Policy
The Embassy of Turkmenistan took part in a round table discussion in Islamabad
02.09.2025On 29 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took part in a round table organised by the COPAIR think tank on the topic ‘Central Asia & Pakistan connectivity: efforts & prospects’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Participants discussed key infrastructure projects, including TAPI, TAP, CASA-1000, the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line and others. The focus was on issues related to the development of trade, transit, transport routes and energy cooperation. The role of these initiatives in strengthening regional integration, energy and transport security, supply diversification and stimulating sustainable growth was noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to the people of Afghanistan
02.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the people of Afghanistan in connection with the earthquake that occurred in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. This was reported by the IIC. On behalf of the Turkmen people and on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died, and wished a speedy recovery to those affected by this tragedy.
The first bell rang in Turkmenistan schools
02.09.2025On 1 September, the new 2025–2026 academic year began in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The first bell rang in all schools across the country, and traditional ceremonies included laying flowers at the Independence Monument and monuments to Berdimuhamed Annayev, erected at the Berdimuhamed Annayev Pedagogical Secondary Vocational School in Arkadag and at Secondary School No. 27 in the village of Yzgant, Goktepe etrap, Ahal velayat. On Knowledge and Student Youth Day, all secondary and higher education institutions held solemn assemblies where a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out, wishing the younger generation success in their studies. The first lesson was dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. New schools and kindergartens with modern equipment are being actively built in the country. On Knowledge Day, four schools with 2,800 places and four kindergartens with 1,120 places opened in Ashgabat and Lebap velayat. The new educational institutions are equipped with multimedia and interactive classrooms, sports halls, libraries and playrooms for preschoolers, creating conditions for the comprehensive development of children. The opening ceremonies were accompanied by festive events with the participation of artists and local residents, who expressed their gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan for their care for the younger generation and contribution to the development of the education system.
Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
02.09.2025President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of greeting to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his letter, the President of Azerbaijan expressed warm words of welcome, recalled Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to Azerbaijan in July and noted the friendly atmosphere of their meeting. Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the invitation to participate in the Forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat on 12 December, emphasising the importance of Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly. The President of Azerbaijan noted the symbolism of holding the Forum in the year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and emphasised Azerbaijan's respectful attitude towards this status. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the Forum would contribute to strengthening global peace and stability, and wished success in its work, as well as health and prosperity to the Hero Arkadag and the people of Turkmenistan.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Vietnam
02.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Kyong on the occasion of the national holiday — the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Vietnam good health, happiness and prosperity, and the people of the country peace, development and prosperity.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the role of education in the country's future
02.09.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that 2025 coincides with the 34th anniversary of independence and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, emphasising the importance of new educational projects for the future of Turkmenistan. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that under the leadership of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale work is being carried out in the country to develop science and education, strengthen the material and technical base of educational institutions, introduce modern technologies and expand international cooperation. In this context, the new higher education institution should play an important role in training specialists for the private sector and strengthening international ties. Hero Arkadag also recalled the contribution of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs to the socio-economic development of the country. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised that the opening of the Union's own university is an important step towards supporting innovative business and training qualified personnel for the economy. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the teachers and students on the holiday and expressed his confidence that the young people studying at the new university will make a worthy contribution to the prosperity of independent Turkmenistan.
Hero Arkadag took part in the opening of a new university in Ashgabat
02.09.2025On 1 September, Ashgabat hosted the grand opening of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, timed to coincide with Knowledge and Student Youth Day. The ceremony was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to the state news agency TDH. The new university is the first non-state higher education institution in Turkmenistan. The authorities call its creation an important step in the modernisation of the national education system and in supporting the private sector. The emergence of such a university opens up new opportunities for training specialists focused on the market economy, the introduction of innovations and work in accordance with international standards. The university's programmes cover areas such as entrepreneurship and management, economics and finance, digital technologies, agribusiness, construction and engineering. Teaching will be conducted in Turkmen and English, which, according to the organisers, will allow students to integrate into the global educational space and be competitive in the global labour market. The modern campus includes academic buildings, laboratories, a library with electronic resources, a sports centre, dormitories and leisure facilities for young people. The university intends to attract foreign teachers and actively develop cooperation with foreign universities and companies, which will give students the opportunity to undertake internships and participate in joint projects. The opening of the university will be an important step towards shaping a new generation of managers, entrepreneurs and specialists. It is expected to introduce best practices, strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy and enhance the country's role in the international education and business sectors.
