President of Turkmenistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of decrees in connection with the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, the TDH news agency reported. According to the documents, a group of military personnel and staff from the armed forces and law enforcement agencies have been awarded military and special ranks, as well as class ranks. Under another Decree, military personnel and staff of the military and law enforcement agencies have been awarded medals of Turkmenistan for their contribution to strengthening independence and sovereignty, defence capability, security, the rule of law and public order, as well as for exemplary performance of their duties and many years of conscientious service. By a separate Decree, senior officials, military personnel and staff of the military and law enforcement agencies were awarded the Turkmenistan jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’. The award was presented for participation in the preparation and conduct of the military parade marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, as well as for contributions to strengthening defence capabilities, ensuring security, maintaining military discipline and training personnel for the military and law enforcement agencies.
On 27 September, the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to Independence. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The event was attended by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, members of the Government, heads of ministries and departments, military and law enforcement agencies, heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations, governors of Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, representatives of velayats, civil society organisations and the media, elders, mothers, students and residents of the capital. The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthem of Turkmenistan. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid a wreath at the Monument to Independence. The other participants then laid flowers at the monument. In his congratulatory address to the nation, the Head of State highlighted the importance of independence as the foundation of the nation’s statehood and stability. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the development of citiess and villages, the implementation of large-scale programmes and the achievement of new milestones are all aimed at further strengthening Turkmenistan’s independence. During his address at a session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the President of Turkmenistan also noted the need to enhance the prestige of the independent, neutral Motherland, to strengthen unity and harmony, and to work for the welfare of the people. After the ceremony concluded, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov bid farewell to the participants and left the venue. Celebrations to mark Turkmenistan’s Independence Day took place across the country on 27 September.
Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, and embassy staff took part in a tree-planting campaign in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Ashgabat City Administration and the Pakistani Embassy, according to Orient. The Ambassador congratulated the people of the country on Independence Day and highlighted the importance of further developing friendly and fraternal relations between the two states. Faryal Leghari also emphasised the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan in various fields and of continued collaboration. The tree-planting event formed part of the celebrations marking Turkmenistan’s national holiday.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the historical, religious and cultural ties between Iran and Turkmenistan will contribute to the development of bilateral relations. This was set out in his message of congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of independence, published on the TDH website. According to Masoud Pezeshkian, the common ground between the two countries forms the basis for the development and strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation. The President of Iran wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and success, and the people of Turkmenistan progress and prosperity.
More than a thousand residents and visitors to Ashgabat gathered in the square in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre, where a festive concert was held to mark the conclusion of the events celebrating Turkmenistan’s Independence Day. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme featured performances by the State Choir, pop singers, and dance and folk ensembles. The programme included folk melodies and contemporary pop songs. The evening concluded with a 15-minute fireworks display.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his congratulatory message, Ilham Aliyev highlighted Turkmenistan’s successes in consolidating its independence and achieving socio-economic development, as well as the country’s high standing on the international stage. Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan supports Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. The President of Azerbaijan also highlighted the high level of bilateral relations, based on historical ties, shared national and spiritual values, and good-neighbourliness. Ilham Aliyev made special mention of the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan in June 2026. He emphasised the importance of the negotiations held, the documents signed and the agreements reached for strengthening the friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries. In conclusion, Ilham Aliyev wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, happiness and success, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
A charity event aimed at supporting children in need of special care took place in Turkmenistan during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of independence. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, festive treats and sweet gifts were presented to the children at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace in the capital and to the young patients at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the town of Arkadag. The children were also given fresh vegetables, melons, fruit and baked goods. The gifts created a festive atmosphere and delighted the children. As a token of gratitude, the children sang songs and recited poems about their homeland. Caring for the health of the younger generation and supporting children in need of special attention remain key priorities of Turkmenistan’s social policy. The event continued the traditions of humanism and care for the younger generation in a year marked by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
On 26 September, a ceremony was held at the State Migration Service to award residence permits in Turkmenistan to foreign nationals permanently residing in the country. The decision was taken in accordance with a Resolution by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reports the TDH news agency. Under the Resolution, 146 foreign nationals were granted permanent residence permits in Turkmenistan. The event took place as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. Those who received the permits expressed their gratitude to the country’s leadership for the opportunity to live permanently in Turkmenistan. During the ceremony, it was noted that conditions are being created in the country for people of different nationalities and ethnic groups to live in peace and prosperity.
On 25 September 2026, at a high-level UN meeting, Turkmenistan outlined its priorities in the areas of pandemic prevention, preparedness and emergency response. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The initiatives presented are based on proposals by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which he had previously outlined at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly. The proposals include the development of a programme to study the coronavirus genome, the creation of a multilateral mechanism to combat pneumonia, and the establishment of a methodological centre for the prevention and treatment of acute infectious diseases under the auspices of the World Health Organisation. In collaboration with the WHO, Turkmenistan continues to improve epidemiological surveillance, strengthen pandemic preparedness and develop laboratory infrastructure. Particular attention is also being paid to implementing the ‘One Health’ concept, which brings together issues relating to human health, animal health and the state of the environment.
Ashgabat’s policy of positive neutrality contributes to strengthening security and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian Basin. This is stated in a congratulatory message from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of Independence Day, according to the TDH news agency. The message also highlighted the development of relations between Russia and Turkmenistan within the framework of an in-depth strategic partnership. The countries cooperate in various fields and collaborate on issues relating to the international agenda. The President of the Russian Federation expressed his readiness to continue constructive dialogue and joint efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Vladimir Putin wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and success in his state duties, and the people of the country happiness and prosperity.
On 25 September, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, Shener Cebeci. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, the activities of the Mejlis, the improvement of national legislation and the development of parliamentary cooperation. Issues relating to cooperation in the field of international law were also considered. The parties noted the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust and equality. They discussed the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, contacts between relevant committees, and the holding of inter-parliamentary meetings and consultations. Particular attention was paid to the participation of representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey in the International Women’s Dialogue and the International Conference on Demography, which will take place in October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey expressed his gratitude for the reception and noted that he considered it an honour to represent his country in Turkmenistan.
On 26 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Levan Ioseliani, Ombudsman of Georgia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to regular contacts at the highest and senior levels, including the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan to Georgia in July this year. The participants discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of human rights and parliamentary affairs, as well as the activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Groups. Levan Ioseliani thanked the Turkmen side for their hospitality and offered his congratulations on the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.