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Gay Man from Turkmenistan Recounts Ordeal of Prison, Psychiatric Hospitalization
A gay man from Turkmenistan, Arslan, shares his harrowing experience of facing charges of 'sodomy,' imprisonment, and forced hospitalization in a psychiatric clinic, along with constant humiliation. He now lives abroad and assists other persecuted LGBT individuals from his home country.
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Chinese Company Plans Entry into Uzbekistan's Taxi Market
A Chinese company intends to enter the Uzbek taxi market by launching 5,000 vehicles and its own application, according to the First Deputy Minister of Transport. The company's name and launch date were not disclosed, but it is expected to be a new player in the market soon. This news comes amid disruptions in Yandex Go services across Central Asia.
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Russia Recruits Around 1,400 Tajik Citizens for War in Ukraine in First Nine Months of 2026
Russia has involved approximately 1,400 Tajik citizens in the war against Ukraine in the first nine months of 2026, according to the Ukrainian project 'I Want to Live'. As of October 1, 2026, 20,437 Central Asian nationals were involved, with 5,308 from Tajikistan. Tajikistan ranks second among Central Asian countries in terms of citizens involved.
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Turkmenistan to Modernize 'Türkmengaz' State Concern's Infrastructure
Turkmenistan's President has signed a decree to modernize the material and technical base of the 'Türkmengaz' state concern. This initiative aims to successfully implement the tasks set for the oil and gas sector in the new era of the prosperous state.
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Turkmenistan Approves Ashgabat-Dashoguz Highway Project and Construction
In line with the national program for socio-economic development, Turkmenistan's President has authorized the Ministry of Automobile Roads to contract the design and construction of the Ashgabat-Dashoguz highway. The project includes a 546 km highway and an 812-meter bridge.
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Kremlin Spokesperson Announces Trilateral Russia-Ukraine-US Security Talks in Abu Dhabi
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US will take place in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled for the first half of November, the exact date is unconfirmed. The discussions will focus on security issues for both nations post-peace settlement. Peskov did not rule out European participation but confirmed the primary format is trilateral.
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Azattyq Journalist Detained in Almaty, Apartment Burgled While He Was at Police Station
Azattyq journalist Bagdat Asylbek was detained by police in Almaty on October 22nd after a call from someone claiming to be from cyber police. While Asylbek was at the police station providing a statement, unknown individuals broke into his apartment. He reported the burglary upon his return.
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Ukraine Awaits US Response on Starlink Restrictions, Lawmakers Demand Investigation
Ukraine has not yet received a response from the Pentagon or SpaceX regarding restrictions on its military's use of satellite internet. The Ukrainian interim charge d'affaires in Washington confirmed this, stating that Kyiv has received no answers. Meanwhile, bipartisan support is growing in Congress for an investigation into the matter.
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Turkmenistan Institute Marks 30 Years of Democracy and Human Rights Studies
The Institute of State, Law, and Democracy of Turkmenistan celebrates its 30th anniversary. The institute, established to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure constitutional rights, focuses on scientific research in human rights and freedoms. Turkmenistan emphasizes developing state-society relations based on law and individual freedom.
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New Oilseed Plant to Be Constructed in Turkmenistan's Dashoguz Region
Turkmenistan's President has signed a decree for the construction of a new oilseed processing plant in the Garashsyzlyk district of Dashoguz region. The plant will have an annual capacity to process 60,000 tons of industrial cotton seeds. This initiative aims to develop the agricultural sector and ensure food security.
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Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan Expand Humanitarian Dialogue
A trilateral meeting in Ashgabat focused on strengthening neighborly relations based on shared history and culture. Discussions included climate resilience, Turkmenistan's National Forest Program, a regional climate technology center, and environmental education for youth. The Azerbaijani and Uzbek delegations expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan's hospitality.
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Russia Seeks Clarification on New Entry Rules for Kazakhstan
Russia has requested clarification from Kazakhstan regarding new entry regulations. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that detailed information about the QazETA system has been sent through diplomatic channels to all affected countries. This follows a request for clarification from Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
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Turkmenistan: State employees and conscripts forced into cotton harvest
In Turkmenistan, state employees and conscripts are being compelled to participate in the cotton harvest. Officials are reportedly using the campaign for personal gain. Soldiers in Mary and Lebap regions are forced to pick cotton, facing penalties for not meeting quotas. Payments for their labor are allegedly withheld by commanders.
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Turkmenistan Supplies Over 477 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas to China
Since 2009, Turkmenistan has exported over 477 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China. The Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, operational since December 2009, currently delivers around 40 billion cubic meters annually. Agreements are in place to construct a fourth line, aiming to increase annual exports to 65 billion cubic meters.
