A meeting was held at the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister Nursahat Shirimov and his Azerbaijani counterpart Murad Huseynov, according to the IIC. The sides discussed the development of intergovernmental cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as new areas of collaboration. A positive dynamic in bilateral relations was noted, with emphasis placed on the importance of strengthening ties based on the historical and cultural proximity of the two peoples. Special attention was given to cooperation in the field of cinematography, including joint projects and exchange of expertise between professionals. The importance of regularly holding Culture Days was also highlighted, as these events are seen as a tool for strengthening friendship and promoting the cultural heritage of both countries.
Events dedicated to the Days of Azerbaijani Culture were held in the city of Arkadag, IIC reported. The program began with a scientific conference at the city library named after Döwletmämmet Azadi. Participants discussed the literary heritage of the Turkmen poet and thinker Döwletmämmet Azadi and the Azerbaijani enlightener Seyid Azim Shirvani, highlighting the historical ties between the cultures of the two peoples. A photo exhibition opened at the Arkadag Museum of History and Local Lore, dedicated to the traditions, history, architecture, and modern life of Azerbaijan. The events concluded with a joint concert by Turkmen and Azerbaijani artists. Folk and pop performances were presented for the audience. The national equestrian group “Galkynysh” also performed, showcasing a program featuring elements of equestrian stunts on Akhal-Teke horses.
The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan, Ahmed Al-Hameli, held meetings with representatives of Turkmen businesses operating in the heavy machinery and agricultural equipment sectors, according to IIC. During talks with the management of the company “Dag Etek,” the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the supply and operation of heavy machinery and lifting cranes, as well as opportunities for implementing joint projects. A separate meeting was held with the head of the company “Oguz,” which specializes in supplying agricultural tractors, heavy equipment, and buses. Participants considered the expansion of business contacts and the development of partnerships. According to reports, the meetings were aimed at strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates, as well as identifying new areas of collaboration in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
On June 5, events were held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University as part of the environmental campaign “Cooperation for a Green Future,” dedicated to World Environment Day. The information was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The campaign was organized by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO together with the public organization “Young Naturalist.” The program included an exhibition titled “Eco-Steps: From the Past to the Future” and a thematic conference. The exhibition presented projects and initiatives in environmental education and environmental protection. Participants included UNESCO clubs, associated schools, creative groups, and representatives of the private sector. The conference brought together representatives of relevant government agencies, universities, public organizations, and international institutions. They discussed climate change, water diplomacy, pollution prevention, environmental security, and sustainable development. The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring the most active participants, who received certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts.
On June 5, a meeting of the culture ministers of the Central Asian countries and the United States was held in Tashkent in the C5+1 format. The event took place at the JW Marriott Hotel, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed further cooperation in the preservation, study, and promotion of cultural heritage. Particular attention was given to joint projects involving museums, research centers, and specialized institutions, as well as the expansion of professional exchange programs. The sides also reviewed issues related to the digitalization of historical and cultural heritage sites and the introduction of modern technologies for their research, documentation, and preservation. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan G. Muradaliyev emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation in fostering dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and the United States. He also highlighted Turkmenistan’s experience in working with international partners on cultural heritage preservation projects, including initiatives supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The meeting followed up on agreements reached at the C5+1 Summit in Washington in November 2025, which resulted in the adoption of a Joint Statement of Intent on cultural heritage preservation.
At the international trade fair Turkmentextile Expo 2026, Turkmen designer Anna Korostova unveiled her debut fashion collection under the Anna Kor brand. The collection, titled Anew, combines elements of Turkmen national traditions with contemporary European fashion trends, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. According to the designer, her interest in fashion began in childhood. Anna started creating sketches and sewing clothes at an early age. She later received professional training in garment construction, as well as education in marketing and management. The name of the collection carries a dual meaning. It refers to Anau, the designer’s hometown, while also symbolizing a “new beginning” in English. The collection features dresses, skirts, and blouses. Traditional Turkmen materials, including panbarhat (silk velvet) and handmade silk, were used in the designs. Some pieces were made from keteni fabric and decorated with traditional embroidery. A distinctive feature of the collection is the combination of European silhouettes with elements of Turkmen cultural heritage. The presentation at Turkmentextile Expo 2026 marked the first large-scale showcase of Anna Korostova’s work to a wide audience.
On June 5, during exchange trading on the foreign market, entrepreneurs from Turkey concluded deals with Turkmen entrepreneurs to purchase textile products. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded deals with the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan for the purchase of cotton yarn and first-grade refined cottonseed oil. As a result of the trading session, 9 deals were concluded for a total amount of 55 million manats and 24 thousand US dollars.
