On 7 July 2025, an important telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Pholile Shakantu. The talks were held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, underscoring the mutual desire of the two countries to develop partnership relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, special attention was paid to preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be an important platform for developing solutions to pressing issues facing the participating states. The parties discussed opportunities for coordinating their positions at the upcoming forum, as well as prospects for joint initiatives. This telephone conversation was another step towards strengthening mutual understanding between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Turkmenistan has successfully launched a new international freight route, organising the transit of a container train from China to Azerbaijan. The Transport and Logistics Centre of Turkmenistan (TULM) transported 50 forty-foot containers. The test train was formed in the Chinese city of Zhejiang and travelled to the international port of Baku, crossing the territory of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. A special feature of this shipment was the use of a multimodal scheme: after crossing land borders, the containers were transshipped to a feeder vessel in the port of Turkmenbashi for further sea transport to Azerbaijan. TULM, established in 2018 by Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, continues to actively develop the country's transport and logistics infrastructure. The company's main objectives are to increase transit traffic volumes and develop optimal logistics solutions for international cargo flows. This operation clearly demonstrated Turkmenistan's potential as an important link in the international transport corridors connecting Asia and Europe. The successful completion of the trial voyage opens up prospects for the further expansion of such shipments through the country's territory.
On 3 July 2025, important discussions were held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with a delegation from the International Parliamentarians Congress. The foreign delegation was led by IPC Secretary General Senator Sitara Ayaz. The main topic of discussion was the prospects for developing interparliamentary cooperation between Turkmenistan and the international organisation. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side gave a comprehensive presentation, detailing the principles of the country's foreign policy, based on its status of permanent neutrality. Particular emphasis was placed on demonstrating the economic potential of the state, strategic infrastructure projects, as well as the accumulated experience of cooperation between the Mejlis and the legislative bodies of other countries. Members of the Pakistani delegation expressed their sincere admiration for Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy and the effective work of its parliament. During the productive discussion, the parties considered specific areas for future cooperation, including joint events, exchange of parliamentary experience and coordination of positions on topical issues on the international agenda. The meeting resulted in a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations and establish practical cooperation between parliamentarians. These discussions were a significant step in strengthening Turkmenistan's international parliamentary ties.
The ‘Türkmenistan’ cinema and concert hall hosted a sold-out concert by American country rock singer Jessica Lynn, organised with the support of the US Embassy in Turkmenistan and the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Before the performance, the musicians held a press conference where Jessica talked about her creative career. She noted that although she grew up in New York, where country music is not the most popular genre, her father instilled in her a love for this music. In its 10 years of existence, the band has performed in 20 countries, and Turkmenistan has become a new and warm discovery for them, particularly impressing them with the cleanliness and beauty of Ashgabat. A special moment of the evening was Jessica's reunion with her student, Turkmen musician Dovran Shammyev, who trained at her online academy. Their joint performance of a medley of hits by Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Ray Charles was met with thunderous applause from the audience. The concert turned into a real celebration, with the audience dancing in the aisles and Jessica keeping up their energetic mood by accompanying them on the drums. The evening ended with a joint performance with the famous Turkmen jazz singer Maysa Niyazova, who performed Shania Twain's hit song. Jessica Lynn's concert was a highlight of Turkmenistan's cultural life, strengthening the creative ties between the two countries.
Two fertilizer plants will be built in Turkmenabat. Swiss company Casale has signed a contract with South Korea's Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. to develop project documentation. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The customer is the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’. The plants will produce granular ammonium sulphate and simple superphosphate, fertilisers that improve soil fertility. Production capacity will be 100,000 tonnes and 350,000 tonnes per year, respectively. The project expands Casale's presence in Central Asia and contributes to the development of agriculture in the region.
On 4 July, a meeting was held in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis, Head of the Committee on International Relations of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Parliament. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed key areas of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, the structure of the parliament and legislative activities in the fields of gender equality, youth policy, science, education and social security. Particular attention was paid to the development of interparliamentary dialogue as an important element of bilateral cooperation. The participants exchanged views on supporting political, diplomatic and humanitarian ties, as well as on intensifying the work of interparliamentary friendship groups. A willingness to exchange experience in the legislative sphere was expressed and mutual interest in expanding cooperation on the principles of respect and trust was emphasised, particularly in the trade, economic and cultural spheres.
On 5 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, made a working trip to the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the visit, the Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the progress of construction of social facilities, in particular medical institutions, and gave a number of recommendations for their improvement. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Baymyrat Annamammedov reported on the implementation of projects in the healthcare sector, including the construction of a hospital complex of the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings, equipping clinics with modern equipment, training qualified personnel and international cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recalled the State Programme ‘Saglyk’ and pointed out the need to introduce digital technologies and improve the efficiency of the Ministry of Health. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also noted the importance of a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, including roads to health centres. During a helicopter tour of the capital and the city of Arkadag, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov familiarised himself with the facilities of the medical cluster, industrial and cultural buildings, including the mosque under construction. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty stressed the need to adhere to high standards of construction, building sustainability and harmonious landscaping. Special attention was paid to the expansion of the capital's transport system, the modernisation of the aircraft fleet and the improvement of passenger transport. The trip ended with a tour of modern medical centres, including those in the Choganly residential complex and the central part of Ashgabat. The trip was an important step in monitoring the implementation of urban development and social policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the population.
