nCa Report A Legacy That Travels Well There is a story, well-documented in history, that tells you everything you need to know about Turkmenistan's melons. The Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad — men who could command any luxury in the medieval world — maintained a relay courier system specifically to bring fresh melons from Merv (present-day Mary in Turkmenistan) to their … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Iran Hold Telephone Conversation
On 4 May 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. During the call, the sides discussed bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of … [Read more...]
nCa Special Reports – Structural Improvement and Expansion of Scope
We are pleased to announce that some important structural improvements have been introduced in our monthly lreports of the nCa Special Reports product line. The scope of the reports has also been expanded. The monthly report on Turkmenistan now has additional details on the select sectors, giving it more depth. The monthly report on the Central Asia Economy now covers all … [Read more...]
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations presented credentials to the UN Secretary-General
On April 20, 2026, the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Vepa Hajiyev presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres. During the credential presentation ceremony, a brief meeting took place, during which warm greetings of the esteemed President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National … [Read more...]
UNDP Supports the Development of Energy-Efficient Construction in Turkmenistan
Within the framework of the joint project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan “Developing National Capacity through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector,” a training seminar titled “Exploring International Experience in Developing Regulatory … [Read more...]
At 35, the CIS Continues to Matter — With Ashgabat in the Chair
The Commonwealth of Independent States turns 35 this year. Under Turkmenistan's chairmanship, which began on January 1, the CIS is pushing an agenda built around economic integration, digital transformation, and a loose but growing web of connections with other regional blocs. The latest concrete step came in Moscow this week, where the CIS Economic Commission met under the … [Read more...]
Issues of further cooperation between Turkmenistan and United Nations Development Programme discussed
On 23 April 2026, a meeting was held between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UNDP. The importance of cooperation … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan in Energy Talks
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, Guvanch Agajanov, had a meeting with Azerbaijan's ambassador, Gismet Gezalov, to talk energy. Just days earlier, the National Leader of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov formally inaugurated the fourth phase of development at the Galkynysh gas field in the Mary region — a ceremony attended by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang … [Read more...]
OGT 2026 to Spotlight Turkmenistan’s Expanding Role in Regional and Global Energy Cooperation
Turkmenistan has opened registration for OGT 2026, the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan”, to be held in Ashgabat on 21–23 October 2026. The event, organised under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”, is expected to draw broad regional and international attention as Turkmenistan advances a long-term energy strategy based on … [Read more...]
Astana 2026: Ecology, Water, and Strategic Convergence in Central Asia
nCa Report In a rare convergence of environmental urgency and geopolitical coordination, Kazakhstan hosted two interlinked high-level gatherings in Astana: Together, these meetings mark a qualitative shift in Central Asian diplomacy—from parallel national approaches toward collective regional frameworks, particularly in the critical domain of water and environmental … [Read more...]
20th European Immunization Week: across generations, vaccines work
European Immunization Week (EIW), 19-25 April 2026, is an opportunity to celebrate the public health successes made possible through immunization. As EIW itself turns 20 this year, it focuses on the increasingly life-spanning benefits of vaccination: from the first weeks of gestation to older age, vaccines offer vital protection against many serious diseases, contributing … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at ESCAP’s 82nd Session
The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has opened in Bangkok, bringing together policymakers and development experts from across the Asia-Pacific to grapple with mounting economic, social and environmental challenges. Turkmenistan is taking part in the high-level gathering with a delegation led by deputy … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan participates in Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States event hosted by Tashkent
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan joined on 21 April 2026 a growing regional effort to institutionalize cooperation among women leaders as she took part—via video link—in the first meeting under Uzbekistan’s 2026 chairmanship of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States, a platform that has been steadily gaining political weight across the … [Read more...]
National Leder of Turkmenistan Visits Arkadag City, Holds Working Meeting
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, paid a visit to the city of Arkadag to review ongoing construction and examine plans for upcoming projects. During the trip, he also convened a working meeting with senior officials overseeing the development of the new city. The visit took place against the backdrop … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Kazakhstan for Regional Environmental Summit and Aral Sea Meeting
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Astana on April 21 for a working visit that places environmental diplomacy and regional cooperation at the forefront of Central Asia’s agenda. He is in Kazakhstan to take part in two key events: the Regional Environmental Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea—a body … [Read more...]
Food, Packaging and Agriculture Sectors Come Together in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, one of Central Asia’s emerging markets, will host industry professionals at Agro Pack Turkmenistan 2026, held alongside Food Turkmenistan 2026, from May 12–14, 2026 in Ashgabat. The exhibitions, to be organized at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan Exhibition and Congress Hall, will bring together leading companies from the food, food processing, … [Read more...]
Russia, Turkmenistan Advance Plans for Full-Cycle Steel Production Cooperation
Russian and Turkmen partners are stepping up industrial cooperation with a focus on establishing a full-cycle ferrous metallurgy industry in Turkmenistan, according to statements made by Denis Manturov at the International Industrial Exhibition Innoprom Central Asia in Tashkent. Manturov said Russian companies are actively working with Turkmen counterparts not only on steel … [Read more...]
