A ceremonial reception was held in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. The event was attended by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. In his speech, the diplomat noted the contribution of the Turkmen people to the shared Victory and emphasized the importance of jointly commemorating this date. According to him, preserving the memory of the war remains an important task. He also highlighted the participation of residents of the Turkmen SSR in combat operations. According to the data provided, around 300,000 people fought on the front lines, many of whom were awarded honors, including the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The role of the republic as a rear region was also noted, where hospitals operated, evacuees were accommodated, and supplies to the front were ensured. The events held in Ashgabat underscored the importance of shared historical memory and the development of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
A ceremonial reception was held at the Embassy of Russia in Turkmenistan on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. The event was attended by veterans, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, diplomats, and invited guests. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, noted that Victory Day holds special significance for the CIS countries and remains an important historical date. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and maintaining a respectful attitude toward the events of the war. The diplomat also recalled the contribution of the Turkmen SSR to the Victory. According to him, around 300,000 residents of the republic took part in combat operations, and many were awarded state honors. He also highlighted Turkmenistan’s role as a rear support center, where hospitals operated and evacuated people were received. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Myakhri Byashimova, congratulated those present on the holiday. She stated that the memory of the war holds an important place in the history of peoples and emphasized the significance of joint efforts during the years of the Great Patriotic War. It was also noted that Turkmenistan pursues a policy of neutrality and advocates the development of international cooperation. Relations with Russia were described as a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and trust.
An OSCE seminar dedicated to probation measures as an alternative to imprisonment was held in Ashgabat on May 7–8, 2026. Representatives of Turkmenistan’s law enforcement, legislative, and judicial bodies took part in the event. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Its purpose was to study international experience in reducing the prison population and developing alternative sentencing measures, including probation, parole, and rehabilitation programs. Experts from Moldova presented practical approaches to the work of probation services and spoke about the evolution of punishment strategies. Issues related to the reintegration of former convicts into society were also discussed separately. Participants also examined the impact of alternative measures on reducing recidivism and easing pressure on the penitentiary system. The seminar presented international standards of the UN and regional organizations in the field of non-custodial penalties, as well as approaches to their implementation at the national level. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that in a number of countries there is a growing emphasis on rehabilitation and the prevention of repeat offenses. The discussions involved 20 representatives from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and other agencies.
In Ashgabat, diplomats from CIS countries and several other states laid flowers at the Eternal Flame at the “Halk Hakydasy” memorial complex. The ceremony was held in honor of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Turkmenportal reports. The event was led by the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin and Stanislav Chepurnoi. It was also attended by representatives of diplomatic missions from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Malaysia, and other countries. The memory of the fallen was also honored by Orthodox clergy and residents of the capital. The “People’s Memory” memorial complex was inaugurated on October 6, 2014, on the Day of Remembrance. It consists of three compositions: “Eternal Glory,” dedicated to those who died in the Great Patriotic War; “Spiritual Tribute,” dedicated to the victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake; and “Sons of the Fatherland,” in memory of the defenders of the Geok Tepe fortress who died in 1881.
From May 5 to 8, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a lecture course at the Turkmen State Institute of Finance on corruption prevention and the development of a circular economy. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event brought together students from leading universities in Turkmenistan. As part of the program, international experts introduced the fundamentals of the circular economy, efficient resource use, and sustainable production models. Special attention was given to anti-corruption approaches, transparency in public administration, and corruption risks in the environmental sector. The students discussed practical mechanisms for good governance and international experience in addressing such challenges. The course aimed to strengthen the knowledge of future specialists in the fields of sustainable development, transparency, and effective public administration.
On May 6, employees of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Atajan Movlamov, visited the “Capital Smart City” smart city project currently under construction, located 30 minutes from Islamabad. This was reported by the IIC. The delegation was presented with the concept of the city, designed for more than 1.7 million residents, as well as key infrastructure elements, including residential and commercial districts, a transportation network, a financial center, educational and medical institutions, and tourism and exhibition facilities, including an international-standard golf complex. Special attention was given to the implementation of smart technologies, including traffic management systems, digital security, video surveillance, as well as the development of energy and telecommunications infrastructure. Following the visit, the parties noted the high level of the project and expressed interest in possible cooperation in the fields of urban development and innovation.
