On May 8, 2026, the International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The Akhal-Teke Horse – A Symbol of Friendship Between Nations” was held at the “Yangi Toshkent Conference Hall” in the Tashkent region. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Uzbekistan Equestrian Federation and the horse breeding farm “Ўзбегим отлари.” The conference took place within the framework of the 2026 motto: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Determined Winged Horses.” The main focus was placed on the preservation and study of the Akhal-Teke horse breed, as well as its promotion as part of the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The event brought together representatives of relevant government agencies from both countries, equestrian organizations, scientists, breeding specialists, diplomats, public figures, students, and media representatives. The opening ceremony featured speeches by A. Berdyev, Director General of the State Association “Türkmen atlary,” A. Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Sh. Meredov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the plenary session, participants discussed the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the history of the Akhal-Teke breed, modern methods of horse breeding and care, as well as issues related to the preservation of the gene pool and the expansion of scientific cooperation. Special attention was given to the role of the Akhal-Teke horse as a symbol of friendship and humanitarian cooperation between countries in the region. Participants emphasized that such events contribute to the development of scientific dialogue and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The head of Georgian Railway, Lasha Abashidze, stated that the company expects further growth in cargo transportation from Turkmenistan amid a steady increase in trade turnover between the two countries. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. According to him, Turkmen Railways remains an important partner, and strong transportation figures have already been recorded this year. The parties expect further expansion of cooperation and a significant increase in cargo turnover by the end of the year. Abashidze also took part in negotiations in Ashgabat and attended a meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Georgian commission on economic cooperation together with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Economy.
Turkmenistan plans to host the forum of the “Sustainable Energy for All” (SEforALL) organization in 2027 on its territory. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vepa Hajiyev, and the Deputy Executive Director of SEforALL, Stefano Marguccio, in New York, according to the news website Turkmenportal.The parties also considered expanding cooperation in the field of sustainable energy, developing energy connectivity, and implementing Sustainable Development Goal 7, which is related to ensuring access to affordable and clean energy. Special attention was paid to the UN General Assembly resolution on the importance of stable energy connectivity, as well as the implementation of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035 and the Awaza Programme of Action for landlocked developing countries.
In Ashgabat, a ceremony was held at the “Mekan” Palace of the city administration to present monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan to war veterans and spouses of fallen soldiers. The event was dedicated to Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, AsmanNews reports. Before the ceremony began, participants visited an exhibition featuring materials from the war years, including frontline letters. The celebration opened with a concert program featuring performers from the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater of Turkmenistan. Songs and literary-musical compositions dedicated to the heroism of the defenders of the Motherland were performed. During the event, veterans spoke, sharing memories of the war years and expressing gratitude for the attention from the state. It was noted that Turkmenistan honors the contribution of participants of the Great Patriotic War and home front workers. The role of veterans in educating youth and preserving historical memory was emphasized. At the end of the ceremony, war veterans and spouses of fallen soldiers were presented with monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France, Maksat Charyyev, together with the heads of diplomatic missions of CIS countries, took part in a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the event, the Turkmen diplomat laid a wreath at the Soviet military cemetery near the commune of Noyers-Saint-Martin, where Soviet soldiers who died on French territory during World War II are buried. The mourning ceremony was also attended by the Ambassadors of Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
In Turkmenistan, ceremonial events, conferences, and exhibitions are being held to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Commemorative activities have been organized in the capital and across the country’s regions, according to AsmanNews. Under a decree of the President of Turkmenistan, war veterans and home front workers will receive monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the head of state. The authorities emphasize the contribution of the older generation to the defense of the Motherland, the strengthening of social unity, and the patriotic education of youth. To mark the commemorative date, the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan has opened an exhibition titled “Hakyda ýazylan ýatlamalar” (“Memories Written in Memory”). The display includes archival photographs, frontline letters, orders and medals, documents of war participants, as well as materials dedicated to the labor heroism of women on the home front. A special place in the exhibition is given to a carpet portrait of Berdimuhamed Annayev, the grandfather of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the great-grandfather of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Works by Hero-Arkadag and materials about war heroes are also presented. A festive exhibition titled “Gahrymanlarymyza hormat” (“Respect to Our Heroes”) has also been organized at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. It features works by Turkmen painters and sculptors dedicated to the heroism of the people during the war years. Ahead of Victory Day, the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management hosted a scientific-practical conference titled “Beýik Ýeňiş – baky şöhrata beslenen gahrymançylygyň, watansöýüjiligiň öçmez nusgasy” (“The Great Victory – an Immortal Example of Heroism and Patriotism Embellished with Eternal Glory”). Participants discussed the importance of historical memory, patriotic education, and Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented policy. Speakers emphasized that the feats of frontline soldiers and home front workers remain an example for current and future generations, and that preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War is regarded as an important part of national traditions.
