Uzbekistan is hosting the CAFA international football tournament among youth national teams (U-17) from 24-31 May, with six countries in the region taking part: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran. This is reported by IIC. Turkmen football referees Arslan Goshshanov and Mergen Allaberdiyev were selected to officiate the matches of this prestigious competition. Their participation emphasises the growing authority of the Turkmen refereeing school in Central Asia. The tournament provides young footballers with valuable international experience. The Turkmen national team demonstrates a worthy game, and the work of Turkmen referees receives high marks from the organisers.
The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference on natural disaster risk reduction. The main outcome was the completion of a joint project with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to modernise the seismological monitoring system in the Ashgabat region. This is reported by IIC. Within the framework of the project, a digital system for real-time observation of seismic activity was created. Four modern seismometers were installed around the capital, and three broadband stations were installed outside the city. Special attention was paid to the organisation of a monitoring network in 11 settlements of Ashgabat. The experts of the two countries discussed the issues of preparing the population for emergencies and application of advanced technologies in seismology, as well as considered the prospects for further cooperation. Experts from Turkmenistan and Japan presented the results of the joint project on modernisation of the seismological monitoring system. The data obtained will help improve seismic design standards for buildings.
At the auction of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan on 27 May, products of State Concerns ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and ‘Türkmennebit’ were in high demand. This is reported by the website of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. According to the source, representatives of business circles from Afghanistan and the UAE bought liquefied gas from the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded a deal with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for the purchase of road bitumen of ‘BND 60/90’ brand and cotton yarn. The total amount of 7 deals, which were concluded during the bidding, was about 18 million 919 thousand manat and more than 1 million US dollars.
On 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments of the country, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and heads of structural units of various UN agencies. The key issues on the agenda were the analysis of the current stage of implementation of the Framework Programme, discussion of the parameters of the new cycle for 2026-2030, as well as approval of the Country Programmes of UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA for the same period. The source notes that the meeting emphasised the strong partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN, noting the high level of cooperation in priority areas of sustainable development. There was a common understanding of the need for an integrated and strategic approach aimed at achieving concrete results in the long term.
Turkmenistan's figure skating championship held at the Winter Sports Complex in Ashgabat coincided with the visit of honoured coach of Russia and international judge Vladimir Zakharov to the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, Zakharov arrived in Turkmenistan to hold training seminars for coaches and judges. The latest changes in the judging system of the International Skating Union, technique of putting athletes on the ice, manner of performance and choreography of programmes were discussed. In addition, the guest noted the significant progress of the Turkmen figure skating school, emphasising the growing number of promising athletes. Chairman of the National Centre for Winter Sports Meretdurdy Gochov noted that after the summer training period, the new sports season will start in August and will open new names in Turkmen figure skating.
On 27 May, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with a delegation headed by OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues Lara Scarpitta. This was reported by the press service of the national parliament. According to the source, at the beginning of the meeting the guests were introduced to the main directions of peace-loving domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, as well as told about the composition and work of the national parliament. It was emphasised that strengthening sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation with international structures, in particular with the OSCE, is a priority of the country's foreign policy course and contributes to the expansion of cooperation in new areas. In the course of the talks the sides discussed the implementation of the national plans on human rights, gender equality and protection of children's rights, as well as the importance of co-operation with the UN and the OSCE in these fields. In addition, the sides discussed promising areas of co-operation, including initiatives to increase women's political activity, their participation in peace, security and economic processes. The importance of holding training events and seminars to enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary activities in the context of digitalisation was also noted.
Representatives of the Civil Service Academy under the President of Turkmenistan are taking online courses on human resource management. The training takes place from 26 to 30 May in the framework of cooperation with the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. This is reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The programme includes distance lectures on strategic HR planning, digital learning practices, work with leaders, change management and data analytics. The courses are taught by lecturers from Russia. Participants are taught about key competences for managers and the role of digital technologies in HR management. Such initiatives contribute to the professional development of civil servants and strengthen international co-operation in the field of public administration.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Turkmenistan to Nicuşor Daniel Dan on his assumption of office as President of Romania. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Romania health, happiness and success, and wished peace, prosperity and further development to the people of Romania
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message on behalf of the people and the government of Turkmenistan to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The message underlines confidence in further strengthening and progressive development of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, friendship and mutual understanding in the interests of both countries and their peoples. In addition, the President of Turkmenistan wished Ilham Aliyev good health, happiness and success in his state activity, and the people of Azerbaijan peace, stability and further prosperity.
On 3 June 2025, WHO/Europe unveiled a campaign to promote walking and cycling to coincide with World Bicycle Day. The event will bring together experts and the public to discuss sustainable transport solutions. This is announced by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ online news edition. WHO calls on experts in the field of health, transport, ecology and urban planning to put forward and support initiatives to develop pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Everyone can also join the campaign by recording a 30-second video with an answer to the question: ‘Why do I like to walk or ride a bicycle’. On the same day, the 10th Bonn Dialogue on Environment and Health will take place. Experts from academia, the public sector and civil society organisations will discuss the benefits of active mobility. The event is open to all interested parties and registration is available online. Recall that World Bicycle Day was established by the UN in 2018 on the initiative of Turkmenistan to popularise cycling as an element of sustainable development.
A specialised seminar with participation of UAE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Ahmed Al Hameli was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas on 27 May. The event was devoted to the prospects of introducing artificial intelligence in the oil and gas sector and the development of bilateral cooperation in this field. This is reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Mr Al Hameli highlighted in detail the UAE's experience in integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process and industry. Special emphasis was placed on the fact that in the Emirates the study of AI starts from school, which allows training highly qualified specialists for key sectors of the economy. The Ambassador presented concrete examples of successful application of AI solutions in the oil and gas sector, realised by both international companies and local technological enterprises. During the discussion, the participants discussed potential areas of co-operation between Turkmenistan and the UAE in the field of digital technologies. The Rector of the University expressed gratitude to the diplomat for his informative presentation and expressed hope for the development of partnership relations between the educational institutions of the two countries. At the end of the event, Mr Al Hameli reiterated the UAE's readiness to support initiatives to strengthen scientific and educational ties with Turkmenistan.
The IV Festival of Literature and Books of the Turkic World, in which Turkmenistan takes an active part, has opened in the capital of Azerbaijan. This large-scale cultural event, organised by the International Union of Authors of the Turkic World, is aimed at strengthening spiritual ties between Turkic-speaking peoples. This is reported by the IIC. The festival pays special attention to the national literary traditions of each participating country. Turkmenistan will present its rich literary culture through a series of presentations of new books, poetry evenings and performances by creative groups. These events will allow festival guests to get acquainted with contemporary Turkmen authors and centuries-old literary traditions. The festival programme includes numerous cultural events: exhibitions of rare editions, scientific conferences dedicated to the development of Turkic literature, as well as concert programmes with the participation of artists from different countries. The festival will end on 1 June with a big children's festival where young readers will be able to discover the world of Turkic literature. Turkmenistan's participation in this prestigious literary forum underlines the aspiration to develop intercultural dialogue and promote the literary heritage of the Turkmen people outside the country.