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A meeting was held in Turkmenistan to discuss the draft NAPGE
09.09.2025On 8 September, a consultation meeting was held in Ashgabat to discuss the draft of the new National Action Plan on Gender Equality. The event, dedicated to the development of the document for 2026-2030, was initiated by the UNFPA Representative Office in partnership with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The working meeting was attended by members of the Working Group of the Interdepartmental Commission on Human Rights, as well as representatives of key ministries and government agencies. The draft document was developed with the expert support of national specialists and international consultants. The plan is based on the provisions of the national gender strategy, the country's socio-economic development goals and Turkmenistan's international commitments, including the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and data from the Universal Periodic Review. During the consultations, participants analysed in detail the structural elements of the document, key policy areas and specific implementation measures. Based on the results of the professional discussion, key conclusions were drawn for further improvement of the draft document.
Turkmenistan presented its experience at an international forum in Almaty
09.09.2025Delegates from Turkmenistan took part in the Ninth Multilateral Forum of Northern and Central Asia on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, organised by ESCAP on 4–5 September in Almaty. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the discussion of SDG 11, ‘Sustainable cities and communities,’ Seyidnur Japbarov, Head of the Strategic and Sustainable Development Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, presented the country's experience. Thus, from 2020 to 2024, more than 7.4 million square metres of residential space was built in Turkmenistan, and as part of the National Programme, it is planned to build another 1.4 million square metres by 2028. To improve housing conditions, preferential mortgage lending, support for large families, people with disabilities and young families are provided, including 30-year loans at 1% per annum for luxury housing. Particular attention was paid to the city of Arkadag, which has received international certificates and awards, including three awards at the ‘World Smart City Expo 2024’ in South Korea. The forum recognised the advanced experience of the city of Arkadag, which can serve as an example for other countries. The multilateral event became a platform for sharing best practices and discussing regional progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the promotion of the 2030 Agenda.
Turkmenistan and Finland confirm readiness to expand partnership
09.09.2025On 8 September, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, met with the Special Representative of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teri Hakala. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. D. Gulmanova thanked the guest for her contribution to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU during her work in Central Asia. The parties noted the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, emphasising the international community's recognition of Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of sustainable development. Ashgabat's support for international organisations – the UN, OSCE and EU – was highlighted, including through parliamentary diplomacy. The Mejlis' membership in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly since 2014 was also mentioned. The interlocutors expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation on gender equality, women's rights, youth initiatives and environmental security, confirming their commitment to trust-based and equal relations.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the opening ceremony of the glass factory
09.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the opening of a new glass factory in the northern part of Ashgabat, according to the state news agency TDH. The plant, with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day, was built using local raw materials and is equipped with modern equipment from leading global companies. The facility is part of an industrialisation and import substitution programme aimed at expanding the production of competitive products. Production is fully automated, includes quality control laboratories and complies with international standards, which opens up prospects for export. At the ceremony, the Head of State familiarised himself with the technological process, an exhibition of achievements in the construction industry and the enterprise's laboratory. Representatives of companies from Germany and Italy presented certificates of compliance of the equipment with international standards. The new plant will supply the domestic market and export glass containers, create jobs and contribute to the development of related industries. The event was further confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to modernising and diversifying its economy.
New settlements formed in Ahal and Dashoguz velayats
09.09.2025The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has approved a decision to establish new settlements in the Ahal and Dashoguz velayats and to assign them official names. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Decree was signed by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova. According to the resolution, two villages have been formed in the Ahal velayat: the village of Dovletli Mekan in the Ongaldy geneshlik of Ak Bugday etrap, and the village of Bagtly Zaman in the Gowshut geneshlik of Kaka etrap. In Dashoguz velayat, the village of Bitaraplyk has been established in the Koneurgench etrap. At the same time, the geneshlik of Taze Yol in the Koneurgench etrap has been abolished. Its settlements – Taze Yol, Chilter, Gamyshlyoy, Garashsyzlyk and Gazaker have been transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of the new settlement of Bitaraplyk. The Ministry of Agriculture and the khakimliks of the velayats have been instructed to clarify the administrative boundaries of the new units. The relevant changes will be made to the current list of administrative-territorial units of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Finland discussed priorities for cooperation within the OSCE
09.09.2025On 8 September, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, met with Teri Hakala, Finland's Special Representative to the OSCE. The parties discussed the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation within the Organisation. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, R. Meredov noted Ms. Teri Hakala's personal contribution to the development of a constructive partnership and emphasised Finland's role in improving the effectiveness of the OSCE. Attention was focused on the long-standing fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the political, economic, environmental and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to intensifying cooperation with relevant OSCE institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The parties also emphasised the symbolic significance of Finland's chairmanship of the OSCE in the year of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. The commonality of the priorities of the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship, aimed at strengthening dialogue and trust, with the foreign policy course of Turkmenistan was noted. The interlocutors emphasised the relevance of coordinating efforts in the areas of security, energy and transport connectivity, as well as the need to continue exchanging experience in the field of human rights protection and strengthening democratic institutions.
