Turkmenistan's participation in the international exhibition ‘Russia Halal Expo’ is aimed not only at strengthening trade and economic ties with the largest regions of Russia and other participating countries, but also at improving the competitiveness of our country in the global halal market, intensifying investment cooperation and implementation of promising joint projects. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The national pavilion of Turkmenistan demonstrates the achievements and successes of the country in key sectors of the economy, including private business, as well as reflects the diverse potential for long-term and mutually beneficial partnership. It is worth noting that the comprehensive reforms carried out in Turkmenistan are aimed at innovative development of the country, introduction of advanced scientific achievements and modern technologies.
Patients of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Arkadag, as well as students of the Palace of ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ in the capital received gifts of the first harvest of berries, strawberries and other fruits. The gifts were handed over on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov by members of the Council of Elders of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The events, which took place in a warm atmosphere, became another confirmation of the state policy aimed at taking care of children in particular need of support. The young participants creatively expressed their gratitude to the country's leadership through poems, songs and dances. It was also noted that the Arkadag football club, which won the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League, sent the prize money to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, to finance the construction of a new building of the Bazar Amanov State Children's Library. Such initiatives emphasise the continuity of humanist traditions and the priority of the development of the younger generation in the State policy of Turkmenistan.
Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation Rustam Minnikhanov visited the national stand of Turkmenistan at the exhibition Russia Halal Expo, organised as part of the XVI International Economic Forum ‘Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum’. This is reported by Orient news agency. During the visit, Rustam Minnikhanov familiarised himself with the exposition, which presented products of the leading sectors of Turkmenistan's economy, achievements in science and education, as well as products of applied art. The head of Tatarstan noted the steady pace of Turkmenistan's development and expressed gratitude for the course to expand international ties, in which Tatarstan plays a significant role. He also emphasised the fraternal nature of relations between the two regions and the high degree of mutual understanding. Russia Halal Expo is the largest platform in Russia to showcase investment and infrastructure projects within the halal economy. The exhibition provides forum participants with an opportunity to exchange experience, promote business initiatives and forge new partnerships.
A round table within the framework of the scientific-political dialogue ‘Central Asia+Germany’ (‘CA 5+1’) was held in Almaty, where the Turkmen delegation presented priority areas of cooperation. Expert of the Academy of Sciences G.Akyniyazova and teacher M.Bugraev made proposals on the development of partnership in the research sphere. This is reported by the IIC. The Turkmen side identified five key areas for joint work, including hydrogen energy, biotechnology, environmental protection, medicine and pharmaceuticals. Special emphasis was placed on the need to create an institutional framework for cooperation through the implementation of specific projects. The participants stressed the importance of commercialisation of scientific developments and involvement of business in innovation processes. At the meeting, organised on the initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the parties discussed mechanisms for strengthening links between science and industry. The special value of joint research was emphasised as contributing to both economic development and human capital growth.
The 7th Central Asia Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2025), which brought together representatives of the region's countries and international organisations, concluded in Ashgabat. During the two-day work, the participants developed common approaches to solving urgent environmental problems, paying special attention to the issues of transboundary landscape restoration and combating land degradation. This is reported by the IIC. The event, held at the Yyldyz Hotel, brought together heads of Central Asian environmental agencies, experts from the World Bank and UN agencies. Discussions centred on the region's key challenges: intensive melting of glaciers, progressive desertification and water scarcity. The participants emphasised that these interrelated problems require coordinated action at the interstate level. The outcome of the event was a consolidated decision to move from discussions to the implementation of concrete joint projects aimed at adaptation to climate change in the Central Asian region.
A national workshop was held in Ashgabat on 12-13 May 2025 within the framework of the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO multilateral project ‘Strengthening the Resilience of Central Asian Countries by Enabling Regional Cooperation to Assess High Altitude Glacio-nival Systems’. This is reported by the IIC. The main objective of the event is to transform regional climate priorities into concrete actions to strengthen monitoring of the cryosphere and enhance climate resilience in Turkmenistan. The workshop was the fourth stage of a series of national events being realised in Central Asian countries. Similar meetings were held earlier in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The forum was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, scientific and academic institutions, as well as civil society. The key topics of discussion were improvement of monitoring systems for glaciers, snow cover and permafrost, intensification of analytical data exchange, development of scientific research and formation of a knowledge base on the cryosphere. The event also initiated work on the creation of an interagency national group to coordinate further steps in this area. The next national workshop under the project is planned in the Kyrgyz Republic and will finalise the series of events in June 2025.
On 13 May, the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development’ was launched at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum is held in a hybrid format with the participation of scientists, teachers and students from Turkmenistan and more than 15 countries. The event is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and is aimed at discussing the country's diplomatic initiatives, including in the framework of cooperation with the UN. Special attention is paid to the role of neutrality in ensuring regional and global stability, as well as efforts to promote peaceful diplomacy, cultural and humanitarian ties. The conference included thematic sections on peacemaking, economic and cultural diplomacy, as well as training of specialists in international relations. In addition, the II International Student Competition ‘International Relations: Culture of Peaceful Dialogue’ was launched at the IIR of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More than 170 youth representatives from eight countries are taking part in the competition. The participants expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for the initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and cooperation. The forum and summing up the results of the competition are scheduled for 14 May.
