Turkmenistan - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 754

Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Justice has launched an initiative to collect data on former Interior Ministry officials to track those who have left the country. This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to monitor and restrict its citizens’ ability to travel abroad. Tracking Former Law Enforcement Officers Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice has been compiling information on former law enforcement officers who held ranks of major or higher and served between 1991 and 2024. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Migration Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office have been instructed to assist in the campaign, which is expected to conclude by the end of April. The main objective is to identify retired officers who have relocated abroad. Several theories have emerged regarding the authorities' motives. One explanation is that routine inspections revealed cases of former officers settling in other countries after retirement. Another theory links the initiative to the recent controversy surrounding Rustam Inoyatov, the former head of Uzbekistan’s National Security Service, who, along with his family, acquired Vanuatu citizenship through a “golden passport” program. Turkmen security services suspect that similar schemes may have been used by their own former colleagues. Particular scrutiny is being placed on those who had professional ties with Inoyatov during his tenure. Law enforcement veterans are now required to submit reports detailing their current residence and occupation. In cases where an ex-officer has passed away, their relatives must provide official documentation, including death certificates and burial site information. New Restrictions on Travel Abroad Retired law enforcement officers have been informed that they may only leave the country for medical reasons and must obtain official authorization from the Ministry of Health. This is not the first instance of the government tightening travel restrictions. In September 2024, reports surfaced that public sector employees were being compelled to surrender their biometric passports or provide proof that they did not possess one. While officials have not commented on these measures, observers believe they are linked to the increasing number of citizens emigrating in search of work or permanent residency. Additionally, recent reports indicate that some Turkmen nationals have participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine, with some receiving Russian citizenship in return for their military service. Confiscation of Student Passports Travel restrictions have also been extended to students. In the fall of 2024, media reports revealed that students enrolling in Turkmen universities were required to surrender their passports to prevent them from traveling abroad. Students who refuse to comply and sign a receipt acknowledging the surrender of their passports face the risk of being denied admission. According to sources, this policy has been in place for two years, with passports held by faculty deans for the duration of students’ studies. Although officials have not provided explanations for these measures, university professors suggest that they aim to curb mass youth migration. Previously, students were only required to sign receipts, but authorities have now escalated their efforts by confiscating passports...

European Union Turkmenistan Economic Cooperation EU Global Getaway

Visit by EU’s Sikela Strengthens Global Gateway Partnership with Turkmenistan

On March 12, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Turkmenistan, as part of the European Union’s work to expand cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy. The visit focused on transport connectivity, renewable energy, and trade facilitation, aiming to integrate Turkmenistan into regional and global economic networks, according to the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan. Global Gateway and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor The Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s initiative to bridge global investment gaps by promoting sustainable connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening education and research systems. The initiative seeks to mobilize €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, fostering sustainable growth and resilient partnerships worldwide. A key topic during Síkela’s meetings with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov was the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a strategic route enhancing connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. Síkela reaffirmed the EU’s support for Turkmenistan’s role in this corridor, emphasizing its potential to create faster, more secure trade routes. “We see Turkmenistan as a key partner for building stronger connections between Europe and Central Asia. By working together under the Global Gateway, especially through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we are creating faster, more secure trade routes that will open new opportunities for businesses, attract investments, and create jobs. Our joint efforts aim to cut trade times between Europe and Asia to only 15 days, while helping Turkmenistan become an important hub for commerce between Asia and Europe.” According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Berdimuhamedov highlighted the Turkmenbashi Port as a vital transit hub on the Caspian coast, offering a direct link to the Black Sea, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region. While in Turkmenistan, Síkela visited the Turkmenbashi Port, where he met with Mammethan Chakyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting infrastructure modernization and regulatory alignment to international standards. Energy and Climate Cooperation As part of the visit, two key initiatives were launched under the EU-Turkmenistan bilateral cooperation facility: A €6 million project, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), will support Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and promote economic modernization. A €4.5 million initiative, implemented by GIZ, aims to advance renewable energy development, reduce methane emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Síkela also welcomed Turkmenistan’s accession to the Global Methane Pledge, stressing the importance of emissions reduction and sustainable energy solutions for fostering a greener economy. The EU’s technical and financial assistance will further support Turkmenistan’s efforts to align with international trade and environmental standards.

European Union Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Talks

EU Expands Engagement with Turkmenistan Amid Regional Focus

The European Union (EU) is deepening its engagement with Turkmenistan, as demonstrated by the recent visit of Eduards Stiprais, the newly appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia. Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat from March 4 to 6, just three days after his appointment, highlighting the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkmenistan and the broader Central Asian region. High-Level Diplomatic Talks According to the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan, Stiprais held a series of high-level meetings to discuss EU-Turkmenistan cooperation, regional stability, and multilateral engagement. He met with Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, to exchange views on the current state and future prospects of their bilateral relationship. Discussions focused on economic cooperation, security, and regional collaboration. The Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported that Meredov and Stiprais also explored joint efforts in energy, transport and connectivity, and environmental protection. Key topics included methane emission reduction initiatives and the development of renewable energy sources. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade and economic ties, advancing humanitarian and educational projects, and fostering stronger collaboration between Turkmen and European institutions and scientific centers. Upcoming Visit of European Commissioner Jozef Síkela The EU Delegation to Turkmenistan has announced that next week, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit Turkmenistan as the first stop on his March 12-18 tour of the five Central Asian countries. His trip is aimed at strengthening the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, scheduled for April 3-4, 2025. During his visit, Síkela will meet with government officials and private sector representatives and will tour Turkmenbashi Port, a key hub for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Commenting on the visit, Síkela stated: “Central Asia is an important partner for the European Union, and our cooperation offers great potential for the future. More than ever, current global challenges emphasize the need for solid partnerships, and that is exactly what I aim to strengthen during my mission. My goal is to focus on key Global Gateway projects, which the EU and Central Asian partners are advancing together to create quality jobs, unlock new business opportunities, and improve essential services, from education to modern infrastructure.”

