On 31 May, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held talks with the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was visiting Ashgabat. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The sides exchanged views on topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including political, trade, economic, energy, transport, and cultural and humanitarian areas. Particular attention was paid to strengthening inter-state dialogue, which is developing thanks to the consistent policy of the leadership of both countries. During the talks, the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan within international organisations and the role of inter-parliamentary ties were emphasised. One of the key topics of discussion was the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and other important aspects of joint work. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further developing the partnership between the two countries.
During his working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This was reported by TDH. The Head of Kazakhstan noted the strategic nature of relations between the two states and emphasised his country's interest in further strengthening friendly ties and expanding multifaceted cooperation with Turkmenistan. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the invitation to participate in the first summit in the Central Asia - Italy format and for the hospitality shown. The head of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the summit meeting would contribute to the development of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Italy. During the talks, the parties confirmed their continued understanding on key issues on the regional and global agenda, including ensuring peace and stability, developing sustainable energy and transport infrastructure, rational use of water resources, environmental protection and combating climate change. Special attention was paid to effective cooperation between the two countries within international structures, primarily the UN. The President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its support for Ashgabat's international initiatives. In turn, Turkmenistan assists initiatives put forward by Kazakhstan in the international arena. Trade, energy, transport and communications were named as priority areas for partnership. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation remains an integral part of the bilateral dialogue. The parties emphasised the importance of holding cultural days and festivals, as well as strengthening contacts between representatives of science and art in both countries. Following the meeting, the Heads of State expressed confidence that the dialogue would give additional impetus to the development of the Turkmen-Kazakh strategic partnership and exchanged wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the brotherly peoples.
On 30 March 2025, during a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the first ‘Central Asia – Italy” Summit, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni. The parties exchanged greetings and expressed confidence that high-level dialogue would give impetus to the further development of Turkmen-Italian cooperation, according to TDH. During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the prospects for cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia - Italy dialogue platform initiated by Rome. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed Turkmenistan's interest in actively participating in the development of this format. The Italian Prime Minister, in turn, noted the consistent nature of the strengthening of bilateral ties. The constructive interaction between the two countries in the international arena, including cooperation within the UN, EU and OSCE structures, was highlighted separately. The Head of State invited Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to take part in an international forum scheduled for 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat. The forum will be part of the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the Year of Peace and Trust. The Italian Prime Minister highly appreciated Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening global stability and sustainable development, expressing readiness to support relevant international initiatives. The prospects for cooperation in the fields of railway infrastructure, ecology, agriculture and water management were also discussed. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to consider the proposals of its Italian partners. With a view to systematic coordination of cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed considering the possibility of establishing an intergovernmental commission or business council. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported this initiative. The cultural and humanitarian component remains an integral part of bilateral relations. This is evidenced, in particular, by the teaching of Italian in Turkmen educational institutions and joint projects in the field of archaeology. At the end of the meeting, the Italian Prime Minister invited the President of Turkmenistan to visit Italy. The parties exchanged wishes for success in their state activities and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
Following the results of the 12th round of the Turkmenistan Premier League football championship, ‘Arkadag’ strengthened its lead, increasing its gap from its closest rival, ‘Ahal’, to five points. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The reigning two-time national champions confidently defeated ‘Merv’ 2-0 away from home. Goals from Didar Durdyev in the 6th minute and Altymurat Annadurdyev in the 78th minute secured the victory for the team. After this match, both strikers topped the list of the tournament's top scorers with seven goals each. ‘Ahal’, meanwhile, failed to hold on to their lead in their home match against Turkmenbashi's ‘Shagadam’. Leading 1-0 after a goal by Gurbanmuhamet Esenov in the 39th minute, the hosts conceded an equaliser in the 51st minute, scored by Ihlas Magtymov. The final score was 1-1. At the end of the 12th round, ‘Arkadag’ had 30 points from 10 matches, while ‘Ahal’ had 25 points from 12 matches. ‘Altyn Asyr’ and ‘Shagadam’ shared third place with 22 points, having played 11 and 13 matches respectively. The final matches of the round will see ‘Kopetdag’ face ‘Altyn Asyr’ and ‘Nebitchi’ take on Ashgabat.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, led by the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen side presented the main directions of the country's foreign policy. The guests were also told about the structure of the national parliament and the work being done to improve legislation. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's international initiatives, in particular the adoption by the UN General Assembly of resolutions ‘2025: International Year of Peace and Trust’ and ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’. The activities of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan as a platform for developing international dialogue and promoting the principles of peace and sustainability, were also discussed. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The importance of inter-parliamentary friendship groups in promoting the exchange of experience in legislative activities was emphasised, and the desire to further strengthen good-neighbourly and trusting relations was expressed.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the Turkmen people and the Halk Maslahaty, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on International Children's Day. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The letter emphasised that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, caring for the younger generation is a priority of state policy: creating conditions for their education, development, sports and creativity. Efforts to provide social and legal guarantees for children and young people, including benefits, privileges and legislative support, were noted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that events are being held throughout the country in honour of the holiday to strengthen love for the Motherland and unity. The National Leader of the Turkmen people paid special attention to the start of the summer holiday season and the opening of new facilities for children. It was also emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively fulfilling its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, cooperating with UNICEF and implementing policies in the spirit of humanism. In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, long life and success.
