical workshops on media literacy, digital security, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, combating disinformation and the financial sustainability of the media. Participants also discussed effective business models for independent newsrooms and exchanged experiences on implementing successful media projects. The organisers screened documentaries on the culture, environment and history of Central Asia, and a tour of the Almaty State Art Museum was arranged for the guests. The Turkmen delegation’s participation marked a continuation of cooperation under the ‘CARAVAN’ project. Earlier, in May, training sessions on media literacy, digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence were held in Ashgabat with EU support for students, lecturers, representatives of relevant government departments and the media.
The first ‘Tourism Malaysia’ seminar took place in Ashgabat
17.07.2026The first specialised ‘Tourism Malaysia’ seminar for representatives of Turkmenistan’s tourism industry took place in Ashgabat. The event, supported by the Malaysian Embassy and the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was dedicated to developing cooperation and promoting the ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ (VM2026) campaign, reports AsmanNews. The seminar was attended by representatives of government bodies, airlines, travel agencies and the media. The meeting followed on from agreements reached during the recent visit to Turkmenistan by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. According to ‘Tourism Malaysia’, 10,751 tourists from Turkmenistan visited Malaysia in 2025 — 42.5 per cent more than the previous year. Participants were introduced to the country’s tourism opportunities and resort offerings, and the prospects for joint projects were discussed. ‘Tourism Malaysia’ intends to continue its marketing and information campaigns to promote Malaysia within the Turkmenistan tourism market.
The President of Turkmenistan has begun a state visit to Georgia
17.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has arrived in Georgia, where he will undertake a two-day state visit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the online newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. At Tbilisi’s Shota Rustaveli Airport, the national flags of both countries were raised in honour of the Turkmen leader’s arrival, and a welcoming ceremony involving an honour guard was organised. The President of Turkmenistan was welcomed by representatives of the Georgian leadership and members of the official Turkmen delegation. As part of the visit, negotiations are scheduled between Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Georgian leadership in both bilateral and expanded formats. In addition, the parties will hold a Turkmen-Georgian business forum and host an exhibition of products from Turkmen manufacturers. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia were established on 16 July 1992. As the publication notes, the agreements reached at the highest level in recent years have helped to strengthen cooperation and have taken bilateral relations to a new stage of development. The current state visit by the President of Turkmenistan to Georgia is seen as a continuation of the political dialogue between the countries and an important step in the further development of bilateral relations.
The Pakistani Ambassador spoke about her experiences of working in Turkmenistan
17.07.2026Dr Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, spoke in an interview with Diplo TV about her diplomatic career, her work in Ashgabat and her impressions of Turkmenistan, according to the online news site AsmanNews. Faryal Leghari took up her post on 13 June 2025. Shortly after arriving in Ashgabat, she helped organise the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran following the outbreak of military conflict. Before entering the diplomatic service, the Ambassador graduated from the University of Oxford, where she obtained a PhD in political geography. She has also worked for leading media organisations in the region, held senior editorial positions and conducted research in the fields of security and international relations. According to the diplomat, her actual impressions of Turkmenistan proved to be better than her previous expectations of the country. The Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s stability, its policy of permanent neutrality and its hospitality. Faryal Leghari also emphasised women’s active participation in public and political life, access to education and the focus on the development of culture, the arts and the preservation of national heritage. The Ambassador made a special mention of the shared love of horse riding. Joint initiatives in the field of equestrian sports are currently being considered, including possible visits by Pakistani female athletes.
Turkmenistan marks the 35th anniversary of its independence with achievements and prospects
16.07.2026In 2026, Turkmenistan will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence. Over this period, the country has developed its own model of political, socio-economic and cultural development, strengthened its international ties and implemented large-scale infrastructure projects. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Turkmenistan currently maintains diplomatic relations with 161 states and cooperates with 55 international and regional organisations. The country’s foreign policy is based on the principles of neutrality, equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality was recognised by the UN General Assembly in 1995, 2015 and 2025. This status shapes the country’s foreign policy strategy and its participation in international initiatives aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust. On 26 May 2026, Turkmenistan spoke on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality at a high-level open debate in the UN Security Council. The principle of ‘The State is for the People!’ occupies an important place in state policy. The social orientation of development is reflected, in particular, in the structure of investment: in the first half of 2026, 54.9 per cent of funds utilised were allocated to social and cultural projects, whilst 45.1 per cent went towards industrial facilities. Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has been implementing reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, developing the private sector, modernising industry and expanding export potential. Within the framework of national development programmes, particular attention is paid to industrialisation, digital transformation and the introduction of innovative technologies. The gas sector continues to play a significant role in the economy. The country is developing the gas chemical industry and the production of high value-added products. In Ovadandepe, there is a GTL plant producing Euro-5 standard ECO-93 petrol, liquefied petroleum gas and diesel fuel. Projects to expand natural gas processing are also underway. The electricity sector is also developing. Turkmenistan meets its domestic needs and exports electricity to neighbouring states. Alongside conventional energy sources, the country is developing renewable energy sources, including a hybrid solar-wind power station project in the Balkan velayat. In the chemical industry, plants have been established to produce nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers. These include the Garabogaz Urea-Ammonia Plant, the Mary and Tejen Urea Plants, and the Turkmenabat Chemical Plant. Projects to construct new production facilities are being implemented in collaboration with foreign partners. The textile industry remains one of the key sectors. The country is home to full-cycle enterprises, cotton-spinning and weaving plants, as well as garment, silk-processing and footwear factories. Turkmen textiles are exported to dozens of countries around the world. Since independence, agriculture has been transformed into a major agro-industrial complex. Reforms are being carried out in the area of management, and market mechanisms and resource-saving technologies are being introduced. The main objectives remain ensuring food security, developing processing and increasing export potential. Significant changes have taken place in the transport and communications sector. Major projects include the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, Ashgabat International Airport, the ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran’ railway, the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway and the national telecommunications satellite ‘TürkmenÄlem 52°E’. The country continues to develop its transport infrastructure and strengthen its position as a Eurasian transit hub. Over the past 35 years, the appearance of Turkmenistan’s towns and villages has changed. New residential complexes, settlements and social facilities have been built in the regions. The city of Arkadag, established on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, holds a special place. In accordance with the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’, the construction of the city’s second phase is underway, comprising more than 220 facilities built to digital standards. The historical and cultural monuments of Ancient Merv, Kunya-Urgench and the fortress of Ancient Nisa are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity also includes the epic art of ‘Gorogly’, the art of ‘kushtdepdi’, traditional Turkmen carpet-weaving and embroidery, the art of making and playing the dutar, as well as the art of breeding Ahal-Teke horses and the traditions of their adornment. Thus, over the 35 years of its independence, Turkmenistan has strengthened its international standing, developed its industry, transport and social infrastructure, expanded cultural cooperation and laid the foundations for further economic and social development.
Modern approaches to pre-school education are being discussed in Turkmenistan
16.07.2026A two-day UNICEF seminar on improving the pre-school education system is taking place in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event has been organised in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Education and brings together representatives from relevant government departments, teacher-training universities, institutes and specialists from across the country. The seminar is being led by UNICEF international expert Cristian Fabbi. As part of his visit, he will visit nurseries in Ashgabat and hold consultations on the training of nursery teachers. Participants will also discuss modern approaches to teaching children and the updating of teacher training programmes.
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