Turkmenistan Mass Media Euronews

Turkmenistan and Euronews Explore Media Collaboration to Boost International Outreach

Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews, Pedro Vargas David, to discuss prospects for media cooperation. During the meeting, Palvanov outlined Turkmenistan's strategic priorities in media diplomacy, highlighting its active engagement in the international information space. Particular attention was given to the upcoming 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the United Nations. He also emphasized Turkmenistan's role in promoting regional stability and strengthening relations with the European Union. Vargas David presented Euronews as one of Europe's leading media platforms, reaching more than 1.2 billion people and broadcasting in 19 languages. He noted that the Euronews website and mobile application attract a monthly audience of 29 million unique users. The Euronews chairman also announced plans to visit Turkmenistan to meet with representatives of local media and government agencies. He reaffirmed Euronews' commitment to neutral and objective coverage of events in Central Asia. The two sides discussed potential areas of collaboration, including promoting Turkmenistan’s tourism sector and cultural heritage on the international stage, as well as increasing coverage of key events in the country. They also explored the possibility of integrating Turkmenistan into existing Euronews programming to enhance information exchange. Euronews is a European 24-hour news channel that provides video reports on global events with multilingual audio commentary. Founded on January 1, 1993, the channel broadcasts in 13 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Its content is available via cable, satellite, and terrestrial television in 150 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America, and the Middle East.

Science speleology Turkmenistan Nature

U.S. Magazine Highlights French Cave Explorers’ Discoveries in Koytendag, Turkmenistan

The December 2024 issue of NSS News, a U.S. magazine, featured an in-depth report on the spring expedition of French speleologists to Koytendag, Turkmenistan. The expedition brought together 17 specialists in topography, photogrammetry, biospeleology, geology, and karstology. Their primary objectives were to document existing cave systems, create updated maps, and identify unexplored caves. Over 21 days, the team surveyed approximately 19 kilometers of caves, conducted over 8,500 topographic measurements, and refined maps created by Russian researchers. A major focus of the expedition was 3D photogrammetric modeling of the Geophysical (Gulshirin) Cave, renowned for its stunning gypsum formations. Using a Disto X laser rangefinder and the Topodroid app, the researchers enhanced mapping accuracy and created a digital replica of the cave. This cutting-edge model serves both scientific and educational purposes. “We took more than 50,000 photos in four days, allowing us to produce a highly accurate 3D model,” one expedition participant explained. “This technology not only reveals the cave’s internal structure and unique gypsum formations but also offers an immersive viewing experience.” The team also explored the northwestern part of the massif, identifying small gypsum systems and passages several tens of meters in length. To the east, near the snowy peak of Airybaba at an altitude of 2,400 meters, they discovered a cave marked on their maps. However, adverse weather conditions delayed a full survey of the site. Despite challenges in accessing some areas, the expedition yielded significant results. Koytendag reaffirmed its reputation as a geologically and biospeleologically rich region. The expedition’s findings were presented at a conference held at the French Institute in Ashgabat. Koytendag’s unique caves remain an untapped treasure, holding immense potential for advancing scientific and ecological understanding.

Energy Turkmenistan Export of Natural Gas Natural gas Gas Energy Infrastructure Energy Security Gas Pipelines

Uzbekistan Looks to Turkmen Gas to Tackle Winter Energy Crisis

Uzbekistan has faced persistent gas and electricity shortages for over 25 years, leaving many citizens to rely on stoves and makeshift heating systems to stay warm during harsh winters. In 2024 alone, 82 people have died, and another 80 remain in serious condition due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The situation could improve if Uzbekistan shifts to importing natural gas from Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan recently declined to renew its gas contract with Russia, citing its strategy to diversify exports and secure better prices. With natural gas reserves estimated at 17.5 trillion cubic meters, Turkmenistan is a regional energy powerhouse, supplying significant volumes to China while maintaining domestic stability. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s gas production has declined, exacerbating its energy crisis. Despite ranking 17th globally in terms of gas reserves, Uzbekistan produced only 33.48 billion cubic meters of natural gas between January and September 2024 - 4.8% less than during the same period last year. At the same time, energy demand is rising due to population growth and a 6% economic expansion. Experts suggest that prioritizing imports from Turkmenistan could alleviate Uzbekistan’s energy woes. Former Energy Minister Anvamirzo Khusainov highlights the 1,500-kilometer border shared by the two countries and the existing pipeline infrastructure that could facilitate Turkmen gas imports. However, such a decision would require Uzbekistan to reduce its historical reliance on Russia - a move that carries significant political implications. The approaching winter may force Tashkent to make this critical choice. Reliable and cost-effective gas supplies from Turkmenistan could provide much-needed relief and help Uzbekistan address its longstanding energy shortages.