News
A new UN Resident Coordinator has been appointed in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Xiaojun Grace Wang as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. She took up her post on 1 July, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Xiaojun Grace Wang has 28 years’ experience in the field of international development. She has held senior positions, specialising in sustainable development, multilateral cooperation and resource mobilisation for global initiatives. Prior to her appointment, she headed a trust fund at the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, where she was responsible for programmes supporting sustainable development. She has also worked for research organisations, foundations and media organisations in countries across Asia and Europe. Her experience is expected to help strengthen cooperation between the UN and Turkmenistan in the field of sustainable development.
The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026The World Bank has confirmed its readiness to support key projects in Turkmenistan in the water resources and transport sectors. This was stated in a press release from the organisation’s regional office for Europe and Central Asia following a meeting in Tashkent between World Bank Vice-President Antonella Bassani and Merdanguly Palivanov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the implementation of a framework cooperation programme setting out the main areas of collaboration between the World Bank and Turkmenistan. The Bank expressed its support for the country’s national priorities, including the development of infrastructure and the water sector. The meeting took place as part of a visit by a World Bank delegation to Uzbekistan to attend a meeting of the ‘Swiss Group’ of founding member countries. The World Bank had previously stepped up its activities in Central Asia by approving funding for the restoration of the Northern Aral Sea ecosystem and launching a regional energy programme worth $1 billion.
Turkmen students are undertaking training in South Korea
03.07.2026Six students from the Korean Language Department of the Faculty of Oriental Languages and Literature at the Dowletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages are undertaking a study placement at Kangwon National University in Chuncheon (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The placement is taking place from 29 June to 6 July as part of a memorandum of understanding on scientific and educational cooperation between the two universities. The programme aims to improve students’ knowledge of the Korean language, develop their practical skills and familiarise them with the culture of the Republic of Korea. The cooperation provides for the further development of joint educational and scientific projects, the organisation of international conferences, the professional development of teaching staff, the development of teaching materials and the expansion of academic exchanges. The implementation of such initiatives contributes to the professional development of students and the strengthening of scientific and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
China has opened a new rail freight route to Turkmenistan
03.07.2026China has opened a new direct rail freight route from Xining (Qinghai Province) to the Balkan velayat in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The first train, carrying 55 containers loaded with electrical goods, car parts, clothing and everyday consumer goods, has already set off. The route passes through the Khorgos border crossing and across Kazakhstan, with delivery taking around 14–15 days. The new line will provide a direct rail link between Qinghai Province and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade ties with Central Asia.
Turkmen students are honing their professional skills in Germany
02.07.2026Students from the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages are undertaking a placement in Germany as part of an academic partnership with Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. From 29 June to 12 July, 15 students specialising in ‘German’ at the Faculty of European Languages and Literature are honing their language and teaching skills by taking part in a 72-hour practical training programme. The internship is aimed at developing practical proficiency in German, familiarising students with modern teaching methods and strengthening academic cooperation between the universities. The programme also contributes to expanding academic contacts, promoting academic mobility and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Germany.
The Kenyan Ambassador presented his credentials to the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
02.07.2026On 1 July, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from Jonah Maina Mwangi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During the ceremony, the Speaker of the National Parliament congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in strengthening inter-state cooperation. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov from the leadership of the Republic of Kenya and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations and cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including within the United Nations and other international organisations. The Turkmen side provided information on the country’s foreign policy and the activities of the Mejlis aimed at improving the legislative framework. Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with countries on the African continent was noted. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen their partnership. Kenyan Ambassador Jonah Maina Mwangi stated that it was an honour for him to represent his country in Turkmenistan and expressed his intention to promote the development of bilateral relations.
Ashgabat hosts seminar for media representatives
02.07.2026A seminar was held at the UN building in Ashgabat for media representatives, content creators and staff of government press services, focusing on the coverage of disability issues in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. Ksenia Siminchuk from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Moldova served as an expert at the seminar. She shared her experience of applying a human rights-based approach and emphasised the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us’, which provides for the participation of people with disabilities in the development of decisions affecting their interests. Participants discussed the importance of appropriate terminology in the media, issues of inclusive communication, the information needs of people with disabilities, and communication ethics. A UNICEF publication was also presented: a guide to communication in the field of mental health and a glossary of professional terminology for journalists and content creators. The practical part included an online ‘Living Book’ session, during which Viktor Izbash, project coordinator for inclusive education, and activist Diana Jalbă spoke about the media’s influence on perceptions of people with disabilities. The organisers noted that the use of inclusive communication principles and professional terminology helps foster a respectful attitude towards people with disabilities.
A meeting with the Kenyan Ambassador took place at the MFA of Turkmenistan
02.07.2026On 1 July 2026, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova and Jonah Maina Mwangi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Turkmenistan (resident in Tehran). During the meeting, the Kenyan Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in his future work. The parties discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation. They noted the potential for intensifying political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and improving the legal and treaty framework. Cooperation within international organisations, primarily within the framework of the UN, was discussed, as well as the continuation of mutual support for initiatives. The Kenyan side was invited to join the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, transport and the textile industry. Opportunities for expanding contacts in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, including education, science, culture and sport, were also discussed. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kenya.
A delegation from Turkmenistan paid a working visit to Japan
02.07.2026A Turkmen delegation led by Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to Japan from 29 June to 1 July. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The main purpose of the trip was to take part in a meeting of international participants as part of the preparations for the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ international horticultural exhibition, which will take place from 19 March to 26 September 2027 in Yokohama. During the event, representatives from Turkmenistan took part in plenary and panel sessions, working meetings and fact-finding visits. Discussions centred on the organisation of the national pavilion, logistics, the staging of Turkmenistan’s National Day and other aspects of preparations for the exhibition. The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan also held meetings with T. Suzuki, Executive Vice-President of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and K. Hachiyama, Deputy Secretary-General of the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ International Horticultural Exhibition Association. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Japanese business cooperation, the organisation of the Turkmen-Japanese Business Forum in Tokyo in 2027 with the participation of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ exhibition.
Turkmenistan has unveiled plans to host an equestrian championship in the Netherlands
02.07.2026On 1 July, a briefing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to discuss preparations for the World Horse Racing Championship and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest. The event is scheduled for 4–6 September 2026 and will take place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg (the Netherlands). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The briefing was attended by Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of local and foreign media. Participants were provided with information on preparations for the event, which will be held in Europe for the first time. Separately, planned initiatives aimed at promoting Ahal-Teke horses as an important element of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage were outlined. It was noted that the forthcoming event is set to become a significant international occasion and to broaden the global audience’s understanding of the country’s heritage.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to the President of Croatia
02.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State congratulated the President of Croatia and the people of the country on this anniversary. The message highlighted Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Zoran Milanović good health, well-being and success, and wished the people of Croatia peace and prosperity.
Turkmenistan is represented at the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris
02.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, is taking part in the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, organised by the French association ‘Together Against the Death Penalty’ with the support of the French Government, the EU, the Council of Europe and international partners. The event is taking place from 30 June to 2 July in Paris, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The delegation also includes Hallygul Tuvakova, a representative of the Turkmen Institute of State, Law and Democracy, and M. Charyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to France. The forum’s programme includes opening and closing ceremonies, plenary sessions, round-table discussions, working meetings, bilateral negotiations and the presentation of international awards. At the opening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the heads of delegations and specifically thanked the representatives of Turkmenistan for their participation. During the plenary sessions, Turkmenistan’s consistent policy on the protection of the right to life was noted. It was emphasised that the country had completely abolished the death penalty on 28 December 1999, following the introduction of a moratorium in January of that year, becoming the first country in Central Asia to take such a decision.
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