Society
In Islamabad, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy was discussed with IYDS students
18.05.2026On May 13, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with students of the International School of Young Diplomats (IYDS) at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies of Pakistan, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, the Turkmenistan IIC reports. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of its foreign policy, based on neutrality, peace-oriented principles, and international cooperation, as well as initiatives in the areas of regional stability, transport, energy, and humanitarian ties. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, introduced participants to the country’s history, culture, geography, and geopolitical significance, emphasizing the friendly nature of relations with Pakistan. Participants discussed issues of neutrality, investment, and the development of cooperation, receiving detailed responses. At the end of the meeting, certificates were presented to the students. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Turkmenistan’s foreign policy priorities.
Europe Day in Ashgabat: EU and Turkmenistan highlight strengthening of partnership
18.05.2026In Ashgabat, at the cultural and entertainment center “Gala,” a formal reception was held on the occasion of Europe Day 2026, confirming the steady development of the partnership between the European Union and Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event, led by EU Ambassador Beata Peksa, brought together representatives of Turkmen government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, business circles, and the media. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov. The choice of venue at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains was described as symbolic, emphasizing the long-term nature of bilateral relations. A key highlight of the evening was a light projection of the European Union flag onto the Kopetdag Mountains, accompanied by the EU anthem. In her speech, Beata Peksa emphasized the importance of the principle of “unity in diversity” as a foundation for expanding dialogue between the EU and Ashgabat in the interests of regional stability and development.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan visited the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship in Minsk
18.05.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, Nazar Gulyyev Shagulyyev, visited the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship in Minsk, where he met with the university’s rector, Professor Aleksandr Tsyganov, and international students. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed the development of Belarusian–Turkmen cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan addressed students from Belarus, Russia, and China with a presentation dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the motto of 2026. The diplomat paid special attention to the symbolism of the Akhal-Teke horse as a representation of progress and continuity between generations. Participants of the meeting were also shown a video about Turkmenistan’s achievements and the traditions of Akhal-Teke horse breeding, which is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. During the discussion, students asked questions about the development of Turkmenistan, the art of Turkmen carpet weaving, and the specifics of Akhal-Teke horse breeding.
A Group of Pilgrims from Turkmenistan Departed for Saudi Arabia
18.05.2026289 pilgrims from Turkmenistan have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The organization of the trip was approved by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in early May. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. Before departure, the pilgrims visited the Hazreti Omar Mosque in Ashgabat. Residents from all regions of the country and the capital joined the pilgrimage. Special flights are being operated by the state airline Türkmenhowaýollary at its own expense. During the days of Kurban Bayram, the pilgrims will join Muslims from around the world. They will perform Hajj rituals in Mecca and Medina, including worship at the Kaaba. Turkmenistan annually organizes trips for its citizens to the holy sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia.
Turkmenistan Represented at the CIS International Legal Forum in Minsk
17.05.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Nazarguly Shagulyev, took part in the Second CIS International Legal Forum held in Minsk at the headquarters of the CIS Executive Committee. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the CIS Executive Committee under the motto “International Legal Dialogue in the CIS: Traditions of Cooperation and Responses to the Challenges of the Time.” Around 70 representatives from CIS member states, international organizations, and the academic community are participating in the forum. During the plenary session and thematic panels, participants are discussing the development of international law, issues of regional integration, and the improvement of dispute settlement mechanisms. The forum also highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution, based on its status of permanent neutrality, to strengthening legal culture and developing preventive diplomacy within the CIS area.
Participants of the Great Silk Road Tourist Rally Arrive in Turkmenistan
17.05.2026Turkmenistan welcomed the participants of the fifth tourist car rally “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon.” A total of 16 participants in nine vehicles arrived in the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Traveling through Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi, the motorcade received a warm welcome from local residents. Turkmenistan became one of the intermediate stops on the route to the final destination — Mongolia. The “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon” rally is organized by the East–West Friendship Rally Association together with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY). The project aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote the historical heritage and traditions of the peoples living along the Great Silk Road. The total route length is approximately 9,000–11,000 kilometers. The rally starts on the banks of the Danube, after which participants travel across countries in Europe and Asia, finishing at the Orkhon monuments in Mongolia.
