On 8 July, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with Babar Badat, Chairman of the transport and logistics company ‘TRANSHOLD’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. At the start of the discussion, the guest spoke highly of the country’s policy of neutrality and its active role in international partnerships. The main topic of discussion was the development of the transport and logistics sector. The parties paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical position as a key hub between Europe and Asia, as well as the large-scale infrastructure projects currently being implemented in the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors emphasised the importance of modernising transit corridors and introducing advanced logistics solutions, and expressed their mutual interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
A large-scale modernisation of border infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies have enabled Turkmenistan to significantly increase the volume of international freight transport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Total freight traffic through border checkpoints exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s figures, whilst the volume of export and import operations rose by 6 per cent. Transit shipments through the country’s territory covered more than 90 countries worldwide, increasing by 15 per cent to over 3.5 million tonnes. The main driver of this growth was the complete modernisation of the State Customs Service’s posts. The installation of modern screening systems and the launch of end-to-end digital systems have enabled the automation of transport clearance procedures from the moment vehicles enter the customs zone. This has drastically reduced processing times and increased the throughput capacity of international transport corridors, whilst the planned modernisation of key routes continues as part of government programmes.
The British Embassy in Ashgabat has announced that applications are now open for the Chevening Scholarship Programme for the 2027–2028 academic year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme offers the opportunity to study at British universities and to be part of an international community of future leaders. Candidates who share the values of Chevening and have plans to carry out projects aimed at bringing about positive change in areas of importance to both Turkmenistan and the UK are eligible to apply. The application period runs from 4 August to 6 October.
An inter-ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the UNECE Water Convention. Participants discussed the development of water diplomacy, the modernisation of irrigation systems, the digitalisation of water management and the protection of ecosystems. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of international organisations noted Turkmenistan’s contribution to strengthening cooperation in the field of water resources. Particular attention was paid to the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, the improvement of legislation and compliance with agreements on the use of the Amu Darya’s waters. Experts from Central Asian countries exchanged experiences in the areas of wastewater treatment, ensuring the supply of drinking water to the population, and improving the efficiency of water management. Participants emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable development.
International cooperation in the field of education is opening up new opportunities for students in Turkmenistan to study and undertake work placements abroad. This has been reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. One example is the Memorandum of Understanding between the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) and the Kent State University. Under the agreement, IUHD students undertake a summer placement at the Kent State University branch in Florence (Italy). The programme allows them to combine theoretical training with the development of practical skills in an international educational environment. During their studies, students are introduced to modern professional approaches, attend lectures given by international lecturers, improve their foreign language skills and exchange experiences with peers from different countries.
The summer placement programme for students from Kangwon National University in the Republic of Korea has come to an end at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme was organised as part of a cooperation agreement between the two universities and was aimed at developing academic ties and cultural exchange. During the programme, the Korean students studied the Turkmen language and culture and familiarised themselves with the institute’s teaching methods, whilst students and lecturers from the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages exchanged experiences with their colleagues from the Republic of Korea. According to Ogulsabyr Berdiyeva, a lecturer at the university, the programme marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries, opening up new opportunities for academic exchange and joint projects.
The latest issue of the quarterly scientific and applied journal ‘Democracy and Law’, published by the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, has been released in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The publication, available in Turkmen, English and Russian, focuses on issues relating to the country’s domestic and foreign policy, legislation, international cooperation, and scientific, educational and youth policy. The first article in this issue features a speech by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana on 22 April 2026. In it, he emphasised the need for a systematic approach to issues of environmental protection, climate change and regional environmental security. Also published is the speech by the President of Turkmenistan at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The Head of State emphasised the importance of a comprehensive solution to environmental problems relating to the Aral region, water resources and climate change, and proposed strengthening cooperation within the framework of regional mechanisms. Particular attention is given to the address by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. The article reflects Turkmenistan’s position on energy security and sustainable development, as well as the initiative to develop an ‘Energy Code’ under the auspices of the UN. A significant part of this issue is devoted to education, science and youth policy. The articles examine the development of scientific and educational cooperation, the role of young people in the civil service and support for young professionals. The magazine also features articles on the legal framework for cooperation in the field of women’s rights in Central Asia and Turkmenistan’s international educational cooperation. The issue concludes with the traditional ‘Chronicle’ section.
