Turkmenistan's push for joint trade zones within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has advanced. After the ECO Secretary General's visit to Iran's Golestan province, a site for the zone has been chosen and its launch is being discussed. The initiative is moving forward.
Turkmenistan's push to create joint trade zones within the Economic Cooperation Organization is moving ahead. After a recent visit by the ECO Secretary General to Iran's Golestan Province, a location for the proposed Joint Trade Zone has been chosen. Talks are continuing on the details.
In Ashgabat, the public organization 'Keyik Okara' and the Israeli Embassy in Turkmenistan handed out school kits to children from vulnerable families. The ceremony on August 31, 2026, provided 74 schoolchildren with backpacks and supplies ahead of the new school year. The event was part of a charity drive to support those in difficult circumstances.
Ahead of the new school year, the Keyik Okara Public Organization teamed up with the Israeli Embassy to host a charity event for schoolchildren. The initiative aimed to provide support and supplies to students as they prepare to return to class. Details on the number of children helped or the specific items distributed were not disclosed. The collaboration highlights ongoing community outreach efforts in the region.
Turkmenistan went dark for several hours after a widespread power failure. The blackout hit the country without warning, leaving cities and towns without electricity. Officials have not yet explained what caused the outage. Residents were left in the dark as crews worked to restore power.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet meeting where a roadmap for UN cooperation was presented. Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov introduced the draft. The plan outlines steps to strengthen ties with the United Nations.
Turkmenistan's foreign minister met with his Japanese counterpart in Ashgabat to discuss bilateral ties and future cooperation. The two delegations reviewed the current state of relations and ways to expand them.
Turkmenistan's president has set the dates for the agricultural campaigns. Wheat sowing begins on September 2, and cotton harvesting starts on September 9. This marks a key phase in the country's farming year.
Turkmenistan's foreign minister, Rashid Meredov, met with the outgoing EU ambassador, Beata Peksa, and French ambassador Philippe Merlin, who are finishing their postings in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for their contributions during their missions.
A Turkmen official known as the "iodine feudal lord" was summoned to Ashgabat after an investigative report, but he avoided dismissal by paying off. The iodine production is falling behind because of widespread theft. The report suggests corruption remains unchecked.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov inspected a new dental center in Ashgabat as it nears completion. The facility will use innovative technology to expand the national healthcare system.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Hiroyuki Tsubai, head of the Japan-Turkmen Committee for Economic Cooperation, via video conference. The two sides discussed current issues in bilateral cooperation. The talks focused on strengthening economic ties between the countries.
Nazarguly Shagulyev represented Turkmenistan at a meeting of the CIS permanent representatives in Minsk. The group met to discuss and review the upcoming agenda. The session focused on coordination between member states.
A Turkmen delegation is attending an international media forum in Uzbekistan. The forum, titled "Islamic Civilization: New Look, New Discoveries," is being held in Tashkent and Samarkand. Participants include journalists, scientists, and cultural figures from various countries.
A ten-day international expedition called "Big Altai: Turkic Heritage 2026" wrapped up in Russia's Altai region. Researchers from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan spent the time documenting the customs of local indigenous groups like the Kumandins and Chelkans. The project aimed to preserve and understand the region's Turkic cultural roots.
Scientists in Turkmenistan have developed a new biological preparation to neutralize methane emissions. The team, led by Durdy Myrat Gadamov and Altyn Rakhmanova, completed the work at the Academy of Sciences. The product is said to be highly effective.
The demolished plot in Ashgabat belonged to the president's cousin, and its main tenant was arrested on drug charges. The demolition might have been a personal order from the president, another move against his relatives, the Dovletovs.
During weeks of extreme heat, two prison colonies in Turkmenistan's Lebap region turned into sealed boxes with no water or air. Dozens of inmates died as temperatures approached 50 degrees Celsius.
Meat buyers at a market in Turkmenabad protested the gap between prices and wages. Police and state security broke up the protest and detained some people. The incident highlights economic discontent in Turkmenistan.
The final round of Turkmenistan's annual national competition for dutar players and bakshi singers took place in Ashgabat. Fourteen musicians and fourteen singers who won earlier qualifying rounds from Ashgabat, Arkadag, and various provinces competed. The event showcases traditional Turkmen music.
Turkmenistan's state commodity exchange closed its latest trading session with 19 registered deals. The trades covered a range of goods, though the exchange did not break down the volumes or values. Buyers and sellers came from both domestic and foreign firms, as is typical for these auctions. The session's activity reflects steady, if modest, turnover on the bourse.
Residents of Ashgabat are complaining about the lack of pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and public transport. The city is said to be inconvenient for both people with limited mobility and ordinary pedestrians. A reader's letter highlights these urban inconveniences.
In Ashgabat, several buildings were demolished near the 30th microdistrict. The structures were located between Aba Annayev, Aga Garryev, and Bilim streets, before reaching Myati Kosaev street.
Turkmenistan's president replaced the head of the Avaza resort zone. Soyenchnazar Selimov took over the position from Dovlet Dzhumayev on August 17.
Turkmenistan's cybersecurity officials and firewall developers carried out over 100 internet blocks between July 1 and August 15. These actions have led to increased censorship and a general decline in connection quality across the country.
State enterprises in Turkmenistan are struggling to find workers because salaries are too low and many people have emigrated. In some places, officials have dropped the usual bribes required to get a job in order to attract staff. The shortage is acute across the public sector.