Turkmen climbers hoisted the flag on the summit of Annapurna
16.05.2026Employees of the Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” successfully climbed Annapurna (8,091 m) in Nepal. The expedition was dedicated to the Constitution Day and State Flag Day of Turkmenistan, reports the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. At the summit, the climbers unfurled the State Flag of Turkmenistan. Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world. The mountain is known for difficult weather conditions and a high risk of avalanches. The massif includes 16 peaks over 6,000 meters and is located near the Kali Gandaki Valley. The ascent added to the expedition record of the “Morinjgeology” team. Previously, its members have climbed Everest, K2 (Chogori), Manaslu, Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, Kilimanjaro, Ararat, Mont Blanc, and Matterhorn. On each summit, they installed the State Flag of Turkmenistan. The Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” operates in the energy sector. The company carries out geophysical and engineering-geological work in the “Cheleken” area under contract with Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd. and cooperates with Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd in the Contract Area “Block-I”. It also works with PJSC “LUKOIL”, JSC NC “KazMunayGas”, SOCAR, and other international partners.
Conference in Bishkek brought together Turkmenistan researchers
16.05.2026On May 14, the international conference “Turkmenistan: Language, Literature, History and Culture” was held at J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University. The event was dedicated to the year “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan — the homeland of determined winged horses.” This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Faculty members and students of the university took part in the conference. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, as well as universities from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, joined via video link. Participants noted the significance of the 2026 motto. According to them, it reflects the principles of Turkmenistan’s state policy—neutrality, peace, and national unity—as well as its course toward development and strengthening its international position. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly presented reports on language, culture, and traditions. Special attention was paid to the country’s achievements in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, as well as the historical heritage of the Turkmen people.
Turkmenistan has high potential for tourist railway routes
16.05.2026The development of tourist railway routes in Turkmenistan has significant potential, said Sergey Pavlov, First Deputy Head of Russian Railways (RZD). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the country’s historical and geographical position—connecting the “North–South” and “East–West” corridors—creates strong opportunities for expanding such projects and generates sustained interest in them. The statement was made in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of CIS member states. The previous meeting was held in Baku. In 2026, Turkmenistan assumed the CIS chairmanship from Tajikistan and now coordinates the work of a number of key intergovernmental councils and economic structures within the organization.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the Asian Development Bank within the framework of CAREC
16.05.2026A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan with representatives of the Asian Development Bank, where the implementation of initiatives under the CAREC program was discussed, as well as the integration of “green” skills and principles of a just transition into the education system. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties also considered prospects for further cooperation. The ADB presented plans to develop environmental competencies in vocational and higher education, strengthen institutional capacity, and align these measures with the goals of the nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with educational institutions and the business community to develop skills in demand on the labor market. The participation of specialized universities and the training of teachers in “green” topics were also discussed. The parties noted successful cooperation with the Turkmen Agricultural University and the development of projects in the field of agricultural “green” technologies. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev emphasized the connection between the initiatives and the state strategy, including the development of digital solutions in education and the idea of creating a regional climate technology center. ADB representatives positively assessed these steps and outlined the potential for expanding cooperation in the areas of digitalization, training personnel for the knowledge economy, and the tourism sector. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop the partnership within the framework of CAREC projects.
Turkmen students took part in a youth festival in Beijing
15.05.2026On May 14 in Beijing, the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Youth Cultural Festival was held at Chengxin Square of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) under the motto “Lead the Tide, Embrace the World.” Turkmen students studying at the university, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the PRC, took part in the event and presented their national culture, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. As part of the festival, a national pavilion of Turkmenistan was organized and prepared by Turkmen students. The exhibition showcased the country’s culture and traditions and became part of the international student platform. The pavilion was visited by diplomats, representatives of various organizations, and international students. The program also included artistic performances. Students presented traditional dances and showcased elements of Turkmen culture and national cuisine. Separately, it was noted that Turkmen students participated on the eve of the festival in the Symposium on High-Quality Development of Higher Energy Education within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, held at China University of Petroleum. Participation in these events formed part of Turkmenistan’s international student engagement and is aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting intercultural exchange.
Turkmenistan strengthens maritime transport with the launch of “Gadamly”
14.05.2026On May 12, a ceremony was held at the Baku International Sea Port to welcome the cargo vessel “Gadamly” — the first ship of its class built in Turkmenistan, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, G. Elyasov, representatives of transport and logistics organizations of both countries, and heads of relevant government agencies. It was noted that the commissioning of the vessel reflects the development of Turkmenistan’s shipbuilding industry and the growth of its industrial capacity. The project’s role in strengthening trade and economic ties in the Caspian region was also emphasized. Representatives of Baku International Sea Port LLC and Azerbaijan Railways CJSC highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in the transport sector. The role of the Caspian region in the system of international East–West transport routes was also underlined. Participants expressed confidence that the operation of the cargo vessel “Gadamly” will contribute to the development of maritime transport and further cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
