The 43rd UNESCO General Conference is being held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). On 29 October, the 12th Interregional Meeting of National Commissions for UNESCO was held within the framework of the conference. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by UNESCO Deputy Directors-General, heads of the organisation's departments and representatives of the national commissions of member countries. Welcoming speeches were made by UNESCO First Deputy Director-General Xing Qu, representatives of the UNESCO leadership and the National Commission of Uzbekistan. The meeting programme included four sessions devoted to youth and sustainable development, cultural heritage and tourism, partnerships between national commissions, and the promotion of science and inclusion. Ch. Rustemova spoke at the third session, highlighting the priorities of the National Commission of Turkmenistan and the importance of international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening mutual understanding and developing cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. Participants discussed reports, joint initiatives and ways to improve interaction between regional structures and national commissions. The meeting confirmed the desire of member countries to actively participate in the implementation of UNESCO programmes and to contribute to the strategic renewal of the organisation.
On 29 October 2025, during his visit to Lithuania, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Vidmantas Verbickas. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of high-level meetings and the strengthening of interparliamentary dialogue, including the holding of the first session of the Turkmen-Lithuanian friendship group. The parties noted productive interaction within the framework of the EU and the UN, and also considered issues of trade and economic partnership, emphasising the importance of the work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The development of transport and logistics links and the expansion of humanitarian contacts in the fields of education, science, sport and tourism were discussed separately. The diplomats also discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat in honour of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The GIZ representative office hosted a dialogue between energy sector leaders from Central Asian countries and representatives of the EU and GIZ. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The main topic of the round table was strengthening regional cooperation in the field of renewable energy, electricity trade and cross-border interaction. Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, noted the country's dual responsibility as an energy powerhouse to ensure consistent energy supplies to the region and to fulfil its climate commitments by promoting sustainable development. Turkmenistan consistently promotes the principles of clean energy, innovation and regional connectivity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
On 28 October, ‘The Gulf Observer’ news agency, in conjunction with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, held a round table discussion to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality in the International Year of Peace and Trust. The event was moderated by Muhammad Ali Pasha, Head of ‘The Gulf Observer’, according to the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The discussion was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya, Pakistani journalists, experts and representatives of think tanks. They noted that Turkmenistan's foreign policy serves as an example of a constructive approach to strengthening peace and trust in the region and the world. The country continues to adhere to a peaceful course, supporting dialogue and conflict prevention. Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, spoke about the country's 30-year path of neutrality and its initiatives in the International Year of Peace and Trust. The participants of the round table confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to a permanent neutrality policy and its positive role in strengthening global peace and trust.
A student from Turkmenistan studying at the Higher School of Education of the L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana (Kazakhstan), won the international competition ‘Best Student of the Turkic Peoples,’ organised by the National Innovation Research Centre ‘Bilim-orkenieti’ in Kazakhstan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. He was awarded a first-class diploma, a medal and a cup, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. H. Parrykov has already achieved great success: in December 2023, he won the ‘Kultegin’ scholarship, and in March 2025, he received a first-degree diploma and the ‘Best Student of Central Asia’ cup. In September 2025, the student also became a prize-winner of the CIS competition within the framework of an international conference in Uzbekistan, where he was awarded the ‘Milliy Iftixor’ (‘National Pride’) medal, a certificate and a commemorative plaque. Hemra Parrykov is a native of the Gubadag etrap of Dashoguz velayat and continues to successfully represent Turkmenistan at international educational events.
The Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre hosted a concert entitled ‘Music of Peace and Hope’ dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event was organised by the UN Office in Turkmenistan with the support of the Ministry of Culture. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. UN Resident Coordinator Dmitry Shlapachenko emphasised the importance of the values of peace, equality and solidarity, thanking the government and UN agencies for their joint work on the Sustainable Development Goals. The concert featured performances by the State Choir and Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan and the Ashgabat Music Schools Children's Choir. The concert featured performances of ‘Heal the World,’ ‘The Song of Peace,’ ‘What a Wonderful World,’ ‘May There Always Be Sunshine,’ the UNICEF lullaby, and an excerpt from Vivaldi's ‘The Four Seasons: Winter.’ Some of the performances were accompanied by sign language. The evening ended with a joint performance of ‘We are the World.’
