News
309,000 square metres of housing were built in Turkmenistan in six months
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stated that the results for the first half of the year demonstrate the successful implementation of socio-economic development programmes and the utilisation of investments. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, GDP growth of 6.3 per cent was driven by high levels of construction and investment activity. Between January and June, 309,000 square metres of housing were completed in the velayats, cities and etraps. During the reporting period, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was channelled into the country’s economy and infrastructure, which is 4.3 per cent more than in the previous year. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, modern housing estates, schools, nurseries and other social institutions.
Turkmenistan is preparing for the CIS summit and international meetings
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, set out the main foreign policy objectives for the second half of the year, instructing officials to ensure that international events are organised to a high standard. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the priorities are the Summit of Heads of State and other international events in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, as well as the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In connection with Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States this year, the President also instructed that the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS be held at a high level. Furthermore, the Head of State emphasised the need for thorough preparations for the celebrations of Independence Day and the Day of Neutrality of the Motherland, during which international meetings and other events are planned.
Research findings in the field of demography were presented in Ashgabat
12.07.2026A conference marking World Population Day was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised in collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Turkmenistan, focused on demographic trends, sustainable development and gender equality, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed global changes in fertility rates, the findings of the MICS7 programme, a study on the population’s reproductive intentions, and the implementation of national initiatives in the field of human rights. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties outlined further areas for cooperation in the field of demographic policy.
A new commemorative medal has been established in Turkmenistan to mark the anniversary of independence
12.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Law establishing the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The new award is intended for military personnel and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have distinguished themselves in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and constitutional order, as well as those who have contributed to the preparation and conduct of the celebratory military parade. The law came into force on the day of its signing. The medal is designed as a gold-plated octagon featuring elements of state symbolism, images of a map of Turkmenistan, the Independence Monument and the ‘Arkadag’ monument, as well as the commemorative inscription ‘XXXV’.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation in equestrian sports
11.07.2026On 10 July, Batyr Rejepov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, met with Rustam Bayaliyev, President of the Equestrian Federation of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the Ambassador extended an invitation to Rustam Bayaliyev to attend as a guest of honour at the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which will take place on 4–6 September in Kronenberg (the Netherlands). The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of equestrian sports, the preservation and promotion of national horse-breeding traditions, as well as the development of cooperation between relevant organisations in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Turkmenistan has seen an increase in the performance indicators of its oil and gas sector
11.07.2026The ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern fulfilled its oil production target by 108.3 per cent, whilst the Concern’s oil refineries fulfilled their oil refining target by 104.1 per cent. This was reported on 10 July during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov, who presented a report on the results of efforts to increase oil and gas production, as well as to expand supply routes to global markets for the period January–June 2026. According to the news agency TDH, it was noted that petrol production stood at 116 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 111.4 per cent, polypropylene at 100 per cent, lubricating oils at 119.4 per cent, and liquefied gas at 118.5 per cent. The production target for natural gas and associated gas was met at 107.6 per cent.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has presented a report on its work for the first half of 2026
11.07.2026Between January and June 2026, Turkmenistan hosted 373 foreign delegations, whilst 693 delegations were sent abroad. During this period, 253 online meetings and 1,205 official negotiations were held with representatives of foreign states and international organisations. This was reported by the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 10 July, according to TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that 101 documents had been added to the international legal framework for cooperation. Furthermore, during the reporting period, the ministry continued its work on implementing the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, aimed at developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign states and international organisations. During the first six months of the year, overseas visits were organised for the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as visits by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. As part of international cooperation, the Hero Arkadag held meetings with the heads of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Leaders of a number of international organisations also visited Turkmenistan. During Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, meetings of the Commonwealth’s bodies are being held in the country. On 22 May, a meeting of the CIS Heads of Government took place in Ashgabat, attended by the heads of government of the Commonwealth countries. During the reporting period, political consultations were held with the foreign ministries of Austria, the UAE, the UK, China, Kazakhstan, the USA, India, Morocco, Russia, Germany, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Uganda, the Republic of Korea, Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia and Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan also held negotiations with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation. Work continued on strengthening diplomatic ties. Over the course of six months, letters of credence were received from new Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from a number of countries, including Chad, Indonesia, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Argentina, Egypt and Finland. Turkmenistan’s new representatives have taken up their posts in Thailand, the United States, Ireland, as well as at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Summing up the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of further developing international cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian, and scientific and educational spheres. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been instructed to prepare for the planned international events and ensure they are organised to a high standard.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
11.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 10 July, during which the country’s socio-economic development for the first half of 2026 was reviewed. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The Head of State stated that GDP growth for the period stood at 6.3 per cent. Under the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and the Investment Programme for 2026’, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was utilised, which is 4.3 per cent higher than the figure for the same period last year. Over the past six months, 309,000 square metres of housing have been completed in the country. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, new settlements, schools, nurseries and other buildings. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the development of new industries, the growth in export potential, the introduction of digital technologies and efforts to ensure economic and financial stability. During his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to prepare for international events in the second half of the year, including the Summit of Heads of State and other meetings in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth. The Head of State also instructed that preparations be made for the celebration of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day and Neutrality Day. In addition, instructions were given to establish an Organising Committee to prepare for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to determine the date and venue of the session, and to organise the nomination of citizens for state awards and honorary titles. During his address, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the heads of ministries and sectoral departments to hold meetings on 11 July to review the results of work for the first half of the year. Furthermore, heads of departments – with the exception of representatives of the agricultural sector and the velayats’ governors – are permitted to take annual leave from 1 August and spend it at the country’s health resorts and in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone.
