On 7 June, a formal reception was held in Ashgabat, organised by the British Embassy in Turkmenistan to mark the official birthday of King Charles III. The festive event took place at the capital's golf club and was attended by representatives of the Turkmen government, the diplomatic corps, the business community and international organisations. This was reported by the online resource TerraNews. Although Charles III was born on 14 November, in accordance with a long-standing tradition dating back more than 270 years, the monarch's birthday is celebrated in the summer in the United Kingdom. This choice of timing is dictated by the desire to ensure favourable weather for parades and street celebrations. The British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, delivered a welcoming speech to those gathered. He emphasised the strengthening cultural and historical ties between the two countries, noting their shared interest in equestrian sports. The evening's theme was inspired by British horse racing, including the Epsom Derby, which was taking place on the same day. The guests embraced the theme, filling the hall with elegant costumes and exquisite fascinator-style hats. Musical accompaniment was provided by an orchestra conducted by Resul Klychev. The repertoire included well-known British hits, academic compositions and national melodies. The festive atmosphere was complemented by traditional British cuisine.
In honour of the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Turkmen pilgrims performing the Hajj in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina gave sadaqah. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the source, 2,844 pilgrims travelled from Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the Hajj. All necessary conditions were created for an organised and comfortable pilgrimage. Believers were provided with special flights and medical personnel to monitor their health throughout the trip. At the end of the ceremonies, the participants in the almsgiving received traditional treats.
On Russian Language Day, which marks the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to UNESCO joined in the celebrations at the Organisation's headquarters in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. In his speech, Maksat Chariyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, noted Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of multilingualism and cultural diversity. He emphasised the significant role of the Russian language as a means of interethnic communication and an important element of cultural dialogue in Turkmenistan. The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives from Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. The cultural programme included poetry readings of works by A.S. Griboyedov performed by students of the Russian-language school of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, as well as a concert by the famous jazz ensemble conducted by Igor Butman. This event was further evidence of the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation within international organisations.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in Baku Energy Week, which was held from 2 to 4 June. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the source, the week included the 30th Anniversary International ‘Caspian Oil and Gas’ Exhibition, which was attended by 267 energy companies from 39 countries. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev opened the Week, noting the importance of the forum, where issues ranging from traditional and renewable energy sources to energy diplomacy, strategic cooperation and international negotiations are discussed. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey read out a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which emphasised the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the export of Turkmen gas through Azerbaijan and Turkey, and that this project will make a significant contribution to expanding the geography of energy supplies and improving the well-being of the countries in the region. The participants discussed energy security issues, the development of green energy, the potential of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea, cross-border projects and the digitalisation of the industry.
From 6 to 9 June, Turkmenistan celebrates the holy holiday of Kurban Bayram. By Decree of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, these days have been declared public holidays, allowing citizens to devote themselves fully to festive traditions and family gatherings. This was reported by IIC. A festive atmosphere has swept across the country. Cities and villages are hosting celebrations and concerts featuring popular artists and folk groups. Charity events are especially important during this time. Every family prepares festive dishes of national cuisine, people visit relatives and friends, exchange greetings and gifts. Kurban Bayram in Turkmenistan has long outgrown the framework of a religious holiday, becoming an important social phenomenon that unites generations, strengthens family ties and traditional values of Turkmen society.
On 5 May, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’s Natural Gas Research Institute hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Environmental aspects of implementing innovative technologies in the development of hydrocarbon fields’ (TESC-2025). The conference was organised by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, ‘Türkmennebit’ and the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’, according to the state news agency TDH. The event brought together representatives of national and foreign energy companies, international organisations and financial institutions. Participants discussed current challenges for sustainable development in the industry, the introduction of advanced solutions in hydrocarbon production and processing, as well as issues related to reducing negative impacts on the environment. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the government, heads of relevant departments, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the media and the expert community. The conference continued with thematic sessions on energy prospects, environmental issues and the role of human capital. Representatives of organisations such as the UN, OSCE, ADB, the EBRD, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), as well as international companies including CNPC, PETRONAS, Dragon Oil, Eni S.p.A. and others. Special attention was paid to issues related to reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions, processing associated gases, building modern gas processing complexes, and introducing environmentally friendly technologies. Innovative approaches to utilising sour gases and developing renewable energy sources were also discussed. Following the conference, a final document was adopted and meetings were held between representatives of the national fuel and energy industry and foreign partners to discuss further cooperation.
