Turkmenistan Seeks Role as Digital Bridge Between East and West, North and South

Turkmenistan is seeking to position itself as a regional digital bridge connecting East and West, as well as North and South, while advancing its digital economy and use of artificial intelligence across key sectors. This was reported in a press release published on October 31 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Deputy Minister of Communications Berdymyrat Berdyev, who leads the Turkmen delegation, set out the country's priorities at the international forum Kazan Digital Week 2026, held in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan from October 29 to 31.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Berdyev highlighted the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy and said Turkmenistan was seeking to strengthen its role at the intersection of major international transit routes. He noted that artificial intelligence is being applied in education and healthcare, through adaptive learning systems and algorithms for early disease diagnosis, and in the economy, through crop yield forecasting systems and intelligent transport flow management.

Particular attention was given to Arkadag, which Berdyev described as a model of a smart and environmentally sustainable city. Its infrastructure is based on advanced information and communication technologies and green solutions, with Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies integrated into a unified urban management and security platform.