Russia is ready to develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the space sector, including the training of a Turkmen cosmonaut for spaceflight. This was stated by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, promising areas for cooperation include the manufacture and launch of satellites, navigation technologies, and scientific research and development. The diplomat also noted that, should the Turkmen side be interested, Russia is ready to prepare a Turkmen cosmonaut for flight. The Ambassador also recalled the contribution of cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. He emphasised that during his latest mission, O. Kononenko set a record for the total duration of time spent in space — over 1,110 days.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 2nd International Congress of Oncologists of Turkic States, which is being held from 8 to 11 April in Samarkand. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum has become a platform for exchanging experience and strengthening cooperation in the fields of oncology and radiology. Participants are discussing modern methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment, innovative technologies, as well as programmes for prevention and early detection of diseases. The programme includes plenary sessions, scientific sessions, discussions and practical workshops. In addition, a Forum for Young Oncologists was held as part of the congress, aimed at the training and professional development of junior specialists. Turkmen oncologists are actively participating in all key events, exchanging experiences and exploring new approaches in oncology.
On 10 April 2026 in Seoul, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, took part in the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Cooperation Forum. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed preparations for the First ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit. The meeting was chaired by Ms Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea. The Turkmen side noted the significance of the forum as a platform for the development of multilateral cooperation. It was confirmed that Turkmenistan was one of the first to support the initiative to hold the Summit in Seoul. Drafts of the final documents and organisational matters, including the preparation of side events, were discussed. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness for further joint work on their coordination. On the same day, Ahmet Gurbanov took part in a meeting of Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers of Central Asian countries with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea, Cho Hyun. The parties discussed issues of bilateral and regional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Forum. It was noted that the upcoming Summit is viewed as an important stage in the development of dialogue and the expansion of cooperation in the diplomatic, trade and economic, investment and humanitarian spheres. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to actively participate in the preparation and conduct of the Summit.
A briefing dedicated to the national equestrian games team ‘Galkynysh’ was held at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag. The event was timed to coincide with the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. This was reported by IIC. Riders, experts, lecturers and students took part in the discussion. Issues relating to the development of the national school of horse breeding were discussed. The programme was complemented by a themed exhibition. Paintings and decorative and applied art pieces were displayed, reflecting the Turkmen people’s connection with Ahal-Teke horses. Special attention was paid to the history of the group, which was founded in 2007. During this time, the ‘Galkynysh’ group has received awards at international circus festivals. It was noted that some of the riders combine their performances with teaching and training activities at the academy, which helps to pass on experience and develop professional skills. During the briefing, participants discussed the preparation of horses for performances, the specifics of the training process, and the interaction between rider and horse. The organisers emphasise that such meetings contribute to the training of specialists and the strengthening of Turkmenistan’s position in the field of equestrian art.
Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the teaching process and current projects. During a meeting with teachers, the parties discussed methods of teaching the Korean language and the development of cultural cooperation. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea noted that the visit took place as part of monitoring the activities of one of the key centres of Korean education in the region. Lee Won-jae gave a positive assessment of the institute’s work. He emphasised that the institution combines language teaching with cultural programmes. Students take part in masterclasses on Korean cuisine and traditional dance classes, which helps them to familiarise themselves with the culture of the Republic of Korea. Following the visit, the Ambassador confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the institute. According to him, collaboration with the educational centre contributes to strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting the Korean language in Turkmenistan.
On 10 April, a video conference was held between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation. It was noted that cooperation with UNESCO remains an important area of Turkmenistan’s international humanitarian partnership. The main focus was on developing cultural dialogue and implementing joint projects in the organisation’s priority areas. Previously proposed initiatives were also reviewed, and approaches to their further promotion were agreed upon. The coordinating role of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty in the implementation of projects at national and regional levels was highlighted separately.
On 10 April, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan hosted an awards ceremony for the winners of the ‘Start-ups in the Field of Renewable Energy’ competition. This was reported by IIC. The competition was organised by the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the project EU for a Green Turkmenistan: ‘Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2029’. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Fifty-three projects have reached the final. They were selected from school students, students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30 from across the country. The competition is timed to coincide with the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and aims to support youth initiatives in the field of the ‘green’ transition. Participants presented projects in three areas: solar and wind energy, biomass and bioenergy, as well as energy efficiency and digital solutions. Abdyrahman Myratdurdyev, a representative of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, noted that the development of renewable energy sources and the introduction of new technologies are among the priorities of the country’s energy strategy. According to him, the competition helps to find practical solutions in the field of energy efficiency and prepares future specialists for the industry. The jury selected nine winners – three in each category. The first-place winners received a study trip to Germany to learn about experiences in the field of renewable energy. The other finalists were awarded certificates of honour and commemorative gifts. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan attended the ceremony. The organisers note that the competition contributes to the development of the ‘green’ economy and the implementation of national climate strategies.
On 10 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed a Resolution appointing the heads of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation and its subcommittees on the Turkmen side. This was reported by the news website AsmanNews. The document is aimed at further developing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China.
On 8 April, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, held a meeting with Mohamed Garali, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Tunisian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. It should be noted that earlier, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Khalid Bakhsh, Director of the Department of Reciprocity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 3rd International Mathematics Olympiad has opened at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The event is organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. More than 180 school students from 12 countries, including the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, are taking part in the competition. The Olympiad will be held in two categories – Levels A and B. The main rounds will be hosted by Specialised Secondary School No. 135 in Ashgabat, which offers an in-depth English language programme. Before the ceremony, participants and delegations viewed a themed exhibition at the university. A cultural programme featuring creative groups was also held. The Olympiad aims to identify the strongest school students and foster international cooperation in the field of education.
Turkmen boxer Dovlet Islamov has won a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, organised under the auspices of World Boxing. This was reported by IIC. The athlete reached the semi-finals, where he lost to Kazakhstan’s Aybek Oralbay. After the bout, his opponent praised the Turkmen boxer’s level of preparation and his progress, emphasising that he had been in top form throughout the tournament. Around 200 athletes from Asian countries took part in the competition. Islamov’s bronze medal was the result of the Turkmenistan national team’s performance and a testament to its competitiveness on the international stage.
On 9 April, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States of America, presented copies of his credentials to Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States, during an official ceremony held at Blair House, the presidential guest residence in Washington. This was reported by the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan in the US. During the event, the parties exchanged views on topical issues concerning the further development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States of America. The event was attended by representatives of the US Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State John Pommersheim. Following the ceremony, the American side hosted an official reception in honour of the Heads of diplomatic missions who had presented copies of their credentials.