On 5 June, the pavilion of Turkmenistan at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka hosted the conference ‘Environmental Wellbeing - an important condition for development’ timed to coincide with World Environment Day. The event was attended by representatives of the Turkmen delegation headed by Ambassador to Japan A. Bayramov, employees of the Ministry of Environment Protection, as well as the organisers of the exhibition and visitors to the pavilion. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the conference, Turkmenistan's commitment to environmental initiatives, including joining the Global Methane Pledge at the UN Climate Conference in Dubai (2023), was noted. The country is developing a legal framework for the introduction of low-carbon technologies with active international co-operation. Special attention was paid to partnership with Japan: in April 2025, a memorandum was signed with Chuo University on greenhouse gas monitoring through the GOSAT satellite system. Turkmen specialists have already participated in the Tokyo conference on this programme in February 2025, which confirms the practical implementation of environmental agreements.
A seminar dedicated to the European Union's new environmental requirements for energy imports was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised within the framework of the EU-funded project ‘EU for a green Turkmenistan’, brought together experts to discuss EU Regulation 2024/1787 on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. This was reported by the IIC. The seminar participants reviewed the key provisions of the document, including requirements for hydrocarbon importers and methods for monitoring methane leaks. Particular attention was paid to the OGMP 2.0 initiative, UNEP's global programme for reporting in the oil and gas industry, which will form the basis for compliance with the new EU standards. EU representatives demonstrated modern monitoring technologies, including the MARS satellite system and GHGSat infrared sensors, which can detect large methane emissions. As noted by a representative of the EU Directorate-General for Energy, the new regulation strengthens countries' positions in the international market and promotes sustainable development. The seminar emphasised the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change and the EU's willingness to share best practices.
On 4 June, the Avaza International Dance and Folklore Festival ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ kicked off in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. This was reported by TDH. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the government, representatives of international organisations, diplomats, cultural figures, as well as creative groups from Iran, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. The concert programme on the stage of the water park brought together a multitude of musical traditions, national melodies and choreographic performances. The festival will include a scientific forum entitled ‘Küştdepdi – parahatçylyk waspçysy’ dedicated to the study of folk dance and its symbolism, as well as master classes, creative meetings and evening performances by national ensembles. The grand closing of the festival, the awarding of diplomas to participants and the final gala concert will take place on 6 June.
On the eve of the TESC 2025 conference, Magtymguly Akmuradov, advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, announced plans to open a Regional Climate Technology Centre for Central Asia in Ashgabat by the end of 2025. The initiative, proposed by Turkmenistan back in 2012 at the ‘Rio+20’ forum, is now taking shape. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The centre is intended to become a platform for access to modern climate technologies and strengthening regional cooperation. As Akmuradov noted, special attention will be paid to the adaptation of agriculture and water management – key issues in the region, where rapid glacier melt threatens water security. Preparations for the centre have been underway for several years. A memorandum was signed with UNEP in November 2023, and negotiations with the director of the organisation's regional office took place in 2024. Turkmenistan will fully fund the centre's work for the first three years, with plans to attract international climate funds in the future. The new centre will not only be a platform for sharing experience, but also a research base promoting the free transfer of environmentally friendly technologies to countries in the region.
At the end of May, an international conference on glacier conservation was held in Dushanbe, attended by a delegation from Turkmenistan. The event brought together experts, government officials and business representatives to seek solutions for Central Asia's adaptation to climate change. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed cross-sectoral cooperation, glacier monitoring and the integration of water and glacier issues into the SDGs. Particular attention was paid to glacier melt as a key factor in the region's water security. Turkmenistan was represented by Batyr Mamedov (International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea) and Pirli Kepbanov (National Institute of Deserts). In his report, P. Kepbanov noted that although there are no permanent glaciers in the country, winter snow cover in the mountains plays an important role in water supply. However, rising temperatures are leading to a reduction in precipitation and a decrease in river flow. The conference explored ways to balance environmental, social and agricultural water needs. For Central Asia, where major rivers depend on glacier melt, these issues are critical.
A delegation from the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan is participating in the CDIO 2025 International Conference, which is being held from 1 to 5 June at Monash University in Melbourne (Australia). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The delegation includes teachers and students representing the fields of molecular biology, mechatronics and modern technology physics. The conference brings together representatives of more than 200 universities belonging to the global CDIO network, which focuses on innovative engineering education. Monash University joined the initiative in 2023 and actively participates in CDIO international forums. The Turkmen team presents scientific developments and exchanges experience with the international academic community. Participation is aimed at improving the university's educational programmes in line with international standards and introducing a project-oriented approach. The university became the first full member of CDIO in Central Asia in March 2023 and actively participates in the organisation's events.