Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed his readiness to strengthen bilateral relations between Georgia and Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This is stated in a congratulatory letter from the Georgian Prime Minister sent to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of International Nowruz Day. ‘Allow me to express my deep respect to you and to reaffirm my readiness to further strengthen relations between Georgia and Turkmenistan through joint efforts,’ noted Irakli Kobakhidze. The Prime Minister also wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov success in his state duties, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, well-being and prosperity.
The friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was one of the key diplomatic events of 2026. This was reported by AsmanNews. During the visit, a meeting took place with the President of the PRC, Xi Jinping. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including trade, infrastructure projects and cooperation in the energy sector. Particular attention was paid to the oil and gas sector. Hero Arkadag held talks with the leadership of the CNPC corporation, during which issues relating to the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons, as well as the introduction of modern technologies, were discussed. Following the visit, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ was authorised to sign a contract with ‘CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd.’ The agreement aims to develop cooperation and attract investment into the sector. During the visit, the National Leader gave an interview to the ‘CGTN’ television channel, emphasising the importance of energy cooperation and the stability of bilateral relations. The agreements reached are aimed at expanding economic cooperation and further developing the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his congratulations to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the people of the country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development of bilateral relations, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust. He emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding cooperation and taking it to a new level. The President of Turkmenistan also wished the leadership of Pakistan good health and well-being, and the people of the country peace, progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has received messages of congratulations from the Heads of Government of Georgia and the Russian Federation on the occasion of the Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr holidays. This was reported by AsmanNews. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated the Head of State on Nowruz and expressed his readiness to further strengthen bilateral relations. The message also included wishes for success in state affairs and prosperity for the Turkmen people. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, sent his congratulations on Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz. He noted the significance of these holidays as symbols of renewal and mutual understanding. The message highlighted the high level of Russian-Turkmen relations and reaffirmed the readiness to develop cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects in various fields.
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has sent a message to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Kazakh leader expressed his gratitude for the warm message and noted the high level of mutual respect and support between the two countries. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the special relationship between the Kazakh and Turkmen peoples and expressed his personal respect for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On the occasion of the Nowruz holiday, he wished him health, prosperity and success. The President of Kazakhstan also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the Kazakh-Turkmen strategic partnership, based on traditions of friendship and good-neighbourliness. It was noted that the parties intend to continue developing cooperation in key areas.
On 18 March, a meeting took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan between Ambassador Batyr Rejepov and Askar Umarov, Director of the Republican State Institution ‘Central Communications Service’ under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the development of information systems, as well as issues relating to the maintenance and support of information and communications infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience and the establishment of cooperation between Kazakhstan’s ‘Central Communications Service’ and the relevant agencies in Turkmenistan responsible for communication between the state and society. The participants also discussed changes in professional practice in the context of the development of artificial intelligence technologies and noted the need to adhere to high professional standards.
On 21–22 March, Turkmenistan celebrates its National Spring Festival – International Nowruz Day. The main celebrations are taking place at the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ (Nowruz Valley) venue in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, reports AsmanNews. The events are attended by representatives of the Government, the Mejlis, ministries and departments, public organisations, diplomatic missions and international bodies, as well as the country’s residents. More than 220 foreign guests from around 30 countries have arrived for the festival. Nowruz is included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival brings together traditions, rituals, music and elements of contemporary art. Concert programmes and theatrical performances are taking place at the venue. Themed areas have been set up featuring national yurts, farmsteads and elements of traditional life. In his congratulatory address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the significance of the holiday and highlighted the country’s achievements since independence, as well as its development in key areas. The festive events are attended by residents from all regions of the country and are accompanied by cultural performances.
On 21 March, a telephone conversation took place between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The conversation took place at the initiative of the Pakistani side, according to TDH. The interlocutors exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and the International Day of Nowruz, and conveyed mutual greetings to the leadership and peoples of both countries. The Prime Minister of Pakistan conveyed to the President of Turkmenistan greetings from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, as well as best wishes. Special congratulations were addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the warm words and extended reciprocal greetings and congratulations to the leadership of Pakistan. During the conversation, the commitment to developing bilateral cooperation was reaffirmed. It was noted that cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, energy, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The parties also noted the significance of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s participation in the International Forum held in Ashgabat last December. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif invited the President of Turkmenistan to pay a visit to Pakistan. The Head of State expressed his gratitude and confirmed his readiness to develop the partnership. At the conclusion of the conversation, the parties exchanged wishes for success in their state activities and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The spring season of the nationwide tree-planting campaign kicked off in the city of Arkadag on 21 March. The event was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by AsmanNews. Hero Arkadag arrived at the venue and planted a sapling, marking the start of the campaign. Afterwards, participants began planting trees. The campaign took place during the celebrations for International Nowruz Day. It was attended by representatives from various sectors and residents of the city. During the event, one of the young participants asked Hero Arkadag to launch the campaign. After planting the tree together, the boy was presented with a commemorative gift. A brief conversation also took place about his studies and hobbies. Tree-planting campaigns are held in the country on a regular basis — in spring and autumn. They are implemented as part of the state policy on environmental protection, the development of forest areas and the creation of a favourable ecological environment. During the event, Hero Arkadag was briefed on the work being carried out as part of the second phase of construction in the city of Arkadag, including measures to ensure environmental cleanliness and the improvement of the area.
A nationwide tree-planting campaign took place in Turkmenistan on 21 March, attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Across the country, 611,962 saplings were planted and 2,024,240 trees were tended to. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State launched the campaign by planting the first tree. After that, the participants in the event began planting. The campaign was attended by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations, as well as members of the public. The event took place as part of the implementation of the National Forest Programme, aimed at expanding forest areas and preserving biodiversity. Soil and climatic conditions were taken into account during the planting. Alongside the planting of new trees, work was carried out to maintain previously established forest areas, as well as to improve parks and other green spaces. Greening campaigns aimed at improving the environmental situation and promoting sustainable development are held regularly across the country. Upon completion of the event, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left the venue.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has invited Chinese horse breeders and enthusiasts of Ahal-Teke horses to take part in the Turkmen Horse Festival. This was reported by TDH. The invitation was extended on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during a meeting with members of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Chinese connoisseurs of Ahal-Teke horses in Beijing. The festival will take place on the last Sunday in April. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also invited the guests to visit Turkmenistan in September for the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The programme includes horse races, equestrian exhibitions and a scientific and practical conference, with the opportunity to join the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding. An excursion dedicated to Ahal-Teke racehorses will be organised for participants in the town of Arkadag. The invitation also extends to the musicians of the ‘Equuleus’ ensemble, who performed national melodies on Chinese instruments.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with members of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Chinese connoisseurs of Ahal-Teke horses during his visit to China, reports TDH. The meeting was opened by Wang Jian, founder of the ‘Equuleus’ complex, who expressed her gratitude for the visit. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation and highlighted the historical role of Ahal-Teke horses for Turkmenistan and China. He recalled that 12 years ago, Xi Jinping was presented with an Ahal-Teke horse as a symbol of friendship. During this visit, on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, an Ahal-Teke horse named Gadyrly was presented to Xi Jinping. The Turkmen leader spoke about the country’s equestrian infrastructure: Arkadag is home to the International Equestrian Sports Complex and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where 420 students are enrolled. The ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games team is a six-time world champion. At the conclusion of the meeting, Yue Gaofeng, Secretary of the Chinese Horse Breeding Association, thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on behalf of all Chinese horse breeders. The participants took a joint commemorative photograph.