Turkmenistan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Internet Disruptions

Internet Outages Reported Across Turkmenistan Since February

Since February, widespread internet disruptions across Turkmenistan have affected both business operations and daily life. According to reports by the independent outlet turkmen.news, the issue is not limited to routine website blocking but involves broader interference with data transmission. Sources cited by the outlet suggest that a mechanism described as “network degradation” is being used. This reportedly involves the intentional reduction of data transfer reliability rather than simply restricting access to specific online resources. The Cybersecurity Agency and the telecommunications company Ykjam Aragatnaşyk have been mentioned in this context. According to these accounts, a significant share of internet traffic may fail to reach its destination. Estimates cited by sources indicate that packet loss could range from 30% to as much as 70% in some cases. “If, instead of the advertised 6 Mbps, subscribers simply experienced a reduction in speed, the inconvenience might be manageable. However, when data packets are lost during transmission, connectivity becomes unstable, making effective internet use extremely difficult,” one source told the outlet. In practice, users report that web pages often fail to load fully or display error messages, requiring multiple refresh attempts. Tasks that previously took seconds can now take minutes or longer. Services that depend on stable connections, including video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, are reportedly among the most affected. Although the reported restrictions are said to target external internet traffic, their impact has also been felt within domestic infrastructure. On March 10, banking services across the country were reportedly disrupted, with users experiencing difficulties withdrawing cash or making card payments. Communication has also been affected. Users report delays in sending messages through mobile applications, while some areas have experienced disruptions to mobile services. Businesses are said to be incurring additional costs, communication with foreign partners has become more difficult, online classes have been canceled, and access to essential online resources has been limited.

Diplomatic Talks

Xi Jinping and Berdymuhamedov Sr. Discuss Expansion of China-Turkmenistan Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, Turkmenistan's former president and leader of its People's Council, during the latter’s official visit to China. The meeting took place on March 18 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Xi noted that China had recently completed its annual parliamentary meetings, commonly referred to as the “Two Sessions,” during which key socio-economic priorities were outlined. He said the country’s new development agenda would support modernization efforts and create additional opportunities for international cooperation. The Chinese president said that mutual political support remains central to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Beijing and Ashgabat. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to continue backing Turkmenistan on issues related to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its internationally recognized policy of permanent neutrality. Xi and Berdymuhamedov discussed expanding cooperation in the energy sector, particularly natural gas supplies, as well as in trade, investment, transport connectivity, agriculture, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and clean energy. Both leaders also highlighted the importance of aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Turkmenistan’s plans to revitalize historic Silk Road trade routes. Humanitarian cooperation was another focus of the talks, including plans to develop educational and cultural exchanges and establish joint centers. The leaders also discussed coordination on regional security challenges, including efforts to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Berdymuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the One China principle and expressed readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and trade. He said closer ties with China were important for Turkmenistan’s long-term economic development and again noted Beijing’s support for the country’s neutrality policy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the meeting. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the visit followed Berdymuhamedov’s trip to the United States in mid-February, the details of which were not fully disclosed. Shortly after his return, Turkmenistan’s President, Gurbanguly's son Serdar Berdymuhamedov, dismissed the country’s ambassador to the U.S. and its permanent representative to the United Nations. No official explanation was provided for the personnel changes.

Desertification

Environmental Pressures Affect Up to 80% of Irrigated Land in Turkmenistan

Environmental pressures in Turkmenistan are intensifying, with desertification, water scarcity, and ecological degradation posing increasing risks to agriculture and public health, according to a recent analysis cited by News-Asia. The study was prepared by experts from the Central Asia Climate Foundation (CACF)’s climate change and green energy project office ahead of a regional environmental summit scheduled for April 22–24 in Astana. Researchers warn that desertification has reached critical levels across large parts of the country. The expansion of the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts is described as among the fastest globally, threatening farmland, infrastructure, and living standards. Land degradation is being exacerbated by overgrazing, soil salinization and inefficient water use. As a result, up to 80% of irrigated land is affected by elevated groundwater salinity, reducing soil productivity. Water scarcity remains another major challenge. Turkmenistan relies heavily on transboundary rivers, particularly the Amu Darya, leaving it vulnerable to upstream water management decisions. Climate change is also contributing to reduced flows in rivers such as the Atrek, Murgab, and Tejen. Much of the irrigation infrastructure dates back to the Soviet era and suffers from significant losses, while agriculture accounts for around 90% of total water consumption. The analysis highlights the continuing regional impact of the Aral Sea crisis. The drying of the sea has increased the frequency of salt and dust storms carrying harmful substances across Central Asia. In northern regions, including Dashoguz, medical specialists have reported rising rates of respiratory illness and other health problems linked to deteriorating air quality. Environmental risks are also growing along the Caspian Sea coast. According to the report, pollution from hydrocarbon extraction combined with declining water levels is affecting biodiversity and undermining fisheries. At the same time, the government has taken steps to address environmental challenges through national climate programs and reforestation initiatives. Turkmenistan is also participating in international projects, including a regional effort launched earlier this year to combat marine litter in the Caspian Sea with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme. The upcoming summit in Astana is expected to bring together around 1,500 participants, including government officials and representatives of international organizations, to discuss coordinated responses to environmental threats. Organizers say the meeting could result in a regional action program for 2026-2030 and a joint declaration by Central Asian leaders.