The ninth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Co-operation was held at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. It was attended by the chair and members of the commission from the Turkmen side and an Azerbaijani delegation led by the Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov. Following the meeting, the parties signed a Protocol setting out joint steps to strengthen cooperation, according to the TDH news agency. Key outcomes and agreements: Agreements: The participants discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan in June this year. The package of inter-ministerial documents signed at that time formed the basis for expanding the partnership. The parties noted the symbolic handover of the tanker ‘Dostluk’ to Turkmenistan and the ongoing construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli, an initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Trade and investment: The figures for mutual trade were analysed and plans were drawn up to increase it. It was noted that regular business forums and bilateral meetings would serve as a stimulus for trade growth. Transport and logistics: The parties agreed to make more effective use of the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Baku International Commercial Seaport for transit freight transport along the Asia–Europe route. Energy: Coordination on the global hydrocarbons market was discussed during the event. In the electricity sector, the construction of a new 1,574 MW power station in the Turkmenbashi etrap of the Balkan velayat was identified as a promising area. The negotiation process also touched upon projects in the fields of digital development, telecommunications, agriculture, food security, the environment and urban planning. In the humanitarian sphere, the participants highlighted the establishment of twinning arrangements between the cities of Arkadag and Fizuli, the organisation of reciprocal Culture Days, and reaffirmed plans to develop ties in science, sport and youth policy.
UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, has launched the second Summer School on climate change for young people. This was reported by the news agency Orient. This year, 35 young people aged between 16 and 25 from all regions of the country took part in the programme. They were selected through a competitive process from among 150 candidates. The course comprises four thematic modules focusing on sustainable water management, biodiversity conservation, combating desertification, greening cities and waste recycling. The sessions are led by national and international experts. The programme also includes interactive training sessions, team projects and field trips. Zhanar Sagimbayeva, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, highlighted the importance of youth participation in addressing climate issues. In 2026, the Summer School served as a preparatory platform for the LCOY Turkmenistan 2026 National Youth Climate Conference. Participants will draft a National Youth Statement for the COP31 climate summit and present their environmental initiatives. The best projects submitted by graduates will receive expert support from UNICEF for implementation at a local level.
The Magtymguly Turkmen State University has published the second issue of its online popular science journal ‘Scientific Research and Innovations’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The new issue features scientific-theoretical, scientific-practical and scientific-methodological articles on the history and culture of the Turkmen people, Turkmen and foreign languages and literature, as well as on improving the teaching of the humanities, natural sciences and exact sciences. The journal also contains articles on research findings in the fields of medicinal plants, nano-, bio- and chemical technologies, the production of environmentally friendly products, and new materials made from local raw materials. The online journal was established at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University at the beginning of this year to promote the achievements of Turkmen science, disseminate experience in the scientific and educational sectors, and foster young people’s interest in scientific activity. The journal publishes articles by professors, lecturers and students in Turkmen, Russian and English. It is published quarterly, and all issues are available on the website of Magtymguly Turkmen State University.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which took place from 4 to 8 July 2026 in The Hague (Kingdom of the Netherlands). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the session, representatives of Turkmenistan also took part in a side event entitled ‘Parliamentary Dialogue of Central Asian Countries as a Mechanism for Strengthening Confidence and Security in the OSCE Region and Beyond’, dedicated to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The delegation presented Turkmenistan’s position on expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation as a means of fostering international dialogue and cooperation. On the sidelines of the session, a meeting took place with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, as well as the significance of the international conferences in Ashgabat and the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Argentine Republic, Javier Gerardo Milei, and the people of Argentina on Argentina’s Independence Day. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of Turkmenistan wished President Javier Gerardo Milei good health and happiness, and the people of the Republic of Argentina peace, well-being and prosperity.