Policy
Cooperation with Lithuania was discussed in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
02.10.2026A meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with a delegation from the Seimas of Lithuania, led by Dainius Varnas, Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of inter-parliamentary relations. The Lithuanian side expressed an interest in expanding cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and parliamentary spheres. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ framework. The participants noted its role in developing political dialogue and transport and logistics cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of parliamentary friendship groups for exchanging experience in the field of legislation and further strengthening bilateral relations.
A tapestry of national traditions: how Turkmenistan celebrated its independence anniversary
02.10.2026The celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence in 2026 took the form of a large-scale series of festivities, the main events of which were held in Ashgabat from 27 to 29 September. The anniversary brought together official ceremonies, a military parade, a cultural programme, equestrian displays and horse races, as well as events dedicated to the Ahal-Teke heritage. One of the key events on 27 September was the wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to Independence. It was attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country’s leadership, representatives of the military and law enforcement agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, civil society organisations, community elders, young people and residents of the capital. Following the performance of the national anthem, the President of Turkmenistan laid a wreath at the monument, after which participants in the ceremony laid flowers at its base. The celebrations continued with a military parade The main celebrations in honour of Independence Day took place on the square in front of the State Tribune complex. At 10.00, the Head of State arrived at the parade ground. Following a report by the Minister of Defence and Secretary of the State Security Council, B. Gundogdyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces inspected the parade participants before ascending the State Tribune. Following the performance of the national anthem, the national flag was raised, and the servicemen took the oath of allegiance to the Motherland and the people. Servicemen from various branches of the armed forces, cadets from military academies, law enforcement officers and special forces units marched in formation. For the first time, signals personnel took part in the celebratory parade. Marine units and mountain rifle battalions also marched in formation. Military equipment featured prominently. Mechanised columns passed in front of the State Tribune, showcasing armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery systems, air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. At the same time, a live broadcast showed ships passing through the port waters on the Caspian Sea. The Ahal-Teke horse became one of the key symbols of the anniversary A distinctive feature of the 35th anniversary celebrations of independence was that the military and official programme was complemented by a vivid national and cultural programme. One of the most striking moments was the procession of 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses. The number of riders symbolically corresponded to the anniversary date. This was followed by a performance by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, which showcased elements of traditional equestrian art and show jumping. An Ahal-Teke horse named Watan attracted particular attention. The light bay horse with a white mane was presented to the President of Turkmenistan on behalf of the members of the Government. Another symbolic feature was the students of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, who, riding Ahal-Teke horses, formed the number ‘35’. In addition, representatives from civil society continued the festive procession. Representatives of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis and civil society organisations of Turkmenistan, as well as workers from the education, healthcare, construction and road maintenance sectors, marched past the State Tribune. Separate columns were formed by young people and staff from various institutions and organisations. Management teams and artistic groups from the five velayats, along with singers, dancers and young performers, brought the festive programme to a close in front of the State Tribune. The celebrations continued at the racecourse On 28 September, the festive programme moved to the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. The programme included performances by the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group, equestrian competitions and horse races. Thus, the second day served as a continuation of the theme introduced during the parade. Whilst on 27 September the Ahal-Teke racehorses featured as part of the overall festive display, on 28 September equestrian culture took centre stage in its own right. The highlight of the programme was the festive horse races. In the final, seventh race, over a distance of 2,200 metres, the Grand Prize of the President of Turkmenistan was contested. The winner was the grey racehorse Bezirgen. The winner was awarded a cash prize of 300,000 manats and the Challenge Cup of the President of Turkmenistan. On the same day, the 16th meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Association took place in the capital, chaired by Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As part of the anniversary year, events dedicated to equestrian sport and Ahal-Teke racehorses were held in Turkmenistan and abroad. The meeting of the International Association continued the programme of celebrations, linking national tradition with international cooperation. In the same context, on 29 September, the 1,200-seat Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan was opened in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. The ceremony was attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Performances by cultural figures, artists and the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group took place on the complex’s grounds. The musical programme was interspersed with displays by Turkmen horse riders. The programme continued with a procession of 35 horsemen and a beauty contest for Turkmen Alabay dogs. This was followed by festive horse races. Horses representing all the velayats, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, took part in the competitions among professional jockeys. The National Leader of the Turkmen people rode the horse Daghan from the city of Arkadag. The