On May 14, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. During the visit, he toured the Kazan International Equestrian Sports Complex and addressed a forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation dedicated to Kazan being named the cultural capital of the Islamic world. This was reported by TDH.
At the complex, Hero-Arkadag was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Chairman of the Federation of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan, Marat Zyabbarov, along with the facility’s management. Together with the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, he viewed an exhibition of the region’s agricultural products.
Horse races featuring Turkmen riders were held at the complex. Master jockey B. Agamyradov and B. Berdimuhamedov won the 1,800-meter race. Turkmen athletes also secured prize-winning places. Hero-Arkadag presented awards to the winners. Participants also toured the infrastructure of the complex, which is designed to host international competitions. The facility covers approximately 90 hectares and includes racetracks, grandstands, and modern sports infrastructure.
Later that day, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, highlighted the role of education and science in sustainable development, and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to its policy of neutrality. He also proposed initiatives to develop a strategy for preserving the cultural heritage of Islamic countries, compile an anthology of Islamic poetry, and expand cooperation in the field of smart cities.
It was reported that Turkmenistan had submitted an application for observer status in ICESCO. At the 15th session of the organization’s General Conference, the country was granted the corresponding status. It was also noted that the possibility of granting Ashgabat the status of cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration.
Following the visit, the parties confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation. After completing the program, Hero-Arkadag departed for Turkmenistan.
As part of KazanForum 2026, Turkmenistan also presented a national pavilion at the “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” EXPO exhibition. The display featured products from the oil and gas, chemical, textile, and food industries, as well as achievements in transport, healthcare, and tourism.
A separate section was dedicated to national arts and crafts, including carpets and jewelry. The multi-volume work “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” was also presented. In addition, Turkmen designers participated in the national costume festival, showcasing traditional clothing.