A festive event was held at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat to mark Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The festival, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, was marked by the lighting of the traditional Diya lamp, floral decorations and a vibrant cultural programme. Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked Turkmenistan for its hospitality and recalled recent high-level contacts, including meetings between the leaders of India and Turkmenistan at the SCO summit. The Diplomat emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan in the region and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Guests at the event enjoyed Indian dances, performances by Turkmen artists with Indian hits, traditional dishes and the atmosphere of Bollywood. The event demonstrated not only the strategic partnership, but also the deep cultural ties between the countries, which are strengthened through the exchange of traditions, art and spiritual values.
On 17 October, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation held a formal reception dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 80th anniversary of the UN, and the conclusion of the ‘UN Friendship Games – 80’ tournament. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan and the UN Information Centre in Moscow. Among the participants were representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, diplomats, UN staff, public and scientific figures, journalists and tournament participants. Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, emphasised that the country, following the principles of neutrality, actively contributes to the strengthening of peace and cooperation. The ‘UN Friendship Games – 80’, held from 4 August to 12 October, brought together teams from diplomatic missions, universities and sports schools. The tournament became a symbol of friendship and sporting unity. Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Vershinin noted the high level of organisation and atmosphere of mutual understanding. The speakers emphasised Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of ‘sports diplomacy’ and the promotion of the ideas of neutrality. A ceremony was held to award the winners, a video presentation about the tournament, a concert, and a tasting of Turkmen cuisine.
Representatives of Turkmenistan, together with delegations from Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, took part in the 27th General Assembly of Universities and Research Centres of the Caspian Countries, held in Atyrau (Kazakhstan). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together rectors, scientists and experts to discuss the development of science, education, ecology and innovation in the region. Kayrat Nurtayev, Deputy Akim of the Atyrau Region, and invited guests delivered welcoming speeches, and a message from Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, was read out. Participants discussed the protection of the Caspian Sea ecosystem and the prospects for joint scientific projects. Julie Rançon, Associate Professor at the University of Poitiers (France), emphasised the international significance of the Assembly as a platform for strengthening cooperation. The event culminated in the signing of memoranda between universities and the presentation of new initiatives aimed at sustainable development and the integration of science and education in the Caspian region.
The city of Arkadag has been awarded the V.I. Blinnikov Gold Medal by the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) — a high award for achievements in the field of innovative development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the 47th meeting of the EAPO Administrative Council who arrived in Turkmenistan. The guests familiarised themselves with the architecture and technological features of the ‘smart’ city, created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It was noted that Arkadag has become a model for the implementation of advanced urban planning solutions and a symbol of state policy aimed at improving the quality of life of the population. EAPO President G. Ivliev emphasised that the numerous awards and patents received by the city confirm its status as an innovation centre. The gold medal was accepted by the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City, Deryageldi Orazov. The participants in the ceremony noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the patent system and intellectual property, as well as the strengthening of international cooperation in this area. The event concluded with an address to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
The National Library of the Republic of Azerbaijan has officially opened a ‘Turkmenistan Corner’ as part of the recently concluded Days of Turkmenistan Culture. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The new centre symbolises the strengthening of cultural cooperation between the two countries and will become a permanent platform for introducing the Azerbaijani audience to the literary, scientific and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. On the opening day, a round table was also held with the participation of representatives of science and culture from both countries. Participants discussed ways to develop cultural and educational ties, including academic exchanges, joint research and translations of literary works. The event highlighted the importance of the historical and spiritual unity of the Turkic peoples and was a step towards further deepening the humanitarian dialogue between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The opening of the ‘Turkmenistan Corner’ consolidated the results of the Culture Days, turning a temporary exchange format into a permanent source of knowledge about the country and its traditions.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the Regional Ministerial Conference on ending violence against children, which was held on 13–14 October in Bucharest. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection; and included representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF in Turkmenistan. The conference was organised by the Romanian Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity in conjunction with UNICEF and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence against Children. Turkmenistan presented its key achievements: the implementation of the National Action Plan on Children's Rights for 2023-2028, the development of inter-agency cooperation, and the creation of comprehensive family support and child-friendly justice services. The Head of delegation emphasised that protecting children is a state responsibility and an investment in a secure future for society, and that international partnerships help to improve legislation and social programmes.