horse had been specially trained by the young groom Kerimguly Berdimuhamedov. At the end of the races, the horse Daghan was declared the winner. The Hero Arkadag was announced as the winner of the main prize — a Range Rover Sport. Following the announcement of the results, the National Leader of the Turkmen people decided to donate the prize to the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan. The car was accepted by the Minister of Defence of Turkmenistan, Secretary of the State Security Council B. Gundogdyev. The anniversary as a unified festive programme When viewed as a whole, the programme of celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence forms a coherent sequence of events. On 27 September, official ceremonies and a military parade took centre stage. On the same day, the festive programme took on a vivid national character due to the participation of Ahal-Teke racehorses, 35 riders, the ‘Galkynyş’ ensemble and a performance featuring the racehorse Watan. On 28 September, the focus shifted to equestrian sports and national traditions. The celebrations at the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex concluded with horse races and the presentation of the President of Turkmenistan’s Grand Prize. On 29 September, the programme continued with the opening of the new Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, performances by artists and horsemen, a beauty contest for Alabay dogs, and celebratory horse races. As a result, the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence took on a multifaceted character. The official part centred on state symbols and a military parade; the cultural part was devoted to performances by artists and national traditions; whilst the sporting programme included equestrian competitions and horse races. The combination of these elements became one of the distinctive features of the 2026 anniversary celebrations. The programme was structured as a series of interconnected events, in which the 35th anniversary of independence was sequentially represented through a state ceremony, military tradition, culture, sport and national heritage. Ahal-Teke racehorses featured prominently in the programme. They were incorporated into the festival’s décor and symbolism, in a procession of 35 riders, in performances by the ‘Galkynyş’ group, in horse races and in international events.
The President of Turkmenistan has received messages of congratulations
02.10.2026Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, has received letters of congratulations from Heads of State to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen people on their national holiday. The French President highlighted the close ties between France and Turkmenistan, as well as their shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and multilateral cooperation. Emmanuel Macron emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan to France and called for the continuation and expansion of cooperation, including in the fields of the economy, culture, science and education. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden also sent his congratulations. He expressed his best wishes for the prosperity of the people of Turkmenistan. The President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, conveyed his congratulations on behalf of the people of Greece and on his own behalf, wishing Turkmenistan further progress, peace and prosperity. The President of the Republic of India, Draupadi Murmu, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Government and the people of Turkmenistan on behalf of the Government of India and on her own behalf. The President of India noted the development of bilateral ties in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mineral fertiliser production and education. India, she said, is ready to share its experience and knowledge in the field of development, taking into account Turkmenistan’s priorities. Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people on Independence Day, wishing them success in the country’s development and prosperity for the people.
The Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex is equipped to accommodate racehorses all year round
01.10.2026During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noted that the complex is equipped for the year-round care and breeding of Ahal-Teke horses. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The architecture of the facility blends in with the natural landscape and incorporates elements featuring depictions of famous Ahal-Teke horses. The complex includes laboratories and specialised departments fitted with modern veterinary equipment. These are used to study the physiological characteristics of the racehorses and monitor their health. To ensure a sufficient feed supply, alfalfa, various varieties of carrot and ‘Babarap’ apple trees are grown on the premises. There are also barns for storing feed, including barley and hay. The new complex is designed to further the work of preserving the pure bloodline and breeding Ahal-Teke racehorses using scientific and practical methods.
Ashgabat and Ankara have reaffirmed their interest in developing cooperation
01.10.2026On 30 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Myahri Byashimova, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, Shener Cebeci. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations, as well as topical issues of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic dialogue, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and collaboration in international forums. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing constructive cooperation and maintaining regular contacts.
The Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex has been fitted out with state-of-the-art sports facilities
01.10.2026At the opening of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the standard of its sports and training infrastructure and amenities. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The complex’s infrastructure meets international equestrian standards. For athletes and horse trainers, there are open-air and indoor riding arenas, a water treadmill, galloping tracks, spectator stands, an arena for horse training, and a special area for holding beauty contests for Ahal-Teke horses. A photo studio has been created for visitors, featuring themed settings reflecting the different seasons. Here, visitors can take commemorative photographs with Ahal-Teke horses. The access road to the complex and the lighting system have been completely refurbished. At the start of the route stand the sculptural composition ‘Ýanardag taýçanagy bilen binasy’ and the ‘Atly aýlaw’ monument. A woodland area has been created around the complex, creating a favourable microclimate and complementing the natural landscape.
