On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat, alongside five Central Asian nations, celebrated the cultural heritage of the Nowruz spring festival as a vital link between Korea and the Central Asian region, The Korea Herald reports. The history of the Nowruz festival spans millennia across regions along the Silk Road, including … [Read more...]
Belarusian Business in Ashgabat: Outcomes of the Business Visit and New Contracts
A large delegation of Belarusian enterprises visited Ashgabat. The trip, organized by the Mogilev and Minsk branches of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI) with the support of the Embassy of Belarus in Turkmenistan, took place from 15 to 19 March 2026. The main occasion for the visit was an exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union … [Read more...]
Fostering Inclusive Education: Insights from Ashgabat
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 19 March 2026 – British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Mr Stephen Conlon and Jalpa Ratna, UNICEF Representative visited Pilot Inclusive School No. 74 in Ashgabat yesterday, to observe how inclusive education is being implemented in practice and how schools and their environment are being adapted to ensure that children with disabilities can … [Read more...]
From History to Modernity: Turkmenistan Presented at UC Leuven
A lecture titled “Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses” was held at UC Leuven in Belgium, featuring the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, renowned blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, as well as Central Asia researcher Derya Soysal. In his address, the Ambassador presented to students the path of Turkmenistan’s development as an … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan Showcase Cultural Heritage at Minsk International Book Fair
The 33rd Minsk International Book Fair featured special cultural presentations by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, as reported by the BELTA news agency. Denis Ezersky, Belarus's Deputy Minister of Information, noted that these presentations are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures and traditions within the region. Guests at the event … [Read more...]
Gas, Logistics, and an Akhal-Teke Horse as a Gift: Key Highlights of the Beijing Meeting Between Turkmenistan’s National Leader and the President of China
On 18 March 2026, an official meeting took place in Beijing between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). At the beginning of the meeting, President Xi Jinping extended his greetings to the President of … [Read more...]
20 Years of Partnership and New Horizons: National Leader of Turkmenistan Discusses Development of Cooperation with CNPC in Beijing
On 18 March 2026, in Beijing, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), as part of a friendly visit to China, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). During an exchange of views on the current state of energy cooperation, Arkadag … [Read more...]
From Seed Production to IT: More Than 20 Chinese Companies Participate in IFT 2026 Forum in Ashgabat
On 18 March 2026, the International Forum “Investments in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026) took place in Ashgabat. The Chinese delegation at the forum was one of the largest and most diverse. It included leaders from more than twenty companies representing sectors that are especially important for Turkmenistan's development. These businesses operate in areas such as … [Read more...]
ADB to Support Turkmenistan in Strategic PPP Framework and Pilot Projects
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting Turkmenistan in establishing a robust strategic framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs), aiming to diversify foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows beyond the dominant oil and gas sector. This initiative was highlighted by Senior Private Sector Development Specialist Dmitry Kabrelyan during his presentation at the … [Read more...]
MFA China: President Xi Jinping Meets with National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
On the afternoon of March 18, 2026, President Xi Jinping met with National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is on a goodwill visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. President Xi Jinping noted that China’s annual “two sessions” were successfully concluded not long ago, during … [Read more...]
MFA China: Wang Yi Meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov
On March 17, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, who was accompanying National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on his visit to … [Read more...]
Solemn celebration of International Day of Novruz in Tbilisi: unity of cultures and traditions
On 17 March 2026, in the historical centre of Tbilisi, in Abanotubani, with the support of the City Hall, with the participation of the Embassies of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Diasporas and cultural centres, International Day of Novruz was celebrated. In the cultural area of the Turkmenistan’s Embassy, designed in a national style, guests were able to … [Read more...]
2025 Macroeconomic Outcomes: Turkmenistan’s GDP Exceeds $77.4 Billion, External Debt at 3% of GDP
At the plenary session of the International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026), held in Ashgabat on 18 March 2026, the leadership of the country's financial and trade sectors announced the results of 2025 and outlined plans for the current investment cycle. Turkmenistan’s stable GDP growth of 6.3%, low external debt at 3% of GDP, and an extensive … [Read more...]
