On 24 May, Begench Matliyev, Vice-Rector for Research at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Jean-Noel Castori, Vice-President of the University of Le Havre, French Republic, and Pierre Barthelemy, Director of International Relations. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA. According to the source, during the meeting, the priority areas of Turkmen-French cooperation were comprehensively discussed, with an emphasis on the development of scientific and educational ties — key areas of interaction between the two countries. J.N. Castorio expressed his readiness to support initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral partnership, exchanging experience and implementing the Erasmus+ programme between the two universities. In his speech, P. Barthelemy highlighted the partnership relations and sponsorship programmes involving the University of Le Havre and shared plans to expand international cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the delegation visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy, where guests learned about the rich historical heritage and contemporary aspects of Turkmenistan's foreign policy.
Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the National Trade Union Centre and Central Council of Women's Unions of Turkmenistan, will represent Turkmenistan at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILO), which will be held in Geneva from 2 to 13 June 2025. This was reported by the IIC. According to the source, during the event, delegates from governments, employers' organisations and trade unions from around the world will discuss key challenges in the labour market. Topics will include measures to reduce informal employment, ensuring decent working conditions in the digital economy, gender equality, the development of social dialogue, and the ILO's contribution to promoting social progress. Representatives of all 187 ILO member states have confirmed their participation in the conference. In addition, the Second Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice is scheduled for 12 June, aimed at uniting efforts to combat social injustice and promote the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
From 23 to 25 May 2025, students of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan took part in one of the largest model UN conferences in Central Asia - TIMUN 2025, organised by the International Westminster University in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the IIR of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. TIMUN 2025 gathered more than 400 participants from all over the world, becoming a platform for discussion of topical international and regional issues, development of diplomatic and negotiation skills. The conference included modelling the work of UN committees and discussing global challenges in the format of business debates. The theme of the conference – ‘Together for the Future, Together with Youth’ - emphasises the importance of youth participation in solving the world's problems and commitment to the goals of the UN Charter.
Arkadag Football Club secured a confident victory over Altyn Asyr (3:0) in the postponed match of the third round of the Turkmenistan Championship. All goals were scored in the first half: Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev (9th minute), Yazklych Kurbanov (20th) and Begench Akmamedov (30th) distinguished themselves. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Thanks to this success, Arkadag moved into first place in the table with 27 points, ahead of Ahal by 2 points and Altyn Asyr by 5, with two games in hand. Three Arkadag players lead the scoring race: Altymurat Annadurdyyev, Begench Akmamedov and Didar Durdyyev (6 goals each). Ihlas Saparmamedov and Meylis Diniyev are one goal behind, while Abdyresul Abdyyev and Zafar Babajanov have scored 4 goals each.
On 28 May 2025, an online meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima. The main topic of the talks was preparations for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In the course of constructive talks, the sides discussed in detail the organisational and substantive aspects of preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Particular attention was paid to issues of organisational and protocol nature, the formation of the substantive agenda of the forthcoming conference, as well as the current state of preparation of conference halls and premises for plenary sessions, round tables, forums and other side events. The importance of the conference as a significant international forum that would make a significant contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the context of addressing the specific problems and challenges faced by landlocked developing countries, was highlighted during the discussion.
Ankara hosted a solemn cultural event organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey on 28 May this year. The event was held at the University of Music and Fine Arts and was dedicated to two significant events - the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This is reported by the IIC. Within the framework of the event, Turkmen students presented a rich artistic programme, including the performance of folk songs, traditional musical compositions and folklore national dances. A special flavour of the holiday was given by an exhibition of Turkmen folk art, which displayed carpets, traditional Turkmen jewellery, ancient musical instruments and samples of arts and crafts. The holiday ended in accordance with the good Turkmen custom - treating the guests with various dishes of national cuisine, which was a heartwarming finale of the cultural event.
A two-day OSCE seminar on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 ‘Women, Peace and Security’ in Central Asia has concluded in Ashgabat. The event was organised with the support of Finland and brought together representatives from five countries in the region, international experts and diplomats. This was reported by the IIC. Seminar participants discussed the integration of the gender agenda into national security strategies and strengthening the role of women in conflict prevention and countering cross-border threats. Particular attention was paid to the experience of Turkmenistan, as the country has had a National Plan for Gender Equality in place since 2015. The event provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of Turkmenistan's neutral status in promoting peace initiatives. Following the seminar, recommendations were developed on improving legislation and raising awareness of the role of women in security issues.
Uzbekistan is hosting the CAFA international football tournament among youth national teams (U-17) from 24-31 May, with six countries in the region taking part: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran. This is reported by IIC. Turkmen football referees Arslan Goshshanov and Mergen Allaberdiyev were selected to officiate the matches of this prestigious competition. Their participation emphasises the growing authority of the Turkmen refereeing school in Central Asia. The tournament provides young footballers with valuable international experience. The Turkmen national team demonstrates a worthy game, and the work of Turkmen referees receives high marks from the organisers.
The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference on natural disaster risk reduction. The main outcome was the completion of a joint project with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to modernise the seismological monitoring system in the Ashgabat region. This is reported by IIC. Within the framework of the project, a digital system for real-time observation of seismic activity was created. Four modern seismometers were installed around the capital, and three broadband stations were installed outside the city. Special attention was paid to the organisation of a monitoring network in 11 settlements of Ashgabat. The experts of the two countries discussed the issues of preparing the population for emergencies and application of advanced technologies in seismology, as well as considered the prospects for further cooperation. Experts from Turkmenistan and Japan presented the results of the joint project on modernisation of the seismological monitoring system. The data obtained will help improve seismic design standards for buildings.
At the auction of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan on 27 May, products of State Concerns ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and ‘Türkmennebit’ were in high demand. This is reported by the website of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. According to the source, representatives of business circles from Afghanistan and the UAE bought liquefied gas from the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded a deal with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for the purchase of road bitumen of ‘BND 60/90’ brand and cotton yarn. The total amount of 7 deals, which were concluded during the bidding, was about 18 million 919 thousand manat and more than 1 million US dollars.
On 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments of the country, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and heads of structural units of various UN agencies. The key issues on the agenda were the analysis of the current stage of implementation of the Framework Programme, discussion of the parameters of the new cycle for 2026-2030, as well as approval of the Country Programmes of UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA for the same period. The source notes that the meeting emphasised the strong partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN, noting the high level of cooperation in priority areas of sustainable development. There was a common understanding of the need for an integrated and strategic approach aimed at achieving concrete results in the long term.
Turkmenistan's figure skating championship held at the Winter Sports Complex in Ashgabat coincided with the visit of honoured coach of Russia and international judge Vladimir Zakharov to the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, Zakharov arrived in Turkmenistan to hold training seminars for coaches and judges. The latest changes in the judging system of the International Skating Union, technique of putting athletes on the ice, manner of performance and choreography of programmes were discussed. In addition, the guest noted the significant progress of the Turkmen figure skating school, emphasising the growing number of promising athletes. Chairman of the National Centre for Winter Sports Meretdurdy Gochov noted that after the summer training period, the new sports season will start in August and will open new names in Turkmen figure skating.