On 22-23 May 2025, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress held in St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) in the format of video link. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The forum was held under the motto ‘Planet Earth: Living in Harmony with Nature’. Since 2008, the Congress has served as an authoritative platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue on environmental security, harmonization of legislation in the field of environmental protection, promotion of healthy lifestyles, environmental education of the population, as well as the formation of a global agenda together with specialized UN bodies. The key topics of the event were food security in the context of climate change, development of co-operation in the Caspian region and environmental problems of megacities. In his speech, the representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan emphasised the country's commitment to the principles of sustainable development, noting the consistent measures taken in the field of environmental protection. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of water diplomacy aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring environmental well-being.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message to the participants of the XXIV International Universal Exhibition and Conference ‘White City Ashgabat’. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the event, timed to coincide with the City Day, was designed to present the achievements of the capital. The Head of State noted the special importance of the forum in the International Year of Peace and Trust, expressing confidence that it would become an important platform for demonstrating Ashgabat's potential and strengthening international cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan reminded that the exhibition annually reflects large-scale transformations in the capital, emphasising its dynamic development. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Ashgabat is strengthening its status of one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the world, and its development is based on an innovative approach. The head of state also stressed the role of the capital as an important administrative, scientific and cultural centre. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the participants good health, prosperity and success in their work for the further development of Ashgabat.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via digital system on 23 May. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. First of all, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on the preparation of the draft law ‘On Virtual Assets’, which provides for legal regulation of activities in the field of digital assets and mining. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Amanov presented information on geological exploration works carried out by the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’. Oil and gas fields are being prospected in the western and southern regions of the country with the use of modern equipment. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahalliyev reported on the progress of agricultural works in velayats. Agro-technical measures on cotton, vegetable and berry crops and wheat, as well as collection of silkworm cocoons and sowing of rice continue in the country. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyyev reported on preparations for the international exhibition-fair ‘Turkmentextile Expo-2025’, which will be held in June in Ashgabat. The event will be attended by representatives of the textile industry, entrepreneurs and foreign companies. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented the programme of cultural and festive events for June. Among them - celebrations for the International Children's Day, World Bicycle Day, Science Day, holidays of culture and poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as folklore festivals. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgul Orazdurdyyeva reported on preparations for the World Bicycle Day. On 3 June in Ashgabat and other regions will be held mass bicycle rallies, sports competitions and educational activities. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the results of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Tehran. Next, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers Mammethan Chakyyev reported on measures to develop civil aviation, including modernisation of infrastructure and preparation for flight tests. Having heard the reports, the President of Turkmenistan gave a number of specific instructions to each participant of the meeting.
In May 2025, the VII International Ethnosport Culture Festival was held in Istanbul, where Turkmenistan presented its rich culture and art of national horse breeding. The equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’, created on the initiative of Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, became one of the main stars of the event. This is reported by the online edition of ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Turkmen jigits demonstrated on the world arena the art of horse riding and complicated tricks, national costumes and musical traditions of Turkmenistan, as well as the beauty of the famous Akhalteke horses, which are a living symbol of the country's cultural heritage. Their grace and endurance once again confirmed the high status of Turkmen horse breeding as a unique phenomenon of world culture. The festival, organised by the World Confederation of Ethnosports, has become an important platform for strengthening international cultural ties and demonstrating the diversity of traditional sports.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted talks between Deputy Foreign Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyyev and a delegation of the International Monetary Fund headed by the head of the IMF mission on Turkmenistan Anna Rose Bordon on 23 May this year. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides reviewed the current state and prospects of cooperation, paying special attention to macroeconomic stability, structural reforms and technical assistance. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for the methodological support provided by the IMF in the development of the country's economic policy. Special attention was paid to discussing the challenges associated with global economic instability, as well as the prospects of Turkmenistan's accession to the World Trade Organisation. The IMF representatives positively assessed Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure macroeconomic stability and expressed readiness for further constructive dialogue. In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation aimed at sustainable economic development and integration of Turkmenistan into the world economy.