On May 8, 2026, the International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The Akhal-Teke Horse – A Symbol of Friendship Between Peoples” was held at the “Yangi Toshkent Conference Hall” in the Tashkent region. The event took place as part of a visit by a Turkmen delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, according to the IIC. During the visit, a series of meetings were held with representatives of relevant institutions. Talks took place with the Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan A. Ikramov, the Chairman of the Equestrian Federation and Equestrian Sports of Uzbekistan B. Gaziev, as well as the Director of the state institution “Uzbek State Circus” under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan R. Medzhidov. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports. They also addressed issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and the exchange of experience between relevant institutions of the two countries.
The National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organization have agreed on a plan of joint activities for 2026–2027. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The document was signed following a visit to Ashgabat by Sergius Glovackas, Head of the ILO Workers’ Activities Department for Europe and Central Asia, and within the framework of a seminar on workers’ rights protection held on May 8. The new program continues the cooperation between the parties, which began in 2025, and includes educational and training activities, exchange of experience, as well as work on the implementation of international labor standards and the development of social partnership. During the seminar, issues of employment, working conditions, and the implementation of the Concept for the Development of the Labor Market of Turkmenistan until 2030 were discussed. It was noted that its implementation will contribute to the modernization of employment policy and the expansion of cooperation with the ILO, including accession to its conventions. Participants also examined international labor standards, the role of trade unions, and legal mechanisms for protecting workers, emphasizing their importance in the context of digitalization and labor market transformation.
On May 8, 2026, the International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The Akhal-Teke Horse – A Symbol of Friendship Between Nations” was held at the “Yangi Toshkent Conference Hall” in the Tashkent region. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Uzbekistan Equestrian Federation and the horse breeding farm “Ўзбегим отлари.” The conference took place within the framework of the 2026 motto: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Determined Winged Horses.” The main focus was placed on the preservation and study of the Akhal-Teke horse breed, as well as its promotion as part of the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The event brought together representatives of relevant government agencies from both countries, equestrian organizations, scientists, breeding specialists, diplomats, public figures, students, and media representatives. The opening ceremony featured speeches by A. Berdyev, Director General of the State Association “Türkmen atlary,” A. Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Sh. Meredov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the plenary session, participants discussed the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the history of the Akhal-Teke breed, modern methods of horse breeding and care, as well as issues related to the preservation of the gene pool and the expansion of scientific cooperation. Special attention was given to the role of the Akhal-Teke horse as a symbol of friendship and humanitarian cooperation between countries in the region. Participants emphasized that such events contribute to the development of scientific dialogue and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The head of Georgian Railway, Lasha Abashidze, stated that the company expects further growth in cargo transportation from Turkmenistan amid a steady increase in trade turnover between the two countries. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. According to him, Turkmen Railways remains an important partner, and strong transportation figures have already been recorded this year. The parties expect further expansion of cooperation and a significant increase in cargo turnover by the end of the year. Abashidze also took part in negotiations in Ashgabat and attended a meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Georgian commission on economic cooperation together with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Economy.
Turkmenistan plans to host the forum of the “Sustainable Energy for All” (SEforALL) organization in 2027 on its territory. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vepa Hajiyev, and the Deputy Executive Director of SEforALL, Stefano Marguccio, in New York, according to the news website Turkmenportal.The parties also considered expanding cooperation in the field of sustainable energy, developing energy connectivity, and implementing Sustainable Development Goal 7, which is related to ensuring access to affordable and clean energy. Special attention was paid to the UN General Assembly resolution on the importance of stable energy connectivity, as well as the implementation of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035 and the Awaza Programme of Action for landlocked developing countries.
In Ashgabat, a ceremony was held at the “Mekan” Palace of the city administration to present monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan to war veterans and spouses of fallen soldiers. The event was dedicated to Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, AsmanNews reports. Before the ceremony began, participants visited an exhibition featuring materials from the war years, including frontline letters. The celebration opened with a concert program featuring performers from the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater of Turkmenistan. Songs and literary-musical compositions dedicated to the heroism of the defenders of the Motherland were performed. During the event, veterans spoke, sharing memories of the war years and expressing gratitude for the attention from the state. It was noted that Turkmenistan honors the contribution of participants of the Great Patriotic War and home front workers. The role of veterans in educating youth and preserving historical memory was emphasized. At the end of the ceremony, war veterans and spouses of fallen soldiers were presented with monetary and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.