On 28 May 2025, the 10th meeting of the Council of Heads of Customs Administrations of the Member States of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) was held in Tehran. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by the Chairman of the State Customs Service of the country, Maksat Hudaykuliyev. The main focus was on the development of regional cooperation, trade facilitation and the modernisation of customs procedures. The Turkmen side voiced its proposals for strengthening cooperation in this area. Following the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that the agreements reached would contribute to the development of regional ties and international transit. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation also held a bilateral meeting with Iranian counterparts, discussing the implementation of the joint action plan and current areas of cooperation.
In order to comply with industrial safety legislation and modernise the national education system, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed Decrees aimed at ensuring the country's safety and sustainable development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The first Decree was adopted in accordance with Article 12 of the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities’ and is aimed at ensuring the reliable operation of such facilities, improving the level of control and preventing possible incidents. According to the second Decree, the Ministry of Education is authorised to conclude a contract for the design and construction of the Güneşli Children and Youth Centre in Ashgabat. The new centre will be equipped with modern facilities and landscaped to create a comfortable urban environment. In addition, an observatory with a telescope for space observation will be created at the expense of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship at the Bazar Amanov State Children's Library, which will be located on the territory of the Centre. The library will also receive the latest digital equipment. Construction work is scheduled to begin in June 2025. The facility is expected to be commissioned in May 2027.
In order to preserve the spiritual and moral values of the Turkmen people and strengthen national traditions, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree on the celebration of Gurban Bayramy (Eid al-Adha) in 2025. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, the holidays are set for 6, 7 and 8 June. The day off on 8 June will be moved to 9 June. The Decree is based on the provisions of Article 81 of the Labour Code of Turkmenistan. The document emphasises the importance of observing traditional values, generosity, humanism and morality. All institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, are obliged to ensure compliance with this Decree.
Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the National Trade Union Centre and Central Council of Women's Unions of Turkmenistan, will represent Turkmenistan at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILO), which will be held in Geneva from 2 to 13 June 2025. This was reported by the IIC. According to the source, during the event, delegates from governments, employers' organisations and trade unions from around the world will discuss key challenges in the labour market. Topics will include measures to reduce informal employment, ensuring decent working conditions in the digital economy, gender equality, the development of social dialogue, and the ILO's contribution to promoting social progress. Representatives of all 187 ILO member states have confirmed their participation in the conference. In addition, the Second Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice is scheduled for 12 June, aimed at uniting efforts to combat social injustice and promote the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
On 28 May 2025, an online meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima. The main topic of the talks was preparations for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In the course of constructive talks, the sides discussed in detail the organisational and substantive aspects of preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Particular attention was paid to issues of organisational and protocol nature, the formation of the substantive agenda of the forthcoming conference, as well as the current state of preparation of conference halls and premises for plenary sessions, round tables, forums and other side events. The importance of the conference as a significant international forum that would make a significant contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the context of addressing the specific problems and challenges faced by landlocked developing countries, was highlighted during the discussion.
Uzbekistan is hosting the CAFA international football tournament among youth national teams (U-17) from 24-31 May, with six countries in the region taking part: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran. This is reported by IIC. Turkmen football referees Arslan Goshshanov and Mergen Allaberdiyev were selected to officiate the matches of this prestigious competition. Their participation emphasises the growing authority of the Turkmen refereeing school in Central Asia. The tournament provides young footballers with valuable international experience. The Turkmen national team demonstrates a worthy game, and the work of Turkmen referees receives high marks from the organisers.
On 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments of the country, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and heads of structural units of various UN agencies. The key issues on the agenda were the analysis of the current stage of implementation of the Framework Programme, discussion of the parameters of the new cycle for 2026-2030, as well as approval of the Country Programmes of UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA for the same period. The source notes that the meeting emphasised the strong partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN, noting the high level of cooperation in priority areas of sustainable development. There was a common understanding of the need for an integrated and strategic approach aimed at achieving concrete results in the long term.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Turkmenistan to Nicuşor Daniel Dan on his assumption of office as President of Romania. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Romania health, happiness and success, and wished peace, prosperity and further development to the people of Romania
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message on behalf of the people and the government of Turkmenistan to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The message underlines confidence in further strengthening and progressive development of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, friendship and mutual understanding in the interests of both countries and their peoples. In addition, the President of Turkmenistan wished Ilham Aliyev good health, happiness and success in his state activity, and the people of Azerbaijan peace, stability and further prosperity.
On 26 May 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held telephone talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the conversation, the sides discussed topical issues of strategic partnership, including cooperation in political, economic and energy spheres. Special attention was paid to the interaction between Turkmenistan and China in the UN and other international organisations, where the countries traditionally support each other. It is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Ministers noted that open and trusting dialogue at the highest level is a solid basis for bilateral relations. Regular contacts between the leaders of the two states contribute to the deepening of cooperation in all areas. The sides stressed the importance of further political consultations between the foreign ministries. The sides agreed to continue active co-operation at the diplomatic level.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message to President of Georgia Mikhail Kavelashvili on the occasion of Independence Day. It is reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Georgia good health and wellbeing, and the people of Georgia peace, sustainable development and prosperity.
Outstanding carpet weavers were honoured in Turkmenistan within the framework of the state policy on preservation and development of the national cultural heritage. By the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, outstanding carpet weavers of the country were awarded the honourable title ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan halyçysy’ ('Honored Carpet Maker of Turkmenistan'). It is reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, this measure is timed to coincide with the Turkmen Carpet Holiday and is aimed at recognising the significant contribution of carpet weavers to the preservation and development of the ancient art of carpet weaving - an important part of the world cultural heritage and the pride of the Turkmen people. The Decree emphasises professionalism, many years of diligent labour and artistic skills displayed in creating famous Turkmen carpets, which are famous far beyond the borders of the country.