French Senator Samantha Cazebonne, representing French citizens living abroad, will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan on 23–24 June. This was announced following her meeting with Maksat Charyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the visit, bilateral talks are planned, as well as participation in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of French language teaching in Turkmenistan. The visit is expected to be an important step in strengthening humanitarian and educational ties between the two countries. During the meeting on 11 June, the parties also discussed the implementation of the Roadmap for 2025–2026 on cooperation in the field of general and higher education. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in further developing Turkmen-French relations, especially in the cultural and educational spheres.
The Minister of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan, Nurmukhammet Orazgeldiyev, held a series of working meetings with the heads of leading foreign textile companies. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for technological partnership and modernisation of the industry. This was reported by the IIC. The main focus was on the supply of modern equipment for textile industry enterprises in Turkmenistan. The participants in the negotiations considered specific cooperation projects aimed at improving production efficiency and the quality of products. The Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan is actively developing international ties, seeking to introduce advanced technologies and best international practices into the industry. The meetings were an important step in strengthening business partnerships with foreign manufacturers.
Mariana Micheli, President of Milan Fashion Week ‘Mad Mood Milano’, visited Turkmenistan for the first time, where she presented her fashion platform as part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition. At the fashion show, she presented a collection by young Italian designer Leonardo Ligorio. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. M. Micheli said that the ‘Mad Mood Milano’ platform she created specialises in supporting emerging fashion designers around the world. Mariana collaborates with organisers of major fashion events in Serbia, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Singapore, as well as finding and developing talent in South America and Bulgaria. The expert paid special attention to her unique project, MEDITERRANEAN FASHION AND FOOD WEEK, which combines fashion and gastronomy. According to M. Micheli, this event allows designers and chefs to represent their countries through cultural exchange in southern Italy. When asked about possible cooperation with Turkmen designers, Micheli expressed interest in joint projects. Her visit to Ashgabat opens up new prospects for the integration of Turkmen fashion designers into the global fashion industry.
The resort town of Avaza on the Caspian coast turned into a venue for the International Dance and Folklore Festival for three days. The aim of the forum is to introduce foreign guests to Turkmen choreographic and folklore traditions, according to the news website TerraNews. The festival was attended by groups from Turkmenistan, as well as artists from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and India. They presented folk dances, songs and elements of their countries' cultural heritage. The dance ‘Kushtepdi’, added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2017, attracted particular attention from the audience. The festival became a platform for the exchange of cultural experiences, the strengthening of international ties and the promotion of traditional art. Participants noted the warm welcome and high level of organisation.
From 10 to 14 June, a training course for specialists working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is being held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was initiated by UNICEF in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The classes are being conducted by experts from the St. Petersburg Institute of Early Intervention. The programme includes topics such as early diagnosis of ASD, the development of individual development programmes and educational pathways, as well as support for children with developmental disabilities in the preschool education system.
President of the Central Asian-European Creative Alliance Elena Kharitonova visited Turkmenistan for the first time, where she took part in the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition. The Brussels expert expressed her admiration for the organisation of the event and the professionalism of local designers. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Elena Kharitonova noted that Ashgabat impressed her with its cleanliness. She emphasised that the country's main asset is its hospitable and friendly people. The expert was particularly impressed by the skill of Turkmen designers in working with textiles, as well as the unique embroidery combining ethnic motifs with individual authorial style. According to the president of the Alliance, the Ashgabat exhibition stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining light industry, fashion, modern equipment and cultural heritage. As part of the business programme on 13 June, Kharitonova plans to hold a master class on innovative textile technologies and take part in a round table on ‘textile diplomacy’.
An important international conference on peace, migration and sustainable development, organised on the initiative of Turkmenistan, took place in Ashgabat. The event was held within the framework of the UN Resolution on the International Year of Peace and Trust and brought together representatives of Central Asian countries, as well as experts from Russia, Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the event, participants discussed a wide range of topical issues, including modern approaches to migration management, the impact of environmental factors on migration, the problems of statelessness and the prospects for the digitisation of migration services. Particular attention was paid to the protection of migrants' rights and adaptation to climate change. Experts stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging best practices to ensure stability in Central Asia. The conference was further confirmation of Turkmenistan's active role in promoting international dialogue on key contemporary issues.
