Society
The special representative of Xi Jinping will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the “Galkynysh”
14.04.2026Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan from April 15 to 17 and will take part in the ceremony marking the start of construction of the fourth phase of the gas field “Galkynysh,” according to the news agency Orient. The Vice Premier of China’s State Council will visit Turkmenistan as the special representative of the President of China Xi Jinping. The project is viewed as key for expanding Turkmen gas exports to China and strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The new phase will serve as a basis for stable supplies via additional routes of the gas pipeline. As part of the visit, the seventh meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Chinese committee will also be held, where the sides will discuss investment, technological development, personnel training, and issues of energy security. The visit is timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the energy partnership between Turkmenistan and China, which is currently developing toward deeper strategic and technological cooperation.
The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ has come to an end in Rome
13.04.2026On 12 April, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ came to a close at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, having spent six months transforming the halls of the Palazzo dei Conservatori into a space for symbolic dialogue between Rome and Parthia. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The historical rivalry between the two powers gave way to a cultural exchange that aroused considerable interest in the academic and artistic circles of the Italian capital. The exhibition, organised with the participation of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and Italian archaeological centres, presented around 150 unique artefacts and served as an important revelation of little-studied pages of Central Asian history for a European audience. The exhibition spanned the period from prehistoric Margiana to the Parthian era. Among the key exhibits was a composite statue from Gonur-Depe (3rd–2nd millennium BC), bearing witness to early trade links between East and West. Particular attention was drawn to the ivory rhytons from Old Nisa, combining Greek and Eastern motifs, as well as the clay heads, presumably depicting Parthian rulers. The statue of Aphrodite Anadyomene from Nisa became a symbol of cultural synthesis, reflecting the influence of ancient traditions on the art of Parthia. Visitors also praised the curators’ work, noting the informative nature of the exhibition and its ability to reveal the level of development of ancient societies in the territory of modern-day Turkmenistan. As the exhibition drew to a close, the focus in the Italian press shifted from sensational announcements to a deeper reflection on its significance. According to experts, the project was a rare cultural event that highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the world’s historical heritage.
An event to mark Cosmonautics Day was held in Ashgabat
13.04.2026A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Russian House in Ashgabat, where a bust of Yuri Gagarin stands. The event was held to mark Cosmonautics Day, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, representatives of civil society, scientists and schoolchildren. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight. According to him, this event gave impetus to the development of global science. The Ambassador also spoke about the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the space sector. This involves projects in the fields of satellites, navigation technologies and scientific research. The training of a Turkmen cosmonaut is not ruled out, provided there is interest from the country. Special mention was made of Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenabat and Hero of Turkmenistan and Russia, who is the head of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. His next flight is scheduled for the autumn. The cosmonaut holds the world record for the longest stay in orbit – 1,110 days. During the event, the participants’ attention was drawn to a schoolboy who had come dressed in a homemade cosmonaut’s suit. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the participants laid flowers at the bust of Yuri Gagarin.
An inclusive run was held in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day
12.04.2026A mass inclusive run, the ‘Wings of Friendship’ EU–Turkmenistan race, took place in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day. Over 800 people took part in the event, including children, older people, professional athletes, amateurs and people with disabilities, reports Turkmenportal. Participants were offered 2, 5 and 10 km routes. The routes ran around Independence Park. Winners and active participants received prizes and commemorative gifts. According to Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, the run is part of the programme of events for Europe Day, which is traditionally celebrated in May. The event was brought forward in view of the weather conditions. The event also coincided with World Health Day and brought together participants from various countries, including members of the diplomatic corps and residents of Turkmenistan’s regions. Europe Day is celebrated annually on 9 May in honour of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which marked the beginning of the formation of the European Union. In 2025, the EU delegation, together with the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport and the Ashgabat City Administration, organised the Peace and Trust Marathon. The race was organised by the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat City Administration and the ‘Run-Rush’ running community, with the support of sponsors.
Russia intends to develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the space sector
11.04.2026Russia is ready to develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the space sector, including the training of a Turkmen cosmonaut for spaceflight. This was stated by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, promising areas for cooperation include the manufacture and launch of satellites, navigation technologies, and scientific research and development. The diplomat also noted that, should the Turkmen side be interested, Russia is ready to prepare a Turkmen cosmonaut for flight. The Ambassador also recalled the contribution of cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. He emphasised that during his latest mission, O. Kononenko set a record for the total duration of time spent in space — over 1,110 days.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat
11.04.2026Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the teaching process and current projects. During a meeting with teachers, the parties discussed methods of teaching the Korean language and the development of cultural cooperation. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea noted that the visit took place as part of monitoring the activities of one of the key centres of Korean education in the region. Lee Won-jae gave a positive assessment of the institute’s work. He emphasised that the institution combines language teaching with cultural programmes. Students take part in masterclasses on Korean cuisine and traditional dance classes, which helps them to familiarise themselves with the culture of the Republic of Korea. Following the visit, the Ambassador confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the institute. According to him, collaboration with the educational centre contributes to strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting the Korean language in Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat to build an observatory next to the children's library
07.04.2026An observatory equipped with a telescope is planned to be built in Ashgabat on the grounds of the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. This was announced by O. Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, according to TDH. The project is being implemented as part of the library’s modernisation with the support of the foundation. It involves renovating the building and creating facilities for children’s scientific and educational activities. The initiative was presented during a working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the project and supported the creation of astronomical facilities for young readers.
