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Turkmenistan strengthens ties through diplomacy and international cooperation
19.06.2025During May, Turkmenistan held a series of significant international events that contributed to strengthening its neutral and peacemaking potential, as well as developing partnerships with various countries and organisations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Libyan Culture Days were held in Ashgabat, accompanied by exhibitions, concerts and a conference on the contribution of Turkmen scientists to Arab culture and Islamic education. On 5 May, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the EU and the international organisation 'Hedayah' in the field of security. At the same time, Turkmenistan Day was held at the WHO European Office in Copenhagen to mark the anniversary of the country's neutrality. On 6 May, talks were held with the Saudi Arabian ambassador and representatives of UN-Habitat on sustainable urban development. On 8 May, the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed bilateral and regional issues. From 12 to 16 May, the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry hosted the first regional seminar for young diplomats in Central Asia, as well as a competition on the culture of peaceful dialogue among students. On 13 May, a meeting with UN coordinators from Central Asian countries was held in Ashgabat, during which the region's contribution to the implementation of UN initiatives in the areas of climate, gender equality, digitalisation and health was highlighted. On 13-14 May, a conference on climate change was held in Ashgabat, organised jointly with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). On 14 May, meetings were held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and representatives of ‘Petronas’, ministers of the UAE, and agreements were signed with the Malaysian and Emirati sides on cooperation in the oil and gas sector. On 15 May, prospects for cooperation with Lithuania were discussed. On 16 May, in Kazan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held talks with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, emphasising the high level of relations between the countries. On 18–19 May, the Tehran Dialogue Forum was held in Tehran, where Turkmenistan presented its priorities in the field of transport diplomacy. From 19 to 20 May, the international music festival ‘Music of the World’ was held in Ashgabat, as well as a meeting of the Turkmen-Iranian intergovernmental commission, which ended with the signing of a protocol. The Turkmen delegation met with Iranian leaders to discuss economic and humanitarian issues. On 20 May, the first Central and South Asia Dialogue was held in Termez, where issues of sustainable development and regional integration were discussed. On 21 May, projects in the field of youth policy were discussed with a UN representative at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. From 21 to 23 May, a Turkmen delegation visited China, where negotiations were held with representatives of the NPC and the PRC, including on parliamentary cooperation and the implementation of initiatives within the framework of the UN. On 22 May, a video conference of the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan was held to discuss the country's priorities under the 2026-2030 Framework Programme for Cooperation, with a focus on sustainable development, energy, the environment and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Japanese Ambassador visits oil and gas university in Turkmenistan
19.06.2025On 17 June, Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki visited the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. During the visit, the diplomat presented the university with several dozen books in English on Japanese culture and society, donated by the Nippon Foundation. The ambassador also toured the library and reading rooms of the educational institution, visited the Geology Museum and familiarised himself with the work of the DRILL SIM-5000 drilling laboratory at the Faculty of Oil and Gas. At the end of his visit, Hiroshi Sasaki expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and the opportunity to visit the university.
Scientists in Turkmenistan have developed innovative trellises for vineyards
19.06.2025Experts from the Laboratory of Alternative Energy Sources and Measurement Instrument Technologies at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have introduced a new material for viticulture: hydrophobic sulphur concrete cages. PhD in Technical Sciences, Meretmuhammet Hudayberdiyev, has the potential to revolutionise agriculture. This information was featured in the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: The Golden age’. Traditionally, grape trellises are made of wood or metal, but these materials are susceptible to rot, corrosion, and deterioration due to moisture and chemical exposure. The new sulphur concrete composite lacks these drawbacks—it possesses high mechanical strength, resistance to aggressive environments, and, most importantly, hydrophobic properties, i.e., the ability to repel water. This technology, developed by Turkmen scientists, is opening new horizons for the agricultural sector by reducing maintenance costs and increasing production efficiency. The application of these technologies is particularly important for countries with hot climates where traditional materials wear out quickly. Experts highlight that sulphur concrete trellis serves as a successful example of the effective use of modern materials in agriculture and contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture. In the future, this technology could be adapted for other crops requiring support structures.
UNDP, with support from the Government of Japan, conducted a series of youth training sessions in Turkmenistan
18.06.2025From 28 May to 18 June 2025, a series of training sessions for young people was held in six etraps of Turkmenistan as part of a UNDP regional project on preventing violent extremism. The events, organised by UNDP with the support of the Government of Japan, brought together more than 180 participants from the country's pilot districts. This was reported by the IIC. The training sessions aimed to raise young people's awareness of government programmes for socio-economic support and to develop skills that will help them to remain resilient in the face of modern challenges. Participants in the mentoring training sessions had the opportunity to engage in open dialogue and exchange experiences. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan and contributes to the creation of an inclusive environment for the active participation of young people in society.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation in the field of human rights in Brussels
18.06.2025The 17th round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place in Brussels on 17 June this year. The meeting, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, allowed the parties to discuss key issues of human rights protection, the rule of law and gender equality. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The delegation included representatives of the Ministries of Education, Labour and Social Protection, Internal Affairs, Justice, the Supreme Court, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, as well as the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, the Turkmen side presented progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights (2021-2025), including measures on judicial reform, protection of socio-economic rights and promotion of gender equality. Particular attention was paid to the fulfilment of international obligations, including those under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The parties also discussed cooperation with the UN, the OSCE and other international organisations, emphasising Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue in the field of human rights. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on further developing partnership in this area.