On 23 May 2025, during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to China, the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with Vice-President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng. The parties discussed key aspects of bilateral cooperation and international initiatives of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Chinese side highly appreciated the adoption of the UN resolution on the initiative of Turkmenistan to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, and reaffirmed support for the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. It was noted that Turkmenistan's peace-loving policy promotes the development of equal co-operation with all countries. Particular attention was paid to the historical ties between the two countries dating back to the times of the Great Silk Road. Today, these relations, based on mutual respect and trust, are successfully developing in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Within the framework of the visit, the Turkmen delegation also held a meeting with the leadership of the Song Qingling Foundation, where the parties discussed the prospects of co-operation in the humanitarian sphere, including interaction with the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation.
On 22 May 2025, a high-level round table on land and ecosystem conservation in the Aral Sea basin was held in Ashgabat. The event was held in a hybrid format in the UN building and was timed to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity. This is reported by IIC. Among the key topics of discussion were the results of biodiversity monitoring in the region, creation of buffer zones and ecological corridors, improvement of environmental legislation and transboundary cooperation in the field of ecology. The roundtable participants considered the possibilities of implementing modern technologies for monitoring and assessment of ecosystem services to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Special attention was paid to the issues of correlation of national legislation with international environmental standards.
A three-day tactical medicine course for 31 officers of Turkmenistan's Border Guard Service and medics from the Central Hospital concluded in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the OSCE as part of a project to strengthen the capacity of the Border Guard Service with financial support from Germany. This is reported by the IIC. The course participants learnt techniques of emergency aid in the field, methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the peculiarities of transporting the injured and the specifics of working in extreme natural conditions. Practical exercises included simulations of real emergencies with training on how to deal with various traumas. The acquired skills will enable border guards to respond more effectively to incidents in difficult natural and climatic conditions.
A delegation of the Higher Education Council of the Republic of Turkey, headed by its chairman Erol Ozvar, is paying an official visit to Turkmenistan from 21 to 24 May. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, during the visit, key meetings were held with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyyeva and Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiev. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in higher education. The programme of the visit also includes visits to Turkmen universities, where the representatives of the Turkish delegation will meet with their leadership and get acquainted with educational programmes. Excursions to the sights of Ashgabat and a tour of the country's historical and cultural sites are also planned.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has sent an official invitation to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to take part in the International Forum of Peace and Trust to be held on 12 December in Ashgabat. The message was handed over to the diplomatic adviser of the European Commission head by Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov. This is reported by the IIC. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of interaction between Turkmenistan and the European Union. It was noted that bilateral relations are developing in a constructive manner. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the recent meeting of foreign ministers of the EU and Central Asian countries in Ashgabat, as well as the first summit ‘European Union-Central Asia’, which became important stages on the way to the formation of a sustainable partnership. The Turkmen side expressed readiness to step up co-operation with the EU in such priority areas as energy, transport, supply of critical raw materials, education and scientific and technical exchange. Interest in deepening dialogue on regional and global agenda - from economic ties to environmental issues - was also confirmed.
From 21 to 25 May, the delegation of Turkmenistan is taking part in the international conference ‘Industry, Education, Research and Practical Cooperation along the Silk Road Routes - 2025’, which is being held in the Chinese city of Xi'an. The event is organised by the Department of Education of Shaanxi Province. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The delegation included representatives of leading universities of Turkmenistan. G.Rejepova, a teacher of the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, made a speech on behalf of the delegation. In her report, she stressed the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in ensuring peace and sustainable development, as well as the participation of Turkmen youth in educational programmes in China. The participation of the Turkmen side in the conference symbolises respect for the common historical heritage and traditions linking the two nations since the Great Silk Road era.
On 22 May, a screening of the feature film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ was held in the building of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. The event was organised for representatives of the Afghan Turkmen community living in Pakistan, the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission reported. According to the source, at the beginning of the meeting it was noted that the film, made in 2024 in honour of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great poet, is the result of joint work of Turkmen and Uzbek cinematographers. The audience highly appreciated the level of the production and expressed admiration for the depth of disclosure of the historical epoch. The significance of the film as an important cultural project strengthening the spiritual bond between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was especially emphasised. The screening ended with a lively discussion, during which the guests expressed gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity to touch the cultural and spiritual history of the Turkmen people.