On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held telephone negotiations with the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening political dialogue, increasing economic interaction and expanding cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries. During the conversation, preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, were also discussed.
Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Doreen Bogdan-Martin, speaking at the 18th International Exhibition and Scientific Conference ‘Türkmentel–2025’ and the forum ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2025’ in Ashgabat, noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the formation of the foundations of a hyper-connected world. This was reported by TerraNews. She emphasised that the country has made significant progress in the development of digital infrastructure, and that the 5G communication standard has been introduced in the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag, allowing for the integration of digital services and modern technological solutions. Speaking about the global agenda, Bogdan-Martin noted that bridging the digital divide and achieving universal connectivity will require significant effort and will likely take until 2030. The ITU Head also highlighted the importance of ‘Türkmentel–2025’ as an international platform for sharing experiences and strengthening partnerships. ‘The forum creates opportunities to join forces and adopt best practices on the path to common goals,’ she emphasised.
On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The interlocutors noted the steady development of the Turkmen-Emirati partnership and discussed key areas of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. A separate item of discussion was the preparation for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
On 13 November, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors confirmed the desire of both countries to further develop bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The effective coordination between Turkmenistan and Ghana in multilateral forums, primarily within the framework of the United Nations, was noted. A separate item of discussion was the preparation for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan considers digitalisation to be one of the key drivers of national development and is consistently implementing major projects to modernise the telecommunications sector. This was stated by Minister of Communications Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev, speaking at the International Startup Forum organised as part of the ‘Türkmentel–2025’ conference. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to the minister, digital transformation is enshrined as a key area of state policy. Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev outlined the main priorities of the digital agenda: Infrastructure: modernisation of the telecommunications network, participation in international projects to create digital transit corridors, expansion of the use of the ‘TürkmenÄlem52E’ satellite to improve Internet access in remote regions. Digital services: introduction of modern digital platforms in education, healthcare and public administration. Human capital and inclusion: training of specialists in the field of ICT and AI through educational programmes and internships abroad, development of digital inclusion and reduction of the digital and gender gap. The minister paid special attention to international cooperation. He emphasised that the partnership between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and UNDP has become a striking example of effective joint work. The Minister of Communications reported that, together with UNDP, a project to introduce a system of interdepartmental interaction had been completed, which significantly increases the transparency and efficiency of data exchange between government agencies.
On 13 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held telephone negotiations with Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current dynamics of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation and identified potential for its further expansion. They emphasised the high level of political interaction and mutual interest in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two close states. During the conversation, the Diplomats also exchanged views on preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December this year in Ashgabat.
As part of the UNDP project ‘Assistance in the implementation of a pilot system of interdepartmental electronic information exchange in Turkmenistan’, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Communications and the e-Governance Academy (Estonia). This was reported by IIC. The document aims to develop a long-term partnership in the field of digital transformation of public administration, including the organisation of specialised training and consulting programmes. The signing was held during the ‘Türkmentel-2025’ International Exhibition and Scientific Conference, which underscores the strategic importance of the agreement for strengthening the country's capacity for innovation and promoting digital initiatives. The signing of the Memorandum was another step in the UNDP programme to support digital transformation in Turkmenistan. In line with the UNDP's global Digital Strategy, the organisation promotes the development of inclusive, sustainable and secure digital ecosystems.
A working meeting between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, and Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, was held at the Women's Union of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Dmitry Shlapachenko expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for dialogue and noted the significant contribution of the Fund to strengthening children's health and creating conditions for their well-being. Welcoming the UN coordinator, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised that Turkmenistan, as an active member of the UN since the early years of independence, is systematically developing its partnership with the Organisation in a wide range of socially important areas. The parties discussed preparations for the international conference on the role of women in modern society: developing international cooperation for sustainable development, scheduled for December in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. It was noted that the forum is particularly relevant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status, enshrined in three UN General Assembly resolutions, and the 80th anniversary of the Organisation itself. Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasised that ‘Avaza’ has strengthened its status as a venue for major international meetings. As proof, he cited the high-level conference held in August and the Avaza Political Declaration adopted by the participants, which reflects the international community's support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and sustainable development. During the discussion, the role of women leaders actively involved in the country's development was emphasised, from public policy and business to social initiatives. Strengthening their status and promoting the principles of gender equality remain strategic objectives reflected in the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the state's international commitments. It was noted separately that Turkmenistan initiated the creation of the Central Asian Women's Dialogue, a regional platform aimed at developing women's participation in ensuring peace, security and sustainable growth. The project was implemented with the assistance of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy and UNDP.
The final show of the ‘Silk Way Star’ international music competition will be held on 22 November, according to the project organisers. Singers from 12 countries will compete for the title of ‘Asia's Leading Vocalist,’ according to the competition's official website. This season, performers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Malaysia and the Republic of Korea took part in the competition. The main feature of the final will be the opportunity for viewers to influence the outcome of the competition — the winner will be determined not only by the jury, but also by online voting, which will take place on the official ‘Silk Way Star’ website.
On 13 November, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova accepted the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Niger to Turkmenistan, Seydou Zatou Ali. This was reported by TerraNews. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Speaker of the Mejlis congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and expressed confidence that his activities would contribute to the further development of partnership relations between the two countries. During the conversation, Seydou Zatou Ali was informed about the key areas of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, as well as the work of the Mejlis in the field of lawmaking. The interlocutors noted the potential for exchange of experience between the parliaments of Turkmenistan and Niger, and discussed prospects for deepening cooperation and strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of the two states.
On 13 November, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Rashid Meredov, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan, Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the conversation, the Diplomat presented copies of his credentials. Congratulating the Ambassador on the start of his activities in Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov expressed his readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in the implementation of his mission aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues related to Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, including interaction in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The conversation also touched upon the participation of the Qatari delegation in upcoming events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to actively contribute to the further strengthening of partnership relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar.
The International Congress ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia’ was held in Tashkent at the Centre for Islamic Civilisation. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov, is participating in the event. This was reported by IIC. The opening ceremony began with the screening of a documentary film and the reading of a welcome message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the participants of the forum. During the first plenary session, Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov delivered a speech. He noted that spiritual heritage serves as one of the most important foundations uniting the peoples of Central Asia, and that the continuity of generations is manifested in the education of young people based on the principles of humanism, honesty and unity. The Head of the Turkmen Ministry of Culture emphasised that the works of the region's outstanding thinkers — Omar Hayyam, Alisher Navoi and Dovletmammet Azadi — are an integral part of the common cultural wealth, and their ideas about dignity, patriotism and kindness remain relevant in the modern world. During the meeting, the ministers of culture of other countries in the region discussed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation and jointly preserve the spiritual heritage of Central Asia.