In August, Ashgabat will host the international exhibition ‘Kids Expo’
18.06.2025From 21 to 23 August, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international universal exhibition and fair. This was reported by the portal ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The forum will serve as a platform for presenting products and services aimed at children, ranging from everyday goods to solutions in the field of education and leisure. The event will be attended by companies seeking to strengthen business ties and promote their brands on the market. According to the organisers, the aim of the exhibition is to stimulate the introduction of innovative approaches in the children's goods and services industry, as well as to attract foreign investment to the national market.
Turkmenistan discussed issues related to combating desertification at a round table in Ashgabat
18.06.2025On 17 June, a round table was held in Ashgabat on the integration of the principles of neutral balance of land degradation (LDN) into national land use policy. The event was timed to coincide with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was organised by the Scientific and Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Global Environment Facility. Representatives of the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Turkmenistan Parliament, and relevant ministries and agencies took part in the discussion. The main focus was on incorporating LDN principles into the updated National Action Programme to Combat Desertification. Participants considered issues of strategic planning, coordination of environmental policies and improvement of the legal framework for sustainable land use. Particular attention was paid to the integration of land degradation neutrality principles into the country's land management system. The event was an important step in the implementation of Turkmenistan's environmental policy and the fulfilment of its international commitments in the field of sustainable development.
Ceremonies honouring graduates of military HEIs were held in Turkmenistan
15.06.2025Ceremonies were held in Ashgabat to honour graduates of the Military Academy, the Military Institute of the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan named after Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi the Great, the Border Institute, the Institute of National Security and the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the Military Medical Faculty of the State Medical University named after Myrat Garryev. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The celebrations began with the laying of flowers at the monuments to Berdimuhamed Annayev and Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as at the monuments of the ‘Halk hakydasy’ Memorial Complex. The main part of the celebration took place on the square near the Constitution Monument. Young officers received diplomas and badges and took the oath of allegiance. The President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, General of the Army Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the graduates with a congratulatory speech. The address emphasised the role of military educational institutions in training personnel to defend independence, neutrality and law and order. The modernisation of the military education system, the introduction of new technologies and the importance of patriotic education were also noted. The festive atmosphere was complemented by performances by creative groups and demonstrations by the Honour Guard. The celebration ended with a parade of cadets. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Head of State for his support and attention to military personnel and promised to serve Turkmenistan with honour.
Turkmenistan launches nationwide campaign for World Blood Donor Day
15.06.2025On 14 June, a nationwide blood donation campaign was launched in Turkmenistan to mark World Blood Donor Day. The campaign is being held under the slogan ‘Give blood, give hope: together we save lives’ and covers medical institutions throughout the country. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The key event was the start of the donation campaign at the International Centre for Surgery and Endocrinology in Ashgabat, where medical workers from the capital's clinics joined in to donate blood. The campaign was organised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the Blood Centre under the Directorate of Infectious Disease Centres.
Representatives of travel agencies of Turkmenistan visited Antalya
15.06.2025Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Turkish Airlines have organised a familiarisation trip to Antalya for representatives of ten travel agencies from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. As part of the ‘Sea, Sand and Sun’ programme, participants visited eight high-class hotels and explored the region's natural, historical and cultural attractions. In addition, Turkmen specialists held business meetings with representatives of the Turkish tourism industry and sampled the local cuisine.
The UAE expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for humanitarian support
14.06.2025On 14 June 2025, Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan, sent official letters to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The messages express sincere gratitude to the leadership and people of Turkmenistan for the prompt humanitarian assistance provided to passengers of UAE airline flights who were forced to stay at Ashgabat International Airport on 13 June 2025. The ambassador particularly noted that the Turkmen authorities provided the passengers with food, water and everything necessary during the several hours of waiting, demonstrating high humanitarian principles and traditional hospitality. This gesture by Turkmenistan confirmed its reputation as a responsible and reliable international partner, ready to come to the aid of others in unforeseen situations.
Turkmenistan provides assistance to passengers of delayed FlyDubai flights
14.06.2025Turkmenistan has demonstrated responsibility and humanity by providing comprehensive support to passengers on several FlyDubai transit flights that were forced to land at Ashgabat International Airport due to the temporary closure of airspace. Among the flights was the Astana-Dubai route with dozens of Kazakh citizens on board. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen side immediately organised comfortable conditions for the temporary accommodation of passengers, providing them with everything necessary and establishing operational cooperation with diplomatic missions. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev, arrived at the location, personally spoke with his compatriots and guaranteed them the full support of the Kazakh diplomatic mission. The passengers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Turkmen authorities for their professional approach and hospitality, as well as to the Kazakh diplomats for their prompt assistance. This incident clearly demonstrated Turkmenistan's readiness to respond promptly to unforeseen situations and provide effective international support. Work is currently underway to restore regular air service as soon as possible.
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