The British architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects will take part in the 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026.” The forum will be held on May 24–25 in the capital of Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal reports. More than 100 companies from 25 countries are expected to participate. The program will focus on issues of sustainable urban development, infrastructure digitalization, and the long-term development of Ashgabat up to 2045. Zaha Hadid Architects was founded by the architect Zaha Hadid. The firm’s portfolio includes projects in the Middle East and Central Asia, such as the mixed-use complex The Opus and the BEEAH Headquarters in the UAE, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. As part of the forum, a roundtable discussion is planned with participation from UN agencies and international development institutions.
The “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum in Almaty has become the largest technology event in the region, bringing together global experts and industry leaders. The Turkmenistan-based “StartUp Academy” served as the information partner of the event, and its CEO Daniil Mayakovsky summarized the results of the participation, according to the news agency Orient. The main theme of the forum was artificial intelligence, with discussions focusing on AI implementation, cybersecurity, and public policy. The exhibition featured international companies including Dell, Intel, Huawei, Lenovo, and Salesforce. Speakers included representatives from Europe, China, the United States, and the Middle East. Special attention at the forum was given to startups and the development of the venture ecosystem in Central Asia. According to D. Mayakovsky, young technology companies are now becoming key drivers of innovation due to their flexibility and ability to quickly respond to market demands. For “StartUp Academy,” participation in “GITEX AI Kazakhstan” became an opportunity to strengthen international ties and discuss joint initiatives aimed at developing the region’s startup ecosystem. Forum participants noted the high level of organization and called the exhibition the most large-scale technology platform in Central Asia.
Lenovo sees potential for developing artificial intelligence projects in Turkmenistan. This was stated by Fuad Talibov, a representative of “Relationship EECA Lenovo Azerbaijan,” on the sidelines of the “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum, according to the Orient news agency. He emphasized that in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in interest in IT infrastructure solutions, computer hardware, and peripheral equipment across Central Asian countries. According to him, Lenovo has already implemented major projects in Turkmenistan. Talibov also noted that Lenovo offers comprehensive solutions for the public sector — from server equipment and data storage systems to the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. As an example, he referred to the company’s experience in implementing AI projects within government institutions in Azerbaijan, which, in his view, could also be adapted in other countries in the region, including Turkmenistan. Forum experts note that international technology companies are increasingly viewing Central Asia as a developing market for digital transformation and the deployment of IT infrastructure solutions.
A three-day workshop on modern content creation methods and the use of artificial intelligence in the media sector is taking place at the “Buig” company building (Carbon Center). The event is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the media, government institutions, and the creative industries. The program is aimed at enhancing the professional skills of journalists and content creators. The sessions are held in an interactive format, including practical assignments, teamwork, and case study analysis. International experts are working with the participants.
A delegation of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding and the “Turkmenatlany” association has departed for Tashkent to take part in equestrian competitions, the “Pearl of the East” exhibition, and a conference dedicated to the Akhal-Teke horse breed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The events will be held on May 9–10 in accordance with an instruction from the President of Turkmenistan, who previously emphasized the importance of international participation in promoting Akhal-Teke horses. The delegation, together with the horses, set off from the city of Arkadag from the “Akhan” monument and headed toward the Uzbek capital. The ceremonial send-off underscores the state’s attention to preserving cultural heritage and promoting the national horse breed abroad.
Turkmen entrepreneurs are invited to take part in the 25th international exhibition “ARMENIA EXPO 2026,” which will be held from September 4 to 6 in Yerevan at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The exhibition annually brings together manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and distributors from various countries, serving as a platform for the development of international cooperation. The event covers a wide range of industries — from construction and manufacturing to medicine, education, technology, and consumer goods — providing participants with opportunities to enter new markets, find partners, and promote their products.