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A forum on the development of Turkmen-Chinese economic partnership has begun in Ashgabat
29.04.2026A business forum has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan as part of the Turkmen-Chinese exhibition, bringing together representatives of government bodies, the business sector and the expert community from both countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements and new areas of cooperation in the context of global economic changes. Key topics include energy, transport, logistics and industrial cooperation. The Chinese side is interested in expanding imports of Turkmen products and introducing technologies into joint projects, whilst Turkmenistan has confirmed its readiness to develop investment attractiveness and transport corridors. Particular attention was paid to B2B negotiations between business representatives, where specific contracts and joint ventures were discussed. Experts view the forum as an indicator of growing trust and a transition towards a more long-term technological partnership.
Ashgabat and Chișinău are committed to deepening their political and economic dialogue
29.04.2026On 28 April, a meeting took place in Chișinău between Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, and Serghei Mihov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, along with representatives of the ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, confirming their readiness to strengthen political dialogue and expand the legal framework. Particular attention was paid to coordination within international organisations, including the UN, as well as to trade and economic cooperation. The agenda included issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the revitalisation of friendship groups. The participants emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, scientific and educational exchanges, and the strengthening of mutual understanding. In conclusion, the Moldovan side was invited to participate in international events in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are stepping up their cooperation in the field of sport
29.04.2026Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Allaberdi Saparov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During the talks, the parties discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of sport. In particular, the Pakistani Ambassador proposed organising exchange visits between teams, as well as holding friendly matches and joint training camps in sports such as football, hockey, volleyball, martial arts, swimming and gymnastics. In addition, the Ambassador invited the Turkmen side to take part in the annual Shandur Polo Festival, which traditionally takes place in the first week of July on a high-altitude plateau at an elevation of around 3,700–3,800 metres. Particular attention was paid to the development of equestrian sports: F. Leghari proposed cooperation in disciplines such as tent pegging, polo, equestrian dancing and horse racing.
The Egyptian Ambassador has taken up his post in Turkmenistan
29.04.2026The Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. This was reported by TDH. D. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan from the Egyptian leadership. During the meeting, the Ambassador was briefed on the priorities of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as on the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Egyptian relations, including within the framework of the UN.
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–China’ meeting
29.04.2026A meeting of senior officials from the foreign ministries of the member states of the ‘Central Asia–China’ format took place in Xi’an (PRC) on 27–28 April. A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the meeting, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the results of their joint work for 2025 and discussed the progress of initiatives from the Second ‘Central Asia–China’ Summit in Astana, including work on the format’s Long-Term Development Strategy for 2026–2030. The meeting reviewed draft concepts for an interregional council on investment and trade, a programme for a new economic partnership, a ‘green’ development plan up to 2030, and a unified digital portal entitled ‘Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road’. The participants also discussed preparations for the 7th meeting of foreign ministers and the schedule of joint events for 2026.
Turkmenistan is exploring a partnership with the Apple Developer Academy in Naples
29.04.2026Turkmenistan is exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Apple Developer Academy at the University of Naples Federico II. The prospects for the partnership were discussed by the country’s Ambassador to Italy, Toyly Komekov, and the academy’s scientific director, Giorgio Ventre, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The talks focused on the training of IT specialists. The academy’s programme emphasises practical skills: mobile app development, design and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. The Ambassador also met with the university’s rector, Matteo Lorito. The parties discussed cooperation in the fields of agriculture, sustainable development and science, as well as the updating of the legal framework. Following the meetings, the parties agreed to exchange visits to work out the details of joint projects.
Turkmenistan and China have identified priorities for cooperation in the gas and logistics sectors
29.04.2026On 28 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ji Shumin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the implementation of agreements reached at state and government level in March–April 2026. The gas sector, transport and logistics, and the production of mineral fertilisers were highlighted as priorities for the bilateral partnership. The importance of cooperation in education, science and medicine was also noted. The parties agreed to continue their political and diplomatic dialogue on a regular basis regarding the implementation of the instructions issued by the leadership of both countries.
Turkmenistan and Egypt have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation
29.04.2026On 28 April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan S. Muhammetdurdyev met with the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. The Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue political consultations, hold meetings of the Turkmen-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, organise Culture Days in Ashgabat and Cairo, and develop cooperation in medicine, education and tourism.
The MFA of Turkmenistan held a briefing for foreign diplomats
29.04.2026On 28 April, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Head of the foreign ministry spoke about key developments in Turkmenistan’s international activities since the start of 2026. Particular emphasis was placed on the overseas visits of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag. Rashid Meredov highlighted the outcomes of Hero Arkadag’s visits to the US, China and Austria. The trip to the US gave impetus to bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the visit to the PRC, talks were held with President Xi Jinping, resulting in concrete steps to develop cooperation in the gas sector. In Austria, Hero Arkadag met with the country’s top leadership and representatives of UN bodies, and also spoke at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. The Minister also spoke about the President of Turkmenistan’s participation in the Regional Ecological Summit and the Summit of the Founding Countries of the IFAS in Kazakhstan, where the country’s position on the region’s water issues was reaffirmed. The significance of the Turkmen delegation’s participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum was highlighted separately. The briefing also reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and mutually beneficial cooperation. Ambassadors from foreign states and representatives of international organisations made comments.
The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum is taking place in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition opened in Ashgabat on 28 April. The events are being held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will conclude on 30 April, according to the state news agency TDH. Representatives of over 200 Chinese companies are taking part in the forum. The opening ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, and heads of diplomatic missions. Participants heard a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation. A key area of the partnership is the fuel and energy sector. This year, Turkmenistan and China are marking the 20th anniversary of their cooperation in the gas sector. Work has recently commenced on drilling wells and constructing a gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year at the ‘Galkynysh’ field – the fourth phase of its development. More than 70 exhibition stands feature Chinese companies from the oil and gas, transport, telecommunications, agriculture, medicine and education sectors. Exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics and the development of ‘smart’ cities attracted particular interest from visitors. Bilateral meetings between the heads of relevant ministries in Turkmenistan and representatives of Chinese businesses took place during the exhibition. A detailed discussion on trade cooperation is scheduled for the second day of the forum.
Trade between Turkmenistan and China continues to grow rapidly
28.04.2026According to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, trade between Turkmenistan and China reached $2.228 billion in January–March 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In March 2026, bilateral trade between the countries amounted to $672.093 million. Turkmen exports accounted for the lion’s share of the trade balance. In the first quarter of 2026, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $1.895 billion to China, whilst imports of Chinese products over the same period amounted to approximately $332.3 million. By way of comparison, by the end of 2025, total trade between the two countries had reached $10.046 billion.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is preparing for the World Weightlifting Championships in Egypt
28.04.2026Turkmenistan’s junior weightlifting team has completed its preparations for the World Championships, which will take place from 2 to 8 May in Ismailia, Egypt. The coaching staff has finalised the team line-up, comprising nine athletes—five women and four men, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The women’s squad comprises Ogulshat Amanova and Shabnam Kerimbayeva (up to 53 kg), Medine Amanova (up to 63 kg), Asal Kerimbayeva (up to 77 kg) and Anamjan Rustamova (up to 86 kg). The men’s team will feature Didarbek Jumabayev (up to 79 kg), Islam Akmyradov (up to 94 kg), Suleyman Jafarov (up to 110 kg) and Saparbay Atajanov (over 110 kg). The tournament will serve as an important step in gaining international experience for the young athletes and an opportunity to strengthen Turkmenistan’s position in the IWF rankings. Experts note the balanced composition of the team and anticipate competitive performances, personal bests and a fight for medals.
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