In honour of the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Turkmen pilgrims performing the Hajj in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina gave sadaqah. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the source, 2,844 pilgrims travelled from Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the Hajj. All necessary conditions were created for an organised and comfortable pilgrimage. Believers were provided with special flights and medical personnel to monitor their health throughout the trip. At the end of the ceremonies, the participants in the almsgiving received traditional treats.
The ‘Durun abat’ economic society, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, has begun exporting fruit juices under the ‘Rowaç’ and ‘MFT’ brands to Kazakhstan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The enterprise is located in the Buzmeyin district of Ashgabat. ‘Rowaç’ and ‘MFT’ juices are made from carrots, beetroot, apples and other fruits using modern European equipment. ‘Our company employs dozens of young specialists who are skilled in working with high-tech production lines. We strive to ensure the high quality and naturalness of our juices, which meet the requirements of our consumers,’ emphasised Murat Allayazov, head of the economic enterprise. In the future, ‘Durun abat’ plans to expand its product range using local raw materials.
Members of the ‘Galkynyş’ national equestrian games team, who gained fame at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, are spending their holidays at the ‘Dayanch’ health resort in the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The artists were presented with vouchers and cash prizes on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The equestrians were guests of honour at the opening ceremony of the children's summer holidays, took part in cultural and sporting events, as well as in the ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ International Dance and Folklore Festival.
On 5 June 2024, talks were held in Geneva between a Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Labour and Social Protection M. Sylapov and the leadership of key international organisations in the field of labour relations. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting with Roberto Suarez-Santos, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the prospects for technical cooperation and the involvement of Turkmen employers in international processes were discussed. The Turkmen side expressed interest in developing partnerships and implementing joint projects. A separate meeting was held with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), where the parties discussed issues of tripartite social dialogue and the possible accession of Turkmen trade unions to the ITUC. Earlier, on 4 June, M. Sylapov spoke at the plenary session of the conference, where he reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of decent work and social partnership, as well as the compliance of national policy with the goals of the International Labour Organisation. The negotiations demonstrate Turkmenistan's active position in the development of international cooperation in the social and labour sphere.
Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale reforms are being implemented in the field of education in Turkmenistan, including the construction of modern schools and universities. An important part of this work is supporting the creative and intellectual potential of young people. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A striking example of such initiatives is the creative festival ‘Talyp joşguny – 2025’, the final stage of which took place at the ‘Aşgabat’ song and music centre. The event, organised by the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat City Administration and the Ministry of Education, gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in music, dance and folk art. The festival, which has become a tradition, helps identify talented young people, stimulates creative activity and strengthens friendly ties between students.
On 9 June, a press conference was held at the Ashgabat Stadium ahead of the crucial Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match between the national teams of Turkmenistan and Thailand. This was reported by IIC. The head coach of the Thai national team, a Japanese specialist, expressed confidence in his team's good preparation, noting the fighting spirit of the athletes after their recent 2-0 victory over India. He emphasised that the team had come to Ashgabat with the clear goal of winning, despite the changeable weather conditions, and thanked the organisers for their warm welcome. On behalf of Turkmenistan, head coach Rovshen Meredov also declared that the Turkmen team was fully prepared for the upcoming match. He noted that most of the players represent the ‘Arkadag’ football club, which recently won the AFC Cup and became the national champion, which should give them an advantage. Defender Mekan Saparov added that the team is focused solely on victory and will do everything possible to achieve the result. The match between Turkmenistan and Thailand will be an important step in the fight for a place in the final of the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
The private enterprise ‘Görkana ak ýol’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET), has begun production of school furniture — desks, chairs and tables — under the ‘Görkana’ trademark, using local raw materials. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Production is located in the industrial zone of the Ak Bugday district of the Ahal velayat. The company employs young specialists, and the equipment was supplied from Turkey and Germany. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 20,000 chairs and 10,000 desks per month. Raw materials are supplied under contracts with the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries. The products are intended for the domestic market, but there are plans to export them to neighbouring countries in the future.
Over the past week, export contracts worth a total of US$367.656 million were signed on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET). This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Buyers from Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan purchased lighting kerosene produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for foreign currency. In addition, textiles produced by state-owned enterprises of the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan and private Turkmen companies were sold on the exchange. Domestic participants in the auction — entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan — purchased petroleum bitumen and various types of textiles worth 16.97 million manats. A total of 10 exchange transactions were concluded on the SCRMET in a week.
On Russian Language Day, which marks the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to UNESCO joined in the celebrations at the Organisation's headquarters in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. In his speech, Maksat Chariyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, noted Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of multilingualism and cultural diversity. He emphasised the significant role of the Russian language as a means of interethnic communication and an important element of cultural dialogue in Turkmenistan. The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives from Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. The cultural programme included poetry readings of works by A.S. Griboyedov performed by students of the Russian-language school of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, as well as a concert by the famous jazz ensemble conducted by Igor Butman. This event was further evidence of the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation within international organisations.
On 27 and 28 June this year, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre will host a concert of symphonic music dedicated to outstanding works of Italian and world cinema. This was reported by IIC. The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by the country's distinguished artist Rasul Klychev, will perform famous compositions by Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota from such cult films as ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, ‘The Professional’, ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The concert promises to be a significant cultural event in Turkmenistan, allowing art lovers to enjoy the immortal melodies that make up the golden fund of world music.
The past week in Turkmenistan, marked by the celebration of the sacred Kurban Bayram, was filled with bright events. They reflected the key policy directions of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov - strengthening international partnership, developing the economy, and enriching the spiritual life of the nation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the source, on 2 June, talks were held in Ulaanbaatar between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed, including transport links, trade, energy, parliamentary relations and the humanitarian sphere. As a result of the talks, 14 agreements were signed, including a sister city agreement between Ashgabat and Ulaanbaatar. During the visit, a meeting was held with the Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament and a business forum aimed at developing economic ties. On 3 June, Turkmenistan celebrated World Bicycle Day. Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in a large-scale bike ride in Ashgabat, emphasising the importance of environmental initiatives and infrastructure modernisation. On 4 June, a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers was held in digital format. The results of the past five months were discussed. GDP grew by 6.3%, and construction of facilities continues. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of implementing the Socio-Economic Development Programme and congratulated silk producers on the successful delivery of cocoons. The grain harvest also began in the Ahal, Lebap and Mary velayats. On 5 June, a meeting of the State Security Council was held to discuss issues of strengthening defence and security. On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan had a telephone conversation with the President of Iran, during which the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen their partnership. The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ International Folklore Festival and a forum dedicated to dance traditions. At the same time, an international scientific conference on the environmental aspects of introducing innovative technologies in Turkmenistan's fuel and energy complex was held, as well as a conference dedicated to environmental protection.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in Baku Energy Week, which was held from 2 to 4 June. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the source, the week included the 30th Anniversary International ‘Caspian Oil and Gas’ Exhibition, which was attended by 267 energy companies from 39 countries. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev opened the Week, noting the importance of the forum, where issues ranging from traditional and renewable energy sources to energy diplomacy, strategic cooperation and international negotiations are discussed. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey read out a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which emphasised the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the export of Turkmen gas through Azerbaijan and Turkey, and that this project will make a significant contribution to expanding the geography of energy supplies and improving the well-being of the countries in the region. The participants discussed energy security issues, the development of green energy, the potential of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea, cross-border projects and the digitalisation of the industry.