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Turkmenistan takes part in new format of dialogue with EU
25.06.2025The first meeting between Central Asian ambassadors and representatives of the European Union in the Political and Security Committee (PSC) took place in Brussels. The dialogue was initiated by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EU Special Representative for Central Asia also participated in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. The main focus was on the implementation of the agreements reached at the ‘EU – Central Asia’ Summit and the Joint Roadmap for 2023. The participants emphasised the importance of Central Asia as a strategic region in ensuring stability, developing transport and logistics chains, and in matters of good neighbourliness. The key areas of cooperation were identified as transport, energy (including green technologies), water management, the climate agenda, digitalisation and security. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan announced that his country would provide its territory for the safe transit of citizens from Iran, which was seen as a sign of regional solidarity in times of crisis. The ambassadors of the Central Asian states expressed interest in further deepening partnership ties, including through visits by EU representatives to the region.
Culture Week continues to reveal the richness of Turkmenistan's heritage
25.06.2025The third day of Culture Week, dedicated to Culture and Art Workers' Day and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, was held in the spirit of promoting Turkmenistan's national heritage and policy of neutrality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. A methodological conference was held at the Central Library of the Ak Bugday etrap, where experts discussed the implementation of the library development programme for 2025-2029. The main focus was on digitalisation, the formation of modern collections and increasing reader activity. A conference on peace and trust was held at the Palace of Culture in Yzgant, attended by media representatives. Participants emphasized the role of media in strengthening public harmony and international relations, and discussed the importance of cultural and public diplomacy. A festive concert was held in the city of Anau with the participation of artists from the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats, reflecting the richness of regional traditions and the continuity of Turkmen culture. The day ended with a performance of the opera ‘Shasenem and Garyp’ at the Turkmen National Music and Drama Theatre, which emphasised the values of honour, love and loyalty. The theatre continues to preserve and promote the country's cultural heritage. The events of the third day highlight the role of culture and art in the social and state life of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Astrakhan develop trade cooperation
25.06.2025Trade and economic ties between Turkmenistan and Russia's Astrakhan Region continue to strengthen. ‘Grand Fish’ has begun exporting fish products to Turkmenistan and intends to increase the volume of supplies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Earlier, in April, Turkmen textile companies presented their products in Astrakhan and discussed prospects for further supplies. Turkmenistan is a leading producer of natural textiles in Central Asia, which is of great interest to Russian partners. The international exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ was also held in Ashgabat, attended by a delegation from the Astrakhan company ‘Radmar’, which established new business contacts. The expansion of mutual cooperation contributes to the diversification of Turkmenistan's foreign economic relations and opens up additional opportunities for business on both sides.
Pilgrims from Turkmenistan have returned from Saudi Arabia
25.06.2025On 24 June, a group of Turkmen pilgrims who had performed the Hajj in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina returned to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Upon arrival, they expressed their gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their assistance in organising the pilgrimage. As part of the state's support for the traditions and spiritual values of Turkmenistan, all conditions were created for the pilgrims to perform their religious rites. About 3,000 citizens, divided into eight groups, performed the Hajj, visiting the main Islamic shrines. The pilgrims emphasised the importance of the clergy's participation in the trip and noted that compliance with all the requirements of the Hajj was made possible thanks to the care of the state. This initiative reflects Turkmenistan's desire to strengthen the continuity of national traditions and promote the spiritual education of society.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Slovenia on Statehood Day
25.06.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and the entire Slovenian people on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of Turkmenistan wished the President of Slovenia good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability, further development and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and the United States reviewed key areas of partnership
25.06.2025On 24 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The discussion covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides expressed their intention to hold a face-to-face meeting in the near future and to organise annual bilateral consultations. Particular attention was paid to pressing regional and international issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of neutrality and preventive diplomacy, as well as its conviction in the effectiveness of peaceful methods of settling international disputes. In addition, the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States were discussed during the talks.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom discussed bilateral cooperation and humanitarian issues
25.06.2025On 24 June 2025, a telephone conversation took place between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The British side expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for assisting in the evacuation of British citizens from Iran amid the escalating situation in the Middle East. This step was noted as a vivid manifestation of Turkmenistan's commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity. During the conversation, the interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to the participation of British companies in the IFT-2025 investment forum in Ashgabat and the development of trade and economic partnership. The diplomats also exchanged views on the regional agenda and outlined plans for joint events in the second half of 2025. The importance of maintaining regular dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries was emphasised. Concluding the conversation, the British minister once again thanked Turkmenistan for its prompt humanitarian assistance, confirming mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a round table to mark the 25th anniversary of cooperation with the ADB
25.06.2025On 24 June 2025, an event was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to mark the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The roundtable meeting was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Turkmenistan Government, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of key ministries and departments, and a delegation from the Asian Development Bank led by Vice President Yang Yingming. This information was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov highlighted the ADB's significant contributions to the development of Turkmenistan's economy, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, transportation, and urban development. ADB Vice President Yang Yingming emphasised the strong trust-based relationship between the institution and Turkmenistan, as well as the importance of the recent meeting with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The event also highlighted promising joint projects, including the development of the Arkadag smart city. Participants discussed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 between the Arkadag Construction State Committee and the ADB.