From 5 to 29 July 2025, Batumi (Georgia) will host the FIDE Women's World Chess Cup, which will feature 107 of the world's strongest female chess players. For the first time in the history of the tournament, a representative of Turkmenistan will compete for victory — 19-year-old FIDE Master Lala Shohradova (rating 2135). Her participation was made possible by the triumph of the Turkmenistan women's team at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024, where the team took first place in category C. This was reported by IIC. The tournament is held according to the Olympic system, where in each round the participants play two classical games with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move after the 40th move. In case of a draw, a tie-break is held in rapid and blitz formats. In the first round, Shohradova will face international master and women's grandmaster Vantika Agrawal (rating 2388) from India. The matches are broadcast on lichess.org, and the results are published in real time on chess-results.com. The FIDE Women's World Cup is a prestigious tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the Candidates Tournament. In 2025, the Men's World Cup will take place from 31 October to 27 November, where Turkmenistan will be represented by international grandmaster Saparmyrat Atabayev.
The editorial team of the electronic publication ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published under the auspices of the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, has presented the June issue of the magazine to readers. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The issue opens with a feature article entitled ‘Çagalaryň sesi – dünýäniň şatlygy’ (The Voice of Children is the Joy of the World), dedicated to International Children's Day, which is celebrated in early June. Of particular interest is the article ‘Juwan köňülleriň ylham joşguny’ (The Inspiration of Young Hearts), which recounts the highlights of the ‘Talyp joşguny – 2025’ creative festival held last month. A significant part of the issue is devoted to the publication ‘Arkadag şäheri – geljegiň şäheri’ (Arkadag City – City of the Future), dedicated to the country's first ‘smart’ city. The article features an in-depth interview with a doctor from the Maternal and Child Health Care Centre in Arkadag City, who provides detailed information about the local healthcare system. An article entitled ‘Döwrüň belent ösüşleriniň binýady’ (The Foundation of the Great Developments of the Era) is dedicated to Science Day, celebrated in Turkmenistan on 12 June. The historical theme continues in the publication ‘Geçmiş – geljegiň berk binýady’ (The Past is a Solid Foundation for the Future). The issue concludes with an informative article on the history of the bicycle, as well as articles entitled ‘Tomus – çagalaryň söýgüli pasly’ (Summer is Children's Favorite Season) and ‘Pyrtykally şerbet’ (Orange juice). Special attention should be paid to the information about the new winner of the popular competition ‘Ýaş waspçy’.
As part of the strategy to integrate Turkmenistan's higher education into the global academic space, on 2 July 2025, the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute held a ceremony to award the winners of the national university ranking. The assessment was based on the ‘Regulations on the Rating Assessment of Higher Educational Institutions of Turkmenistan’ approved by the Ministry of Education, using an innovative online system that analyses the activities of universities in real time. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. During a comprehensive analysis covering 53 criteria in six key areas, the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute demonstrated high results, ranking 4th in the overall rating and 3rd in terms of the number of teachers and students. At the same time, the Faculty of Chemical Technology was among the top three in the country, the Department of Languages ranked 3rd among specialised departments, and the Head of the Department of Higher Mathematics, Sahetgylych Gylyjov, came second in the ranking of teachers. The institute's Trade Union Committee recognised the achievements of the winners with valuable gifts. This event highlights the dynamic development of higher education in Turkmenistan and the desire of universities to meet international quality standards.
As part of the State Programme for the Development of Biotechnology for 2024-2028, specialists from the International Scientific-Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have made an important breakthrough. They have created and patented a unique technology for processing Jerusalem artichoke (sunroot) to obtain valuable products, including pharmaceutical inulin, resveratrol and glucose-fructose syrup. This was reported by IIC. This development has already been officially registered by the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan. The research is aimed at maximising the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke, especially in the production of functional foods. The key component of the technology is inulin, known as an effective prebiotic. It improves the intestinal microflora, strengthens the immune system and normalises metabolism. In addition, it is used to produce fructose-glucose syrup, a natural sugar substitute that is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. The syrups produced are available in liquid and dry forms and are used in various industries: food, pharmaceutical and agro-industrial. They can be used in the production of confectionery and bakery products, beverages, canned foods, animal feed, and also sold as a standalone product.
On 4 July, Mammethan Chakiyev, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, reported on measures being implemented to develop the digital economy and introduce innovative technologies during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted, the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency is working to expand cooperation with relevant international organisations and exchange experience. Particular attention is being paid to interaction with the United Nations Development Programme, as well as to studying international experience and best practices in the field of digitalisation, including the training of qualified specialists. In this context, the Head of the agency submitted a relevant proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for consideration. After hearing the report, the Head of State gave a positive assessment of the steps being taken in the field of digital development and professional training. The President of Turkmenistan approved the initiative to establish cooperation between the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency and the relevant academy of the Republic of Estonia, instructing M. Chakiyev to organise the necessary work in this direction.