The fourth issue of the information and analytical journal Forum Plus, published by the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund (IHCF), has been released. The issue covers key events in the Commonwealth countries during the summer of this year. This was reported by IIC. The central place in the issue is taken by the ‘Collection’ section, dedicated to the art of Turkmen carpet weaving. The materials in this section reveal the history and cultural significance of this unique national craft, emphasising its role as a symbol of the identity of the Turkmen people. Among the main materials of the publication is coverage of CIS educational initiatives, including a volunteer forum in Tajikistan and a school for young scientists in Belarus. The magazine also features reports from the festival of new Olympic sports. Special attention is given to the winners of the international awards ‘Stars of the Commonwealth’ and ‘Commonwealth of Debuts’, while the ‘Dynasty’ section introduces the history of the family of artist Martiros Saryan. The full version of the magazine is available on the official IHCF portal.
The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre opened its season with a performance of ‘Pursat’ (‘Moment’), which won the Grand Prix at the Second International Theatre Festival of TURKSOY countries. Jury member Zhanysh Kulumbetov noted the innovative nature of the production, which has no analogues in the performing arts. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: The Golden age’. Director Mekan Jumabayev rejected the traditional biographical approach, creating a performance based on the poetry of Magtymguly. Specialists from the Institute of Manuscripts and cinematographer Rahymberdi Annagullyev participated in the production, giving the play the character of a scientific and poetic treatise. The central theme of the play was Magtymguly's reflections on his own destiny and mission as a poet. The director used mysticism and symbolism to reveal the inner world of the thinker. Actor Dovlet Berdiyev was invited to play the role of Magtymguly, creating a multifaceted image of the poet. According to the artist, working on this role was the most difficult in his career, requiring a deep immersion in Magtymguly's philosophical heritage. The final scene of the play, where Magtymguly walks along a parapet in the dark, symbolises the poet's life journey, each step of which is compared to walking on a knife edge.
Filming has begun in Astana for the first Asian singing competition, ‘Silk Way Star’, which brings together talented performers from 12 countries. Turkmenistan is represented in this prestigious international project by singer and composer Dovran Shammiyev, a well-known soloist in Kovus Byashimov's jazz orchestra and winner of the ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Presidential Award. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The jury of the competition includes Rasul Klychev, Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan and outstanding conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra, whose Youth Chamber Orchestra won the gold award at the World Festival in Vienna. The ‘Silk Way Star’ project is conceived as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthening friendly ties. The broadcast of 10 episodes of the competition in Kazakh, Chinese and English will reach more than a billion viewers. The grand finale with the seven best performers will be held on 22 November and will be broadcast live.
During the visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the People's Republic of China, members of the Turkmen delegation held bilateral meetings with their Chinese counterparts. Key areas of cooperation were discussed, and a number of documents were signed to strengthen partnership in various fields, according to the Orient news agency. Particular attention was paid to issues of intellectual property, the development of science and education, cultural exchange and media cooperation. The Turkmen and Chinese sides exchanged experiences in copyright protection and discussed joint scientific and educational projects, exhibitions, conferences and media initiatives. In the transport and energy sectors, they discussed infrastructure expansion, modernisation of energy facilities and the introduction of sustainable production technologies, which creates opportunities for investment and enhances regional security. Following the negotiation, the following documents were signed: A Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Lanzhou University; A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of intellectual property between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the China National Intellectual Property Administration; A Memorandum of Understanding between the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi the Great and the National Museum of China; A Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation between the editorial office of the electronic newspaper ‘Altyn asyr’ (Turkmenistan) and the publication ‘Renmin Ribao’ (People's Republic of China).
A delegation from Turkmenistan led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova took part in the anniversary Bled Strategic Forum, which was held on 1-2 September in Bled, Slovenia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation took part in the opening ceremony of the event. M. Byashimova spoke at the round table ‘The Centrality of Central Asia,’ discussing the priorities of EU cooperation with Central Asia. The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality for dialogue and trust, as well as the country's contribution to transport and energy connectivity in Eurasia, including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and ‘green’ energy. During her visit, M. Byashimova held bilateral meetings with Dr Melita Gabrič, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia for Multilateral Cooperation, Political Affairs and Development, and Damjan Bergant, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of Slovenia. They discussed strengthening high-level contacts, trade, economic and educational cooperation, preparations for the next round of political consultations, and expanding cooperation in energy, transport and cultural exchanges. The parties confirmed their intention to actively cooperate in international forums, including the UN and the ‘EU-Central Asia’ regional partnership, as well as to interact with business circles. M. Byashimova invited the Slovenian side to the International Forum for Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat on 12 December.
