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Turkmenistan and the WCO Expand Cooperation in Customs Digitalization
28.06.2026A bilateral meeting was held in Brussels between Maksat Khudaýkulyyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, and Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, also participated in the talks, according to the Orient News Agency. The parties noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the World Customs Organization has reached a new qualitative level over the past year. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to the WCO for its support in organizing an international conference in Ashgabat dedicated to the activities of customs training centers. Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the digitalization of customs procedures and the training of customs personnel through the WCO Regional Training Centre in Turkmenistan. The parties positively assessed the results of joint educational programs implemented during 2025–2026. Within these programs, Turkmen customs officers received training in risk management, data analysis, release time measurement, and the digital transformation of customs processes. The discussions also focused on further strengthening human resource capacity. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to send representatives to participate in the WCO Career Development Programme for 2026–2027, including short-term internships. Ian Saunders highly praised the ongoing reforms in Turkmenistan's customs system and recalled his previous visit to the country, including a tour of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, which he described as an important transport hub for the region. The WCO leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the educational center in Ashgabat and promoting its best practices throughout the region.
In Vienna, the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society was honored
27.06.2026A ceremony to award the Golden Insignia — the Grand Cross of the Order of Malta of the Federal State and City of Vienna — took place at the Vienna City Hall. The award was presented to the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, Neda Berger. It was awarded by decision of the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, for her contribution to the development of cultural cooperation between Vienna and Ashgabat, according to the IIC. The ceremony was conducted by Vienna City Councillor for Culture and Science Veronika Kaup-Hasler. She noted Neda Berger’s many years of work in strengthening humanitarian ties between the two countries, highlighting in particular the organization of Viennese Balls in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Austria, Hemra Amannazarov, who congratulated Neda Berger on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan and emphasized her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian cultural dialogue. Expressing gratitude to the Vienna authorities for their high appreciation of her work, Neda Berger thanked them for their support of joint cultural projects. Concluding the ceremony, she read a poem dedicated to the history of the Viennese Balls in Ashgabat and to the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Austria.
Ashgabat and Seoul discuss cooperation in the customs sphere
27.06.2026On June 25, a working meeting was held via videoconference between representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Korea Customs Service as part of preparations for the first “Republic of Korea – Central Asia” summit. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights protection at the border. The document is aimed at strengthening the legal framework for cooperation and improving the effectiveness of controls over the cross-border movement of goods, as well as protecting economic interests and consumer rights. The continuity of dialogue was noted, beginning with the 2018 meeting in Busan and continuing through specialized training events in 2019. The participants expressed their intention to finalize the text of the memorandum in the near future for its signing at the summit in Seoul, scheduled for September.
A meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
27.06.2026On June 26, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan, the United Nations, and its specialized agencies. The importance of long-standing cooperation was noted. During the meeting, initiatives of Turkmenistan and United Nations resolutions aimed at developing energy and transport corridors, as well as strengthening peace and sustainable development, were reviewed. Special attention was given to the initiative to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law,” which, as noted, would contribute to strengthening trust and the international legal framework for cooperation. The sides also discussed aligning national plans with the Sustainable Development Goals, improving legislation in line with international standards, digitizing the information systems of the national parliament, and developing electronic document management. The importance of seminars and meetings held in these areas was emphasized. At the end of the meeting, D. Gulmanova congratulated Dmitry Shlapachenko on his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.
The Turkmenistan delegation completed training at a seminar in Italy
27.06.2026Lecturers from the S. A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University took part in a training seminar under the “Building a Resilient Institutional Dialogue (BRIDGE)” project, held from June 14 to 20 in Bologna, Italy, within the framework of cooperation in the “Italy – Central Asia” format. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was organized under the coordination of the European Union and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Before the start of the in-person program, participants completed a two-week online course on regional cooperation, environmental issues, and water resource management. At the Institute of Asia of the University of Bologna, representatives from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan presented projects in the fields of agriculture and water-saving technologies. Italian experts delivered lectures on precision farming, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. Practical sessions were also held on combating drought, implementing modern irrigation systems, and preparing international projects. As part of the seminar, participants visited the regional government of Emilia-Romagna, the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo irrigation canal, the ACQUA CAMPUS research center, the Codigoro pumping station, and the Salvi Vivai nursery, where they became acquainted with European agricultural standards, innovative hydraulic solutions, and water-saving technologies. At the end of the program, participants were awarded international certificates.
Turkmen students awarded the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship”
27.06.2026A ceremony for awarding the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship” was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan. The laureates included 10 Turkmen students and school pupils who achieved outstanding results in studying the Chinese language, culture, and traditions, according to the information agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, delivered a welcoming speech. He congratulated the awardees and noted the development of Chinese–Turkmen cooperation in the field of education. According to the diplomat, interest in studying the languages and cultures of both countries continues to grow. He stated that more than 10,000 Turkmen citizens are currently studying at universities in the People’s Republic of China, while the number of Chinese students in Turkmenistan is also increasing. The ambassador emphasized that academic exchange contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Ji Shumin noted that cooperation has been supported by agreements reached during the March visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese ambassador expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan for supporting joint educational initiatives, and also thanked teachers for their work. At the end of the ceremony, the diplomat wished the laureates success in their studies and expressed confidence that the younger generation will continue to strengthen friendship between Turkmenistan and China.