An international film crew is preparing a feature on the jewellery art of Turkmenistan
25.06.2025As part of a joint project between Russian film company ‘Vechnyy Zov’ and Serbian television channel Balkan Trip TV, a creative visit took place to the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan. An international film crew worked on a documentary about the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Turkmen people. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Special attention was paid to the ancient art of Turkmen zerger (jewellers), which is carefully preserved and passed on to new generations. Guests were able to observe how students of the Academy, under the guidance of experienced masters, master traditional techniques: chasing, silver blackening and the art of inlaying. A meaningful discussion on the peculiarities of national jewellery art took place in the museum of the art centre, where unique methods of working with metals, tools and materials were demonstrated. The highlight of the visit was a practical master class, during which the film crew learned about the symbolic meaning of traditional jewellery – ‘gulyaka’, ‘tumar’ and ‘bilezik’. Balkan Trip TV, known for its informative programmes on the culture of different peoples, plans to show the world the uniqueness of Turkmen jewellery art. This project is a new step in strengthening Turkmenistan's cultural ties with the international community.
Turkmenistan participated in a regional meeting on pandemic response
25.06.2025On 19-20 June 2025, a regional meeting of the multi-country project ‘Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach’ was held, bringing together five countries of Central Asia. The event, organised with the support of the Pandemic Fund, brought together representatives of veterinary services, health and environmental agencies in the region, as well as international organisations, including the World Bank, WHO, FAO and others. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Department of the State Veterinary Service, who presented a report on the progress of the project in the country. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan also made presentations, demonstrating the country's commitment to the principles of intersectoral cooperation in the field of biosafety. During the two-day discussions, participants summarised the results of the second year of project implementation, analysed emerging challenges and identified priorities for further work. Particular attention was paid to strengthening regional cooperation and the scientific and technical capacity of participating countries. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach as an effective tool for ensuring epidemiological stability in the Central Asian region. Turkmenistan, demonstrating a high degree of responsibility in matters of sanitary security, continues to actively participate in international initiatives aimed at protecting the health of the population and the environment.
Turkmen karatekas win 26 medals at Central Asian Championship
24.06.2025At the 10th WKF Central Asian Karate Championships held in Bishkek, Turkmen athletes demonstrated outstanding results. In the competition, which involved 609 karatekas from five countries, the Turkmenistan team of 36 athletes won 26 medals: 9 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. It is noteworthy that the Turkmen team, being one of the smallest, took a respectable fourth place in the overall standings, surpassing many teams with larger squads in terms of the number of medals won. This success was made possible thanks to the professional work of coaches Aydin Charyev and Bayram Yalkabov. The performance of Turkmen athletes at this prestigious tournament once again confirmed the high level of karate development in the country and the promising future of young athletes who represent Turkmenistan with dignity on the international stage.
Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit Turkmenistan as part of an official trip
24.06.2025On 24–25 June, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. The programme includes high-level talks and discussions on topical aspects of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head is scheduled to meet with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. It is noteworthy that Lavrov will be accompanied by a representative delegation of Russian media outlets. Among those accredited are journalists and cameramen from leading federal television channels and news agencies, including Channel One, Russia 1, MIR 24, NTV, RT, TASS, RIA Novosti, Interfax, Kommersant, Izvestia, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia Today, Solovyov Live and Eurasia Daily. The scale of media coverage underscores the importance of the upcoming visit and the interest in strengthening strategic dialogue between the two countries. The visit is further significant given that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
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