Turkmenistan's pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka is rapidly gaining popularity among the international audience. Visitors share vivid photos and rave reviews on social networks, noting the uniqueness of the architectural design and rich cultural content, Turkmenportal news website reported. The three-level exposition introduces visitors to the rich heritage and modern achievements of Turkmenistan. The architectural concept, inspired by the traditional ornament of gulyaka, is in the form of a light structure with a dome, epitomising the harmony of tradition and innovation. The exterior of the pavilion, echoing the landscapes of the Karakum desert, attracts attention with its expressive symbolism. An immersive tour of Turkmenistan awaits visitors on the ground floor: spherical screens and digital installations immerse them in the atmosphere of the country. Special attention is drawn to the video presentation of the innovative city Arkadag - a project reflecting the progressive vector of the state's development. The second level is devoted to key sectors - energy, industry, health care and education. The section demonstrating the use of medicinal plants in the traditional medicine of Turkmenistan is of special interest. On the third level of the pavilion there is an exposition devoted to the national arts and crafts: ancient carpets, embroideries and museum artefacts. The open terrace with traditional tapjans, where one can relax with a cup of fragrant green tea and taste Turkmen cuisine, is in particular demand among tourists.
The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted the opening ceremony of the regional seminar for young diplomats and civil servants of Central Asian countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and is aimed at strengthening cooperation, exchange of experience and joint discussion of regional challenges. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Foreign Ministry, foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations, including the UN, as well as delegations of regional countries and students. The speeches underlined the significance of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of a culture of peace, sustainable development and trusting dialogue, which is supported by the country's international initiatives recognized by the UN. It was noted that Turkmenistan's neutrality proved its effectiveness in international diplomacy and was confirmed by three resolutions of the UN General Assembly. Special attention was paid to the issues of peace, security, ecology, humanitarian activities and youth policy. The seminar will last until 16 May and will become a platform for studying UN approaches in the field of human rights, sustainable development, gender equality and other areas, as well as strengthening regional cooperation.
The city of Arkadag held celebrations to mark the victory of the Arkadag football team in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Akhan Monument became the centre of the celebration, where artists and musical groups of the country performed. The winners of the tournament arrived at the ceremony with the State Flag, Cup and awards, causing a lively response from the gathered residents and fans. The athletes marched along the avenues of the new city to the multi-purpose stadium. The festive events were accompanied by performances of athletes, national songs and dances. At the stadium the players were given bread and salt as a sign of respect for traditions. Head of the football club Arslanmurad Amanov thanked the country's leadership for attention to sport and said that the team will donate the prize money won at the tournament to ‘The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship’ to help children in need of care. In their speeches, the athletes expressed their readiness to continue representing Turkmenistan honourably in the international arena. The celebration ended with a festive concert, fireworks and mass festivities.
From 6-8 May, Turkmenistan hosted a specialised three-day workshop under the EU BOMCA 10 programme aimed at improving methods of investigating cross-border crimes using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). The training was attended by officers from key agencies of the country, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, the State Frontier Service, the State Customs Service, the State Migration Service, as well as the Prosecutor General's Office. This is reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Lithuanian experts from the Border Guard and Customs Criminal Services shared best practices in the application of OSINT technologies in criminal investigations, talked about the analysis of digital tools for data processing and the study of cryptocurrency transactions and financial schemes of organised crime. Special attention was paid to modern technological solutions, including methods of collecting information via mobile devices and social networks, as well as detecting money laundering schemes using NFT. The event was held under the capacity building component of the BOMCA 10 programme for investigative agencies, which promotes the introduction of modern evidentiary methods of crime investigation in Turkmenistan.
With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as with the assistance of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ashgabat will host the 7th Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2025) from 12 to 15 May 2025 on the theme: ‘Achieving the Global Climate Finance Goal through Regional and National Actions in Central Asia’. This is reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The conference is organised by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). CACCC-2025 will be a platform for discussing priority areas of the region's climate agenda, including mitigation (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation to changing climatic conditions, as well as issues of rational water resources management. The focus will be on consolidating the efforts of the region's states, academia, environmental organisations and international financial structures to develop practical solutions that promote sustainable development and environmental stability. The conference events will take place over four days, including plenary sessions, thematic sessions, workshops and roadshows. The central events will take place on 13 and 14 May at the Yyldyz Hotel. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography) and the International Water Management Institute will join the discussion on climate-smart approaches to water and land resources restoration in Central Asia. The conference will be rounded off by a series of side events, including a workshop on research and adaptation measures in the water sector (15 May), the 60th meeting of the CAREC Governing Board, a field trip to the Akhal velayat to learn about ecosystem solutions for forest plantations, and a cultural programme.