On 13 May 2025, a solemn event dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust was held at the Consulate of Turkmenistan in Aktau, Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Turkmen diaspora of Mangystau region, as well as students of the Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh.Yessenov. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In his speech, Consul of Turkmenistan M.Abdyllayev noted the importance of international recognition of the neutral status of the country. He stressed that the peace initiatives of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov are widely supported in the UN, as evidenced by the UN General Assembly resolutions, including the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's role in strengthening global security, developing interstate cooperation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The event included an exhibition demonstrating traditional Turkmen handicrafts, jewellery and textile products, which aroused keen interest among the guests. The meeting ended with the screening of video materials dedicated to the policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Arkadag Football Club on winning the first round of the AFC Challenge League. The Turkmen team won the final match against Cambodian club Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng 2-1. The game was played on Saturday at a packed Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh. This was reported by the IIC. The win was a landmark for Arkadag in its debut season and continued the Turkmen clubs' success at the continental level. Earlier titles in the defunct AFC President's Cup were won by HTTU FC in 2014 and Balkan FC in 2013. Sheikh Salman highlighted the significance of the tournament, emphasising that the competition plays a key role in the development of football. He added that the establishment of the AFC Challenge League as part of the reforms aims to increase opportunities for clubs from developing associations, allowing them to participate in top-class tournaments and improve through competition. On behalf of the Asian football community, the AFC President congratulated Arkadag on the historic achievement and thanked the Football Federations of Turkmenistan and Cambodia for creating a vibrant competitive atmosphere.
On 12 May 2025, a meeting of the Turkmen-Saudi inter-parliamentary friendship group was held in the format of videoconference, which was attended by deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the national parliament. During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue, issues of deepening cooperation on the platforms of international and regional organizations, as well as exchanged views on the current agenda of bilateral cooperation. Special attention was paid to the need for progressive strengthening of equal and mutually beneficial relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sides noted the importance of spiritual and moral values that historically unite the peoples of the two countries and serve as a basis for a trusting dialogue.
Turkmenistan's pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka is rapidly gaining popularity among the international audience. Visitors share vivid photos and rave reviews on social networks, noting the uniqueness of the architectural design and rich cultural content, Turkmenportal news website reported. The three-level exposition introduces visitors to the rich heritage and modern achievements of Turkmenistan. The architectural concept, inspired by the traditional ornament of gulyaka, is in the form of a light structure with a dome, epitomising the harmony of tradition and innovation. The exterior of the pavilion, echoing the landscapes of the Karakum desert, attracts attention with its expressive symbolism. An immersive tour of Turkmenistan awaits visitors on the ground floor: spherical screens and digital installations immerse them in the atmosphere of the country. Special attention is drawn to the video presentation of the innovative city Arkadag - a project reflecting the progressive vector of the state's development. The second level is devoted to key sectors - energy, industry, health care and education. The section demonstrating the use of medicinal plants in the traditional medicine of Turkmenistan is of special interest. On the third level of the pavilion there is an exposition devoted to the national arts and crafts: ancient carpets, embroideries and museum artefacts. The open terrace with traditional tapjans, where one can relax with a cup of fragrant green tea and taste Turkmen cuisine, is in particular demand among tourists.
On 8 May, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan took part in the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which were held in the Victory Park of Dushanbe. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. According to the source, the events were also attended by the Chairmen of the Chambers of Parliament, Prime Minister, heads of security agencies, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in this country. The President of Tajikistan laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame. There was also a solemn march of units of the armed forces of Tajikistan. The source noted that Turkmenistan highly appreciates the fruitful co-operation with Tajikistan in the context of maintaining regional stability, security and peace in Central Asia.
The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted the opening ceremony of the regional seminar for young diplomats and civil servants of Central Asian countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and is aimed at strengthening cooperation, exchange of experience and joint discussion of regional challenges. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Foreign Ministry, foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations, including the UN, as well as delegations of regional countries and students. The speeches underlined the significance of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of a culture of peace, sustainable development and trusting dialogue, which is supported by the country's international initiatives recognized by the UN. It was noted that Turkmenistan's neutrality proved its effectiveness in international diplomacy and was confirmed by three resolutions of the UN General Assembly. Special attention was paid to the issues of peace, security, ecology, humanitarian activities and youth policy. The seminar will last until 16 May and will become a platform for studying UN approaches in the field of human rights, sustainable development, gender equality and other areas, as well as strengthening regional cooperation.