Private Sector as a Locomotive of Modernization: International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” Summarizes 18 Years of UIET Activity
At the plenary session of the International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026), held in Ashgabat on 18 March, Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev, who oversees Turkmenistan’s trade sector, presented an overview of the activities of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). Today, this umbrella organization brings … [Read more...]
Seoul starts preparations for the inaugural summit with Central Asia
On 16 March 2026, a launching ceremony for the establishment of a Preparatory Office was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The Office will coordinate preparations for the first “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Summit, scheduled to take place in Seoul on 16-17 September 2026. The event brought together heads and staff of diplomatic … [Read more...]
Turkmen Hydrometeorologists Master Advanced Water Resource Monitoring Techniques
Turkmenabat recently hosted a three-day workshop for specialists from Turkmenistan's hydrometeorological service "Türkmengidromet". The event was organized under the regional program "Climate Risk Management in Central Asia," implemented across the region with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), according to the "Neutral Turkmenistan" … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Pays Friendly Visit to China
On 17 March 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed for a friendly visit to the PRC, the state news agency TDH reports. Prior to his departure for Beijing at Ashgabat International Airport, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the leaders of the … [Read more...]
Showcase for Investors: Turkmenistan’s Private Sector Demonstrates Readiness for International Partnership at Exhibition in Ashgabat
A large-scale exhibition showcasing the economic achievements of the private sector opened on 17 March 2026 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event is dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). More than 100 companies are vividly demonstrating the transformation of Turkmen business. … [Read more...]
UNFPA holds a workshop on the results of the volunteer programme in the field of healthy lifestyle and gender equality
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 17 March 2026 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan held a two-day workshop on 16–17 March 2026 to review the outcomes of the volunteer programme and plan future activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and gender equality among youth. The volunteer programme aims to foster a culture of physical education in accordance … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan to Attend World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is expected to participate in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) this May in Baku. This was reported by the Azerbaijani news portal Report, citing a statement by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, Gurbanmammet Elyasov. "It is … [Read more...]
Over 250 Chinese Companies Gather in Beijing for Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum Presentation
A large-scale business meeting was held in Beijing to present the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Expo, which will take place from April 28 to 30 in Turkmenistan at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event presentation was organized with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in China. The organizers include CODA, JSC “Talwas Yoly,” a … [Read more...]
Turkmen Female Chess Players Perform Successfully at the IV International Tournament in Bukhara
From 9 to 15 March 2026, the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, hosted the IV International Women's Chess Tournament, bringing together participants from nine countries. The competitions were held under the Swiss system in three groups: The time control was 60 minutes per game with an increment of 30 seconds per move. The tournament featured chess players from Austria, … [Read more...]
nCa Interview: Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and Turkmenistan Characterized by Stability, Predictability, and Mutual Respect – Ambassador Arsen Avagyan
The relationship between Armenia and Turkmenistan today serves as a model of stable partnership, rooted in mutual respect. While the political dialogue between Yerevan and Ashgabat remains at a high level, both nations acknowledge the existence of significant untapped potential across various sectors. In an exclusive interview with News Central Asia, the Ambassador … [Read more...]
WHO marks World TB Day in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 16, 2026 - A workshop dedicated to World Tuberculosis (TB) Day under the global theme “Yes! We can end TB!”, took place at the United Nations Building in Ashgabat. The event organized by World Health Organization Country Office (WHO CO) in Turkmenistan aimed to review achieved progress and strengthen further collaboration to accelerate TB … [Read more...]
Nearly 30 new projects to protect cultural heritage launched by the European Union and ALIPH in Central Asia
The European Union and ALIPH have launched 29 cultural heritage projects across Central Asia to safeguard endangered tangible and intangible heritage from the impact of climate change, following a highly successful Call for Projects that elicited 233 applications. © ALIPH, 2026 The European Union and ALIPH have launched 29 cultural heritage projects across … [Read more...]
