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Turkmenistan and China to Expand Cooperation in Education

On December 28th, a meeting was held between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Myahri Byashimova, and the Deputy Minister of Education of China, Sun Yao, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit, a Turkmen Government official website stated, stating that the parties noted that today, Turkmen-Chinese relations in terms of a comprehensive strategic partnership are dynamically developing in many directions. It was also stated that relations between Turkmenistan and China in the field of education tend to develop consistently and fruitfully, as evidenced by numerous exchanges of visits by university representatives, joint conferences, seminars, forums and exhibitions. The parties discussed opportunities to conduct regular short and long-term research and educational programs, courses, and lectures in such areas as medicine, agriculture, ecology, nanotechnology, and political science. Both sides expressed their confidence that the visit of the Chinese delegation will serve as an effective impetus for strengthening ties between higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan and China.

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Raids Target Illegal Medicine Sales in Remote Turkmen Villages

Law enforcement agencies in the Mary Velayat district have initiated crackdowns on citizens engaging in the unauthorized sales of medicines,Radio Azatlyk has reported. While these actions target what authorities deem to be illegal, individuals conducting the trades in remote areas argue that they're simply filling a crucial gap in essential healthcare access. Sellers in remote villages assert that they offer commonly used medications like analgin and paracetamol, which, to their understanding, don't require a doctor's prescription. These traders claim to have procured these medicines from city pharmacies and to simply be reselling them at a slight markup in areas lacking facilities. "Our village lacks pharmacies. Ambulance services have substantial delays, sometimes failing to arrive. People turn to us for antipyretics when they're stricken with a fever at night. We offer a service that pharmacies don't provide. We aren't breaking any laws," emphasized one villager engaged in medicine sales. Another trader echoed this sentiment, stating, "We're simply providing a service to our community." Moreover, these merchants assert that they inform local district police officers about their activities, believing this communication suffices as adherence to the regulations. However, plainclothes police officers have been actively involved in operations targeting this unauthorized trade. During these raids, authorities confiscate medicines and detain the traders, issuing substantial fines. The scenario underscores a wider issue of inadequate medical facilities and pharmacy access in rural areas. Rural residents complain about delayed and inadequate ambulance services, exacerbating their struggle to access essential medical aid. Shortages of crucial medicines in both rural and urban pharmacies have been recurrent issues in Turkmenistan. Inconsistent availability of medications was reported earlier this year, highlighting a systemic challenge. Additionally, instances of medical professionals capitalizing on pharmaceutical shortages for extra profits surfaced in December of the previous year. Trading medicines in Turkmenistan requires the possession of a valid license, and according to local legislation, sales should be conducted exclusively by individuals with a secondary or higher pharmaceutical education. This tension between unauthorized sales and healthcare gaps in remote regions presents a complex challenge in need of resolution.

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OCCRP Reports on Corruption Linked to Berdimuhamedov family

The Center for Aesthetic Medicine in Ashgabat was sold at a huge discount to a company called Ashgabat International Aesthetic Medicine Center (AIATC), associated with the Berdimuhamedov family, the Center for Research on Corruption and Organized Crime (OCCRP) has reported together with the publications Turkmen.news and Gundogar. According to investigators, the Government of Turkmenistan built the center at a cost of U$51 million dollars; its official opening took place in October 2020. However, two days before the opening, the President of Turkmenistan at that time, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, signed a decree authorizing the privatization of the center without a tender. As a result, the center was sold for $ 6.5 million less than the state spent on its construction. Journalists believe that the real discount the buyers received may be much higher taking into account the unofficial exchange rate. (In 2020, the unofficial exchange rate was 23.6 manat per dollar, whilst the official rate was 3.5.). AIATC belongs to a group of seven legal entities, investigators learned from a data leak about members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. Two of these seven companies are related to the Berdymukhamedov family. Despite the fact that the Center for Aesthetic Medicine was bought by AIATC, it is managed by the Center for Beauty and Aesthetics, the director of which is Doctor Gulya Annanepesova, who is the head of both the selling and the buying enterprise. Annanepesova has allegedly accompanied Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on official trips at least twice. In March 2017, they traveled to Qatar, and in November 2019 to Italy. Annanepesova is listed as a cosmetologist and a doctor in the lists of participants of the delegations. In 2016, Annanepesova was awarded a medal in honor of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. At that time, she worked at the state Center for Internal Medicine, and among her colleagues was one of the younger sisters of the president, who worked as a nurse. A year after the opening of the Center for Aesthetic Medicine, Berdimuhamedov awarded Annanepesova with a commemorative badge for services to the development of health care in Turkmenistan. She was listed in the list of awardees as the director of the Center for Beauty and Aesthetics. Annanepesova, according to the sources of the publications, is married to Maksat Geldiev, who worked in the Ministry of National Security and played an important role in the introduction of internet censorship in Turkmenistan. The Center for Aesthetic Medicine offers a wide range of cosmetology and wellness treatments, from weight loss programs to hairdressing services. The journalists drew attention to the fact that all these services do not coincide with the initiatives of the authorities, which prohibit, among other things, bright make-up and plastic surgery. The imposition of restrictions on women intensified shortly after Serdar Berdimuhamedov succeeded his father as president of the country in March 2022.