Turkmenistan discussed the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses with its partners
07.04.2026On April 5, at the initiative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan, a meeting was held with the participation of the General Director of the Japanese economic society ‘Akhal-teke Affinity Co. LTD’ and a member of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, M. Aoe, as well as the founder of the New Zealand company ‘Krukziener Properties’, A. Krukziener. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting discussed opportunities for joint initiatives to promote Ahal-Teke horses during the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, as well as areas for further cooperation. Representatives of ‘Krukziener Properties’ spoke about the breeding of purebred Ahal-Teke horses and discussed possible visits by Turkmen delegations to their horse breeding complexes. The parties also exchanged views on holding specialised meetings, round tables and events to develop the horse breeding sector. Japanese and New Zealand partners were invited to take part in the National Turkmen Racehorse Festival, which will take place on the last Sunday in April.
Turkmenistan and China are launching a high-tech cotton sowing season
07.04.2026The cotton sowing season has begun in Turkmenistan with a significant innovation: high-yielding varieties from China’s Xinjiang region have appeared in the country’s fields. This was reported by the news agency Orient. In an article for the publication, Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, spoke about cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector — from the introduction of biotechnologies that increase cotton yields by 30% to the prospects for the digitalisation of agriculture. Varieties from Xinjiang combine early maturity, high yield and fibre quality. They are suitable for large-scale mechanised harvesting due to the compact shape of the bush, resistance to lodging and low impurity content. Chinese seeds are already being used in Central Asia and are showing real market potential. China is actively introducing scientific and technological innovations into agriculture – seed production, machinery, biosafety and environmental protection. The next five-year plan envisages the further development of smart and digital agriculture and the creation of recognisable brands. Cooperation with Turkmenistan, which possesses vast land resources, solar energy, water and a labour force, opens up opportunities for mutually beneficial exchange of technologies and resources, expansion of agricultural exports and development of the agricultural sector in both countries.
The capacity of the ‘Şehitler’ Mosque in Ashgabat has been increased as part of a modernisation project
06.04.2026The renovation of the 500-capacity “Şehitler” Mosque in Ashgabat is proceeding according to plan. As part of the modernisation, the prayer hall has been expanded, reports the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Rejep Bazarov, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Having listened to a report on the progress of the reconstruction, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure high-quality construction work and the use of high-quality finishing materials. In addition, the National Leader of the Turkmen people was briefed on the construction and artistic design of a mosque in the city of Fizuli in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is being carried out by Turkmen specialists. It was noted that this project is regarded as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.
Turkmenistan has summarised the results of the construction and industrial sectors
05.04.2026Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on the activities of the construction and industrial sectors for January–March 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The sector’s production and work completion plan for the specified period was fulfilled at 128.2%. This figure stood at 105.6% for the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, 128.5% for the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, and 104.7% for the Ministry of Energy. The work plan was fulfilled at 111.4% by the Ministry of Roads, 152.7% by the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, and 116.4% by the Ashgabat City Administration. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to increase production volumes in the construction and industrial sector, to strengthen and upgrade the material and technical base of the energy sector, and to modernise the country’s roads.
A mass running event to mark Europe Day will take place in Ashgabat
04.04.2026On 11 April, a mass inclusive run will take place in Ashgabat to mark Europe Day. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is being organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan in conjunction with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport and the Ashgabat City Administration, with the support of the ‘Run-Rush’ public movement. The races will cover distances of 2, 5 and 10 km. The routes for all distances will run around Independence Park. Children under 16 accompanied by adults are eligible to participate in the 2 km race. Participants aged 16 and over may register for the 5 km and 10 km races. Winners and active participants will receive prizes and commemorative gifts. Offline registration will take place on 7–8 April from 16:00 to 20:00 at the ‘Hiroo Ashgabat’ café (9th microdistrict) and the pet shop at 150 Magtymguly Avenue. Participants must present valid ID to take part. According to the organisers, the event aims to celebrate Europe Day together and bring participants together.
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