Turkmenistan and Italy have signed agreements on cooperation in the fields of communications, cybersecurity and energy following the Turkmen-Italian Business Forum attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The forum discussed strategic areas, including energy and transport, as well as prospects for joint projects in the oil and gas industry and the development of transport and transit infrastructure. The following agreements were signed: a Confidentiality Agreement between the State Cybersecurity Service under the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and ‘Leonardo-Societa per azioni’, as well as Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and ‘Leonardo-Societa per azioni’, and between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and ‘Pietro Fiorentini S.p.A.’ In addition, an exhibition of Turkmen products was held as part of the forum.
A ceremony was held in Ashgabat to sign protocols to the Memoranda of Understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This was reported by IIC. The documents are aimed at developing cooperation within the framework of the regional programmes ‘Climate Risk Management in Central Asia’ and ‘Integrated and Climate-sensitive Land Use in Central Asia’. The protocols were signed by the Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Charygeldi Babaniyazov, and the GIZ coordinator in the country, Joachim Fritz. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, environmental organisations and heads of GIZ climate programmes. Ch. Babaniyazov noted the high level of partnership with GIZ and expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation. J. Fritz emphasised the importance of joint efforts in the field of sustainable natural resource management and climate change adaptation. GIZ programmes contribute to the development of regional cooperation, the exchange of experience and the introduction of effective land use practices that take into account local conditions and aim to reduce climate risks.
During his official visit to the United States, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Atayev held talks with representatives of ‘AC Language School’. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. With the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan, the parties agreed to launch pilot programmes in tourism, technology, engineering, energy and the agricultural sector, with an emphasis on practical training and teacher training. A key element of the agreement was the introduction of a ‘train-the-trainer’ model aimed at improving the qualifications of teachers and ensuring the sustainable development of the project. The localisation of teaching materials, taking into account the characteristics of local industries and the level of digital skills of students, was also discussed. As part of the initiative, it is planned to introduce certification according to international standards, which will expand the career opportunities for graduates. In the near future, ‘AC Language School’ will prepare a concept note for the launch of the pilot phase of the programme.
On 27 October, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the UAE, held a meeting with Jawed Ludin, Deputy CEO of ‘Azizi Developments’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the conversation, Jawed Ludin presented the company's activities and its major projects both in the UAE and abroad, expressing interest in strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan. B. Bayramov noted the company's initiative and emphasised Turkmenistan's readiness for mutually beneficial partnership with authoritative international companies, highlighting the country's potential in the field of urban planning and energy projects.
The ‘Arkadag’ football club has won the Turkmenistan championship title ahead of schedule, securing victory in the 2025 season with five rounds to go, according to the news website Asmannews. In the 23rd round, the team defeated ‘Ahal’ 1-0, with Didar Durdyev scoring the only goal. This is ‘Arkadag’s third consecutive championship since the club was founded in 2023. After 22 matches, ‘Arkadag’ has 66 points and is 26 points ahead of its closest rival, ‘Altyn Asyr’, making its lead unassailable for the other teams.
On 27 October, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea held a solemn event entitled ‘Introduction of Turkmenistan: Its Foreign Policy, Cultural Heritage and Tourism Opportunities’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was attended by diplomats, members of the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association in Seoul, representatives of the media and cultural organisations. In his welcoming speech, Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, emphasised the importance of the upcoming forum as a platform for dialogue on issues of peace, sustainable development and international cooperation, and called for active participation from the Korean side. The event featured a book exhibition with works by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Handicrafts, carpets, embroidery, jewellery and national ornaments were also on display. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Turkmen dishes.