The CIS Through the Lens – Beauty Without Borders: #5 |Health Path, Ginduwar, Turkmenistan
In the foothills of the Kopetdag, where the pure mountain air merges with the horizon, lies one of Turkmenistan’s most famous landmarks — “Saglyk Ýoly”, the Health Path. This white-stone thread, stretching across the ridges of Ginduwar, has long been more than just a place for exercise for residents and visitors of the capital alike. We set out along the 8-kilometer path … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People to Visit China Tomorrow
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, will visit China, reports the Chinese Foreign Ministry. "At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will pay a goodwill visit to China from March 17 to 19," … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Expands Exports via Lapis Lazuli Corridor through Turkmenistan
Afghanistan is stepping up the export of its products to international markets via the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which connects Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. The Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation announced the dispatch of eight export shipments through the Torghundi dry port (on the Turkmen-Afghan border) via the Lapis Lazuli … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Sends Humanitarian Aid to Iran: Upholding Traditions of Good Neighborliness and Humanism
Turkmenistan has sent a humanitarian aid shipment to the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The timing of this initiative coincides with the holy month of Ramadan and the Night of Power (Laylat-ul-Qadr), underscoring its profound spiritual and humanitarian significance. The humanitarian aid is provided on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for … [Read more...]
Closing Ceremony Marks Successful Completion of the Training for Young Diplomats of Central Asia
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan — 13 March 2026:The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan, together with the Government of Turkmenistan and with support from the Governments of Italy and the United Kingdom, concluded today the SecondTraining for Young Diplomats of Central Asia — a five-day capacity building programme aimed at strengthening the skills, knowledge, … [Read more...]
Cooking Master Class Marks 8 March with a Strong Message on Equality and Shared Responsibility
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the UN system in Turkmenistan—represented by Mr. Dmitriy Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Egor Zaitsev, WHO Representative and Mr. Kemal Goshliyev, Head of UNFPA Office came together for a special Cooking Master Class. Designed not only as a celebration of women, but the master class also aimed to promote meaningful … [Read more...]
White City Ashgabat 2026: International Exhibition and Conference to Showcase Urban Development and Investment Opportunities
Preparations are underway for the 25th Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026 (WCA 2026),” which will take place on 24–25 May 2026 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Held annually in celebration of Ashgabat City Day, the forum has become one of the region’s leading platforms dedicated to urban development, architecture, infrastructure and … [Read more...]
Turkmen-Language Version of “ASAN Visa” Portal Launched
A Turkmen-language version of the “ASAN Visa” portal has been launched for citizens of Turkmenistan who wish to travel to the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan. According to the statement, the launch of the Turkmen-language version of the portal was implemented jointly by the State Agency for Public Service and … [Read more...]
North-South Corridor via Turkmenistan Remains Operational Despite Middle East Tensions
The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is facing significant challenges due to the conflict in the Middle East; however, the eastern route passing through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan remains functional and demonstrates resilience despite regional difficulties. This was highlighted in statements made by Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin during an … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan attended UPU Training on remuneration for the Europe and CIS region
On 10-11 March 2026, a seminar on remuneration for the member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Europe and the CIS was held in Tbilisi, organized by the UPU International Bureau. A welcoming address was delivered by Ms.E.Kubusidze, Head of Communications, Information and Modern Technologies Department of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Launches Digital Platform for Russian Language Learning
A specialized online course designed to help first graders master the Russian language in an accessible and modern format has been launched on one of Turkmenistan's popular state news portals. The platform is available on the website of the International Information Center of Turkmenistan (THP) at the following link: https://www.turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm/ru/course The … [Read more...]
OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan addresses international humanitarian assistance for refugees, migrants and stateless persons
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on the international humanitarian assistance for refugees, migrants and stateless people took place from 10 to 12 March 2026 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and customs management, labor, social security and migration, law-enforcement and … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Trade Zone Brings Nations Closer
Thanks to the political will and friendly relations between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, historical ties between our peoples are being restored, and cooperation is strengthening in all spheres. A prime example of this rapprochement is the "Shavat-Dashoguz" joint border trade zone. Its opening took place on 17 November 2025. The facility was launched by the … [Read more...]