The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the role of the SCO in economic development
02.09.2025During his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping for the invitation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan also emphasised that Turkmenistan's participation in SCO summits has become a ‘long-standing tradition’ reflecting mutual interest in developing the partnership. The President of Turkmenistan noted the constructive role of the organisation in strengthening international stability and supported the new initiative of the President of the PRC, the ‘Global Governance Initiative’. Particular attention was paid to issues of economic cooperation in the speech. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted transport, energy, trade and industrial cooperation as key areas of interaction between Turkmenistan and the SCO member states. Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed more active development of the ‘East-West’ and ‘North-South’ transport corridors, emphasising the importance of trans-Caspian routes and the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port. In the energy sector, Turkmenistan is ready to increase natural gas and electricity supplies to SCO countries, as well as participate in joint projects to develop the electric power industry. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Ashgabat's interest in expanding cooperation in the field of communications, including the laying of fibre-optic lines through Afghanistan to Pakistan. The Head of State also emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation based on “historical experience, good neighbourliness and mutual respect”. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited delegations from SCO member countries to visit Ashgabat for the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which will be celebrated on 12 December this year.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the SCO Summit in China
02.09.2025The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to China, took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The meeting, chaired by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, brought together leaders of participating countries, observers, dialogue partners and representatives of international organisations. The President of the PRC emphasised the importance of the ‘SCO+’ format as an example of multilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening peace and development. During the meeting, Xi Jinping presented the Global Governance initiative, which Turkmenistan supported, noting its compliance with the principles of equality and justice. In his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude to China for the invitation and noted Turkmenistan's traditional participation in SCO summits as an honoured guest. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the country's neutrality, recalling the upcoming 30th anniversary of its international recognition, and invited the delegations of the SCO member states to the celebrations in Ashgabat. Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid special attention to economic cooperation, highlighting transport, energy, trade, communications and industrial cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan proposed expanding cooperation on Caspian routes, utilising the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, and developing partnerships in shipbuilding and rail transport. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to increase natural gas and electricity supplies to SCO countries, participate in major infrastructure projects and expand humanitarian ties. Following the meeting, the participants discussed prospects for cooperation in the economy, energy, transport, innovation and the humanitarian sphere. The speech by the President of Turkmenistan was noted as substantive and significant. The Head of State's working visit to China continues.
Turkmen-Russian relations have become a model of sustainable partnership
01.09.2025In the context of global change, the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia, based on historical traditions and a legal framework, remains an important element of regional and international stability. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Cooperation covers politics, economics, energy, transport, ecology and the humanitarian sphere, demonstrating the ability to adapt to new challenges. Important areas include the development of the Caspian vector, the strengthening of the ‘North-South’ corridor and the ecological security of the region. Political dialogue at the highest level is based on trust and equality: regular meetings between leaders, the visit of Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov to Ashgabat and Turkmenistan's participation in international forums confirm the high level of interaction. Russia consistently supports Turkmenistan's neutrality, which strengthens its position on the world stage. Economic cooperation is developing in a pragmatic and technology-oriented manner: from ‘green’ transformation and food security to Islamic finance. Regional partnership with Tatarstan and participation in forums, including SPIEF and KazanForum, underscore Turkmenistan's strategic role as a bridge between Eurasia. The humanitarian dimension is expressed in educational and cultural projects: the Turkmen-Russian school and university, theatres, and language programmes. The historical memory of the Great Patriotic War occupies a special place, serving as the moral foundation of trust. The Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministries for 2025–2026 reflects long-term goals. Turkmen-Russian relations are becoming an example of a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect, neutrality and a shared desire for peace and development.
A delegation of women from Turkmenistan visited China
01.09.2025A delegation of women from Turkmenistan visited the People's Republic of China, where they held a series of official meetings and familiarised themselves with the country's culture, marking another step in strengthening Turkmen-Chinese cultural ties. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The historical friendly relations and centuries-old cooperation between the peoples of the two countries create a solid foundation for dialogue in the fields of culture, science, education, art and sport, promoting mutual understanding and the exchange of experience. During the visit, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, met with Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng to discuss the development of inclusive education and the expansion of scientific and educational cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience in the training of children with disabilities and the development of bilateral educational programmes. The delegation also visited the historic Gugong Palace complex in Beijing and the Soong Ching Ling Chinese Youth Centre for Science, Technology and Cultural Exchange, where they learned about modern methods of teaching, developing technical skills, culture and science among children. Particular attention was paid to the integration of children with disabilities and the education of the younger generation in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. In addition, meetings were held with representatives of Chinese health authorities, including Zeng Yixin, Vice-Chairman of the Central Health Commission, and Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, where the prospects for exchanging experience in the medical field, child health protection and the introduction of modern treatment methods was discussed. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, aimed at expanding humanitarian cooperation, developing inclusive education and exchanging experience in healthcare. The visit of the delegation of women from Turkmenistan clearly demonstrated the intensification of cooperation with China in the fields of culture, education and healthcare, the strengthening of friendship between the peoples and the creation of conditions for further exchange of knowledge and experience.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated education system employees
01.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated teachers, education workers, students and schoolchildren on Knowledge and Student Youth Day, as well as on the start of the new academic year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that knowledge is the foundation of all achievements and a prosperous life, and that the Turkmen people have been renowned since ancient times for their thirst for knowledge and wisdom. The President of Turkmenistan noted that conditions are being created in the country for effective teaching and fruitful work by teachers, the network of modern educational institutions is expanding, innovative technologies are being introduced, and international partnerships are developing. The President of Turkmenistan announced that conferences, sporting and cultural events, and the opening of new educational buildings and institutions, including the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Ashgabat, are planned to coincide with the holiday. Serdar Berdimuhamedov particularly noted the merits of teachers in preparing literate and patriotic youth and called on them to improve teaching methods, following the principles of the national school of education. In conclusion, the Head of State wished everyone good health, prosperity and success in their studies and creative endeavours.
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