World Trade Organization

Turkmenistan Steps Up Preparations for WTO Membership Amid Economic Growth

Turkmenistan is intensifying efforts to integrate into the global trading system, with officials reaffirming the country’s intention to move towards membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Perhat Yagshiyev during the forum “Investing in Turkmenistan’s Future,” according to local media reports. Yagshiyev said the accession process is progressing in a structured manner. A draft memorandum on the country’s foreign trade regime has been prepared, while WTO standards are being introduced gradually in cooperation with the organisation’s Secretariat and international partners. Authorities also point to positive macroeconomic trends. Official data indicate that Turkmenistan’s gross domestic product exceeded $77.4 billion in 2025, reflecting growth of 6.3%. Investment volumes reached more than $12.8 billion, up 6% year-on-year, while inflation reportedly declined to 3.2%. External debt remains below 3% of GDP, and officials say the country has not recorded domestic public debt since January 2022. Foreign trade turnover rose by 10.3% to $21.8 billion. The oil and gas sector, petrochemicals, energy, construction and agriculture continue to be highlighted by the government as priority areas for foreign investment. Transport infrastructure development remains a central component of economic policy. Turkmenistan is participating in several international logistics initiatives, including the Trans-Caspian corridor, the North-South transport route and the Lazurite corridor. The third phase of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway is expected to be completed in 2026, which authorities say will strengthen the country’s role as a regional transit hub. Preparations for WTO accession are also linked to the modernisation of trade procedures. Galina Romanova, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, previously stated that improving trade facilitation is a key priority. “We are taking consistent steps to modernise customs procedures and introduce digital solutions that make trade faster and more transparent,” she said. Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the WTO on July 22, 2020, following a decision by the organisation’s General Council in Geneva.

Middle East Crisis

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Send Humanitarian Aid to Iran

Tajikistan is sending a convoy of 110 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Iran, which has been targeted by heavy U.S. and Israeli air strikes in a war that started on February 28. The dispatch of aid follows similar deliveries by Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Central Asian countries are aiming for neutrality in the Mideast war, maintaining ties with the Iranian government even as they profess support for Gulf Arab states that have been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles. Iran’s relationships with countries to the east range from the close cultural affinity that it enjoys with Tajikistan to sometimes tense interactions with Azerbaijan, which has a military partnership with Israel. The trucks from Tajikistan left for Iran on Wednesday and “will soon arrive in the friendly and brotherly country,” Tajikistan’s government said, without providing details about how the aid will be distributed. The convoy would likely travel through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to reach the northeastern Iranian border. The aid “comprises 3,610 tons of cargo, including 45 tons of medicines, a large volume of sanitary and hygienic products, children's clothing, various food products, household items, bedding, tents, building materials, and other necessary supplies,” Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon posted a photo on social media that showed a long line of aid trucks on a highway. Turkmenistan, which shares a border with Iran, has said it sent humanitarian aid, mainly for distribution to children. It appeared to allude to the war, saying that “supporting and assisting close neighbors in difficult times is a noble tradition of the Turkmen people, rooted in ancient times.” Uzbekistan has sent trucks carrying flour, rice, sugar, pasta, sunflower oil, canned goods and medical supplies to Iran. Azerbaijan, which borders northwest Iran, has also dispatched truckloads of humanitarian aid to Iran, according to Ali Alizada, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Iran. Azerbaijan previously said it was evacuating staff from its embassy in Tehran as well as its consulate in the Iranian city of Tabriz, after accusing Iran of drone attacks on its territory.

Iran Media Threats

Iran Warns of Military Action Over Iran International Broadcasts via Turkmenistan Satellite

Iran has warned of potential military consequences for countries and organizations cooperating with the independent television channel Iran International, raising concerns about infrastructure linked to satellite broadcasting, including resources connected to Turkmenistan. Iranian officials said that “certain institutions and countries” that continue to support the broadcaster could face serious repercussions. According to a statement released by Iran International, facilities and infrastructure involved in transmitting its signal “may be included on the list of targets for the Iranian military.” The channel cited reports in Iranian state media quoting a representative of the Iranian Armed Forces’ Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base. In remarks reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the military representative accused Iran International of seeking to “create tension, spread false information and rumors, and conduct psychological warfare against the Iranian people in pursuit of the goals of the U.S. and Israel.” The statement also included a warning that continued support for the broadcaster could result in those cooperating with it being placed on a list of potential targets. Iran International broadcasts from the United Kingdom using the TürkmenÄlem 52E / MonacoSAT satellite. The same satellite platform carries a range of international media services, including the BBC’s Persian-language programming, Radio Farda, a project of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, as well as numerous other television and radio channels. According to the broadcaster, direct warnings had previously been sent to Turkmenistan and Monaco, which host infrastructure enabling signal transmission.