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President's Book on Turkmen Neutrality Published in Azerbaijani
A presentation ceremony was held for the Azerbaijani translation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow's book 'Turkmenistan's Neutrality - A Clear Path to Peace and Trust'. The publication highlights Turkmenistan's foreign policy focused on global peace and good neighborliness, as recognized by the UN. The book details the goals and achievements of Turkmenistan's neutrality policy.
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International Oil and Gas Forum Held in Ashgabat
The "Turkmenistan Oil and Gas - 2026" international conference and exhibition has commenced in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan, a leading energy state with vast natural gas reserves, aims to expand energy partnerships and integrate innovative technologies. Organized by state concerns, the event facilitates direct relations, new projects, and global experience exchange.
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Woman Who Accused Official of Abuse and Pedophilia Abducted by Turkmen Security Forces
Jeren Altyeva, a resident of Bayramali who is seeking prosecution of a former husband, a high-ranking official, for sexual abuse against her and her 11-year-old daughter, was abducted from her home by security forces on October 16. She has been incommunicado for three days. Turkmen.news calls on President Serdar Berdimuhamedow to stop the arbitrary actions against Altyeva.
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Turkmenistan to participate in C5+1 ministerial meeting in Samarkand
Turkmenistan will attend the C5+1 ministerial meeting in Samarkand on October 19, focusing on cooperation in digitalization, education, healthcare, key minerals, energy, transport, agriculture, and finance. Foreign Minister R. Meredov presented Turkmenistan's preparations. He will also meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral ties and upcoming political consultations in Ashgabat.
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US State Department Upgrades Turkmenistan's Ranking in Trafficking Report
The US State Department has removed Turkmenistan from the Tier 2 Watch List in its 2025 report on trafficking in persons, upgrading its ranking. While still on Tier 2, the report notes Turkmenistan has shown 'generally increasing efforts' in combating trafficking, citing extended cooperation with the International Labour Organization and increased criminal cases against traffickers.
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Dashoguz Official's Spouse Involved in Serious Car Accident While Using Company Vehicle for Personal Errands
The spouse of a Dashoguz school principal, implicated in a bribery scandal, was involved in a serious car accident. The incident occurred while their company-issued Toyota Prado was being used for personal transportation, driven by the spouse's driver. The accident resulted in two individuals requiring intensive care. The official, a gas industry worker, has a history of misusing state property.
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Turkmenistan President Arrives in Azerbaijan for CICA Summit
Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Azerbaijan on October 15 for the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Azerbaijani officials. The previous CICA summit was held in Astana in October 2022.
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Turkmenistan: Construction companies face loan defaults as families await housing
Hundreds of families in Turkmenistan are unable to move into newly built apartments near Ashgabat due to state officials delaying acceptance documents. Construction companies, unable to receive payment, are struggling to repay bank loans, leading to penalties and financial difficulties. This situation is becoming more frequent in the construction market, with some firms reportedly closing and leaving the country.
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New Pre-trial Detention Center Constructed in Dashoguz Province, Turkmenistan
A new pre-trial detention center has been completed in Gulistan, near Dashoguz, Turkmenistan. The facility, surrounded by multiple fences, resembles a colony or prison, featuring outdoor exercise areas similar to those in other Turkmen penal institutions. Construction faced delays and funding issues, with officials reportedly resorting to extorting construction materials from traffic police and registration departments.
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Russia Destroys 18 Tons of Contaminated Tomatoes from Turkmenistan
Russian authorities in the Omsk region destroyed 18 tons of tomatoes imported from Turkmenistan due to the detection of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus. The contaminated shipment was identified at a temporary storage warehouse and subsequently incinerated to prevent the disease's spread into the region.
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Turkmenistan and EU Define Education Partnership Priorities Until 2034
Turkmenistan and the European Training Foundation (ETF) held a roundtable to define priorities for their education partnership until 2034. Discussions focused on modernizing vocational and higher education, digitalization, and developing skills in transport, logistics, energy, and digital communications. Joint action plans for 2028-2034 were outlined.
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Turkmenistan Launches E-Visa System, But Service Remains Unavailable
Turkmenistan officially introduced an electronic visa system and canceled mandatory invitations on October 1. Online registration for visitors is also planned. However, nearly two weeks after the official launch, the services remain inaccessible. The e-visa portal evisa.migration.gov.tm is partially functional, allowing status checks and account logins, but visa applications and registrations are not yet possible.