Preparations for Turkmenistan-China Business Forum in High Gear
Turkmenistan is set to host a major economic event as preparations gather pace for the Turkmen–China Business Forum and accompanying exhibition in Ashgabat toward the end of April 2026. The forum is shaping up to be one of the most significant bilateral business gatherings between the two countries in recent years, reflecting the depth and steady expansion of ties between … [Read more...]
A telephone conversation took place between the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation
On April 20, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh. During the conversation, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to the implementation … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Active Engagement at the Fifth Antalya Diplomatic Forum
nCa Report Turkmenistan took an active and multifaceted part in the Fifth Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF-2026), held on April 17–18, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov. Hosted at the Nest Convention Center, the forum convened global leaders and policymakers … [Read more...]
CIS Heads of State Summit to Be Held in Turkmenistan’s “Awaza” in October 2026 – Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Valentina Matviyenko Hold Phone Conversation
A phone conversation took place on 30 December 2025, between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, according to the state news agency TDH. During the discussion, the sides … [Read more...]
Advancing Peace, Trust, and Sustainable Development: The UN–Turkmenistan Partnership in 2025
By Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan As the year 2025 comes to a close, I would like to stick to a tradition of drawing conclusions to the joint cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN system in the country. As always, the partnership has remained strong and mutually reinforcing. Throughout 2025, the United Nations Country Team in … [Read more...]
Planting resilience in arid landscapes: Türkiye supports Turkmenistan’s forest restoration efforts
In landscapes where water is scarce and the climate is unforgiving, every tree planted is an investment in resilience. Under the Forest Restoration Improvement for Environmental Development and Sustainability in Central Asia (FRIENDS) project, implemented within the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP), Türkiye is taking a concrete step to support Turkmenistan’s … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan condemns attacks on Russian President’s residence
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has distributed a message to the media: In regard to reports about the attack on the residence of the President of Russia, the Turkmen side expresses concern and condemns such actions, which pose threat to international security and stability, especially against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to settle the conflict by the … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Completes Roadmap for Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Power Line and Prepares Over Half of Initial TAPI Pipeline Route
Afghanistan has finalized a roadmap for the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line project and plans to present it to the Turkmen side in the near future, according to Ariana News. The announcement came from Abdul Bari Omar, CEO of Afghanistan's national energy company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), following talks with a Turkmen … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Align on 2025 Achievements and Set Plans for 2026
On 29 December 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as reported by Turkmenistan's State News Agency (TDH). During the call, the sides exchanged New Year's greetings, reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation throughout the outgoing … [Read more...]
China Extends Preferential Visa Conditions for Turkmenistan Citizens Until End of 2026
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan has announced the extension of the policy of temporarily reduced visa fees for Turkmen citizens until 31 December 2026. This measure is aimed at further simplifying travel and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. According to the official statement from the diplomatic mission, the reduced visa … [Read more...]
Type 2 Diabetes: Mahmud’s story and why regular check-ups matter
December 29, 2025 Early Detection I am 40 and from Sarahs. I discovered I had diabetes by chance - during a routine health check-up at my previous job. I had no complaints and felt completely healthy. But a blood test revealed elevated 6.8 glucose level. I was referred to an endocrinologist. The doctor said this was above the norm and that I needed an additional … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Transport Diplomacy: United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035
At the 64th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the resolution "United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)" was adopted by consensus at the initiative of Turkmenistan. The primary purpose of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) is to accelerate collective action towards the formation of sustainable, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at the Forefront of Global Energy Diplomacy: Key Aspects of the UN Resolution on Reliable Energy Connectivity
Energy connectivity in the modern world can be metaphorically compared to the circulatory system of the global economy. Imagine that the vessels are infrastructure and transit routes; if they function stably and uninterruptedly, then all organs — countries and regions — receive the necessary resources for life and development, regardless of their distance from the "heart," the … [Read more...]
WHO and Turkmenistan Strengthen Public Health Emergency Preparedness at Points of Entry
Ashgabat, 24 December 2025 - WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan convened a meeting dedicated to strengthening mechanisms and procedures for planning, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies at points of entry in Turkmenistan. The meeting took place Yyldyz hotel in Ashgabat and … [Read more...]
2026 in Turkmenistan to be held under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds”
The Parliament of Turkmenistan has adopted a resolution declaring 2026 the year of "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds". The text of the resolution was read out by the Speaker of the parliament, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 26 December. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved … [Read more...]
Pharmaceutical Sector: Turkmenistan Expands Cooperation with Türkiye and Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan is strengthening its healthcare positions by entering into strategic agreements with regional partners. Recent arrangements with Turkish and Uzbek entities aim to secure the country’s medical supplies and train specialized personnel. The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan has concluded a major agreement with the leading Turkish company Turk … [Read more...]
UNDP implements artificial intelligence technology for X-ray analysis to expand tuberculosis screening in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, December 26, 2025 – With the strategic support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan continues its cooperation aimed at strengthening the national healthcare system and creating preventive, accessible, and digitalized medical services. As part of this collaboration, an advanced … [Read more...]
WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan Hosted Annual National Meeting on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Ashgabat, 22 December – WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan hosted Annual National Meeting on the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework in Awaza, Balkan Velayat. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and aimed to strengthen national capacities for influenza surveillance and … [Read more...]
