The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has received messages of congratulations from the Heads of Government of Georgia and the Russian Federation on the occasion of the Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr holidays. This was reported by AsmanNews. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated the Head of State on Nowruz and expressed his readiness to further strengthen bilateral relations. The message also included wishes for success in state affairs and prosperity for the Turkmen people. The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, sent his congratulations on Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz. He noted the significance of these holidays as symbols of renewal and mutual understanding. The message highlighted the high level of Russian-Turkmen relations and reaffirmed the readiness to develop cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects in various fields.
The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has sent a message to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Kazakh leader expressed his gratitude for the warm message and noted the high level of mutual respect and support between the two countries. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the special relationship between the Kazakh and Turkmen peoples and expressed his personal respect for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On the occasion of the Nowruz holiday, he wished him health, prosperity and success. The President of Kazakhstan also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the Kazakh-Turkmen strategic partnership, based on traditions of friendship and good-neighbourliness. It was noted that the parties intend to continue developing cooperation in key areas.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stated in an interview with ‘CGTN’ that trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China has increased twentyfold since 2007. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to Hero Arkadag, China remains Turkmenistan’s largest trade and economic partner. The annual volume of mutual trade reaches $9–10 billion. Cooperation covers energy, transport, communications, high technology, as well as the textile and agro-industrial sectors. Cooperation in the oil and gas sector and the prospects for the development of renewable energy were highlighted separately. In the transport sector, as the National Leader emphasised, around 90% of the country’s railway carriages and locomotives are manufactured in China. Cooperation on international transport and transit corridors is also developing, and purchases of Chinese equipment, including buses, are increasing. The potential for expanding trade routes across the Caspian Sea to ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean was highlighted. Promising areas mentioned included the agro-industrial complex, urban development, the implementation of ‘smart’ cities, telecommunications and space technologies.
From 3 to 5 November, Ashgabat will host the International Exhibition and Conference ‘Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical, Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan’ (CIET). This was announced by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event aims to attract foreign investment into key sectors of the country’s economy and to develop regional and international cooperation. Exhibitors will present the latest technological solutions and equipment in the fields of construction and industry. The organisers note that the event will serve as a unique platform for companies to demonstrate their potential, exchange experiences and establish new business contacts. Experts emphasise that the initiative also contributes to strengthening Turkmenistan’s international ties and stimulates the introduction of advanced technologies into the national economy.
As part of the international ‘Ramadan Press Trip’, Turkmen journalists visited Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. The trip was organised by the Cultural Council of the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan, with the support of ‘Turkish Airlines’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In Bursa, the delegation visited Grand Mosque – one of Turkey’s main historic mosques – as well as the Grand Bazaar and Koza Han, known as a centre for the silk trade. The tour participants learnt about the city’s history, its architectural heritage and Ramadan traditions. The programme concluded with a festive iftar, where guests were treated to the famous ‘İskender kebab’ – a gastronomic symbol of Bursa. According to the participants, the trip helped them gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s historical significance and its role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire. The organisers noted that such press tours help to strengthen cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey.
Turkmenistan has organised a series of public events to mark World Health Day, which is celebrated on 7 April. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister B. Mammedov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to TDH. From 1 to 7 April, scientific and practical conferences, as well as educational, physical education and sports, health and cultural events, will take place in the country’s velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag. Schoolchildren, students, employees of institutions and enterprises, and athletes will take part in the competitions. Mass cycle rides and sporting events will also be organised. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of World Health Day for promoting the principles of an active lifestyle and the development of sport in society. He instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure that the events are organised to a high standard. World Health Day has been observed since 1950, marking the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The aim of the day is to remind people of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, give up harmful habits and engage in regular physical activity.
Tahir Atayev’s Orchestra will present the concert ‘Tenderness’ on 26 March at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The concert begins at 7.00 pm. The programme features lyrical compositions dedicated to the themes of love, warmth and memories. According to the organisers, the performance is aimed at a wide audience and will combine instrumental and vocal pieces.
On 18 March, a meeting took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan between Ambassador Batyr Rejepov and Askar Umarov, Director of the Republican State Institution ‘Central Communications Service’ under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the development of information systems, as well as issues relating to the maintenance and support of information and communications infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience and the establishment of cooperation between Kazakhstan’s ‘Central Communications Service’ and the relevant agencies in Turkmenistan responsible for communication between the state and society. The participants also discussed changes in professional practice in the context of the development of artificial intelligence technologies and noted the need to adhere to high professional standards.
On 21–22 March, Turkmenistan celebrates its National Spring Festival – International Nowruz Day. The main celebrations are taking place at the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ (Nowruz Valley) venue in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, reports AsmanNews. The events are attended by representatives of the Government, the Mejlis, ministries and departments, public organisations, diplomatic missions and international bodies, as well as the country’s residents. More than 220 foreign guests from around 30 countries have arrived for the festival. Nowruz is included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival brings together traditions, rituals, music and elements of contemporary art. Concert programmes and theatrical performances are taking place at the venue. Themed areas have been set up featuring national yurts, farmsteads and elements of traditional life. In his congratulatory address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the significance of the holiday and highlighted the country’s achievements since independence, as well as its development in key areas. The festive events are attended by residents from all regions of the country and are accompanied by cultural performances.
On 21 March, a telephone conversation took place between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The conversation took place at the initiative of the Pakistani side, according to TDH. The interlocutors exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and the International Day of Nowruz, and conveyed mutual greetings to the leadership and peoples of both countries. The Prime Minister of Pakistan conveyed to the President of Turkmenistan greetings from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, as well as best wishes. Special congratulations were addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the warm words and extended reciprocal greetings and congratulations to the leadership of Pakistan. During the conversation, the commitment to developing bilateral cooperation was reaffirmed. It was noted that cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, energy, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The parties also noted the significance of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s participation in the International Forum held in Ashgabat last December. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif invited the President of Turkmenistan to pay a visit to Pakistan. The Head of State expressed his gratitude and confirmed his readiness to develop the partnership. At the conclusion of the conversation, the parties exchanged wishes for success in their state activities and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The spring season of the nationwide tree-planting campaign kicked off in the city of Arkadag on 21 March. The event was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by AsmanNews. Hero Arkadag arrived at the venue and planted a sapling, marking the start of the campaign. Afterwards, participants began planting trees. The campaign took place during the celebrations for International Nowruz Day. It was attended by representatives from various sectors and residents of the city. During the event, one of the young participants asked Hero Arkadag to launch the campaign. After planting the tree together, the boy was presented with a commemorative gift. A brief conversation also took place about his studies and hobbies. Tree-planting campaigns are held in the country on a regular basis — in spring and autumn. They are implemented as part of the state policy on environmental protection, the development of forest areas and the creation of a favourable ecological environment. During the event, Hero Arkadag was briefed on the work being carried out as part of the second phase of construction in the city of Arkadag, including measures to ensure environmental cleanliness and the improvement of the area.
A nationwide tree-planting campaign took place in Turkmenistan on 21 March, attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Across the country, 611,962 saplings were planted and 2,024,240 trees were tended to. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State launched the campaign by planting the first tree. After that, the participants in the event began planting. The campaign was attended by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations, as well as members of the public. The event took place as part of the implementation of the National Forest Programme, aimed at expanding forest areas and preserving biodiversity. Soil and climatic conditions were taken into account during the planting. Alongside the planting of new trees, work was carried out to maintain previously established forest areas, as well as to improve parks and other green spaces. Greening campaigns aimed at improving the environmental situation and promoting sustainable development are held regularly across the country. Upon completion of the event, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left the venue.