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The results of the International Francophonie Month were announced in Ashgabat
05.04.2026The closing ceremony of International Francophonie Month was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event marked the conclusion of a series of cultural and educational activities involving diplomats, lecturers, university students and schoolchildren from across the country. This was reported by IIC. The competition has been held annually in Turkmenistan for 18 years. Students from various universities who had passed the qualifying rounds took part in the final. They demonstrated their proficiency in the French language. Following the event, the winners were presented with their awards. The country’s role in the development of international cultural and educational cooperation was highlighted.
Young people in Ashgabat took part in an event promoting a healthy lifestyle
05.04.2026A sports festival marking World Health Day was held at the Olympic Village in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport as part of the 2026–2027 work plan. This was reported by IIC. The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people, expand opportunities for girls in sport, and involve men in advancing gender equality. The programme comprised four sessions at different venues. Some participants attended educational sessions on equality, whilst others took part in masterclasses on self-defence and gymnastics. Girls learnt kickboxing and taekwondo, whilst boys practised stretching and gymnastics. This approach helped to reinforce the principles of mutual respect through sport and to demonstrate that physical activity is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. The event highlighted the importance of equal access to sporting and educational opportunities for young people.
Athletes from Turkmenistan won 123 medals in the first quarter
05.04.2026In Turkmenistan, between January and March 2026, athletes won 123 medals at international competitions. This was announced by B. Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, at a government meeting. This was reported by TDH. According to him, measures to develop physical culture, sport and international cooperation in this field were implemented during the reporting period. Summing up, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further work in the fields of science, education, healthcare and sport. The Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people on an ongoing basis. The Head of State also noted that World Health Day will be celebrated in the country on 7 April. He congratulated the meeting participants and citizens on this occasion. World Health Day was established to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948 and is observed annually on 7 April. The organisation comprises 194 member states, including Turkmenistan. The holiday aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding harmful habits and regular physical activity.
The Turkmen community in Herat organised a futsal tournament
05.04.2026A futsal tournament for ethnic Turkmen was held in Herat. The competition was organised to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to IIC. The matches were held at the ‘Modern’ cultural and sports complex. The event was organised by the Consulate General of Turkmenistan. Eight teams from the Turkmen diaspora in the western region of Afghanistan took part in the tournament. More than a hundred spectators were present in the stands. Among the guests were representatives of relevant departments and the Herat Futsal Federation. The winners were awarded medals and trophies. Participants were presented with commemorative gifts. The event concluded with a joint sadaqah.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the progress of development in the city of Arkadag
05.04.2026On 4 April, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag, where he inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of development. This was reported by IIC. The inspection began at the headquarters of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. There, plans for the modernisation of children’s facilities were presented. Plans are in place to create an observatory and install a telescope at the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. The ‘Jahan’ Creative Centre will be expanded and transformed into a creative and sports centre featuring fitness rooms, Pilates and yoga studios, language labs and marketing studios. It was also reported that doctors from China are planning a visit to exchange expertise. At the State Medical University, following the recommendation of Hero Arkadag, a department of alternative medicine will be established. Particular attention was paid to the construction of the city’s main mosque, designed to accommodate 30,000 people. Issues regarding the design and selection of interior elements were discussed, taking into account the city’s architectural character. In addition, the construction of the city administration building was inspected. It will be equipped with digital systems and a press centre for media operations.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed expanding their political dialogue
04.04.2026On 3 April, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in key areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and implementing joint infrastructure and energy projects. In addition, the parties explored opportunities to boost interaction between the business communities of the two countries, including the holding of industrial and agricultural exhibitions in Turkmenistan and Pakistan in 2026.
