The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France, Maksat Charyyev, together with the heads of diplomatic missions of CIS countries, took part in a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the event, the Turkmen diplomat laid a wreath at the Soviet military cemetery near the commune of Noyers-Saint-Martin, where Soviet soldiers who died on French territory during World War II are buried. The mourning ceremony was also attended by the Ambassadors of Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
On May 5, the second International Migration Review Forum began its work at the UN headquarters in New York. The global summit is attended by a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Chairman of the State Migration Service, Amanmuhammet Sazakov, according to the press service of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The forum is held under the auspices of the President of the UN General Assembly and is dedicated to a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The discussions focus on the role of migration processes as an important factor in global economic development and social progress. The participation of the Turkmen delegation in such a high-level event is seen as confirmation of the country’s commitment to the principles of positive neutrality and a humanitarian approach. The forum will continue until May 8.
On May 6, export transactions involving foreign entrepreneurs were concluded on Turkmenistan’s external exchange market. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan. Entrepreneurs from Georgia and the United Arab Emirates signed contracts with the State Concern “Turkmennebit” for the purchase of base oil of the “SN-180” grade. At the same time, business representatives from Switzerland concluded agreements with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the supply of cotton fiber. In total, five deals were executed during the trading session. The total value of the contracts amounted to 3.3 million US dollars. The transactions reflect continued interest from foreign companies in Turkmenistan’s key export goods, including petrochemical products and agricultural raw materials.
Ahmet Khodzhaev, a teacher at the Children’s School of Arts in the Darganata etrap, is developing the “string art” technique in Turkmenistan — creating artistic images using colored threads and nails on a wooden base. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: The Golden Age”. A graduate of the Lebap velayat specialized School of Arts, he began working in 2010. Over time, the educator became interested in the possibility of conveying images not with paint, but with threads, drawing on traditions of national decorative art. At first, he experimented with black-and-white compositions. His first work was a portrait of Magtymguly Fragi, created in the year dedicated to the poet. The project received an award at a regional competition and became a starting point for further work. Later, the artist moved on to colored threads. His palette mainly includes red, green, and blue, which he combines to create new shades. Among his notable works is an image of an Akhal-Teke horse, presented at a themed competition and exhibition in Ashgabat. The work attracted visitors’ interest. Khodzhaev continues to develop the direction, planning to create portraits, natural landscapes, and architectural sites of Turkmenistan. In parallel, he teaches students the new technique. According to the school director Ovezmyrat Berdyev, the teacher’s works and those of his students win prizes at competitions of various levels, including international online platforms. The “string art” technique, which originated in Europe in the 17th century, is now being developed in the country thanks to Khodzhaev’s initiative.
In Turkmenistan, ceremonial events, conferences, and exhibitions are being held to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Commemorative activities have been organized in the capital and across the country’s regions, according to AsmanNews. Under a decree of the President of Turkmenistan, war veterans and home front workers will receive monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the head of state. The authorities emphasize the contribution of the older generation to the defense of the Motherland, the strengthening of social unity, and the patriotic education of youth. To mark the commemorative date, the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan has opened an exhibition titled “Hakyda ýazylan ýatlamalar” (“Memories Written in Memory”). The display includes archival photographs, frontline letters, orders and medals, documents of war participants, as well as materials dedicated to the labor heroism of women on the home front. A special place in the exhibition is given to a carpet portrait of Berdimuhamed Annayev, the grandfather of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the great-grandfather of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Works by Hero-Arkadag and materials about war heroes are also presented. A festive exhibition titled “Gahrymanlarymyza hormat” (“Respect to Our Heroes”) has also been organized at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. It features works by Turkmen painters and sculptors dedicated to the heroism of the people during the war years. Ahead of Victory Day, the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management hosted a scientific-practical conference titled “Beýik Ýeňiş – baky şöhrata beslenen gahrymançylygyň, watansöýüjiligiň öçmez nusgasy” (“The Great Victory – an Immortal Example of Heroism and Patriotism Embellished with Eternal Glory”). Participants discussed the importance of historical memory, patriotic education, and Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented policy. Speakers emphasized that the feats of frontline soldiers and home front workers remain an example for current and future generations, and that preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War is regarded as an important part of national traditions.
The British architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects will take part in the 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026.” The forum will be held on May 24–25 in the capital of Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal reports. More than 100 companies from 25 countries are expected to participate. The program will focus on issues of sustainable urban development, infrastructure digitalization, and the long-term development of Ashgabat up to 2045. Zaha Hadid Architects was founded by the architect Zaha Hadid. The firm’s portfolio includes projects in the Middle East and Central Asia, such as the mixed-use complex The Opus and the BEEAH Headquarters in the UAE, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. As part of the forum, a roundtable discussion is planned with participation from UN agencies and international development institutions.
