On 22 September, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Hangzhou (China) Xu Qingshan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state and prospects of the Turkmen-Chinese strategic partnership, emphasising the importance of regular high-level contacts. Particular attention was paid to the development of regional ties, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, innovative projects, including ‘smart city’ and solutions in the field of AI and high technologies. The award given to the city of Arkadag by Hangzhou Dianzi University for environmental friendliness was noted separately. The development of scientific and educational ties and sports exchanges as factors in strengthening bilateral relations was also discussed.
On 22 September, in New York, as part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, Christopher Landau. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, emphasising the priority of economic partnership, including in the investment and technological spheres. The role of the Turkmen-American Business Council in promoting the expansion of business ties was noted separately. During the negotiation, a number of issues on the international and regional agenda were also touched upon.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the people of the country on the occasion of the Kingdom's National Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Head of State noted the friendly nature of relations with the Kingdom and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation for the welfare of the two peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the leadership of Saudi Arabia health and happiness, and the people of the country peace, progress and prosperity.
On 22 September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the organisation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme included performances by musical groups, addresses by General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, Secretary-General António Guterres, Nobel Peace Prize laureates and other prominent figures. Turkmenistan presented its position as a neutral state, emphasising the role of neutrality in strengthening peace, security and international cooperation. In this context, the country's initiatives were noted, including General Assembly resolutions: on declaring 2023 the ‘International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace’ and on proclaiming 2025 the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust.’ Particular attention was paid to the ‘Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace’ initiative, aimed at preventing conflicts and developing trust between peoples. Turkmenistan also actively participates in promoting resolutions on sustainable development, ecology and regional stability. The adoption of documents on the ‘Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia’ and the International Day of Neutrality confirmed the country's consistent peacekeeping policy.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages on his birthday from the Heads of State of foreign states. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the political experience and initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, emphasising his personal contribution to the development of strategic partnership between the two countries. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the Turkmen people associate their future with Serdar Berdimuhamedov and expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation. The Kazakhstan President also said that he is looking forward to the upcoming official visit of the Turkmenistan President to Kazakhstan. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and success, expressing hope for further strengthening of cooperation between Ashgabat and Bratislava.
Ashgabat is preparing for a spectacular cultural event: on 4 October, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre will host a concert organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. South Korean soloists — tenor Kwon Hwa-pyeong and mezzo-soprano Kwon Min-ji — will perform on stage, presenting a programme of classical music together with Turkmen musicians. The concert will not only be a celebration for art lovers, but also an important step in strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Turkmenistan.
On 20 September, Kazakhstan hosted the premiere of the international music project ‘Silk Way Star’, which brought together performers from 12 countries. Turkmenistan is represented at the competition by singer Dovran Shammiyev, and the jury includes the country's honoured artist Rasul Klychev, according to the Orient news agency. In the first episode, D. Shammiev performed his original song ‘Eşityäñmi olary’ and, based on the results of the voting, scored 120 points, entering the top three. The leader was a participant from Malaysia (126 points), and second place went to a singer from Uzbekistan (122 points). The project consists of 10 episodes lasting more than 100 minutes. It includes competitive tasks, cross-cultural duets, performances of songs in different languages and will end with a gala concert. The episodes will be broadcast weekly, and viewers from all countries will be able to vote online. The show's finale will take place on 22 November, broadcast live on the ‘Jibek Joly’ channel and the national channels of the participating countries. The winner will be determined by the results of the jury and viewer voting (50% each).
A new branch of the agro-industrial complex is developing in the Balkan velayat: olive cultivation and processing. Imamberdi Jepbarov, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, produces products under the ‘Endigan’ brand, according to IIC Turkmenistan. On a 9-hectare plot in the Etrek etrap, 6 hectares have been allocated for olive plantations, where over 10,000 seedlings have been planted, with another 3 hectares occupied by orchards. The harvest takes place from late October to early November, with an expected yield of 15-20 kg of fruit per tree. A specialised enterprise is responsible for processing, and the products are supplied to the domestic market and are available in shops and supermarkets throughout the country. Olive trees are well adapted to the local climate, are drought-resistant and produce fruits rich in vitamins, iron and calcium.
Turkmen sambo wrestlers won six medals on the second day of the World Cup in Dushanbe: two gold, one silver and three bronze. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Ahmet Tanryberdiyev (58 kg) and Isa Arslanov (71 kg) became champions in men's combat sambo. Sanjarbek Avazberdiyev won silver in the 64 kg category, while Seydulla Akmammedov (64 kg) and Abdulla Nazargeldiyev (88 kg) won bronze. In women's sambo (up to 65 kg), Jemal Ovliyagulyeva took third place. The tournament was held on 20-21 September in Dushanbe, bringing together 180 athletes from 10 countries. It should be noted that on the first day, the Turkmen national team won five medals.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service, took part in the Tenth Annual Interregional Meeting of the United Nations Global Programme on Passenger and Cargo Control (PCCP), combined with the Seventh Meeting of Experts of the Interregional Network of Customs Administrations and Port Control Units (IREN). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Customs Service. The events, held in Istanbul, were attended by heads and representatives of customs and relevant authorities from Central Asia, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, as well as Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and donor organizations. In his speech, the head of the Turkmen delegation emphasized the country's commitment to international standards for combating drugs and supporting the goals of the PCCP and IREN. Representatives of the Turkmenistan Customs Service also gave thematic presentations, sharing their experience of the Situation Center and interagency cooperation mechanisms for ensuring supply chain security.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received a number of birthday greetings from Heads of State and international organizations, according to the state news agency TDH. The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan sent their messages. Congratulations were also received from the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of the Astrakhan Region of Russia Igor Babushkin, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytjan Sagintayev and member of the ruling family of the State of Qatar Faisal bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani. The messages emphasize Serdar Berdimuhamedov's contribution to strengthening Turkmenistan's international position, developing strategic partnerships with various countries, and expanding cooperation within the SCO, the EAEU, and the OTS. The leaders note the country's confident socio-economic development and growing authority on the global stage, and express their readiness to further deepen bilateral and multilateral ties. The letters also wish the President of Turkmenistan health, well-being, and success in his government work, and the people of the country prosperity and stability.
On behalf of the people of Turkmenistan and the Halk Maslahaty, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on his birthday, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag wished the Head of State health, long life, and success in strengthening the country's independence and prosperity. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized that under the leadership of Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has achieved significant success in socio-economic development, is implementing large-scale reforms, and is recognized as one of the most dynamically developing countries in the world. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of national programs, the construction of new cities and industrial facilities, as well as the significance of foreign policy initiatives supported by the international community. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed confidence that the activities of the President of Turkmenistan will continue to contribute to strengthening peace, trust, and the well-being of the Turkmen people.