A professional development programme for English teachers has been launched in Turkmenistan
04.04.2026Professional development courses for secondary school English teachers across the country have begun at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, as part of the ‘INSETT’ programme. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The training is taking place as part of the ‘AELLCA’ project, with the support of the British Council and in collaboration with the Norwich Institute of Language Education (NILE) in the UK. The course aims to introduce modern teaching methods and develop teachers’ professional skills. The programme lasts 50 hours and is delivered by the institute’s trainers, who have been trained as part of the ‘AELLCA’ project. The sessions are organised in an interactive format and include group projects, discussions, analytical tasks and practical work. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive international certificates from the British Council, NILE and a language university in Turkmenistan. The ‘INSETT’ project is being implemented in Turkmenistan for the first time. If the pilot phase is successful, there are plans to roll out the programme nationwide.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are keen to expand their transport partnership
04.04.2026Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics and communications. They noted the positive momentum in the development of trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in recent years. During the negotiations, particular attention was paid to issues concerning the modernisation of transport infrastructure, as well as the creation of more favourable conditions for freight transport. The interlocutors emphasised that the further expansion of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership in the transport, transit, logistics and communications sectors would contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and improving the efficiency of regional transport routes.
Turkmen diplomacy is expanding its ties with foreign countries and organisations
04.04.2026The first quarter of 2026 was a period of intense activity for Turkmen diplomacy. At a government meeting on 3 April, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on key developments. This was reported by TDH. In February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the United States of America, and in March, the People’s Republic of China. Ashgabat has confirmed its status as an international hub: over the past three months, the country has been visited by nearly 160 foreign delegations. The presence of Middle Eastern countries is expanding – the Iraqi Embassy has opened in the capital of Turkmenistan. Inter-parliamentary ties are also being strengthened. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan held meetings with colleagues from Pakistan and Mongolia, and, in conjunction with a UN fund, organised a conference on gender equality. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further developing equal cooperation with all international organisations.
Turkmenistan’s GDP is showing consistent growth
04.04.2026Turkmenistan’s GDP growth rate for January–March stood at 6.3%. This was announced on 3 April by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, H. Geldimyradov, at a government meeting, according to TDH. Growth in industry stood at 2.4%, in construction at 6%, in the transport and communications sector at 10.3%, in trade at 8.3%, in agriculture at 2.4%, and in the services sector at 8.3%. The volume of output increased by 10.4% compared with the same period last year. Retail turnover rose by 10.4%, and foreign trade turnover by 3.7%. Budget execution for the first quarter: revenue – 102.3%, expenditure – 97.2%. Salaries, pensions, benefits and student grants were paid on time in state institutions. Capital investment from all sources of funding increased by 5.3%. Implementation of the National Rural Programme continued, including the construction of facilities for various purposes. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the need to improve the functioning of the economic, financial and banking sectors and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to monitor GDP growth and the rational use of budget funds.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in regional stability
04.04.2026Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, has highlighted Ashgabat’s positive role in ensuring stability in the region. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, in the current situation, cooperation between neighbouring countries, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus, remains crucial. He noted that the provision of humanitarian aid by Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reflects strong regional ties. The diplomat emphasised the special role of Turkmenistan, which shares a border of around 1,200 kilometres with Iran. According to him, Turkmenistan, adhering to the principle of ‘permanent and positive neutrality’, has from the outset advocated a peaceful settlement through dialogue and has taken steps to facilitate the movement of citizens and the reunification of families. He also noted that the cultural and historical proximity of the two nations contributes to the attention paid by Turkmen society to events in Iran and confirms the development of good-neighbourly relations.ф
A Turkmen delegation discussed medical cooperation in Tbilisi
04.04.2026On 3 April, a meeting took place at the I. Kutateladze Institute of Pharmacochemistry between D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, and M. Sarjveladze, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was also attended by I. Natroshvili, Rector of Tbilisi State University, and M. Getia, Director of the Institute of Pharmacochemistry. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, medical research and the introduction of technologies in healthcare. Particular attention was paid to the study of medicinal plants and the development of phytotherapy. The role of scientific research into plant components in the creation of safe and effective medicines was emphasised. In this context, mention was made of the 17-volume publication by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’, dedicated to the properties and use of plants in medicine. The participants confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation between relevant institutions. Following the meeting, the Ambassador was given a tour of the institute. He was shown the equipment and current research projects.
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