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‘Mission DOBRO’ in Ashgabat: Russian medical professionals strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan
17.11.2025A delegation of doctors from the Russian Railways Medicine network made a working visit to Turkmenistan as part of the international volunteer initiative ‘Mission DOBRO’. Yulia Balakina, senior inspector for medical prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion at the Central Health Directorate of Russian Railways, told the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘This is our second trip to Turkmenistan as part of the mission, and it is a great honour for us to return here,’ Yulia Balakina emphasised. The delegation included six doctors of various specialties from Russian Railways Medicine clinics. The Russian specialists visited key medical institutions in Ashgabat, including the International Centre for the Treatment of Eye Diseases, the Scientific and Clinical Centre for Cardiology, the Centre for Maternal and Child Health, and the International Rehabilitation Centre. This year, for the first time, a neurologist was included in the delegation at the request of the Turkmen side. He conducted numerous consultations for children with neurological diseases and gave lectures on speech development disorders. In total, over 120 patients were examined during the mission, and six ophthalmological, cardiac surgery and gynaecological operations were performed. The delegation members highly appreciated the level of technical equipment in Turkmen medical centres, emphasising that it meets modern international standards. During a visit to the Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan, the Russian side expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to continue cooperation. Promising areas for future collaboration include the exchange of experience, internships, master classes and the strengthening of educational work.
Turkmenistan called on countries in the region to adopt common positions on security issues
17.11.2025Central Asian countries must present a united front against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and modern threats in the information space. This was stated by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking on 16 November at the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of the Central Asian Region in Tashkent, according to ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State emphasised that security issues remain a key priority for political cooperation between countries in the region. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of further strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation, both at the regional level and in international forums, primarily within the framework of the UN. ‘I am convinced that a common position on combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, as well as countering new challenges in the field of cyber, information and biological security will strengthen our internal stability and create favourable external conditions,’ said Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Chairman of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan awarded gold medal in Tashkent
17.11.2025An exhibition has opened in Tashkent, in the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, as part of the International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’. This event has become a true cross-cultural manifesto, according to IIC. The exhibition was created as a visual dialogue between the countries of the region: from the rich hues of the Azerbaijani school to the steppe breath of Kazakh masters, from Kyrgyz folk symbolism to the decorativeness of Uzbek art. But the works of Turkmen artists stood out particularly brightly against this backdrop. Their canvases are a visual code of steppe culture: an organic combination of ethnographic motifs, author's technique and philosophical depth. One of the key moments of the opening was the presentation of the gold medal of the Union of Artists of Uzbekistan to the Chairman of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, Charymyrat Yazmyradov. This award is not only a personal recognition, but also a symbolic confirmation that Turkmen art is gaining weight in the regional arena.
Turkmenistan called for strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia
17.11.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. At the beginning of his speech, he expressed his gratitude to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome and impeccable organisation of the summit, and also congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his country's accession to the meeting format as a full member, reports AsmanNews. Head of Turkmenistan stressed the need to further strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation between the countries of the region, especially within the framework of the UN. He noted that the potential of Central Asia requires the intensification of economic cooperation, primarily in areas such as transport, energy, trade, as well as industrial and technological cooperation. In his speech, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on the growing role of the region as a key international transport and transit hub. He stressed that the shift of global economic centres towards East and South Asia, as well as the Middle East, increases the importance of Central Asia in logistics chains. The President of Turkmenistan called for the practical promotion of East-West and North-South transport corridor projects, noting that the formation of a sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure is in the long-term interests of all countries in the region. Touching on the topic of energy, the Head of State declared Turkmenistan's readiness to promote new initiatives in this area that go beyond traditional pipeline projects. He paid particular attention to the need to form a unified network for the production and distribution of electricity, which will ensure the stability of energy supplies and reduce external risks. Speaking about the environmental agenda, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the need for joint efforts to save the Aral Sea and combat desertification. He supported the idea of establishing specialised UN offices in the region and proposed the formation of coordinated environmental diplomacy. In the humanitarian sphere, the President of Turkmenistan called for expanded cooperation, noting that during its chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting, Turkmenistan would work to strengthen unity, develop economic cooperation and implement major international projects in the fields of energy, transport and communications. Concluding his speech, he wished the peoples of Central Asia peace, prosperity and well-being.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan strengthen strategic dialogue amid Central Asian leaders' summit
17.11.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has left for a state visit to Uzbekistan. The visit is in line with Turkmenistan's carefully calibrated foreign policy strategy based on the principles of neutrality and good neighbourliness, reports TDH. Upon arrival in Tashkent, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was met by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. After the official welcoming ceremony, a brief conversation was held, during which the leaders expressed their mutual confidence that the visit would contribute to deepening the strategic partnership. The President of Turkmenistan then took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The forum is a key platform for discussing issues of trade, investment, energy, ecology and strengthening regional connectivity. In his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to develop multimodal transport corridors, energy integration and cooperation in the agricultural sector. Turkmenistan also put forward initiatives in the field of healthcare and environmental diplomacy, proposing to strengthen joint work on the problems of the Aral Sea and climate change. Following the meeting, a Joint Statement and a number of other documents were signed. President of Turkmenistan accepted congratulations from his colleagues on Turkmenistan's future chairmanship of this format, which in 2026 will include Azerbaijan as a full member. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's state visit to Uzbekistan continues.