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Turkmenistan and EU Discuss Energy, Transport and Environmental Issues

On December 19th, Brussels hosted the 22nd joint committee meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Union. The Turkmenistan delegation, led by the minister of finance and economy, included a deputy minister of education, along with representatives from State Concerns such as Turkmengas and Turkmenhowayollary (Turkmenistan Airlines). The EU delegation was represented by the deputy managing director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and delegates from various European Commission directorates overseeing international partnerships, trade, energy, transport, climate change, environment, research, and innovation. Discussions revolved around Turkmenistan's macroeconomic status and its efforts toward global economic integration, notably focusing on its ambition for World Trade Organization (WTO) membership. The agenda encompassed energy and environmental concerns, including strategies for gas exports, initiatives targeting methane emission reduction, and the advancement of renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen. Both parties engaged in dialogue concerning collaboration in transport, education, youth policy, as well as research and innovation.

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EU Ready to Develop Cooperation with Turkmenistan

The European Union is ready to further develop cooperation with Turkmenistan, said EU Ambassador, Beata Peksa, on the sidelines of the Ashgabat forum, Dialogue - a guarantee of Peace. In her interview with the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, Peksa stated that “December 12th is a very important day in the history of Turkmenistan and the entire world community. This is clearly confirmed by the exhibition and forum, which gathered in Ashgabat a wide representation of participants from different countries, international and regional organizations. It is gratifying to note that, having the status of neutrality, Turkmenistan does not withdraw from world processes, but on the contrary, actively participates in international relations, is an active member of the United Nations… Turkmenistan's initiatives, including the Dialogue – a guarantee of Peace, give impetus to the development of cooperation between the countries in our difficult times, and promote humanistic values. “As the Ambassador of the European Union and on behalf of EU members, France and Italy, who together with us represent a single exposition at the exhibition, I want to congratulate the government and the entire Turkmen people on the International Day of Neutrality and assure them that the European Union is ready to further develop cooperation with Turkmenistan. May peace and prosperity accompany your country," she said. The Ashgabat forum, Dialogue – a guarantee of Peace, brought together representatives of diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, reputable international experts, as well as Turkmen scientists, political scientists, heads of the mass media, higher educational institutions, and university students.

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Turkmenistan-Iraq Natural Gas Deal: A Complex Balancing Act

The recent natural gas deal between Turkmenistan and Iraq has sparked both excitement and concern in the energy world. On November 8, representatives from the State Concern Türkmengaz met with a delegation from Iraq, led by the Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel, to discuss the export of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Iraq. As with any major energy agreement, this deal carries significant implications for both countries and the region as a whole. This opinion piece explores the positive aspects, potential challenges, and wider implications of the Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal presents several positive aspects for both countries. Economically, the agreement opens up new opportunities for trade and investment, providing a boost to the economies of both nations. Additionally, it strengthens diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Iraq, fostering closer ties and collaboration in other areas. Moreover, the deal has the potential to enhance energy security in Iraq, diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on a single supplier. For Turkmenistan, this agreement represents an opportunity to tap into new markets and expand its natural gas exports. While the deal offers numerous benefits, it also comes with potential challenges and drawbacks. From Iraq's perspective, one concern is the possibility that it becomes overly dependent on Turkmenistan for its energy needs. This could create vulnerabilities and limit Iraq's flexibility in the energy market. Disputes over pricing and payment terms may also arise as aligning the expectations of both parties can be a complex process. Additionally, the agreement may face infrastructure and logistical challenges, such as ensuring efficient transportation and distribution of the natural gas. The influence of regional politics on the deal is another factor to consider, as geopolitical dynamics may impact its implementation. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas agreement has the potential to significantly impact the regional energy market. It may alter the dynamics of gas supply and demand in the region, affecting other players and stakeholders. The agreement could prompt neighboring countries to evaluate their own energy strategies and explore new partnerships. Additionally, the deal could contribute to greater energy cooperation and integration in the region, paving the way for future collaborations and joint projects. As we consider the implications of this gas deal, it is crucial to examine its environmental impact and public opinion. The environmental consequences of increased natural gas extraction and consumption should be carefully assessed to ensure sustainable practices. Additionally, public opinion in both countries will play a significant role in shaping the perceptions and outcomes of the deal. Public engagement and transparency are vital to ensure that the interests and concerns of the citizens are taken into account. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal represents a complex balancing act. It ultimately offers economic benefits, strengthens diplomatic relations, and enhances energy security while also raising concerns about energy dependency, pricing disputes, and logistical hurdles. The agreement will have implications for the regional energy market, influencing the strategies of neighboring countries and reshaping energy dynamics. As the process unfolds, it is crucial to...