The International University for the Humanities and Development held a series of events as part of Italian Language Week under the slogan ‘Italofonia: Language Beyond Borders.’ This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The initiative aims to promote the Italian language and culture, as well as to develop educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy. The week was organised with the support of the Italian Embassy and brought together diplomats, teachers, students and renowned Italian professors. Maria Giovanna Farci and Francesco Giommoni gave lectures to participants, and an exhibition dedicated to Italian culture and literature was opened. The programme included discussions on international cooperation, academic exchanges, seminars and specialised Italian language courses. The project provided an opportunity for young Turkmen to learn more about the history, art, cinema and other aspects of Italian heritage. The university also employs an Italian professor.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, under the headship of Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazar Agahanov, took part in the closing ceremony of the World Expo 2025, which was held on 13 October in Osaka. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by members of the Japanese imperial family, representatives of the government and international organisations, heads of diplomatic missions and delegations of participating countries. Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, H. Ishige noted the successful completion of the exhibition and thanked all countries for their participation. After the flag was raised and the anthem was played, speeches were made by Japanese Minister for EXPO 2025 Yoshitaka, Chairman of the Japan Association of the World Exposition 2025 Masakazu, and Osaka Prefecture Governor Yoshimura, who emphasised that the exhibition had made the city one of the centres of world tourism. Crown Prince Akishino and Prime Minister Ishiba also delivered speeches. The ceremony included video clips about EXPO events and speeches by cultural figures. At the end of the ceremony, the World Exhibition flag was solemnly handed over to the delegation of Saudi Arabia, the host country of EXPO 2030 in Riyadh.
The EXPO 2025 World Exhibition, held under the slogan ‘Designing future society for our lives,’ has come to an end in Osaka. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Over the course of six months, the event became a platform for international cooperation and innovation, bringing together more than 150 countries. The National Pavilion of Turkmenistan was among the three most popular exhibits at the exhibition. Under the theme ‘Inspiring a Better Tomorrow,’ it presented the country's cultural heritage, traditions and modern achievements, including the Arkadag ‘smart’ city project. Over 2 million people visited the pavilion during the exhibition. EXPO 2025 was held from 13 April to 13 October on Yumeshima Island, attracting around 28 million visitors from all over the world.
Scientific research in the field of human physiology in Turkmenistan is reaching new heights and has already gained recognition from the global scientific community. This was stated at the conference ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ by Professor Hanns-Christian Gunga, Head of the Center for Space Medicine and Extreme Environments at Charité – University Medicine Berlin, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The scientist devoted his speech to the impact of climate change on human health. According to him, particularly noticeable transformations are taking place in Central Asia, where rising air temperatures are becoming a serious challenge to the physiological capabilities of the body. Overheating can cause ‘heat stress’ and disrupt a person's internal balance. The professor recalled that last year, specialists from the Berlin Centre held courses in Ashgabat on human physiology in extreme environments. Turkmen doctors, teachers and students familiarised themselves with modern research and developments, after which they presented their own projects and practical solutions for combating heat stress. These achievements were highly praised by international experts. Gunga also noted that the opening of the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Physiology in Ashgabat and the use of modern technologies will raise Turkmen physiological science to a new level. He expressed his readiness for further cooperation and gratitude to the Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan for organising the conference.
On 10 October 2025, a briefing was held in Baku under the auspices of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a mosque in the city of Fizuli. This mosque is being built by Turkmenistan as a gift to Azerbaijan, according to AsmanNews. The event was attended by the Advisor to the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Fizuli, Aghdam and Khojavend districts, leaders and deputies of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani part of the Working Group on Interparliamentary Relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan, the First Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Heads of the Azerbaijan International Relations Analysis Centre, Ambassadors of Turkic-speaking countries, political scientists, representatives of public organisations and leading media outlets. Particular emphasis was placed on the symbolic significance of laying the foundation stone for the mosque in Fizuli on the initiative of Turkmenistan within the framework of the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States. For the first time in the history of Turkic-speaking states, the foundation stone of a mosque, a blessed place for Muslims, was laid jointly. Participants in the event noted that the initiative will strengthen friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, as well as contribute to the development of cooperation among all Turkic-speaking countries. It was emphasised that the Azerbaijani people highly appreciate this gift, which symbolises the unity of the two nations.
On 8 October, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, held a meeting with professors, lecturers and students of Sunway University. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Dean of the Business School of Sunway University, Honorary Professor Lim Weng Marc, thanked the embassy for organising the meeting and spoke about the university's work with foreign students. He noted that there are currently more than 250 Turkmen students studying at the university and expressed his intention to expand cooperation. In turn, the Turkmen side thanked the university for its support of students, emphasising the attention paid to their educational issues by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The meeting also discussed Turkmenistan's UN-recognised status of permanent neutrality, the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, and preparations for an international forum in Ashgabat in December 2025.