Turkmenistan and Belarus continue to actively cooperate in healthcare, especially in training Turkmen specialists in anaesthesiology and neonatal resuscitation. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Belarusian experts regularly conduct practical training sessions at the Perinatal Centre of Turkmenistan, preparing local doctors to become future trainers. Turkmen specialists note that cooperation is based not only on knowledge, but also on trust and respect. The next visit of the Belarusian delegation to Turkmenistan is scheduled for November 2025. Earlier, from 23 to 27 September, an international forum was held in Minsk with the participation of UNICEF and representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, where disease prevention, nutrition and epidemiological safety were discussed.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated $77 million to a project to improve the quality of training for nurses and midwives in Turkmenistan — $75 million in the form of a loan from the ADB and $2 million in the form of a grant from the Japanese JFPR Fund. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Project, ‘Nursing Quality and Capacity Improvement,’ is the ADB's first initiative in the country's healthcare sector. Its goal is to improve the education of nurses, expand access to quality medical care, and strengthen the role of mid-level medical personnel. The total cost of the project is $98 million, of which $23 million is being provided by the Government of Turkmenistan. As part of the initiative, a new climate-resilient building will be constructed for the Ashgabat School of Nursing, with modern classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, a mothers' lounge, and an educational garden. The project will also update curricula and teaching methods, purchase modern equipment, upgrade teacher qualifications, and establish international cooperation.
On 25 September, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution granting residence rights in Turkmenistan to 142 foreign citizens. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Among them are representatives of 15 nationalities from seven countries. In his report, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov noted that Turkmenistan, following the humanitarian traditions of its ancestors, continues to grant residence permits to foreigners and stateless persons. According to the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 5,152 people have already received this status to date.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree on the pardon of 225 convicts on the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The decision was made on 25 September at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan, Minister of Defence Begench Gundogdyev, presented a report on the preparation of proposals for pardons. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the security forces to ensure the release and return of those pardoned to their families.
On 24 September, the State Veterinary Service of Turkmenistan received new modern equipment for a training classroom as part of the BOMCA 10 programme, funded by the European Union. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the service and improve the qualifications of specialists, which will improve the quality of border control and ensure better health for farm animals, according to AsmanNews. The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the EU delegation, including programme manager Borislav Dimitrov. He emphasised that the support provided reflects the European Union's desire to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Department of the State Veterinary Service, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided, noting that the new equipment opens up opportunities for the introduction of modern methods of training and practical training of specialists. It is expected that the updated training base will significantly improve the level of veterinary education and training, which in the long term will contribute to the protection of animal health and the strengthening of the country's food security.
A business forum was held in Khiva (Uzbekistan) with the participation of representatives of the regions and business circles of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. As a result of the meeting, several export contracts were concluded and Memoranda of Cooperation were signed. The forum discussed prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, industrial cooperation and tourism. The participants expressed confidence that the launch of the Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone would be a serious stimulus for the growth of trade turnover and the strengthening of interregional ties. In addition, the delegations familiarised themselves with the investment and export potential of the Khorezm region. Following the forum, the parties agreed to hold a reciprocal business mission from Khorezm to Dashoguz velayat.
On 25 September, a cultural event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence was held in Astana at the Magtymguly Pyragy monument. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Embassy in Kazakhstan. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan, the capital's akimat and Turkmen public organisations. The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of the city administration and Turkmen students. Batyr Rejepov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of friendship and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Participants laid flowers at the Magtymguly monument, students read the poet's poems, and the ‘Nomad’ Choreographic Academy performed the national dance Kushtdepdi. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and strengthened the spirit of solidarity between the two countries. The celebrations will continue at the consular offices of Turkmenistan in Almaty and Aktau.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on 25 September during a government meeting on preparations for the Turkmen-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which will be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The agenda of the meeting includes discussions on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, transport, textiles and agriculture, as well as in the fields of ecology, science, education, health, culture, sports and tourism. In addition, a preliminary draft protocol of the meeting has been prepared. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the friendly nature of relations with Hungary and signed a Resolution on the approval of the composition of the Turkmen part of the commission.
On 25 September, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey held a conference in Ankara entitled ‘Turkmenistan's Independence: Prospects for Developing Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey in the Energy, Trade, and Economic Spheres,’ timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was held at the Presidential Library of the Turkish Presidential Palace Complex. Participants included representatives of Turkish ministries and departments, diplomats, international organisations, analysts, scientists and cultural figures, the Turkmen diaspora, students and the media. Participants were presented with Turkmenistan's achievements during its years of independence and informed about the International Forum in Ashgabat scheduled for December, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality. The speakers emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively pursuing reforms, focusing on international cooperation and strengthening its historical ties with Turkey. The conference included a photo exhibition and a video presentation on the country's development, and the event concluded with a tasting of national dishes from Turkmen cuisine.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecasts Turkmenistan's economy to grow by 6.3% in 2025 and 2026, according to the updated Regional Economic Prospects review, reports the ‘Finmarket’ news agency. These figures are in line with the EBRD's May forecast. In the first half of 2025, the country's GDP increased by 6.3% year-on-year. The main contributors to growth were transport, services, construction and retail trade. Investments in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing will support the positive momentum. In 2024, Turkmenistan's economy also grew by 6.3%, repeating the previous year's performance.
A delegation from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan visited Milan (Italy) from 22 to 24 September as part of an OSCE study tour dedicated to best practices in the creation of technological energy parks. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmen experts met with colleagues from the EU Commission's Joint Research Centre on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Polytechnic University of Milan to discuss the organisational, legal and technical aspects of the operation of such parks. According to Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Head of the Economic and Environmental Department of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the visit served as a platform for exchanging experience and improving the qualifications of Turkmen specialists. The delegates also visited the Parco Scientifico Tecnologico per l'Ambiente Environmental Park in Turin. Zurovac-Kuzman noted that the visit was particularly relevant in light of Turkmenistan's adoption of the Law on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency and measures to develop sustainable energy. The trip was organised in cooperation with the OSCE Bureau of the Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received birthday greetings from foreign dignitaries, according to the state news agency TDH. Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov noted Serdar Berdimuhamedov's leadership qualities, patriotism and contribution to the sustainable development of the country and the strengthening of its position in the international arena. The Prime Minister wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, prosperity and new achievements, emphasising the importance of progress and prosperity for the Turkmen people. Congratulations were also sent by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He expressed confidence that Turkmenistan would continue to strengthen its position in the world and that relations between Yerevan and Ashgabat would develop on the basis of mutual respect and trust. Nikol Pashinyan wished the President of Turkmenistan health, peace and success in his state activities. The Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, joined in the congratulations. He emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov's contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and expressed his readiness to continue to promote the strengthening of ties.