EDB: China’s FDI stock in Central Asia has increased over ten years to US $35.9 billion
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its second report under the flagship Monitoring of Mutual Investments project. The paper focuses on China, the Eurasian region’s leading investment partner in 2025, and shows that Chinese investment in the region continues to grow steadily despite the global decline in FDI flows. Over the past ten years, this investment has … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Reviews the Year: UN General Assembly Adopts New Resolutions on Energy and Transport Initiated by Turkmenistan
At the ceremony “International Year of Peace and Trust: Confident Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan,” organized by the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat on 25 Dec 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov delivered a keynote speech. The Minister emphasized that 2025 has become a landmark year in the history of … [Read more...]
Recognition of Merits: Heads of Foreign Diplomatic Missions Accredited in Turkmenistan Awarded Jubilee Medal on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Neutrality
On 25 December 25, 2025, the ceremony titled “International Year of Peace and Trust: Confident Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan,” organized by the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, was held in Ashgabat. The event was attended by members of the Government, heads and representatives of the country's diplomatic service, diplomatic missions of foreign states and international … [Read more...]
A Quarter Century of Fintech Development: Key Initiatives of Colvir Software Solutions in Turkmenistan in 2025
The year 2025 became an important milestone for Colvir Software Solutions, an international company with 25 years of experience in developing financial technologies. The anniversary year was marked by a significant expansion of educational, professional, and industry initiatives in Turkmenistan aimed at supporting the digitalization of the financial sector, developing human … [Read more...]
Active Preparations Underway in Awaza for 2026 International Forums – National Leader of the Turkmen People Inspects Progress of Works
On 24 December 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, made a working visit to Balkan province, where he reviewed the progress of preparations for hosting a series of major international events in the Awaza National Tourist Zone, scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan in 2026. Upon arrival at the site of the future international events … [Read more...]
Coordination Meeting of Media Literacy Trainers Held at OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
Elvira Kadyrova On 24 December 2025, a coordination meeting of national media literacy trainers took place at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, dedicated to an interim evaluation of the trainer preparation project. The event served as a platform for discussing achievements, sharing experiences, and planning future steps in the development of information literacy in … [Read more...]
Seminar on Updating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Held in Turkmenistan with UNDP Support
Ashgabat, 24 December 2025: An introductory seminar was held in Turkmenistan under the UNDP Global Project “Global Programme for Supporting the Update of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the Preparation of the 7th National Report on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),” funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented … [Read more...]
Turkmen Logistics Association to Support Member Participation in the 2026 Turkmen-Chinese Forum
Talvas Yoly Joint-Stock Company and its Oguz Forum & Expo division, in cooperation with the Turkmen Logistics Association (TLA), officially announce the commencement of preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, scheduled for April 28–30, 2026. As the official organizers, Talvas Yoly JSC and Oguz Forum & Expo will manage the comprehensive … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership Between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Further Strengthened in 2025 – Ambassador Gozalov
In 2025, the friendly, fraternal, and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan developed significantly, becoming even stronger and broader on the basis of mutual trust and friendship. In line with the spirit of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2017, the continued deepening of cooperation and the launch of mutually beneficial initiatives in new … [Read more...]
Giz Gala: A Fortress of Clay, Light, and Living History
Yazgul Tirkishova, Chief Curator, State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ancient Merv” Rising from the desert edge of Ancient Merv, Giz Gala is one of Central Asia’s most striking earthen monuments. Built in the 7th–8th centuries, it formed part of a fortified system encircling the capital of a flourishing oasis civilization. At that time, Merv was a crossroads where East … [Read more...]
Traditional December Summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States: Year-End Review and Future Plans
On 22 December 2025, in St. Petersburg, leaders from member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) gathered for their traditional informal pre-New Year summit. Participants included: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President … [Read more...]
Chess Grand Prix Final in Ashgabat: 2026 Major League Lineup Revealed
Ashgabat hosted the grand finale of the Turkmenistan Chess Federation (TCF) Grand Prix from December 13 to 21. As the crowning event of the season, the tournament utilized an Olympic-style knockout (playoff) format, delivering high-stakes drama and intense competition for players and spectators alike. Thirty-two elite players—16 in the Open and 16 in the Women’s … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan to Attend Informal CIS Summit in St. Petersburg
On 21 December 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for a working visit to St.Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the informal High-Level Summit of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), TDH reports. "Informal CIS summits have become an important platform allowing the leaders of CIS member states to maintain close dialogue. Unlike … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Plus Format: A Platform for Partnership, Not Political Realignment
Tariq Saeedi The Central Asia Plus (CA+) format has emerged as one of the most dynamic diplomatic frameworks in recent years. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into a diverse constellation of partnerships, with countries and regional blocs eager to engage with the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan at the Tokyo Summit: From “Green Diplomacy” to Youth Exchanges
The address by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the historic first "Central Asia + Japan" leaders' summit was dedicated to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the regions. The President emphasized that this meeting in Tokyo, chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, was a milestone event laying the foundation for long-term relations … [Read more...]