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More than 220 international guests have arrived in Turkmenistan to celebrate Nowruz
22.03.2026On 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.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shehbaz Sharif discussed bilateral relations
22.03.2026On 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 first saplings have been planted in Arkadag as part of the spring campaign
22.03.2026The 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.
President of Turkmenistan took part in a nationwide tree-planting campaign
22.03.2026A 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.
Turkmenistan is updating its cooperation strategy with the EBRD for 2026–2030
21.03.2026On 20 March, during a government meeting, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, presented a comprehensive plan to expand cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This was reported by the news agency Orient. The partnership, which began in 1992 and has already seen more than 80 projects implemented, is entering a new strategic phase. This work will be underpinned by a new partnership strategy between Turkmenistan and the EBRD for the period 2026–2030. The document aims to create a sustainable basis for attracting long-term investment in both state infrastructure projects and private sector development. To finalise the strategy, plans are in place to form a special working committee comprising representatives from the country’s financial and economic sector. Particular attention is being paid to the transport and logistics sector. It is envisaged that the bank’s resources will be utilised for the construction and large-scale reconstruction of key rail and road routes. These initiatives will be implemented in close coordination with the European ‘Global Gateway’ strategy, which will enable Turkmenistan to become more actively involved in transcontinental transport corridors. In the coming months, relevant ministries, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Central Bank and State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, will prepare a detailed work plan for the implementation of these tasks.
Chinese connoisseurs of Ahal-Teke horses have been invited to Turkmenistan
21.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has invited Chinese horse breeders and enthusiasts of Ahal-Teke horses to take part in the Turkmen Horse Festival. This was reported by TDH. The invitation was extended on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, during a meeting with members of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Chinese connoisseurs of Ahal-Teke horses in Beijing. The festival will take place on the last Sunday in April. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also invited the guests to visit Turkmenistan in September for the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The programme includes horse races, equestrian exhibitions and a scientific and practical conference, with the opportunity to join the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding. An excursion dedicated to Ahal-Teke racehorses will be organised for participants in the town of Arkadag. The invitation also extends to the musicians of the ‘Equuleus’ ensemble, who performed national melodies on Chinese instruments.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Chinese horse breeders
21.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with members of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Chinese connoisseurs of Ahal-Teke horses during his visit to China, reports TDH. The meeting was opened by Wang Jian, founder of the ‘Equuleus’ complex, who expressed her gratitude for the visit. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation and highlighted the historical role of Ahal-Teke horses for Turkmenistan and China. He recalled that 12 years ago, Xi Jinping was presented with an Ahal-Teke horse as a symbol of friendship. During this visit, on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, an Ahal-Teke horse named Gadyrly was presented to Xi Jinping. The Turkmen leader spoke about the country’s equestrian infrastructure: Arkadag is home to the International Equestrian Sports Complex and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, where 420 students are enrolled. The ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games team is a six-time world champion. At the conclusion of the meeting, Yue Gaofeng, Secretary of the Chinese Horse Breeding Association, thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on behalf of all Chinese horse breeders. The participants took a joint commemorative photograph.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has updated its official websites
21.03.2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has updated its official websites. This development is part of efforts to digitise public services, according to IIC. The new versions of the websites feature an updated design, simplified navigation and improved loading speeds. The sites have been optimised for mobile devices and tablets. The structure of the sections has been updated. It is now easier for users to find foreign policy news, official statements and information on cooperation. The changes also affect consular services. The websites provide reference information, document forms and a schedule for receiving citizens. Previously, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan launched a mobile app with an online booking function for consular appointments. The website update is aimed at improving the accessibility and convenience of digital services.
Hero Arkadag gave an interview to CGTN on cooperation between Turkmenistan and China
21.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to the Chinese television channel ‘CGTN’ during his visit to the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Prior to the recording, a conversation took place with the presenter, He Yanke. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation. Hero Arkadag also signed the channel’s guest book. The interview noted that relations between Turkmenistan and China have deep historical roots and are developing on the basis of trust and mutual support. The role of the strategic partnership, formalised by bilateral agreements, was emphasised. Key areas of cooperation include energy, transport, communications, high technology and the agro-industrial sector. China remains Turkmenistan’s largest trade and economic partner. Particular attention was paid to gas cooperation. Supplies via the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline continue on a consistent basis, and the parties are working to increase export volumes. The implementation of projects at the ‘Galkynysh’ field is noted. The development of transport corridors, including the ‘East–West’ route, and participation in international initiatives are also highlighted. In the humanitarian sphere, the focus is on educational and cultural exchanges. More than 10,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying in China, and Chinese is taught in educational institutions in Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and the peaceful settlement of international issues. The role of the UN in maintaining stability was noted. In assessing the prospects for cooperation, it was emphasised that the partnership between Turkmenistan and China is geared towards long-term development and the expansion of cooperation across all areas.
Turkmenistan is launching a new phase in the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field
21.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution aimed at increasing natural gas production. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. According to the document, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ has been authorised to enter into a contract with ‘CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd.’ of the People’s Republic of China. The contract concerns the design and turnkey construction of facilities as part of the development of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. The project involves the construction of a facility to process 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas per year, as well as the drilling of production wells to ensure this level of output. The document is aimed at fulfilling the objectives set for the country’s oil and gas sector.
Turkmenistan is marking the fourth anniversary of the Head of State's accession to office
20.03.2026A ceremonial event marking the fourth anniversary of Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s inauguration as President of Turkmenistan was held at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum was attended by leaders of the Mejlis, members of the Halk Maslahaty, representatives of political parties, academics, students and honoured elders. A festive atmosphere was created by an exhibition showcasing achievements in national culture, decorative and applied arts, and literary works by the country’s leaders. Speakers highlighted the rapid economic development over the past four years, the construction of industrial facilities, residential complexes and educational institutions, as well as the successful implementation of the ‘smart’ city project in Arkadag as a centre for innovation and specialist training. Particular attention was paid to democratic reforms and the upcoming local and parliamentary elections on 29 March. The academic community and students emphasised the importance of the conditions created for intellectual development and international integration. The forum also highlighted the President’s role in strengthening Turkmenistan as a centre for peacemaking and in implementing the initiatives of the Year of Peace and Trust. The event concluded with performances by masters of the arts and People’s Artists, celebrating the country’s achievements.
Turkmen boxers performed well at an international tournament in Bangkok
20.03.2026Turkmenistan’s youth boxing team has returned to Ashgabat following a successful performance at the ‘2026 World Boxing Futures Cup’ International Tournament. This was reported by IIC. The competition took place in Bangkok from 8 to 15 March and attracted over 450 athletes from 78 countries. The tournament served as a qualifying round for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Amidst fierce competition among U19 boxers, bronze medals were won by Ismail Orazmyradov (up to 75 kg) and Soyunali Ovezgeldiyev (up to 90 kg). The athletes demonstrated a high level of technique and a will to win. The success in Thailand confirms the competitiveness of the Turkmen boxing school and the quality of training for the national team’s reserves. The results of the tournament open up prospects for young athletes to participate in the Youth Olympic Games and for further professional development.
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