According to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following his visit to Ashgabat and participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality, 19 projects involving Turkish companies worth approximately US$10 billion are being implemented in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan. Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that since independence, Turkish businesses have invested approximately US$55 billion in Turkmenistan. The Turkish President emphasised that the country is an important destination for Turkey's major infrastructure and investment projects. The Turkish President also announced plans to increase bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion, noting the potential for further expansion of cooperation. In 2024, trade between the countries amounted to $2.17 billion.
Boxer Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov from Turkmenistan won bronze at the World Championships, which concluded in Dubai. In the 71 kg category, he stopped one step short of the final, losing to Russia's Sergey Koldenkov in the semi-final, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In the decisive bout, S. Koldenkov was defeated by Kazakhstan's Abylayhan Zhusupov, who won gold in this weight class. The total prize fund for the World Championships, held under the auspices of the International Boxing Association (IBA), was $8.32 million. The champions received $300,000 each, the silver medallists $150,000 each, and the bronze medallists $75,000 each.
A delegation led by Ricardo Martinez, Spanish Ambassador to the Russian Federation, held negotiations with the Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, they discussed the implementation of an initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to establish a specialised regional centre in Central Asia aimed at combating desertification. The Spanish diplomat congratulated the Turkmen side on International Neutrality Day and thanked them for their hospitality. During the dialogue, the interlocutors discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection, combating desertification, and plastic waste management. The parties identified possible areas for joint work in this environmental field.
The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted an International Conference on ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development.’ Among the participants was Natalya Manturova, Chief Freelance Plastic Surgeon of the Russian Ministry of Health, President of RSPRAS, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Professor, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Following her first visit to Turkmenistan, she noted the country's special atmosphere, emphasising its beauty, sincere hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The professor praised the appearance of Turkmen women, calling it natural and self-sufficient, and also noted their active participation in public and political life as an important factor in the development of the state. The guest was also greatly impressed by the cultural programme of the conference, which demonstrated the continuity of traditions and a careful attitude towards national heritage. In conclusion, Natalya Manturova thanked the country's leadership for organising the event and congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its neutrality. The Russian expert's participation contributed to strengthening humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan.
Baymuhammet Annamuhammedov, a schoolboy from Turkmenistan, won the International Mental Arithmetic & English Language Olympiad – Independence Cup, organised by the AMAKids International Academy. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The competition was held in Almaty and was timed to coincide with the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Children and teenagers from different countries took part in the Olympiad, competing in mental arithmetic and English language skills. Based on the results of the competition tasks, Baymuhammet Annamuhammedov took first place in his age category, showing the best result. The Independence Cup Olympiad is held in an international format and aims to develop intellectual and language skills in children and teenagers.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message notes that bilateral relations are based on the principles of mutual respect and equality, as well as on common goals of sustainable development. The Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan's interest in further expanding cooperation and expressed confidence in its steady development. The President of Turkmenistan wished the King of Bahrain good health and well-being, and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain peace and prosperity.
Palestinian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Rana Abu Hijleh took part in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development,’ which was held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The Diplomat shared her positive impressions of the country, noting the hospitality of the Turkmen people and the foreign policy of the state. She paid special attention to the architecture of Ashgabat, emphasising the harmony and atmosphere of tranquillity created by the white marble buildings. The Ambassador highly praised the level of organisation of the forum and its topics, noting the contribution of Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, and the importance of the conference for expanding opportunities for women. According to her, the event clearly demonstrates Turkmenistan's attention to the role of women in society and their professional development. The Head of the diplomatic mission also emphasised the high potential of Turkmen women, their active participation both in preserving cultural heritage — carpet weaving and embroidery — and in modern fields, including science and technology. In conclusion, she expressed her gratitude to the country's leadership and wished the women of Turkmenistan further success, noting the growth of their representation in government bodies and key professions. The Palestinian Diplomat's participation in the conference confirmed Turkmenistan's active international humanitarian agenda and its efforts to expand dialogue with the countries of the Middle East.
In Ashgabat, representatives of the Indian community solemnly celebrated the inclusion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event brought together representatives of different generations, who emphasised the importance of this decision for the international recognition of India's rich cultural tradition. Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, uniting families and communities around the world. According to the participants of the festival, the inclusion of the festival in the prestigious UNESCO list promotes India's cultural heritage on a global level, strengthens intercultural dialogue and allows the international community to become more familiar with the country's unique customs and values.
The UAE Embassy in Turkmenistan has organised a training programme for Turkmen students at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan, Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, met with Turkmen students studying at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and familiarised himself with the progress of their academic and practical training. The five-day programme, implemented with the participation of representatives of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, includes training sessions and study visits. During the internship, Turkmen students learned in detail about the political, economic, cultural and social development of the UAE. It should be noted that cooperation between the two higher education institutions is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2022 between the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, which has enabled the establishment of effective and mutually beneficial ties between the parties.
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Deputy Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Haoliang Xu paid an official visit to Turkmenistan from 11 to 13 December. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He took part in events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. In Ashgabat, Haoliang Xu spoke at the International Forum on Peace and Trust, emphasising the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality for strengthening peace, sustainable development and regional cooperation. On behalf of UNDP, he reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the population and developing an inclusive society. As part of his visit, the UN Deputy Secretary-General also participated in celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of neutrality, including the opening of the architectural complex of neutrality, the flag-raising ceremony, a gala concert and a thematic exhibition, the UNDP reported.
The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, sent congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the country's Permanent Neutrality status. This was reported by TDH. The message notes that, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly declared this year the International Year of Peace and Trust. Xi Jinping congratulated the Turkmen side on holding the Peace and Trust Forum dedicated to this date. The Head of China emphasised that China and Turkmenistan are close friends and partners, and that Beijing supports Ashgabat's policy of permanent neutrality and its efforts to strengthen international and regional stability.
On 13 December, a meeting was held between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Russian Federation Sin Hong Chol. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The DPRK Ambassador arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and International Neutrality Day. During the meeting, he congratulated the Turkmen side on the anniversary of the country's neutral status. The parties noted the increased activity in recent years in contacts between the foreign ministries of the two states. It was emphasised that within the framework of these contacts, issues of bilateral partnership and cooperation in international organisations are being considered. It was also noted that the regular exchange of messages between the leaders of Turkmenistan and the DPRK reflects the level of mutual respect and understanding in relations between the two countries. At the end of the meeting, mutual commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest was confirmed.