The Second Forum of Think Tanks of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian Countries was held in Bishkek, during which Turkmenistan presented a comprehensive approach to key regional challenges. The focus was on energy stability, climate sustainability and the development of transregional logistics, according to Orient. According to the source, representatives of Turkmenistan took an active part in the panel sessions, demonstrating the country's strategic priorities and readiness for constructive dialogue. Bekdurdy Amansaryev, an employee of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, identified energy as the cornerstone of sustainable development in the region. With the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves, Turkmenistan is actively promoting initiatives to modernise the gas industry, develop renewable energy sources and international cooperation, especially with the Republic of Korea within the framework of the K-Silk Road project. Special attention was paid to gas diplomacy: Turkmenistan supplies over 30 billion cubic metres of gas to China annually, thereby reducing global emissions. Diversification of routes, including through the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus, and the completion of the Turkmen section of the TAPI gas pipeline are also being discussed. The country is also increasing electricity exports as part of the TAP project. Dovletmurat Mamedov, a lecturer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, drew attention to cross-border climate threats. He spoke about reforms in water management, methane emission reduction targets and the development of a legal framework for renewable energy. Turkmenistan proposed to host a Regional Climate Technology Centre in the country. Senior lecturer Osman Hemzaev presented Turkmenistan's transport initiatives, including the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran and CASCA+ corridors. The importance of multimodal routes through the Caspian Sea for access to European and Asian markets was emphasised. The forum reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to deepening its partnership with the Republic of Korea and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
On 12 June, a meeting with representatives of the Malaysian Consortium of Medium-Sized Enterprises was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Malaysia. The talks were attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, President of the Malaysian Consortium of Medium-Sized Enterprises Martin Ang, as well as heads and representatives of Malaysian companies such as ‘Intelligent PIE Consulting Sdn Bhd’ and ‘Marrybrown’, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to strengthening trade and economic cooperation and finding new areas for interaction. Malaysian companies presented information about their activities and products, expressing interest in establishing business ties with Turkmen partners and entering the domestic market of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen ambassador emphasised the high potential for developing mutually beneficial cooperation between the business communities of the two countries. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their desire to further develop their partnership.
Currently, more than 47,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying at Russian universities, of which about 7,000 are receiving education at the expense of the Russian Federation's state budget. This was reported by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, in an article for the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, according to the news resource Turkmenportal. According to him, there is still a lot of interest in Russian culture in Turkmenistan. In the first half of 2025, performances by Albert Zhalilov, Honoured Artist of Tatarstan, İlya Kuzmin, soloist of the E.V.Kolobov ‘Novaya Opera’ Theatre of Moscow and the musical groups ‘Turk's Choir’ and SOPRANO were sold out in Ashgabat. Kolobov, and the musical groups ‘Turetsky Choir’ and SOPRANO. The Russian film festival held in March also received a positive response from the audience. The Ambassador noted that Russia remains one of Turkmenistan's leading trade and economic partners. Major Russian companies such as ‘Gazprom’, ‘Tatneft’, ‘Kamaz’, the ‘Vozrozhdenie’ group of companies and others operate in the country. Interregional ties remain an important area of cooperation. Among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan and Chelyabinsk regions are the most active. According to the diplomat, Moscow and Ashgabat demonstrate similar positions on key issues of the global and regional agenda, including ensuring international security. He recalled that at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution initiated by Turkmenistan, ‘2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust,’ was adopted, with Russia as a co-author. ‘Our interests also coincide within other international platforms, such as the CIS, the Caspian Five and the OSCE,’ Volynkin emphasised. This year, Turkmenistan is co-chairing the highest bodies of the CIS and plans to assume the chairmanship in 2026. One example of strengthening cooperation was the 16th International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,’ held in Kazan from 13 to 18 May. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
In response to the missile strikes carried out by Israel on Iranian territory on 13 June 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expresses serious concern over the growing tensions in the Middle East. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. As a country with internationally recognised permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan has consistently opposed the use of force and threats of force as a means of resolving political or other disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises the importance of peaceful settlement of conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means, in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law.
Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela took place in Ashgabat on 13 June this year. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova, and the Venezuelan side was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tatiana Pugh Moreno. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the interlocutors exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral agenda. They noted the positive dynamics of the political and diplomatic dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and mutually beneficial partnership. Particular attention was paid to coordinating actions in international forums, particularly within the UN, where the countries traditionally support each other's initiatives. An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. This document lays a solid foundation for further development of cooperation. The parties also agreed to prepare joint events to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
A coordination meeting dedicated to ensuring women's access to reproductive health services was held in Ashgabat under the auspices of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event brought together representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan and international organisations to develop effective solutions. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The main purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the resources available in reproductive health clinics in the capital and other regions of the country. Participants discussed ways to optimise the distribution of medical supplies and developed a procurement plan to provide women from at-risk groups with the necessary medicines and materials. The discussion was attended by specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as experts from UNFPA and the United Nations Development Programme. During the productive dialogue, data on current stocks of medical supplies and monthly requirements were analysed. UNFPA reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the Government of Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure that all women have access to reproductive health services.