In his speech at the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed support for the initiative of President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on Global Governance, noting its consistency with Ashgabat's vision of developing international relations based on the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan understands and supports the SCO's approaches to strengthening international and regional stability, as well as developing political and diplomatic dialogue. The President of Turkmenistan also noted the organisation's constructive position on the country's foreign policy and its permanent neutrality, recalling the support of SCO members for UN resolutions related to Ashgabat's initiatives.
The opening of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Ashgabat was accompanied by a ceremony to present certificates and awards confirming the university's compliance with international quality standards. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Ilyas Demirci, head of the Union of Engineers and Architects of the Turkic World, noted the university as a unique architectural and exemplary educational institution that promotes cooperation with industry and entrepreneurship. Riad Ibragimov, Director of the certification organisation ‘CERT International’, presented the ISO 9001:2015 certificate for the quality management system in the field of education. D. Aganiyazov, representative of ‘Saybolt’, confirmed that the laboratory facilities comply with international requirements. In addition, Ahmet Kahraman, representative of ‘Özlem Aydinlatma Sa. A.Ş.’, presented a certificate confirming that the POLIGHT equipment and furniture installed at the university comply with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards. The awards received have cemented the university's status as an educational institution that meets high international standards of quality, equipment and technology.
In his speech at the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the readiness for practical cooperation on its use in the interests of the SCO countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Head of State recalled the discussion of the role of the Caspian Sea as a profitable route at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and expressed hope for the continuation of dialogue within the SCO. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov initiated cooperation in the field of shipbuilding, noting the experience and production capabilities of the SCO countries and the development of the national shipbuilding industry in Turkmenistan, which could bring mutual benefits.
Speaking at the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to create logistics corridors connecting East and West and North and South, with SCO countries and Turkmenistan playing a key role. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan's business partnership with the SCO countries could strengthen bilateral ties, expand cooperation and contribute to the implementation of major regional and international projects. Joint efforts will help to form a single geo-economic space from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic, including the Asia-Pacific region, Central and South Asia, Russia, as well as the Middle East and the Near East. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of close practical cooperation and coordination of transport strategies, taking into account mutual benefits and integration into the global economy.
At the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited delegations from participating countries to visit Ashgabat on 12 December, where events will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. ‘It would be appropriate to note that the states that are now members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as a number of other UN decisions proposed by our country. I say this with special feeling and gratitude today, on the eve of the historic date – the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which will be celebrated on 12 December this year. We will be glad to see high-level delegations from all States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the upcoming celebrations in Ashgabat,’ the Head of State emphasised. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan's participation in SCO summits as an honoured guest has become a tradition and reflects mutual interest in strengthening cooperation. ‘Turkmenistan has great respect for the SCO and closely and kindly monitors its activities. We note the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in continental and global processes, and its great contribution to the establishment of a fair and balanced system of the modern world order,’ said the President of Turkmenistan.
On 2 September, during a working visit to the People's Republic of China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed prospects for strengthening strategic partnership, emphasising the active development of trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and political dialogue. Ding Xuexiang expressed his gratitude to Serdar Berdimuhamedov for participating in the SCO summit and noted the importance of his negotiation with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Special attention was paid to energy, transport and logistics projects, and increasing trade turnover. The President of Turkmenistan invited the Chinese side to work together on creating a trans-Caspian route, modernising railway infrastructure, and expanding exports of Turkmen products. Issues of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and high technology, including artificial intelligence, were also discussed. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to develop a long-term partnership and take it to a new level.
During his working visit to the People's Republic of China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov travelled to Tianjin railway station to depart for Beijing, where the Head of State was seen off in a solemn atmosphere by officials of the friendly country. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. This was followed by a meeting, which was held between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People. The parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation, noting the high level of strategic partnership based on trust and mutual respect. Particular attention was paid to energy: the interlocutors confirmed the importance of gas cooperation and agreed on the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ project. Issues of transport, logistics, education, science, culture and information exchange were also touched upon. The parties emphasised their unity of approach in international politics and constructive interaction within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia-China’ format. Following the visit, a number of bilateral documents were signed, including agreements in the fields of intellectual property, education, museum affairs and the media.