Turkmenistan and Belarus discussed current issues relating to cooperation
01.10.2026On 30 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the upcoming events at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to the Chinese leadership
01.10.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent messages of congratulations to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted China’s role in developing international cooperation and promoting a constructive agenda based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that the country highly values the current level of trust and mutual understanding with the People’s Republic of China. According to the Head of State, the two countries are consistently expanding practical cooperation, strengthening trade and economic ties, developing partnerships in the energy, transport and humanitarian sectors, and maintaining a constructive dialogue on the international stage. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation and wished the Chinese leadership health, happiness and success, and the people of China peace, prosperity and well-being.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the participants at the Investment Forum
01.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of congratulations to the participants of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum, which is taking place in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the forum’s role in attracting investment, developing industry and introducing modern technologies. The Head of State emphasised that the event is intended to broaden dialogue between foreign investors, international financial and banking institutions, government bodies and the private sector in Turkmenistan. Forum participants will have the opportunity to discuss promising areas of cooperation, new production facilities, digital financial instruments and sustainable development technologies. According to the President of Turkmenistan, the country’s geopolitical and geo-economic position, as well as its natural resources, create opportunities for investment cooperation. Reforms aimed at industrialisation, digitalisation, the rational use of resources and the introduction of modern technologies are continuing in the country. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the implementation of regional infrastructure projects. These include the ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ section of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline between Serhetabat and Herat, as well as the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission and fibre-optic communication lines. The President of Turkmenistan announced the continuation of an investment policy focused on developing scientific and technological potential, introducing innovations and expanding international economic cooperation.
The Head of Turkmenistan addressed the country’s older generation
01.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the older generation and the people of the country on International Day of Older People. In his message, the Head of State emphasised the importance of respecting elders and their role in strengthening the continuity between generations, according to the TDH news agency. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that ensuring the well-being of the older generation, young people and the entire nation is one of the main objectives of state policy. According to the Head of State, the advice and life experience of elders help to strengthen social unity and to educate young people in the spirit of patriotism and humanism. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the decisions adopted at the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan on the eve of the 35th anniversary of independence. Representatives of the older generation were awarded the title ‘Hormatly il ýaşulusy’ for their outstanding contributions, whilst deserving mothers were awarded the ‘Zenan kalby’ Order. To mark the International Day of Older People, singing and musical events, as well as cultural and public gatherings, are taking place in cities and villages across the country. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted Turkmenistan’s achievements in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres, emphasising the importance of permanent neutrality, peacefulness and good-neighbourliness. The Head of State wished the elders, mothers and all his compatriots good health, well-being and success in the country’s development.
Mishustin confirmed his willingness to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan
01.10.2026Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, has confirmed his readiness to continue working together at government level to expand practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia. This was stated in a message of congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence, according to the TDH news agency. Mikhail Mishustin also highlighted the strengthening of Russian-Turkmen relations based on friendship, good neighbourliness and strategic partnership. In his message, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation noted Turkmenistan’s successes in socio-economic development, the implementation of infrastructure projects, the strengthening of industrial capacity, and the development of the cultural and educational sectors. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, well-being and further success in his state duties, and wished the country’s citizens happiness and prosperity.
Turkmenistan is involved in the development of digital cooperation within the CIS
01.10.2026On 29 September 2026, Dushanbe hosted the joint 66th meeting of the Council of Heads of Communications Administrations of the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC) and the 32nd meeting of the Co-ordinating Council of CIS Member States on Informatisation under the RCC. This was reported by the press service of IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Also present were delegations from Brazil, Egypt, Bahrain, Cuba and other countries, as well as representatives of the International Telecommunication Union, the Universal Postal Union and the business community. Participants considered around 20 issues relating to the development of digital cooperation. In particular, they discussed changes to the agreement on inter-operator settlements and the setting of tariffs for roaming telecommunications services. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of the CIS IT Start-up Technology Parks Alliance, as well as the Regional Expert Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. In the field of information security, a draft memorandum of cooperation on responding to cyber incidents was considered. As part of the expansion of international cooperation under the ‘CIS+’ format, the Republic of Cuba has been admitted as a member of the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications. Following the meeting, agreed decisions were taken on all agenda items. The next joint meeting is scheduled for the first half of 2027.
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