On May 21, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction will host an International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The White City of Ashgabat — a Masterpiece of Architectural Art, a Center of Scientific Innovation.” The event is dedicated to Ashgabat City Day, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The conference will be held online in Turkmen, Russian, and English. It will bring together scientists, lecturers, postgraduate researchers, students, and staff from research institutions, as well as engineers and specialists from Turkmenistan and other countries. The program includes four thematic areas: architectural and construction innovations; architecture, design, and urban planning; digital technologies and the construction economy; ecology, safety, and alternative energy. Applications for participation are accepted until May 15. Participants are required to submit an application form, abstracts, and a summary to the organizing committee via email. The aim of the conference is to exchange scientific experience and develop international cooperation.
The “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum in Almaty has become the largest technology event in the region, bringing together global experts and industry leaders. The Turkmenistan-based “StartUp Academy” served as the information partner of the event, and its CEO Daniil Mayakovsky summarized the results of the participation, according to the news agency Orient. The main theme of the forum was artificial intelligence, with discussions focusing on AI implementation, cybersecurity, and public policy. The exhibition featured international companies including Dell, Intel, Huawei, Lenovo, and Salesforce. Speakers included representatives from Europe, China, the United States, and the Middle East. Special attention at the forum was given to startups and the development of the venture ecosystem in Central Asia. According to D. Mayakovsky, young technology companies are now becoming key drivers of innovation due to their flexibility and ability to quickly respond to market demands. For “StartUp Academy,” participation in “GITEX AI Kazakhstan” became an opportunity to strengthen international ties and discuss joint initiatives aimed at developing the region’s startup ecosystem. Forum participants noted the high level of organization and called the exhibition the most large-scale technology platform in Central Asia.
At the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, a meeting was held with experts from Finland representing the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. Researchers from the university’s Center for Strategic Studies also took part. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The parties discussed issues of cooperation and prospects for future collaboration. Interest from European expert circles in the Central Asian region was noted, including topics related to energy, transport, and security. The guests also met with the leadership of the foreign ministry and visited landmarks in Ashgabat. The director of the Center for Strategic Studies, Shiri Shiriev, presented the main areas of the institution’s work and spoke about its international contacts. The meeting was attended by Center staff members Bekdurdy Amansaryev, Allaberdy Niyazov, and Orazmukhamed Annabaev. Following the talks, the parties are preparing to sign a memorandum of cooperation.
From May 6 to 8, 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum in Leipzig. The theme of the forum is “Financing Sustainable Transport.” This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The summit brings together transport ministers from 69 countries, as well as representatives of companies, academia, and international organizations. The Turkmen delegation is headed by Suleyman Durdyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Service “Turkmenhowayollary.” The delegation also includes representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Railway Transport. Participants are discussing investment attraction and financing strategies for sustainable transport systems, taking into account climate risks, pandemics, and other factors. Turkmenistan’s participation is linked to the development of transport infrastructure and international corridors. The country is implementing projects aimed at modernizing the sector and building a transit and logistics system. The development of digital solutions and environmentally friendly modes of transport was also highlighted.
On May 5, during exchange trading on the foreign market, new export agreements were concluded between foreign and Turkmen entrepreneurs. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. Representatives of Turkey agreed to purchase first-grade wheat flour and textile products from Turkmen producers. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs from the UAE concluded deals with Turkmen businesspeople to purchase Portland cement. As a result of the trading session, four deals were signed for a total amount of 3 million US dollars.
Lenovo sees potential for developing artificial intelligence projects in Turkmenistan. This was stated by Fuad Talibov, a representative of “Relationship EECA Lenovo Azerbaijan,” on the sidelines of the “GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026” forum, according to the Orient news agency. He emphasized that in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in interest in IT infrastructure solutions, computer hardware, and peripheral equipment across Central Asian countries. According to him, Lenovo has already implemented major projects in Turkmenistan. Talibov also noted that Lenovo offers comprehensive solutions for the public sector — from server equipment and data storage systems to the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. As an example, he referred to the company’s experience in implementing AI projects within government institutions in Azerbaijan, which, in his view, could also be adapted in other countries in the region, including Turkmenistan. Forum experts note that international technology companies are increasingly viewing Central Asia as a developing market for digital transformation and the deployment of IT infrastructure solutions.