On 31 May, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The guest conveyed warm greetings from President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, expressing gratitude for the development of bilateral relations and conveying wishes to the Turkmen people. During the meeting, the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation was discussed, which, as the Head of Turkmenistan emphasised, gives impetus to the entire complex of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in such areas as diplomacy, economy, transport, energy, education and culture. Serdar Berdimuhamedov recalled the proclamation of 2025 as the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ on the initiative of Turkmenistan and invited the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan to take part in the events planned in this regard. In conclusion, the sides expressed confidence in the further development of friendly relations and exchanged best wishes.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a working meeting with the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City, Deryageldi Orazov, and the mayor of the city, Gulshat Mammedova. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the current status and acceleration of construction work within the second phase of development, as well as the quality of the materials used, were discussed. D. Orazov reported on the construction of industrial and social facilities and the characteristics of building materials. Hero Arkadag instructed to pay special attention to the pace of work, the strength and modern level of finishing of buildings. G. Mammedova reported on the process of settling citizens into new comfortable homes. Preparations for cultural events to mark International Children's Day, World Bicycle Day, Kurban Bayram and Science Day were also discussed. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the importance of a responsible approach to resettlement and a high level of organisation of festive events that reflect the development of the city and the well-being of its residents.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag on a working trip, during which he familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of the city's development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag inspected the construction work, including the construction of a mosque, and gave instructions on the organisation of the coordinated functioning of the relevant structures for the successful implementation of the tasks set. Particular attention was paid to the improvement and compliance of the facilities with modern requirements, including the quality of construction materials. Projects for sculptures, bus stops and other elements along Ahalteke Atlar Avenue were also discussed. Aesthetics, compactness and durability were named as important criteria. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for modern design of the horse sculptures and the reliability of their foundations, as well as compliance with standards for cycle paths and running tracks. The National Leader of the Turkmen people instructed that the quality of the materials used and the convenience of the infrastructure along the avenue be ensured.
In anticipation of International Children's Day, celebrated on 1 June, significant events were held in Ashgabat, organised by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with Turkmenistan's government agencies. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In front of the Älem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, 300 children performed the traditional Turkmen dance kushtdepdi. This colourful event was organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ombudsman's Office and the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography. A recording of the dance flash mob will be shown on 1 June on the Yashlyk TV channel. In parallel with the cultural events, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ombudsman's Office, conducted an information campaign aimed at raising children's awareness of their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As part of the campaign, more than 170 schoolchildren took part in creative competitions and interactive training sessions. These events demonstrate Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of child protection and the implementation of international obligations in the field of children's rights, as well as highlighting the importance of partnership between state bodies and international organisations in this area.
On the eve of International Children's Day on 31 May this year, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a festive event for children of employees of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in the country. This was reported by the IIC. The concert kicked off with a welcome speech by Gulshat Yusupova, the rector of the Institute of International Relations. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of respecting and protecting children's rights around the world, as well as Turkmenistan's role in implementing international initiatives in this area. As part of the festive programme, the young participants demonstrated their creative abilities by taking an active part in various competitions and performing musical and dance numbers. The event was made even more special by the participation of parents, who, together with their children, became full participants in the festive celebrations. This event was an important occasion that demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of protecting children and strengthening international cooperation. The organisation of this celebration for children underscores the country's desire to develop friendly relations with the international community through cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
On 31 May 2025, the ‘Marathon of Peace and Trust’ took place in the capital of Turkmenistan, organised by the EU Delegation in cooperation with the State Committee for physical culture and sport of Turkmenistan, the public movement ‘Run-Rush’ and the Ashgabat City Administration. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of Europe Day. This was reported by IIC. A total of 517 people took part in the race. Athletes covered distances of 2, 5 and 10 km along a route around Independence Park. Refreshment and medical stations were set up for marathon participants. The races started at 7:30 a.m. Ashgabat time, and the award ceremony took place at 9:30 a.m. The winners received commemorative prizes and gifts. The organisers noted the successful holding of the first marathon in Turkmenistan dedicated to Europe Day. The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen international cooperation. There are plans to make the marathon an annual event.