Two leading educational institutions in Turkmenistan, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Institute of Economics and Management, received new publications as a gift from the Japanese Embassy. The handover ceremony took place as part of the international READ JAPAN PROJECT. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The initiative, implemented since 2008 by ‘The Nippon Foundation’ and the ‘Tokyo Foundation for Research Policy’, aims to spread knowledge about Japan through English-language publications. The donated books will replenish the libraries of universities and will be used in the educational process. As noted by the Japanese Embassy, this project helps strengthen cultural and educational ties between the two countries. The publications cover various topics, from economics and politics to traditional culture in modern Japan. The READ JAPAN PROJECT has already provided books to more than 400 universities in 60 countries around the world, promoting international academic exchange and intercultural dialogue.
From 1 to 4 June, the prestigious XCEL International Olympiad was held at the University of California (UCLA), where students from Turkmenistan won a full set of awards in scientific and technical disciplines. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Young inventors from the ImdatBot and Turkmen-Indian Centre training centres received gold and silver medals for innovative projects in robotics. In addition, Turkmen schoolchildren showed outstanding results in mathematics and cognitive sciences, a promising field that combines research into artificial intelligence and human thinking. Some participants received special awards for the originality and practical value of their developments. These achievements confirm the high level of STEM education in Turkmenistan. The trip to the Olympiad also provided the students with valuable experience in intercultural communication and acquaintance with leading global educational practices.
From 4 to 12 June, Colombo (Sri Lanka) hosted the West Asian Chess Championship for juniors under 20, which was also attended by chess players from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. According to the source, Turkmen chess player Leyla Shohradova won the rapid tournament with 6.5 points. Her sister Lala Shohradova took second place in the classic tournament and earned her first point towards the title of International Master among women. Amanmuhammet Khommadov won bronze in the junior classic, earning the title of FIDE Master and his first point towards the title of International Master. The Turkmenistan Chess Federation noted that the successes of Turkmen athletes confirm the growth of the chess movement in the country.
A formal reception dedicated to Russia Day was held at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat. The event brought together diplomats, representatives of culture and international organisations accredited in the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, addressed the guests with a welcoming speech, emphasising that Russia Day symbolises national unity and continuity between generations. He noted the importance of Turkmen-Russian relations, which are developing on a solid foundation of historical commonality and long-standing friendship. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov spoke on behalf of the Turkmen side. The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the course towards strengthening the partnership and said that since the beginning of 2025, trade turnover between the countries had grown by 58%, and over the years of independence, the total volume of mutual trade had exceeded $60 billion. H. Geldimyradov noted the potential for cooperation in energy, transport and digital technologies. The cultural programme of the event included performances by artists with Russian folk dances and songs. The celebration of Russia Day in Ashgabat has become a symbol of the strengthening ties between the two states, the participants of the event emphasised.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated scientists, representatives of the scientific community and guests of the country on Science Day and the start of the international scientific conference ‘Science, technology and innovation technologies in the period of the Revival of new epoch of the powerful state’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State expressed confidence that the event would become an important platform for the exchange of advanced scientific developments. The President of Turkmenistan noted that the Turkmen people have a centuries-old scientific tradition, and today the country is creating conditions for major scientific discoveries and the implementation of innovative programmes. Particular attention is being paid to digitalisation, industrialisation of the economy, support for young specialists and international scientific cooperation. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that, on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, key scientific guidelines have been formulated, on the basis of which fundamental and applied science is being developed. In accordance with the ‘Strategy for the Development of Science in Turkmenistan for 2024-2052,’ priority is given to high-tech, environmentally friendly and competitive solutions. The Head of State also noted the importance of expanding international partnerships in the scientific and technical sphere and the active participation of Turkmen scientists in global projects. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the conference participants every success.