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Turkmenistan Preparing for Accession to Global Methane Pledge Program

The upcoming Climate Change Conference to be held in Dubai became the main topic of a recent cabinet meeting held by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. At the meeting, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on preparations for participation in the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28) to be held from November 30th to December 12th. Turkmenistan's accession to the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) program will be announced at the meeting as one of the main steps in countering climate change. At the meeting, Meredov proposed that Turkmenistan “continue cooperation with international organizations and partner countries in the framework of joint projects and programs aimed at fulfilling GMP conditions at a national level.” In other words, in order to meet GMP quotas, Turkmenistan is counting on the support of and joint projects with international organizations and partner countries. Advisor to the President on Oil and Gas Issues, Ashyrguly Begliyev reported on the work of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern, Turkmengaz and the Institute Nebitgazylmytaslama of the State Concern, Turkmenneft. Their work is related to the fulfillment of the conditions of the GMP. Begliyev also spoke about taking “concrete steps to reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere, including through the use of modern technologies in the fields of energy, industry and transport.” Precisely what actions will be taken remain unclear, however. Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov, who oversees the oil and gas industry, also reported on cooperation with German partners to increase the volume of hydrocarbon production. In particular, the importance of modernizing gas compressor stations subordinated to Turkmengaz was emphasized.

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Turkmenistan and Russia Discuss Cooperation

On December 4th in Moscow, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk. The main topic of the talks was preparations for the upcoming 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation, which will be held in Ashgabat early next year. It was emphasized that the upcoming meeting will be an important stage in the development of mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership between the two countries. Both sides noted that today, Turkmenistan and Russia are searching for new forms and areas of cooperation that meet modern realities, the needs and mutual potential of the two countries. In this context, the importance of improving the legal framework of bilateral economic and commercial relations was stated. The parties also discussed cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. In this regard, Overchuk noted the agreements reached on the construction of a new joint Turkmen-Russian secondary school named after Pushkin in Ashgabat, the new Russian Drama Theater, and the creation of a Turkmen-Russian university in Ashgabat.

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CAREC Countries Endorse New Vision to Fight Climate Change Together

Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program committed to working together to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change. “We endorse the Regional Action on Climate Change: A Vision for CAREC to help countries implement their commitments under the Paris Agreement”, said a joint ministerial statement issued at the 22nd CAREC Ministerial Conference held on November 30th in Tbilisi. The statement was endorsed by ministers and high-level officials from Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. “I am confident this shared Vision will enhance the CAREC program’s impact on this most critical climate challenge facing the subregion”, said Asian Development Bank (ADB) President, Masatsugu Asakawa. “I look forward to concrete progress on bringing forward more climate projects - including in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, efficient water use, economic diversification, and strengthening supply chains - to improve the region’s climate resilience and adaptation”. The Vision emphasizes the importance of energy transition and the improved use of renewable energy sources, strengthening the regional electricity trade, deploying innovative financing solutions, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and policies. It calls for strengthened collaboration and coordination with the program’s development partners in supporting the region’s climate agenda. A scoping study published earlier this year showed climate change is expected to have severe impacts in the CAREC region, including higher-than-average temperature rises, water scarcity, expanded desertification, and glacial melting. To address water issues in the region, CAREC will support countries to improve their expertise and capacities in transboundary water management, water productivity, and to invest in more efficient irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity. CAREC will also support efforts to decarbonize transport and continue deepening regional connectivity with efficient transport technologies and infrastructure. Other priority areas include developing climate-smart cities with electrified mass transit systems and promoting climate and disaster resilience through regional risk management and financing initiatives. The CAREC program is a partnership of countries and development partners working together to promote sustainable development, accelerate economic growth, and reduce poverty. The ADB hosts the CAREC secretariat.

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Police in Turkmenistan Apprehend Former RFE/RL Correspondent

The police in Koneurgench, northern Turkmenistan, have apprehended Hudaiberdy Allashov, a former correspondent for RFE/RL, on undisclosed charges. Family members informed RFE/RL that Allashov was taken into custody on December 1st following a summons from the police. They allege that during this encounter, he was subjected to physical abuse and electric shocks. His current location and the rationale behind his arrest remain unknown. Allashov's association with RFE/RL dates back to a brief three-month stint in 2016. However, his tenure ended abruptly when he and his mother were arrested on accusations of using chewing tobacco, an offense deemed unlawful in the tightly-governed former Soviet nation. Both Allashov and his mother, Kurbantach Arazmedova, refuted these charges at the time. Their initial arrest drew international attention, leading to their release in mid-February 2017, albeit with a court conviction for possession of chewing tobacco, each receiving a three-year suspended prison sentence. Following his release, Allashov chose to cease his work with RFE/RL, expressing concerns for his safety. Nevertheless, in October 2019, he was detained once again, enduring hours of questioning allegedly accompanied by physical assault. The situation took a toll on his mother, who fell ill and passed away in the hospital two days later. In a separate incident in May 2022, Allashov and his wife, Ejesh Arazgylyjeva, were allegedly subjected to violent treatment by an official in Koneurgench, resulting in Arazgylyjeva's hospitalization and necessitating medical attention for Allashov himself. Turkmenistan's government maintains a tight grip over media outlets, including newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms.

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By 2035, the Capacity of Hydroelectric Power Plants in Central Asia Will Increase by 8,900MW

By 2028-2029, Central Asia will face a permanent and persistent water scarcity, with a deficit estimated to be between 5-12 cubic kilometers annually. At the same time, the demand for electricity in Central Asia is expected to increase significantly over the next ten years, Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Management Board said this week at the World Hydropower Congress in Bali. "In the Central Asian region, hydropower plays a key role not only in generating electricity, but also in regulating river runoff for irrigation purposes,” Podguzov stated. “In this regard, the countries of the region are interested in the multipurpose use of their water resources, and wish to attract investment to develop water resources potential". According to Podguzov, the construction of new hydroelectric power plants with reservoirs and the modernization of already functioning HPPs will both serve to reduce the impact of climate change and ensure the steady economic and social development of the region, which is highly reliant on affordable, environmentally-friendly energy and a sustainable irrigation supply. "According to our estimates, Central Asia is one of the few regions in the world where the hydropower potential has been developed by less than 25%”, Podguzov said. “Currently, there are more than 80 hydroelectric power plants operating in the region, with a total installed capacity of about 14,000 MW. In the period up to 2035, it is planned to increase the capacity of local hydroelectric power plants by 8,900 MW through the modernization of already functioning HPPs and the construction of new ones. The largest new projects being implemented include the construction of the 1,860 MW Kambarata HPP-1 in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the 3,600 MW Rogun HPP in Tajikistan”.

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Turkmenistan Strengthens Cooperation with UNODC

A significant meeting convened at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna on November 8, 2023, witnessing the collaboration between Turkmenistan's Deputy Prosecutor General-led delegation and the leadership of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Central to the discussions was Turkmenistan's recent decision to become a part of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, known as the GlobE system. Both parties acknowledged this step and expressed their mutual readiness to engage in robust collaboration within this network, indicating a shared commitment to combatting corruption. The meeting delved into the comprehensive efforts under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three additional Protocols, signifying the mutual dedication to addressing transnational criminal activities. Additionally, discussions encompassed the implementation and impact of the UN Convention against Corruption, reflecting the shared pursuit of curbing corruption on a global scale. Amidst the dialogue, the participants explored the future potential for collaboration between Turkmenistan and UNODC, highlighting the ongoing commitment to foster partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting security, justice, and the rule of law.