UNFPA and partners in Turkmenistan held a consultative workshop on the prevention of domestic violence
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 11 March 2026 — A two-day consultative workshop on the prevention of domestic violence and working with men who use violence against women took place in Ashgabat on March 10-11, 2026. The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Turkmenistan within the 2026-2027 joint work plan with the Institute of State, Law and … [Read more...]
The Embassy of Korea in Turkmenistan Announces Recruitment for Scholarship Programs at the Academy of Korean Studies
The Graduate School of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) is announcing the recruitment of students for a special program for the fall and spring semesters of the 2026–2027 academic year. This was reported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan. The programs offered include Master's degrees (2 years) and Doctoral degrees (3 years). The Graduate School of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: The Sanctuary of Seljuk Merv
Yazgul Tirkishova, Chief Curator of the "Ancient Merv" State Historical and Cultural Reserve The mausoleum of Yusuf Hamadani — an Islamic theologian, Sufi sheikh, and one of the preeminent scholars of Islamic theology — stands in Merv as a complex historical and architectural crossroads. It is a place where the imperial ambitions of the Seljuk dynasty, the flourishing … [Read more...]
Ashgabat’s Five Priorities: The Concept of Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026
The official portal of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Executive Committee has published the foundational documents for Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth in 2026—the Concept and a detailed Action Plan for its implementation. Upon assuming the presidency, Ashgabat relies on the unwavering principles of permanent neutrality and good-neighborliness, … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov Congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on Election as Supreme Leader of Iran
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, sent his congratulations to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on the occasion of his election as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the state news agency TDH. Arkadag Berdimuhamedov wished the Supreme Leader of Iran … [Read more...]
How to Enroll in China’s Top Universities? Turkmen Youth Invited to Online Exhibition
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan has announced the HSK "Study in China" Online Higher Education Exhibition, scheduled for 13 March 2026 (Friday). The event will be held via video conference on the Zoom platform from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM local time. The exhibition is organized with the support of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation … [Read more...]
Women in Diplomacy: Interactive Dialogue at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On 10 March 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an interactive dialogue titled "The Role of Women Diplomats in Society and Their Achievements." The event was held as part of the second regional training for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries. The event was organized in … [Read more...]
Large-scale awareness campaign on promoting gender equality and healthy lifestyles concludes in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — From January 10 to March 8, 2026, a series of events was held in Ashgabat and all velayats of the country, aimed at popularizing healthy lifestyle, promoting family values, equal opportunities for men and women, and fostering respect for women and girls. The initiative was implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and China Outline Plans for Further Humanitarian Cooperation
The ninth meeting of the Subcommittee on Humanitarian Cooperation, part of the Turkmenistan–China Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, was held in Beijing. The session was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, G.Sh. Myradalyyev, and the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the PRC, Gao Zhen, according to the Ministry of Education of … [Read more...]
United Nations Launches Second Regional Training for Young Diplomats of Central Asia in Ashgabat
9 March 2026. The United Nations in Turkmenistan, in close partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, today started the Second Training for Young Diplomats of Central Asia, bringing together young representatives of the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a five day intensive learning programme hosted at the UN House … [Read more...]
Iraqi Embassy Begins Operations in Ashgabat
On 9 March 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan S. Mukhammetdurdyyev met with Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan, according to the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Iraqi side for the decision to open … [Read more...]
Honoring the Women of Turkmenistan: Large Families Awarded Honorary Titles and New Apartments
Large-scale celebrations dedicated to International Women's Day took place across Turkmenistan. Festive events spanned the entire country, marked by the presentation of state awards to mothers of large families, the handing over of keys to new apartments, and the honoring of women across all sectors of public life. One of the central events of the holiday was the … [Read more...]