Latest news with #Turkmen
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Surreal and secretive, this Asian country is finally opening up
The Tolkuchka bazaar (also known as Altyn Asyr Bazaar), a 20-minute drive from downtown Ashgabat, affords visitors a glimpse of older Turkmen ways. Its shape is meant to resemble a Turkmen carpet and while it's only the fifth largest in Central Asia, it covers 100 hectares. Stalls sell spices, fake Rolexes, livestock, carpets, souvenirs, vegetables and fruit. Melons are a specialism; Turkmenistan has a crossbreed muskmelon called the Turkmenbashi melon. The second Sunday in August is National Melon Day. Turkmenistan is twice the size of the UK, almost as big as Spain. It has more than 4800 kilometres of railways, including lines to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia, and the 540-kilometre Trans-Karakum Railway across the desert of the same name. The most celebrated 'sight' here is the Gates of Hell gas crater at Darvaza, burning since the '80s when someone took out a match to prevent the emission of poisonous gases caused by a gas field's collapse 20 years earlier. A long, Milton-esque stairway in a cave at the foot of a mountain leads to the Köw Ata Underground Lake, where you can swim in sulphurous waters. Ancient Merv is a Unesco World Heritage site, a repository of 4000 years of history and 'the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia'. Nokhur cemetery in southern Turkmenistan contains tombstones decorated with mountain goat horns – believed by the Nokhuris (who claim to have descended from Alexander the Great's soldiers) to protect against evil spirits. Animism, Islam and Zoroastrianism are routinely melded, causing some traditional Muslims to take umbrage at Turkmenistan's bespoke approach to theology. The country is dotted with photogenic rock-scapes. Yangykala Canyon is the one that you see most often on promotional material, with its striated limestone walls rising out of an ancient seabed. Turkmenistan is a de facto one-party state with no serious opposition permitted. Should that put anyone off? Only if you also want to discard China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Eritrea; the US is a de facto two-party state and is more likely to go in the other direction than to suddenly announce a trio of options. Turkmenistan has some of the slowest and most tightly controlled internet – positive messaging only is firmly encouraged – which is, of course, a major issue for locals. Youtube, WhatsApp and Facebook are blocked. There's no roaming. All in all, it's also an excuse for tourists to switch off and forget screens and report back on their experiences once they get home. For the time being, a letter of invitation is required (though this will be retired with the introduction of the new e-visa); tour firms will usually take care of the red tape. The Australian government's Smart Traveller website also advises, 'you must take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival, and if you have a positive test result, you may be required to quarantine in a state-run facility or at your place of residence under medical supervision'. THE DETAILS Loading Fly Turkmenistan Airlines does not fly to Australia, but does fly from Ashgabat to several Asian hubs where passengers can connect to the airline, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, Turkish Airlines flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Ashgabat via Istanbul. Stay The five-star Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat has rooms from about $480 per night.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Surreal and secretive, this Asian country is finally opening up
The Tolkuchka bazaar (also known as Altyn Asyr Bazaar), a 20-minute drive from downtown Ashgabat, affords visitors a glimpse of older Turkmen ways. Its shape is meant to resemble a Turkmen carpet and while it's only the fifth largest in Central Asia, it covers 100 hectares. Stalls sell spices, fake Rolexes, livestock, carpets, souvenirs, vegetables and fruit. Melons are a specialism; Turkmenistan has a crossbreed muskmelon called the Turkmenbashi melon. The second Sunday in August is National Melon Day. Turkmenistan is twice the size of the UK, almost as big as Spain. It has more than 4800 kilometres of railways, including lines to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia, and the 540-kilometre Trans-Karakum Railway across the desert of the same name. The most celebrated 'sight' here is the Gates of Hell gas crater at Darvaza, burning since the '80s when someone took out a match to prevent the emission of poisonous gases caused by a gas field's collapse 20 years earlier. A long, Milton-esque stairway in a cave at the foot of a mountain leads to the Köw Ata Underground Lake, where you can swim in sulphurous waters. Ancient Merv is a Unesco World Heritage site, a repository of 4000 years of history and 'the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia'. Nokhur cemetery in southern Turkmenistan contains tombstones decorated with mountain goat horns – believed by the Nokhuris (who claim to have descended from Alexander the Great's soldiers) to protect against evil spirits. Animism, Islam and Zoroastrianism are routinely melded, causing some traditional Muslims to take umbrage at Turkmenistan's bespoke approach to theology. The country is dotted with photogenic rock-scapes. Yangykala Canyon is the one that you see most often on promotional material, with its striated limestone walls rising out of an ancient seabed. Turkmenistan is a de facto one-party state with no serious opposition permitted. Should that put anyone off? Only if you also want to discard China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Eritrea; the US is a de facto two-party state and is more likely to go in the other direction than to suddenly announce a trio of options. Turkmenistan has some of the slowest and most tightly controlled internet – positive messaging only is firmly encouraged – which is, of course, a major issue for locals. Youtube, WhatsApp and Facebook are blocked. There's no roaming. All in all, it's also