The results of the youth competition “Future of the Aral Sea – Creating Solutions Today,” dedicated to World Environment Day, were announced at the United Nations building in Ashgabat. The news was reported by the Orient News Agency. The initiative, organized by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and supported by the GEF, showcased young people's interest in applying digital technologies to address environmental challenges. Instead of traditional written submissions, participants presented 3D models and visual projects aimed at solving problems in the Aral Sea region. The exhibition attracted the attention of international experts and UN agency representatives, covering topics such as water conservation, combating desertification, and natural resource management. According to Narine Saakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, engaging young people in the climate agenda is crucial for the region’s sustainable development, and the organization will continue supporting similar initiatives. The jury recognized several projects in different categories. The award for Best Innovative Idea went to an AI-based digital model for the adaptation of the Uzboy River and the Aral Sea, developed by Lale Garyagdyyeva. In the Eco-Design category, projects on remote Earth sensing and “Green Protection” were honored, while the concept “A World at the Crossroads of Two Roads” was named the Most Inspiring Project. The winners received certificates and prizes, while all participants were recognized for their creativity and environmental focus. The project became part of broader long-term efforts to promote environmental education and introduce technologies for restoring the ecosystems of the Aral Sea region.
An exhibition of Azerbaijani decorative and applied arts has opened in Ashgabat. The exhibition is based on exhibits from the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan, covering a period from the 19th century to the present day, according to the IIC. A separate section is dedicated to carpet schools. On display are Guba carpets “Gymyly,” Karabakh carpets “Arjiman,” and Baku carpets “Zili.” Household items such as khorjuns and chuvals with traditional ornaments are also presented. The contemporary section features works by Azerbaijani masters, including tapestries by Khalida Nasirova titled “Azerbaijan in the Third Millennium” and carpets by Eldar Mikayilzade titled “Shebi-Khijran” and “Leyli and Majnun,” inspired by the poetry of Fuzuli. Jewelry and metalworking art pieces are also showcased. Visitors can see copper vessels, bathhouse chests (hamam trunks), and silver jewelry. The exhibition also demonstrates shebeke, a traditional technique of creating wooden window lattices with colored glass without the use of nails or glue. The organizers noted that the exhibition has become a platform for cultural exchange and expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for organizing the Culture Days and supporting bilateral cooperation.
In Geneva, on the sidelines of the 114th session of the International Labour Conference, a meeting was held between the chairpersons of national trade union centers of Central Asian countries and representatives of the Bureau for Workers’ Activities of the International Labour Organization (ACTRAV). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of trade unions from Mongolia and Azerbaijan also took part in the meeting. The participants discussed the development of the trade union movement, strengthening social dialogue, and expanding cooperation between trade union organizations in the region. They also exchanged information on planned activities for the current year. Separately, preparations were discussed for an upcoming meeting in November in Ashgabat of the chairpersons of trade unions from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, as well as a scientific and practical conference. These events are included in the 2026–2027 Joint Action Plan signed in May between the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities and the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue regional cooperation and further develop interaction in the interests of workers. Also, on June 4, on the sidelines of the session, a meeting took place between the Chairperson of the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, Oguldzhanet Berdiliyeva, and the Chairperson of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin. The sides discussed the development of cooperation between the trade unions of the two countries, the protection of workers’ labor rights, and the strengthening of social partnership. The Chairperson of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan invited Oguldzhanet Berdiliyeva to visit Kazakhstan for a bilateral meeting and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the national trade union centers. The Turkmen side also received an invitation to a regional trade union conference in Almaty. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation between the trade unions of the two countries.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, during a working visit to Lisbon organized by the OSCE office in Ashgabat, visited the headquarters of the Portuguese public broadcasting corporation RTP. This was reported by the IIC. The delegation included representatives of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as editors from state media outlets. Discussions focused on the modernization of broadcasting standards and the exchange of professional experience. Portuguese specialists presented practices for the technical and editorial upgrading of television and radio channels. The Turkmen side introduced colleagues to the development of the national media industry and presented the Belet streaming platform. During the meeting, the Portuguese side noted the technological level and design of the platform, as well as expressed interest in its sports and multimedia content. Following the visit, both sides noted the strengthening of professional contacts. Turkmen representatives thanked RTP for the reception and the opportunity to study European media experience for the further development of national media.
As part of the international exhibition-fair Turkmentextile Expo – 2026, a fashion show took place on June 4 featuring designers from France, Morocco, Oman, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Among the honorary guests of the event were Carlo D’Amario, CEO of the fashion house Vivienne Westwood, and Marzio Nocera, founder of Fashion Channel Italy. In his speech, Nocera thanked the organizers and highlighted the role of international platforms in promoting designers in the global market. The show opened with a collection by the Ashgabat fashion house “Miras” under the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. The presented looks incorporated elements of national costume, traditional ornaments, and jewelry, including “gulyaka,” “tumar,” and “alaja.” The musical accompaniment of the evening featured a performance by Dovran Shammyyev. At the conclusion of the show, Carlo D’Amario shared his views on trends in the global fashion industry. According to him, modern brands are increasingly focusing on combining quality, affordability, and cultural identity. He also emphasized the importance of historical heritage as a foundation for developing new design solutions.