Turkmenistan strengthens neutrality through dialogue and international cooperation
17.11.2025On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Vepa Hajiyev, gave an interview to European media. This was reported by AsmanNews. In the conversation, the Diplomat spoke about the key principles of the country's foreign policy, emphasising that Turkmenistan's neutrality is enshrined in the Constitution and a special law. Over three decades, neutrality has become the basis for diplomacy of trust and sustainable development. Turkmenistan acts as a platform for dialogue, participates in the work of international organisations and contributes to strengthening stability in the region. Vepa Hajiyev noted the importance of economic neutrality, which strengthens the trust of partners and contributes to the expansion of mutually beneficial ties. Among the priorities is the development of international transport and energy corridors, including the TAPI gas pipeline project. Turkmenistan is actively diversifying its energy supply routes. China is a strategic partner, but opportunities for gas exports to Europe are also being considered. Cooperation with the EAEU and the SCO is being built while maintaining neutrality – through participation in individual events and the implementation of bilateral projects. A separate section of the interview was devoted to the climate agenda. Turkmenistan is promoting water conservation initiatives, modernising irrigation systems and implementing projects to develop the ‘Altyn Asyr’ artificial lake. In conclusion, the Diplomat emphasised the importance of 2025, designated as the International Year of Peace and Trust. According to him, this symbolic status reflects Turkmenistan's desire to develop dialogue, strengthen good-neighbourliness and promote peace through mutual trust.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed cooperation in the field of migration
17.11.2025On 13 November, a working meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal reported. During the negotiations, the current state and promising areas of development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan in the field of migration were discussed, as well as issues of strengthening partnership. Particular attention was paid to joint work within international organisations as an important element in expanding bilateral ties. Following the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation in the field of migration.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan strengthen strategic partnership
17.11.2025On 14 November, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan G. Elyasov held a meeting with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral partnership between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The importance of further strengthening multifaceted cooperation and continuing constructive dialogue at the highest level was emphasised. It was also stressed that continuing coordinated efforts within international organisations is in the common interests of both countries. The parties expressed confidence in the strategic nature of bilateral relations and expressed their readiness for their further development.
Turkmenistan parliamentarians took part in the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly meeting in Dushanbe
16.11.2025On 14 November, a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan participated in the 59th plenary session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, which was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This was reported by TerraNews. The meeting discussed draft model laws on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, standardisation, strengthening public safety and the activities of ombudsmen. Information was also presented on cultural events and seminars held in 2025. It was noted that this meeting would be an important step towards strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, developing friendly ties and deepening integration processes within the CIS. During the visit, the delegation also paid tribute to Ismoil Somoni by laying flowers at his monument in Friendship Square (Dusti Square) in the ‘National Unity and Revival of Tajikistan’ memorial complex in Dushanbe.
Turkmen artist honoured with International ‘Heritage of the Future’ award
16.11.2025The ‘Heritage of the Future’ (‘Kelajak merosi’) International award ceremony was held in Tashkent. According to the results of the first competition in the category ‘Fine and Applied Arts,’ the award was presented to People's Artist of Turkmenistan Babasary Annamyradov, reports the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Established in 2025 on the initiative of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the award recognises outstanding cultural figures who contribute to the preservation of traditions, the development of art and the strengthening of national spiritual heritage. The event brought together the leaders of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. The winners were presented with a statuette, a diploma and a cash prize.
An inclusive festival entitled ‘WE ARE DIFFERENT – WE ARE EQUAL’ was held in Ashgabat
16.11.2025The Ashgabat Park hosted an inclusive festival entitled ‘WE ARE DIFFERENT – WE ARE EQUAL,’ timed to coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event, held for the fourth consecutive year, was organised by the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan in collaboration with local civil society organisations and with the support of the government, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The festival aimed to raise awareness of the need to create an accessible and comfortable environment that allows people with disabilities to participate fully in public life. The park was divided into different zones: sports, information and education, and creativity. Guests were particularly interested in an exhibition of works created by people with disabilities, including paintings, toys and handmade souvenirs. Tennis and chess tournaments were also organised, and participants performed vocal and dance numbers. The festival ended with the presentation of commemorative gifts to active participants. The event left a warm impression and was yet another confirmation of the state's attention to issues of inclusion and the well-being of citizens.
Turkmenistan presents its initiatives at the meeting of Central Asian Heads of State
16.11.2025As part of his state visit to Uzbekistan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov takes part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia on 16 November. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The meeting will discuss issues of economic cooperation, including the expansion of mutual trade, the development of investment ties and the improvement of transport and logistics cooperation. Additional topics to be discussed include water management, energy, healthcare and cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Turkmenistan, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, is participating in the meeting and making proposals for joint solutions to regional problems. Turkmenistan's proposals are aimed at enhancing security and sustainable development in Central Asia, confirming its constructive contribution to this format of cooperation.
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