The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by international engagements, the development of cooperation with foreign partners, and initiatives in the field of maternal and child health. This was reported by the news agency TDH.

On 5 August, at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and Switzerland.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding international dialogue in the interests of peace and sustainable development. Among the promising areas for cooperation mentioned were energy, transport, economic growth, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources.

On the same day, a high-level national round table entitled ‘Strengthening Systems to Support Exclusive Breastfeeding’ took place in Ashgabat. It was organised by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Office in Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, relevant institutions, higher education establishments, civil society organisations, international bodies and diplomatic missions.

Participants discussed maternal and child health, support for breastfeeding and the further development of relevant national programmes. The event took place as part of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from 1 to 7 August.

It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing the National Programme for Maternal and Child Health for 2026–2030, entitled ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’. The Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding’ is also in force.

As part of cooperation with UNICEF, programmes are being implemented on immunisation, proper nutrition for children, improving legislation in the field of child rights protection, and enhancing the professional skills of healthcare workers and teachers.

The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship funds the treatment of children, including complex operations, and supports medical institutions by equipping them with modern equipment and ambulances.

On 7 August, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, whilst on annual leave, went for a cycle ride along the coast of the Caspian Sea in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.

The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone continues to develop as a tourist and health resort. The area is home to sanatoriums, hotels with medical and rehabilitation departments, children’s health centres and sports complexes.

Work is also being carried out in ‘Awaza’ to maintain cleanliness and preserve a favourable environmental situation. The tree-lined avenues and parks that have been created complement the tourist infrastructure of the Caspian coast.

The development of the physical culture and health movement remains one of the priorities of state policy. Mass sporting events, including cycle races, are held regularly throughout the country. On the initiative of Turkmenistan, World Bicycle Day, established by a UN General Assembly resolution, is celebrated annually on 3 June.