Turkmen footballers secured a confident victory over the Bhutan national team
08.09.2025The Turkmenistan U23 national team secured its second victory in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifying tournament. In a match held in Amman, the Turkmen footballers defeated the Bhutan national team with a score of 2-0. This was reported by IIC. The first goal was scored in the 12th minute of the match. The outcome of the match became clear in added time, when the Turkmen team increased their lead in the 93rd minute. Due to the second victory, the youth team of Turkmenistan added three more points to its tally. Now it has six points in the qualifying stage. The team's next opponent will be the youth team of Jordan - the match with the hosts is scheduled for 9 September.
Turkmenistan and Iran are stepping up cooperation in the field of rail transport
08.09.2025A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Rail Transport M. Akmammedov, paid a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 6 to 8 September. During the visit, negotiations was held with Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran F. Sadeg and Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Head of the Railway Department J. Zakeri. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The key topic of the negotiations was the expansion of trade and economic partnership between the two countries in the railway sector. The parties discussed specific proposals to increase transit cargo volumes, in particular, within the framework of intensifying the work of the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran and ‘Ashgabat Agreement’ (Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman corridors). An agreement was reached on developing cooperation to increase trade between the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and ensuring the effective operation of the Armenia-Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan transit route. During the practical part of the visit, the Turkmen delegation familiarised itself with the work of the carriage control centre in Tehran, the potential of the ‘Aprin’ dry port, and visited the Akyayla-Incheburun railway crossing to assess the work being carried out there.
Turkmen culture is represented at the Asian Culture Festival in Bucharest
08.09.2025The Third Asian Culture Festival was held in Bucharest on 6 September. The event, supported by the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, brought together diplomatic missions from a number of Asian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of Romanian government agencies, the diplomatic corps, the media and local residents gathered at the festival venue. The Turkmenistan stand featured a colourful exhibition of national costumes, carpets, embroidery and musical instruments. The public was particularly interested in modern designer interpretations of traditional Turkmen clothing. An integral part of the cultural programme was a performance by a Turkmen musician who played folk melodies on the dutar. Guests were also able to familiarise themselves with the literary heritage: the works of the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, as well as the works of the classic national poet Magtymguly Pyragy in translations into various languages. The festival concluded with a gastronomic exhibition entitled ‘Cuisine of Asian Countries’, which allowed visitors to sample the national dishes of all participating countries.
700 new ‘Yutong’ buses arrived in Ashgabat
08.09.2025A large shipment of 700 new ‘Yutong’ buses has arrived in Ashgabat, which is intended to modernise public transport and improve passenger comfort. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The 12-metre-long buses comply with Euro 5 environmental standards, underscoring Turkmenistan's commitment to environmental safety. The new vehicles are equipped with modern air conditioning systems, digital payment systems, video surveillance and GPS navigation, ensuring passenger comfort and safety. In addition, audio and video equipment is provided for passengers.
Famous Japanese actress visits Turkmenistan pavilion at EXPO-2025
08.09.2025An important meeting was held at the Turkmenistan pavilion at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. It was attended by renowned Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara, honorary director of the Japanese pavilion, according to IIC. Her visit was a significant event for both countries, emphasising the strengthening of friendship and the development of cultural exchange. The meeting took place in a friendly and open atmosphere, demonstrating the readiness of Turkmenistan and Japan for dialogue and the expansion of international cooperation.
Turkmenistan is modernizing its legislative framework
08.09.2025On 5 August, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, presented information on the modernisation of Turkmenistan's legislative framework within the framework of socio-economic development programmes and proposals from ministries and departments. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was noted that working groups are preparing draft laws on the legal basis of neutrality and trust policy, intellectual property regulation, virtual asset turnover, and support for international initiatives. Changes are also being made to existing regulations. Preparations for the National Forum were reported to be underway in conjunction with the Halk Maslahaty, the Cabinet of Ministers, regional and city authorities, and public associations. In addition, representatives of the Mejlis took part in events organised by state institutions with the assistance of UN agencies. After hearing the information, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further work to improve legislation.
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