Turkmenistan participates in sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization
27.06.2026On June 25 in Brussels, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization, the 147th and 148th sessions of the WCO Council began. A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Chairman of the State Customs Service Maksat Khudaýkuliyev, is taking part. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The sessions will last until June 27 and bring together representatives of customs administrations from various countries to discuss strategic directions for the development of the global customs system. Turkmenistan’s participation highlights its course toward integration into the international customs system, modernization of border infrastructure, and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation within the WCO framework. As part of the visit, a meeting is also planned with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, where discussions will focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, the implementation of organizational standards, and the development of human resources.
The national team of Turkmenistan won five medals at the Asian Armwrestling Championship
27.06.2026The national team of Turkmenistan secured five medals at the 24th Asian Armwrestling Championship, which was held in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. More than 600 athletes from 21 countries took part in the competition. According to the results of the tournament, the Turkmen team won four silver and one bronze medal, reports the IIC. Silver medalist in the “Seniors” category up to 65 kg in right-arm wrestling was Vepa Ezizmukhammedov. Another silver medal in the 21–23 age group in the up to 85 kg weight category was won by Azim Nurmukhammedov. Two silver medals in the “Master” category (40–49 years) up to 80 kg were brought to the team by Rovshan Chopanov, who successfully competed in both right- and left-arm divisions. The bronze medal in the “Grand Master” category (50–59 years), over 90 kg, was won by Ahmed Pirovov, the head of the Athletic Sports Federation of Turkmenistan. In addition, Ahmed Pirovov and Rovshan Chopanov, both international category referees, worked at the tournament as officials. Following the championship, they earned the right to officiate at the World Armwrestling Championship, which will take place in October in New Delhi. In the coming months, Turkmen athletes will continue preparing for international competitions. In August, the Cup of the Athletic Sports Federation, including para-armwrestling disciplines, will be held in Ashgabat, while in September the Ashgabat Championship in armwrestling and powerlifting will take place. The team is also preparing to participate in the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan Joins the Regional Alliance of Investment Councils
27.06.2026Following a panel session at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Turkmenistan has become a member of the Regional Alliance of Investment Councils (RAIC), which brings together eight countries from Central Asia and the South Caucasus. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The newly established alliance includes Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the South Caucasus countries. The primary objective of the RAIC is to coordinate investment policies and promote the development of cross-border projects. According to Aziz Gafurov, Head of the Secretariat of the Council of Foreign Investors under the President of Uzbekistan, the investment agenda in Central Asia is becoming increasingly regional and interstate in nature. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The alliance's secretariat is expected to be based in Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan Participates in IAC Air Navigation Meeting
27.06.2026Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 27th meeting of the Air Navigation Coordination Commission, held in a hybrid format at the premises of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). This was reported by the IIC. The meeting brought together representatives of the civil aviation authorities of the CIS member states, as well as experts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The discussions focused on the implementation of the Concept for the Harmonization of National Air Traffic Management Systems, approved by the CIS Council of Heads of Government, and on the project to establish the Eurasiacontrol Unified Air Navigation Coordination Center. Participants supported strengthening cross-border coordination, noting that the initiative could improve the efficiency of air traffic management and simplify flight planning. Following the meeting, the participants agreed to finalize and coordinate the relevant documents at the national level and to establish a working group to prepare a roadmap for the project. Uzbekistan's representative, Akmal Djumayev, was elected Chairman of the Commission for a three-year term. The next meeting is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Ashgabat to Host CIS Economic Council Meeting
27.06.2026The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council will be held in Ashgabat on September 11, according to Turkmenportal. The decision was announced following the 110th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, which took place in Moscow on June 26 under the chairmanship of Khojamurad Geldymuradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the heads of delegations from the CIS member states discussed various aspects of economic cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The CIS Economic Council is the Commonwealth's principal executive body responsible for implementing agreements and decisions adopted by the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government in the areas of establishing and operating the free trade area, as well as promoting socio-economic cooperation. The Council is composed of deputy heads of government from the CIS member states.
Turkmenistan Represented at the Launch Ceremony of the Interregional Platform in Brussels
27.06.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in a high-level event in Brussels, where the Connectivity Agenda Platform was officially launched. The news was reported by Orient News Agency. The new interregional mechanism is designed to enhance transport, energy, trade, and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region, creating a broader transcontinental framework for cooperation. The discussion brought together representatives of the European Commission, ministers, diplomats, and heads of international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the World Bank. The participants focused on modernizing the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, digitalizing customs procedures, and attracting investment for logistics projects. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of "soft" connectivity, including the reduction of regulatory barriers and the promotion of digital integration. At the conclusion of the meeting, a package of agreements was signed to finance feasibility studies and digital solutions, effectively establishing the platform as not only a political initiative but also a practical investment mechanism. For Turkmenistan, this creates additional opportunities to strengthen its role as a key transport hub linking Europe and Asia.
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