an excuse for tourists to switch off and forget screens and report back on their experiences once they get home. For the time being, a letter of invitation is required (though this will be retired with the introduction of the new e-visa); tour firms will usually take care of the red tape. The Australian government's Smart Traveller website also advises, 'you must take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival, and if you have a positive test result, you may be required to quarantine in a state-run facility or at your place of residence under medical supervision'. THE DETAILS Loading Fly Turkmenistan Airlines does not fly to Australia, but does fly from Ashgabat to several Asian hubs where passengers can connect to the airline, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, Turkish Airlines flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Ashgabat via Istanbul. Stay The five-star Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat has rooms from about $480 per night.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt pushes for early TTA finalisation with Turkmenistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning emphasised the strategic importance of accelerating the early finalisation of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Transit Trade Agreement, which will pave the way for broader regional connectivity and economic integration. The minister expressed these views in a meeting with the newly-appointed Ambassador-designate to Turkmenistan, Dr Faryal Leghari who called on him on Saturday. Both the leaders discussed a wide array of initiatives aimed at deepening economic, trade, educational, and infrastructural ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, in light of shared regional interests and upcoming diplomatic milestones. The minister said, 'Turkmenistan's proximity to Afghanistan makes it Pakistan's closest link to Central Asia. Leveraging this geography can unlock unprecedented economic corridors.' Dr Faryal Leghari said that her research interests, centered on Political Geography at University of Oxford, will equip her to navigate geopolitical dynamics that influence diplomacy. The minister acknowledged the qualifications of Ambassador-designate to Turkmenistan, stating that a comprehensive understanding of political geography will prove useful while taking decisions related to regional connectivity. Pakistan, Turkmenistan to develop closer ties in trade, investment The minister stated that while Pakistan's imports from Turkmenistan amount to USD 3.69 million, the exports are significantly lower, with a great potential to be increased. He suggested reducing the import-export gap between the two countries by addressing logistical challenges. Both sides expressed interest in organising a Joint Business Expo, facilitating direct engagement between businesses and investors from both nations. The minister particularly highlighted Pakistan's marble industry as a major export opportunity. 'Pakistan has one of the richest varieties of marble in the world. The city of Ashgabat boasts of beautiful white marble architecture and lush greenery, maintained through efficient drip irrigation system. Turkmenistan can benefit significantly by importing quality marble directly from Pakistan, which currently comes from Vietnam,' said the minister, referring to his recent visit to Turkmenistan. Additionally, the minister highlighted other high-potential exports including fruits, vegetables, and rice, stressing the importance of establishing direct air connectivity for timely cargo shipments. 'Establishing air cargo routes will ensure that Pakistan's premium fruits and vegetables, particularly our world-renowned mangoes, reach Turkmen markets fresh and fast,' he added. Dr Faryal stated that Pakistan, being the 5th largest producer of mangoes, can export mangoes to Turkmenistan via air cargo, benefiting from the potential linkage made possible through direct flights. She reiterated that establishing direct air connectivity will be an advantageous possibility for both countries. The minister emphasised on Pakistan's commitment to the Turkmenistan– Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, stressing upon its capacity to connect Central Asia to Europe and beyond. Ambassador-designate Dr Faryal Leghari reiterated the importance of Karachi and Gwadar ports and their immense potential to attract trade from Central Asian countries. Recognising the role of human capital in bilateral development, both sides agreed to initiate a student exchange programme between universities in various disciplines. In the technology sector, the minister shared that Pakistan is the world's 4th largest freelancing nation, referencing the World Bank 2023 Digital Economy Report, and expressed readiness to export IT services and digital skills to Turkmenistan. 'Our youth, possessing competitive digital skills, can provide critical support to Turkmenistan's growing IT and service sector needs,' the minister said. The minister added that digital transformation is one of Pakistan's key priorities under Uraan Pakistan Economic Plan. Dr Faryal Leghari expressed strong confidence in exploring partnerships in science and IT fields during her tenure in Turkmenistan. The meeting also acknowledged the significance of Turkmenistan's 30th Anniversary of Neutrality being observed this year. 'The anniversary, during which Prime Minister will visit Turkmenistan during end of year, will provide a platform for high-level engagement, reinforcing bilateral trust and emphasising Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and cooperation,' said the planning minister. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Ministry of Electricity Announces Imminent Contracts with Saudi and Emirati Companies to Establish Five Solar Power Stations
The Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that it is close to signing contracts with two companies—one Saudi and the other Emirati—to construct five solar power stations. It also noted that the Gulf electricity interconnection project has reached 93% completion. The official spokesperson for the Ministry, Ahmed Moussa, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), 'The current crisis affecting electricity supply is now recognized by all parties—government, parliament, and citizens alike—as being largely due to the significant reduction in imported gas supplies. While some power stations operate on domestic gas or fuel, others rely on imported gas, specifically from Iran. The sharp drop in Iranian gas supplies has led to the shutdown of several generation units, weakening the electricity grid, especially during this period of rising temperatures and increased demand.' He added, 'The Ministry has lost nearly 4,000 megawatts of production capacity. This loss significantly affects electricity supply hours. Although the Ministry had adequately prepared its stations and generation units, the current challenges stem from fuel shortages. The government and Ministry have long considered alternative solutions, including diversifying gas sources.' Moussa stated that the current electricity production stands at approximately 23,000 megawatts, while the loss caused by the gas shortage is around 4,000 megawatts. 'If sufficient fuel were available, the system could potentially reach a load capacity of 27,000 megawatts,' he said. 'Supply hours vary by province, area, fuel availability, temperature, and the efficiency of distribution networks, which has led to disparities in electricity supply even within the same province.' He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to distributing electricity fairly but is constrained by external factors that disrupt station operations. 'Over the past 18 months, the Ministry signed a gas supply agreement with Turkmenistan, providing for the delivery of 20 million cubic meters in summer and 10 million in winter via Iranian territory. However, due to U.S. sanctions on Iran, the Trade Bank of Iraq was unable to open letters of credit and transfer funds to the Turkmen side.' Moussa also stated that 'the four power lines with Iran were halted on January 8 due to sanctions, causing a loss of over 1,000 megawatts, significantly affecting provinces such as Diyala, particularly the districts of Al-Khalis and Khanaqin.' He added that 'the interconnection with Jordan is now operational, with increased electricity transfer based on directives from the Prime Minister. The connection with Turkey is also online, currently supplying 300 megawatts, with plans to increase this to 600 megawatts by mid-next month.' He further noted, 'The interconnection with the Gulf, via Kuwait, has reached 93% completion, and in the near future, it will be finalized, allowing Basra province to receive electricity through this link.' Regarding renewable energy initiatives, Moussa stated: 'The government has taken significant steps to diversify energy sources, including the use of renewable and solar energy, and even waste-to-energy solutions. The Ministry is currently working with major companies to construct solar power plants in Basra, Muthanna, Karbala, Babil, and Dhi Qar. ' He added, 'The Ministry is close to signing a contract with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build a 1,000-megawatt solar plant in Najaf. It is also negotiating with the UAE's Masdar to establish four additional solar plants with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Another key project involves converting 534 government buildings to solar power, starting with the Government Palace, as directed by the Prime Minister. This will reduce the burden on the grid and ensure self-sufficiency for these institutions.' Finally, Moussa said: 'A third initiative involves the Central Bank and local banks offering small loans to citizens for the purchase of solar power systems. The Ministry has approved certain companies after reviewing technical and commercial proposals. Citizens can now obtain solar systems through these companies using low-interest loans. While the interest rate was previously 8%, it has been reduced to 2.5%, and the repayment period extended from four to seven years. These measures represent significant government support to ease the pressure on the national grid and promote renewable energy adoption.'
Iraqi News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq seeks new approaches to import gas from Turkmenistan
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has proposed an alternative method to import natural gas from Turkmenistan to address the country's inability to import Turkmen gas, despite a written agreement between the two countries. The spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, Ahmed Musa, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Iraq had previously signed a gas supply agreement with Turkmenistan for an average of 20 million cubic meters per day. This gas will be transported to Iraq via pipelines that connect Turkmenistan and Iran to compensate for the decreasing gas supplies from Tehran. Musa clarified that this approach has been hindered by the Trade Bank of Iraq's (TBI) inability to issue a letter of credit to allow Iraq to pay for gas imports due to US sanctions on Iran. The Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, arrived in Turkmenistan on Sunday to accelerate the fulfillment of a gas supply contract with Iraq. Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 with Turkmenistan to import the gas it needs to operate its power plants, according to the Ministry of Electricity, which indicated that the step requires additional negotiations related to the mechanism of transporting gas through Iran. Power plants in Iraq depend on gas imports from Iran, which cover one-third of the country's energy needs. Fadel indicated earlier that Iraq will get gas from Turkmenistan through Iran's pipeline network, which is connected to Iraq and will eventually serve the country's power plants. Over the next five years, the arrangement will allow Turkmen gas to be transported to Iraq across Iran. Iraq has apparently completed all of the required steps to begin importing gas from Turkmenistan in January 2024. The key reason for the delay is the need to execute a detailed agreement with Iran, the country of transit.