Turkmenistan preserves its cultural heritage and promotes spiritual values
11.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the implementation of the state policy on the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of spiritual values continues. The motto for 2026 – ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ – reflects the country’s priorities regarding independence, permanent neutrality, the preservation of traditions and future development, reports the online news portal TerraNews. One of the key events showcasing the motto’s theme was Culture Week, held in the Balkan velayat. Representatives from the arts, academia and the general public took part in the events. The programme included concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, creative gatherings and academic events. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse — one of the symbols of Turkmenistan’s national heritage — took centre stage at the events. Particular attention is being paid to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses. The traditions of breeding and adorning Ahal-Teke horses are included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As part of Culture Week, works of art dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses were exhibited, whilst theatre companies drew on the national epic, in which the horse symbolises courage and loyalty. Participants at the meetings discussed the preservation of cultural traditions, their transmission to the younger generation and the application of modern technologies in the cultural sphere. The image of the ‘purposeful winged horse’ in the 2026 motto symbolises Turkmenistan’s development, including digital modernisation, the strengthening of international cooperation and the preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
The Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan met with the leadership of the IUHD
11.07.2026Martin Brook, Italy’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, visited the International University for the Humanities and Development, where he held a meeting with the rector and the university’s management. This was reported on the Turkmenportal website. During the negotiations, the parties discussed expanding scientific and educational cooperation, developing academic exchanges and implementing joint projects between universities in the two countries. Particular attention was paid to exchanging experience with Italian universities in the fields of the humanities, international relations, diplomacy and the global economy. The participants also discussed ways of promoting the Italian language, culture and history, as well as improving educational programmes. Martin Brook was appointed Italy’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan in April 2026, succeeding Luigi Ferrari in this post.
Volunteers are being trained in Turkmenistan ahead of the World Equestrian Games
11.07.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a practical training session for volunteers who will represent the country at the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in the Netherlands. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the training, participants learnt the basics of diplomatic protocol, international etiquette, and the rules for receiving official guests and accompanying foreign delegations at sports venues. The volunteers’ training has been organised jointly by the International Organisations Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and the A. Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. The programme includes courses in English and German, veterinary science, the competition rules of the International Equestrian Federation, logistics and media relations. The World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest will take place on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (the Netherlands) at the Pilbergen Equestrian Centre.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed cooperation on migration
11.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, held a meeting with Freddy Rosemont, Director-General of the Belgian Immigration Service. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between the immigration authorities of the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Particular attention was paid to the protection of citizens’ rights abroad, the exchange of expertise in the field of migration policy, and the strengthening of working relations between the relevant agencies. The possibility of drafting a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of migration was also considered. The Ambassador noted the increase in the international mobility of citizens and emphasised the importance of cooperation on issues relating to identity verification, the replacement of documents and consular assistance. The Belgian side expressed its readiness to develop cooperation, proposing to organise reciprocal visits by representatives of the two countries’ migration services to exchange experience. In addition, the participants discussed the possible simplification of visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports in the context of developing Turkmenistan’s relations with the Benelux countries. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain contact and identify further areas of cooperation in the field of migration.
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