The Mary–Turkmenabat section of the high-speed Ashgabat–Turkmenabat highway will be opened and commissioned in 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said Friday at an expanded Cabinet of Ministers meeting.

According to Turkmenistan’s official media, the president said a new modern village and a multipurpose power plant will be commissioned this year in the Gyzylarbat district of Balkan province. Residential buildings and a complex of facilities are also scheduled to open in the Guwlymayak settlement of the Turkmenbashi district.

The government also plans the ceremonial opening of new building complexes for the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi.

To improve living standards, significant financial resources will be allocated to road construction, the development of communications systems, and water, gas and power supply networks, as well as the construction of water treatment and sewage facilities.

The president also said a series of international events is planned in connection with the year declared as Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses.” A government decree has been signed to establish a State Organizing Committee to oversee preparations and ensure a high standard for all planned events.

At the expanded Cabinet meeting, officials reviewed the country’s performance in 2025, heard reports from vice premiers, heads of relevant ministries and provincial governors, and discussed socioeconomic development priorities for 2026, including personnel appointments and dismissals.