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Horseback riding as medicine: rehabilitation at the Arkadag Children's Center
09.04.2026In the city of Arkadag, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre actively employs modern health restoration methods, including regular sessions of hippotherapy. Horse riding therapy takes place in the indoor riding arena of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and combines physical rehabilitation with psychological support, reports IIC. The horse’s biorhythmic movements stimulate the nervous system, normalise muscle function, and develop coordination and balance. Interaction with the animals boosts the children’s confidence and aids their social adaptation. Ahal-Teke horses, known for their sensitivity and patience and traditionally regarded as a source of spiritual strength for the Turkmen people, are particularly valuable in this process. This method has seen significant development due to the initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The centre’s collaboration with the International Academy of Horse Breeding allows national traditions to be combined with modern medical approaches. Today, hippotherapy in the city of Arkadag is yielding noticeable results, supporting the health and well-being of children.
Italy has appointed a new Ambassador to Turkmenistan
09.04.2026Martin Brook has been appointed Italy’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan. Commenting on his appointment, the diplomat noted that he considers it a great honour to represent Italy in Turkmenistan — a friendly nation which, in his words, shares Rome’s commitment to dialogue for the sake of strengthening peace and international security, according to the news website Turkmenportal. He also emphasised that one of the key areas of his work will be the development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. In this post, Brook succeeds Luigi Ferrari, who had headed Italy’s diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan since December 2022. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Italy were established on 9 June 1992. The Italian Embassy in Ashgabat has been operational since December 2013, and Turkmenistan’s diplomatic mission in Rome since December 2016.
Turkmenistan and South Korea have agreed on ways to strengthen their cooperation
09.04.2026On 9 April, political consultations were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Ms Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties emphasised the high level of bilateral relations and the importance of regular high-level contacts. Political and diplomatic ties, inter-parliamentary cooperation and the strengthening of the legal framework were discussed. The agenda also included trade and economic partnership and cooperation in the energy sector, industry, shipbuilding, transport, water management, infrastructure and environmental protection. The role of the Turkmen-Korean Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the Joint Turkmen-Korean Business Council in expanding economic interaction was noted. The parties exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed their intention to continue constructive cooperation. The strengthening of humanitarian cooperation – in science, education, healthcare, culture, tourism and sport – was discussed separately. The consultations concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual interest in the further development of the Turkmen-Korean partnership.
Turkmenistan and India are strengthening their cooperation through youth exchanges
09.04.2026Turkmen-Indian cooperation has been developing more actively in recent years. One such step was the visit of a youth delegation from Turkmenistan to India. This was reported by IIC. The programme covered Mumbai, Goa and New Delhi. The main focus was on learning from experiences in the fields of technology, science, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. In Mumbai, the delegation visited the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where they familiarised themselves with educational approaches and scientific developments. Meetings were also held with representatives of the state of Maharashtra, and visits were made to cultural sites, including the Elephanta Caves and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum. In the state of Goa, participants explored the activities of the National Institute of Oceanography and research in the field of marine resources. During a meeting with the Governor, the role of youth contacts in the development of bilateral relations was highlighted. The final stage took place in New Delhi. The delegation met with representatives of the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ platform, where joint initiatives were discussed. A visit was also made to cultural heritage sites, including Humayun’s Tomb. Following the visit, the parties noted the importance of exchanging experiences and developing youth diplomacy as a tool for strengthening international cooperation.
A French pianist will perform a programme of European classics in Ashgabat
09.04.2026On 10 April, French pianist Christine Fonlupt will give a concert in Ashgabat at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. This will be her first performance for a Turkmen audience. This information comes from IIC. The event is organised by the French Institute in Turkmenistan as part of the ‘Francophonie 2026’ programme. The concert forms part of the artist’s tour of Central Asian countries. The programme features works of European classical music accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The pianist will perform pieces by French composers, including Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Georges Bizet, Cécile Chaminade and Mel Bonis, showcasing the diversity of France’s musical traditions.
‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’ discussed a partnership in the oil and gas sector
09.04.2026On 3 April, representatives of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ held online negotiations with representatives of the Japanese company ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’, during which they discussed prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Japanese side presented information on its activities, as well as the company’s capabilities in the oil and gas sector. During the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the proposals presented and considered the prospects for establishing cooperation in this area. The negotiations were organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan.
Mikhail Mishustin will attend the meeting of CIS Heads of Government in Ashgabat
09.04.2026Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May in Ashgabat. This was announced by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reports IIC. According to the diplomat, preparations for the visits are in full swing and reflect the high level of strategic partnership between Moscow and Ashgabat. Organisational work is nearing completion. Earlier, a protocol was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan regarding preparations for a meeting between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev and CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit on 9 October to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. In 2026, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS, heading the Council of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will act as co-chairs. Ashgabat’s active participation in the organisation’s work is seen as a factor in strengthening multilateral dialogue and stability in the region.
Turkmenistan is promoting cultural exchange and educational projects in Japan
09.04.2026Atadurdy Bayramov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, paid a visit to Nara Prefecture, the historic cradle of Japanese statehood. This was reported by the news agency Orient. A round-table discussion was held at Nara University of Education, dedicated to the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, as well as the unique Ahal-Teke breed. During the visit, discussions focused on establishing an official sister-city relationship with Nara, Japan’s first capital, as well as prospects for cooperation with the Nara National Museum. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held meetings with the prefectural governor and the mayor of the city, discussing areas of cooperation in the fields of tourism and education.
Turkmenistan will take part in the ‘Kazan Halal Market’ exhibition
09.04.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the international exhibition ‘Kazan Halal Market’, which will be held from 12 to 17 May in Kazan as part of the ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ event. This was announced by Talia Minullina, Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will feature food products, cosmetics, clothing, accessories and household goods. A halal certificate is a mandatory requirement for participation. In 2024, more than 150 companies from Russia and a number of other countries, including Turkmenistan, took part in the exhibition. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the forum, Turkmenistan, Russia and Afghanistan plan to sign an agreement on the creation of a new transit corridor.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent a message to the President of Vietnam
09.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State expressed his best wishes and noted the significance of this event. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan wished To Lam good health, energy and success in his state duties for the benefit of the Vietnamese people.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people has arrived in Austria on a visit
09.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 8 April for a visit to the Republic of Austria. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. He was seen off by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. A few hours later, the plane arrived in Vienna, where the delegation was met by representatives from both the Austrian and Turkmen sides. Turkmen-Austrian cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Contacts between the countries are maintained on a regular basis. Austria supports Turkmenistan’s international initiatives in the fields of security, energy and the development of transport corridors. Economic cooperation is developing within the framework of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission. Projects in industry, construction and the investment sector are being considered. Austrian companies are involved in the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects in Turkmenistan. Priorities include transport and logistics, including the development of transcontinental routes, as well as energy and the implementation of environmental solutions. The parties are also developing cooperation in education, science and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan spoke at the ceremony marking the start of construction of the settlement
09.04.2026On 8 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the ceremony marking the start of construction of a new settlement in the Ymambaba gengeshlik of the Yoloten etrap of Mary velayat. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that large-scale projects to build towns, villages and industrial facilities are continuing across the country. Particular attention is being paid to providing the population with modern and affordable housing. The President emphasised that, as part of national programmes, the construction of new settlements is being carried out consistently across all regions. According to him, this contributes to raising living standards and creating jobs. It was noted that the new settlement will cover more than 800 hectares. Plans are in place to build 4,500 residential buildings, designed to accommodate more than 22,500 residents. Schools, nurseries, a health centre, a community centre, administrative buildings and a mosque are also planned. The Head of State separately highlighted the importance of the socio-economic development of the Mary velayat and the implementation of major projects, including the forthcoming launch of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development. In conclusion, the President confirmed that regional development and improving the well-being of the population remain key objectives of state policy.
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