Society
The Embassy of Turkmenistan has organised a cultural area at ‘Spring Fest 2026’
03.05.2026On 29 April 2026, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in the ‘Spring Fest 2026’ festival, which was held at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission. The diplomatic mission organised a stand featuring national decorations, carpets and traditional dishes. Festival guests were introduced to elements of Turkmen culture and sampled national delicacies. The programme also included a performance of the national dance ‘Kushtdepdi’. The festival brought together students, lecturers and foreign guests. The event served as a platform for cultural exchange and the development of international contacts. The Embassy of Turkmenistan expressed its gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural heritage.
A review of the programme on sport and gender equality was held in Ashgabat
03.05.2026A two-day seminar summarising the results of the pilot youth volunteer programme ‘Youth, Sport and Gender Equality’ has concluded in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport and UNFPA. The seminar was attended by representatives of relevant ministries, district administrations, coaches and volunteers from all regions of the country. Participants reviewed the implementation of the programme in five velayats and Ashgabat. Discussions focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing the participation of women and girls in sport within the framework of national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The impact of social stereotypes on youth engagement in physical education was examined separately. Following the seminar, experts drew up recommendations on integrating the project’s methodology into the secondary education system. This should broaden young people’s access to sporting activities and enhance opportunities for self-fulfilment, regardless of the region in which they live.
Turkmenistan will take part in the World Cities Forum in Baku
03.05.2026A Turkmen delegation will take part in the 13th session of the World Cities Forum, which will be held from 17 to 22 May in Baku. The event is being organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in conjunction with the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the preparations, according to TDH. The decision was taken following a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The Head of State instructed that the necessary arrangements be made for the country’s delegation to participate in the forum and issued the relevant instructions to the relevant agencies.
Turkmenistan will take part in international events in Kazan
03.05.2026Turkmenistan will take part in international events to be held on 13–14 May in Kazan. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, reported on the preparations, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The delegation will be led by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. Participation is planned in the International Economic Forum ‘Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum’. The delegation will also take part in exhibitions and specialised events, including the ‘Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World EXPO’, the ‘International Property Market’, the ‘Kazan Halal Market’ fair and the ‘Modest Fashion Day’ festival. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noted the importance of these events for the development of trade and economic cooperation with Russia and instructed that a high level of participation be ensured.
A Turkmen delegation will take part in the Windsor Horse Games in London
03.05.2026A working visit by a Turkmen delegation to London is scheduled for 16–17 May. The visit will include attendance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and equestrian competitions, held under the patronage of the British Royal Family. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The above information was reported by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the government meeting on 1 May. Preparations are also underway for an exhibition dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and the traditions of Turkmen horse breeding. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for meticulous organisation of the visit, noting its particular significance in the context of the year, which is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in equestrian competitions and a conference in Uzbekistan
02.05.2026Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the international equestrian competitions and ‘The Pearl of the East’ beauty contest, which will be held from 9 to 10 May in Tashkent. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The issue of preparations for events related to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports was discussed on 1 May at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. A report on the matter was presented by Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Also, as part of the Turkmen delegation’s visit to Uzbekistan, participation in the conference ‘The Ahal-Teke Horse – a Symbol of Friendship between Nations’ is planned. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that national horse breeders and Ahal-Teke horses be ensured participation in the upcoming international events.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the resumption of air links
02.05.2026Turkmenistan and Pakistan have discussed the resumption of direct air links. The matter was discussed at a meeting between Pakistan’s Ambassador Faryal Leghari and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Batyr Annayev, according to Infoportal, citing the press service of the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. The parties confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the transport and communications sectors. Among the priorities are the development of civil aviation and the resolution of organisational issues for the launch of scheduled flights. Road and rail transport were also discussed. The possibility of Pakistan accessing Central Asian markets via Turkmenistan was noted. An increase in trade turnover using rail routes through Iran was considered. The meeting participants agreed to accelerate work on trade agreements ahead of the upcoming visit by the Turkmen delegation to Islamabad.
Moldova paid tribute to the memory of the Turkmen writer Nurmyrat Saryhanov
02.05.2026On 29 April, a formal ceremony was held in the Moldovan village of Delacau to mark the 120th anniversary of the birth of Nurmyrat Saryhanov, a classic of Turkmen literature. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was attended by Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the Anenii Noi district administration, members of the public and local residents. Those attending the ceremony paid tribute to the writer by laying flowers at the memorial where he is buried. Nurmyrat Saryhanov died in May 1944, fighting for the liberation of Moldova from the fascist invaders. His fate became a symbol of the unity of literary talent and personal heroism: in 1942, he went to the front, setting aside his creative work in favour of the struggle for freedom. The memorial in Delacau, where the writer’s memory is enshrined, has been extensively restored on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The Turkmenistan Women’s Union and UNICEF discussed support for mothers
01.05.2026A meeting took place at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan between Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Central Council of the Women’s Union, and Jalpa Ratna, Head of the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed programmes to support parenthood and promote breastfeeding. Berdiliyeva spoke about the Women’s Union’s educational work among young women as part of the ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’ strategy. New areas of cooperation in the field of early childhood development were also discussed. Jalpa Ratna noted the effectiveness of the partnership with the Women’s Union and expressed her willingness to continue joint projects.
Turkmenistan represented the IT sector at a forum in Japan
01.05.2026A delegation from the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan took part in the international innovation forum ‘SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026’, which was held in Tokyo from 27 to 29 April 2026. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together companies, start-ups and experts from various countries. The main focus was on new technologies, digital solutions and the development of international cooperation. Participants presented developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, ‘smart’ cities, ‘green’ energy and the digital economy. There was also an exchange of experience and discussion of joint projects. The Turkmen delegation held working meetings with foreign technology companies. Discussions centred on digital infrastructure, telecommunications, AI, services and the development of the start-up ecosystem.
An OSCE seminar on identifying victims of human trafficking was held in Ashgabat
01.05.2026On 28–29 April 2026, a seminar entitled ‘Identifying victims of human trafficking: strengthening national security through a multidisciplinary approach’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by the OSCE. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was hosted by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Its aim was to present the practices of participating States in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing them with assistance. Experts from the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings spoke about indicators of such crimes and methods for profiling victims and offenders. The OSCE’s international obligations and the experience of countries in the region were also examined. Particular attention was paid to legislation and measures for the long-term support of victims. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, stated that Turkmenistan is participating in international efforts to combat human trafficking. According to him, the seminar aims to develop an approach that takes into account the social and psychological aspects of working with victims. Participants discussed the importance of addressing the post-traumatic condition of victims and the need for inter-agency cooperation in identifying them. The seminar was attended by representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Bar Association and civil society organisations.
Turkmenistan is stepping up its cooperation with Chinese IT companies
01.05.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan held negotiations in Ashgabat with representatives of leading Chinese technology companies. The negotiations were attended by Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, Minister of Communications. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the field of high technology. The talks focused on joint projects, including the establishment of research centres in the field of artificial intelligence, the implementation of Internet of Things and ‘smart city’ solutions, as well as the development of neural network and quantum technologies. Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev noted that artificial intelligence is regarded as a strategic priority. According to him, such technologies are important for improving the efficiency of public administration and the development of medicine, education and the economy. The negotiations were attended by representatives from ‘Huawei Technologies Co., LTD’, ‘FE ZTE INVESTMENT LLC’, ‘Shanghai DTSpace Futech Auto Tech Co.’, ‘Xinjiang Poplar Cable Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’ and ‘China Information and Communication Technologies Group Corporation’.
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