As part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ international exhibition, held at the Ashgabat Expo Centre, the travel company Le.Travel is presenting itineraries for travel enthusiasts. At the agency's stand, visitors can find a wide selection of tours in Turkmenistan and popular foreign destinations. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to consider various travel options: from cultural and historical routes through the country's ancient cities to pilgrimage trips and excursion programmes. Special emphasis is placed on showcasing the national colour: the stand features traditional household items, decorative and applied arts and souvenirs reflecting the centuries-old culture of the Turkmen people. The company provides comprehensive services, including the organisation of individual and group tours, visa support, airline ticket reservations and assistance at all stages of the trip. The travel agency's participation in ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ contributes to the promotion of Turkmen tourism on the international stage.
On 12 June 2025, a meeting of the Coordination Council of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan was held at the UN office in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as experts from UNFPA and UNDP, according to IIC. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the availability and needs of resources used to ensure reproductive health in medical institutions in Ashgabat and the country's velayats. Participants discussed the possibility of more efficient redistribution of existing stocks, as well as the development of a procurement plan to replenish critical supplies needed to support women at risk. The meeting provided an update on the current status of supplies and their projected consumption. Particular attention was paid to issues of timely delivery, optimising accounting and reporting, and finding solutions to expand coverage and improve the effectiveness of reproductive health programmes.
On the third day of the ‘TurkmenTextile EXPO – 2025’ exhibition in Ashgabat, master classes and presentations were held with the participation of renowned designers and fashion industry experts. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Aydarkhan Kaliyev (Taraz, Kazakhstan), Omar Mansoor (London, United Kingdom), Govher Gouvernet (France – Turkmenistan), Elena Kharitonova (Brussels, Belgium) and Hayden Ng (Singapore) shared their experience and knowledge. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from neo-folklore and sustainable fashion to marketing, cultural identity and new technologies. Particular attention was paid to issues of cross-cultural interaction and the role of fashion as a tool for self-expression and preservation of traditions. During the master classes, Turkmen craftsmen presented their crafts, from felting camel wool to silk painting and other types of handicrafts.
The winter crop harvest in Dashoguz velayat began this year in the ‘Aksaray’ dayhan association in the Gorogly district. The first wheat ears were cut on the field of tenant Nurgeldi Esenov, who grew the crop on 12 hectares. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Aksaray is not the first to receive this right year after year — the association consistently shows high results, and this season local farmers plan to harvest at least 19 centners of grain per hectare. According to experts, the velayat has produced a high-quality harvest thanks to wheat varieties adapted to the local climate — ‘Juvan’, ‘Sahrayi’, ‘Batko’, ‘Alekseyevich’ and ‘Bezostaya-100’. To ensure a successful harvest in the region, 315 modern John Deere and CLAAS grain harvesters are being used. More than 1,500 vehicles equipped with everything necessary for uninterrupted work will be involved in transporting the harvest.
A new issue of the scientific and methodological electronic journal ‘Issues of Philology’ has been published in Turkmenistan by the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The materials in this issue reflect current trends in science and education in the country. The articles analyse the processes of reforming the education system, the introduction of modern methods of teaching foreign languages, the digitisation of the educational process and the use of innovative technologies in teaching. A separate section of the publication is devoted to the study of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage. In particular, it examines the contribution of the poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy to the development of the Turkmen literary tradition, as well as efforts to preserve and popularise his work among young people. A scientific review of the legacy of the Turkmen historian and writer Khalil ibn Aybeg Safadi, whose works remain relevant today, is presented. The source notes that the issue is available in Turkmen, Russian and English.
In anticipation of World Population Day, celebrated on 11 July, the UNFPA Country Office in Turkmenistan has announced a watercolour painting competition. The theme of the creative competition, ‘Family begins with desire and support,’ aims to reflect the value of family relationships in modern society. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. Anyone over the age of 15 is welcome to participate. Each contestant may submit one original work that corresponds to the stated theme. The organisers ask that the author's contact details be indicated on the back of the drawing: full name, date of birth, telephone number and email address. Entries will be accepted until 30 June 2025 at the following address: UN building, 21 Archabil Ave., Ashgabat, 744036. Drawings can be submitted in person or sent by post. The entries will be judged by an independent panel of experts. The UNFPA initiative aims to creatively explore the importance of family values and support in modern society through the language of visual art. The best entries will receive special prizes from the competition organisers.