[Today’s Prayer] “Turkmenistan, the ‘Hermit Nation,’ May Open Its Doors to Foreign Tourists”Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country known as one of the most closed-off nations in the world, is drawing

According to The Times of Central Asia (TCA) on the 17th, Turkmen authorities held an event in cooperation with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote the country’s tourism potential to global visitors.

An international conference titled “Turkmen Travel–2026” was held over four days starting on the 14th at a hotel in the capital, Ashgabat, along with an exhibition.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated at the conference, “Turkmenistan places importance on expanding international cooperation in the tourism sector,” and called for collaboration with international organizations such as the UNWTO.

He also introduced major domestic tourist attractions and added that the country’s tourism sector is growing.

(omitted)

It is unusual for the Turkmen president to actively encourage attracting tourists.

Turkmen authorities had held similar international conferences in 2023 and 2024, but this time they expanded the scale by including an exhibition.

Until now, visiting Turkmenistan has been difficult for foreigners due to complicated procedures such as submitting invitation letters.

Because of this, Turkmenistan’s tourism resources have been seen as somewhat mysterious to outsiders.

In the capital Ashgabat, one can see rows of white marble towers lined up like a parade, as well as large empty spaces with fountains.

In other regions, there are vast deserts and large Silk Road historical sites.

One tourism industry participant described Turkmenistan as “surreal.”

Experts point out that while efforts to attract tourists through such events are important, improvements in entry procedures and visitor convenience are also needed.

Turkmenistan has a population of about 7 million, the smallest in Central Asia, but its land area is more than twice the size of the Korean Peninsula, making it the second largest after Kazakhstan.

About 80% of its territory is desert, and it is rich in natural resources such as gas.

Source: Nate News

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

We hear the encouraging news that Turkmenistan, known as one of the most closed countries in the world and sometimes called the “North Korea of Central Asia,” has unusually held an event to attract foreign tourists and even delivered a message at the presidential level.

We praise You, Lord, for opening Turkmenistan, where even simple visits once required invitation letters and strict visa procedures, making it difficult for the gospel to enter.

From this year on, may entry procedures be improved and convenience for visitors expanded, so that the movement of the gospel toward Turkmenistan may continue to grow under Your guidance.

Open the gates until the gospel of Jesus Christ fills the hearts of the Turkmen people, and strengthen the Turkmen church so that it may proclaim Jesus, who is the blessing of peace.

Let the churches of Central Asia and the global church serve the Turkmen people with all their hearts according to the time You have appointed, and open long-term paths to serve Turkmenistan.

So that Turkmenistan may run like a swift horse along the Silk Road, breaking through all barriers and advancing toward the nations, preparing the way for the Lord’s return.