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New Year celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag
02.01.2026Celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag to mark the New Year, held under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The festive events organised in the city took place in an atmosphere of celebration and spiritual uplift, according to TDH. The main celebrations began on the first day of the new year with a ceremony to raise the National Flag in the central square of Arkadag, built in accordance with the ‘smart’ city concept. The ceremony marked the symbolic start of the festive programme. Residents and guests of the city took part in the events. The release of colourful balloons, concert performances and musical performances created a festive atmosphere. The celebrations continued with a solemn procession through the streets of the city, which were decorated for the holiday. The festive programme covered various venues in the city and was accompanied by performances by cultural and artistic figures, as well as young artists. One of the central events was the event at the main New Year tree. It was attended by New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk, who joined the concert programme together with the children. The children sang songs and read poems dedicated to the New Year. Ayaz Baba congratulated the participants of the holiday on the arrival of the New Year, which is being celebrated under the announced motto. The festive events continued at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Arkadag. Children undergoing treatment at the centre were presented with New Year's gifts 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. As part of the celebration, the children were given sweets, school supplies, interactive tools and musical instruments. The event was accompanied by a concert programme.
The children of ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ received New Year gifts
02.01.2026A New Year's celebration was held at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace, during which its children were presented with holiday gifts 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. This was reported by the state news agency AsmanNews. The festive programme took place in the children's town near the main New Year tree. Ayaz Baba, Garpamyk, the symbol of 2026 — the Horse, as well as representatives of state bodies and public organisations congratulated the children of the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace on the New Year. The young participants prepared a concert programme, demonstrating their vocal, choreographic and artistic abilities. Many elements of the festive decorations were made by the children themselves. The event ended with a dance around the Christmas tree with the participation of fairy-tale characters. The children were presented with New Year's gifts, including sweets, fruit, school supplies, interactive tools, and musical instruments.
Turkmenistan assumes chairmanship of the CIS
01.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States passed from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the country intends to use the chairmanship to unlock the organisation's potential. The Head of State called this step a sign of trust on the part of the member states and recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the CIS. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Ashgabat will prepare a concept for the chairmanship that reflects approaches to the development of inter-state cooperation, taking into account current needs. Turkmenistan is an associate member of the CIS and previously headed the organisation in 2019.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan discussed the importance of the Arabic language and multilingual diplomacy
01.01.2026At the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (IIR MFA), a seminar was held by the Department of World Languages to mark World Arabic Language Day (18 December) and the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the event was to support multilingualism and develop dialogue between cultures within the framework of UN resolutions. The seminar was conducted by Arabic language teacher Dovrangeldi Atanazarov, who spoke about the structure of the Arabic language, Arabic-speaking countries and its role in international relations. Students who had visited Arab countries on study trips gave presentations on the culture, history and political system of those countries, including Myahriban Mammedova and Gulchemen Parahadova on Saudi Arabia. The event ended with a question-and-answer session. Participants noted the importance of such seminars for learning foreign languages and expressed their gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunities for world-class education.
2025: Turkmenistan on the path to peace, progress and international recognition
01.01.2026The year 2025 was a period of active strengthening of domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic development and growth of international authority for Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Of particular significance was the coincidence of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the declaration of the year as the International Year of Peace and Trust on the initiative of Turkmenistan. During the year, key resolutions were adopted by the UN General Assembly, large-scale international forums were held in Awaza and Ashgabat, and the Awaza and Ashgabat Declarations were approved, confirming support for the country's foreign policy. Humanitarian activities expanded, including through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The modernisation of legislation, sustainable economic growth and the implementation of major infrastructure projects in industry, energy, transport and construction continued. Agriculture, social services, education, healthcare and culture were actively developed. The city of Arkadag became a symbol of the introduction of modern technologies and urban planning solutions. This momentous year was also marked by international cultural initiatives, the recognition of elements of national heritage by UNESCO and the promotion of citizens for their labour and social achievements. The year 2025 ended as an important stage in the development of neutral Turkmenistan, passing the baton to 2026, the year of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex exceeded its target for 2025
01.01.2026The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex ended the 2025 reporting period with 106.7% of its oil refining plan fulfilled, according to the news website Asmannews. During the year, the enterprise, which is part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, processed over 4.5 million tonnes of oil. The complex is one of the largest industrial facilities in the country. The plant's employees ensured consistent production of a wide range of petroleum products, including petrol, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oils, petroleum bitumen, polypropylene and liquefied gas. The products are supplied both to the domestic market and abroad.
Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year 2026 with large-scale celebrations
01.01.2026The people of Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year, 2026, with festive events across the country. The celebrations took place in the capital and regions, with the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre in Ashgabat serving as the central venue, according to TDH. New Year's trees were installed in places of mass celebrations, and concert programmes were held with the participation of pop artists, creative groups and theatres. Festive events also took place at the building of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. The new year, 2026, will mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The motto for the coming year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ reflects the priorities for further strengthening the country's statehood and international authority. The main New Year celebrations took place at the country's main New Year tree in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre. Festive decorations, music and dance performances created a festive atmosphere. The concert programme featured national music and New Year compositions. Residents of the country's regions joined the festive events in Ashgabat via a teleconference. Through video links with the administrative centres of the five velayats and the city of Arkadag, representatives of the older generation, regional leaders, young people and labour collectives sent New Year's greetings to the country's leadership and the people of Turkmenistan. The celebrations culminated in a New Year's address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to his compatriots. At the stroke of midnight, the National Anthem of Turkmenistan was played. The sky over Ashgabat was lit up by festive fireworks, marking the arrival of the New Year, 2026.
The President of Turkmenistan delivered a New Year's speech
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the nation with a New Year's greeting. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, was a significant milestone in the country's development. According to him, during the year, state programmes aimed at socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of the population were implemented, and new etraps were formed. The President announced the commissioning of educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and manufacturing facilities throughout the country. Thousands of families received new housing. Major projects were implemented in the fuel and energy sector, including the commissioning of the oil loading terminal at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and the start of construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline. Industrial and infrastructure facilities have been opened in Ahal, Balkan and other velayats. The President emphasised the priority of social policy. In 2025, construction began on multi-profile hospitals in Ashgabat and Tejen, as well as a Mother and Child Health Centre in Dashoguz. Reforms in the fields of science and education continued. The successes of Turkmen athletes on the international arena were noted, including the victories of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group and the ‘Arkadag’ football team. In the field of culture and international cooperation, the President recalled the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the addition of the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Head of State noted the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, as well as the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Forum on Neutrality Day at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan announced that 2026 had been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and wished citizens health, prosperity and success in the new year.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Cuba on Liberation Day
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the occasion of the national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State conveyed his best wishes to the President of Cuba, wishing him good health, happiness and prosperity, and to the people of the Republic of Cuba — peace, progress and prosperity.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the New Year 2026
01.01.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message notes that 2026 is being celebrated under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is being met by the country with achievements and goals set. Hero Arkadag wished the President good health, long life and success in his work for the future of the country. The message emphasises the significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. It was noted that the country's initiatives within the UN and the adoption of the Resolution on Permanent Neutrality for the third time confirmed the international recognition of Turkmenistan's peacekeeping policy, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust was its logical continuation. The socio-economic development of the regions, Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, the implementation of the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024-2052’, as well as the commissioning of new settlements and social and industrial facilities were noted. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, the country will continue on the path of sustainable development, and wished success in implementing the tasks of improving the living standards of the population and strengthening the economy.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan summarised the results of the partnership in 2025
01.01.2026The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, summarised the results of cooperation between the UN and the country in 2025. He noted that the interaction remains strategic and is aimed at achieving concrete results for the population. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 2025 was a special year: The International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN highlighted the importance of joint efforts for sustainable development. Turkmenistan successfully hosted the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, demonstrating leadership in regional cooperation. Throughout the year, the UN supported Turkmenistan in developing national plans on human rights, gender equality and early childhood development, implementing reforms in the digital economy, energy efficiency and combating human trafficking, as well as in establishing a department for women's and children's rights and organising inclusive events. The digital transformation of the economy, trade facilitation, the introduction of electronic solutions for rail transport and preparations for the regional economic forum were actively promoted, contributing to sustainable economic growth and investment. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and climate sustainability: projects on renewable energy, emissions reduction, land restoration, water and biodiversity management were implemented, young people were actively involved, and transparency and readiness to fulfil international climate commitments were increased. In health and social protection, services for the population were expanded, medical data systems were modernised, disease prevention was strengthened, pandemic preparedness was enhanced, and vulnerable groups received specialised support. Education and skills development also remained a priority: ‘green schools’ were established, early childhood development strategies were implemented, digital and vocational skills training was provided, and young people were prepared for employment and diplomatic activities. Mr. Shlapachenko emphasised the UN's commitment to continuing cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan under the new Framework Programme for 2026-2030, implementing the Awaza Action Programme, promoting sustainable transport and climate initiatives to turn strategies into real results for the country's citizens.
China has donated 190 textbooks to a Turkmen university
01.01.2026The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan donated 190 books and educational materials to the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin. Students demonstrated their knowledge of Chinese by reading poems, and a video about China was also shown. The Ambassador answered questions about exchange programmes and opportunities for master's and doctoral studies in China. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to further develop cooperation in the field of education.
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