The city of Arkadag held celebrations to mark the victory of the Arkadag football team in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Akhan Monument became the centre of the celebration, where artists and musical groups of the country performed. The winners of the tournament arrived at the ceremony with the State Flag, Cup and awards, causing a lively response from the gathered residents and fans. The athletes marched along the avenues of the new city to the multi-purpose stadium. The festive events were accompanied by performances of athletes, national songs and dances. At the stadium the players were given bread and salt as a sign of respect for traditions. Head of the football club Arslanmurad Amanov thanked the country's leadership for attention to sport and said that the team will donate the prize money won at the tournament to ‘The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship’ to help children in need of care. In their speeches, the athletes expressed their readiness to continue representing Turkmenistan honourably in the international arena. The celebration ended with a festive concert, fireworks and mass festivities.
The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the coaches and athletes of the Arkadag football team on winning the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League, stressing that this success was an important achievement in the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of state noted that during the years of independence the country has been carrying out large-scale reforms in the sphere of physical culture and sports, which promotes the growth of interest in a healthy lifestyle and strengthens the international sports authority of Turkmenistan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov recalled that Turkmenistan actively promotes the ideas of peace and friendship through sports, participating in the work of international organisations, including the IOC and the Olympic Council of Asia, as well as initiating the adoption of sports resolutions in the UN. In addition, it was emphasised that the creation of the Arkadag team was a significant step in the development of Turkmen football. Thanks to the attention of the state and the infrastructure of the new city of Arkadag, the team has demonstrated high results at the national and international levels. The President of Turkmenistan also noted that sports achievements are the result of the state policy in the field of sports and contribute to strengthening the prestige of the country. In conclusion, the Head of state wished the athletes health and new successes.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on awarding coaches and athletes of the football team ‘Arkadag’ of the city of Arkadag with cash prizes. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of state signed the document in recognition of the significant contribution to the development of Turkmen sports, as well as for the club's victory in the final of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League and confident game in the highest league of Turkmenistan.
A special training for journalists, organised by the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan with the support of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has started at the UN headquarters in Ashgabat. The event, which will last until 17 May, is conducted by international experts from Kazakhstan and Lithuania. This is reported by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The training programme includes methods of creating quality content for children's audience, peculiarities of interviewing children and teenagers, principles of ethical representation of children in social advertising. Attention will be paid to the use of AI technologies to visualise children's content and the basics of storytelling when working with children's topics. The participants of the training will practise their knowledge during group exercises on creating media materials. The event was an important step in raising the professional standards of the Turkmen media's work with children's issues, which is in line with international principles of child rights protection.
Last week, 31 deals totalling over $4.5 million and 88 million manats were concluded on the platform of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the State News Agency ‘Turkmenistan Today’. Businessmen from the UAE, Turkey and Afghanistan bought oil products - road bitumen, lighting paraffin, base oil produced by Türkmennebit for foreign currency. Business representatives from Afghanistan also purchased sodium chloride and liquefied gas from "Türkmenhimiýa" and "Türkmengaz" SCs. Cotton yarn was exported to the UAE and Kyrgyzstan. In the domestic market, Turkmen businessmen purchased oil road bitumen and textile products (terry products, cotton yarn and fabric). The total amount of domestic transactions exceeded 88 million manats, which indicates consistent demand for the products of national enterprises both in the foreign and domestic markets.
In the upcoming Asian Football Confederation club tournament season, Turkmenistan will set a record by fielding three teams - more than any other AFC member country. The country achieved such an opportunity thanks to Arkadag's triumph in the AFC Challenge League. This is reported by the IIC. The Ahal club is likely to start with the qualifying round of the second AFC Champions League, where its potential opponent could be Tajikistan's Regar-TadAZ. Other possible opponents include India's Goa and Oman's Al-Sib. At the same time, there is still a chance of direct entry into the group stage if some clubs do not receive an AFC licence. Altyn Asyr, the country's champion, has already secured a place in the group stage of the elite Champions League. Interestingly, the teams that failed to qualify for the second Champions League will have the right to play in the group stage of the Challenge League, which increases the chances of Turkmen clubs to continue playing in international tournaments.