The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks on 19 May this year, during which they confirmed the dynamic development of bilateral relations. This is reported by IIC. The interlocutors noted the steady development of trade and economic cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects with leading UAE companies. Special attention was paid to the energy partnership, in particular, to the agreements involving ADNOC (UAE) and PETRONAS (Malaysia), which open new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. At the end of the conversation, the sides exchanged good wishes and expressed confidence in further strengthening of friendly ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Geneva took part in the solemn ceremony of enthronement of the new Pope Leo XIV held in the Vatican. This is reported by IIC. The presence of the Turkmen diplomat at this significant event underscores Turkmenistan's consistent position in the development of inter-religious dialogue, respect for spiritual values and strengthening international understanding. Participation in the ceremony was a confirmation of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, openness and respect for cultural diversity of the world community. The ceremony gathered in the Vatican representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and heads of international organisations from all over the world.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This is reported by TDH news agency. According to the source, the document lays the foundation for deepening partnership in the field of energy, water supply and urban planning in Arkadag city - a pilot project of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city, implemented with the use of advanced technologies and digital solutions. The parties agreed to promote energy and water saving technologies, develop renewable energy sources, reuse water resources, as well as exchange expertise and best practices in the implementation of joint projects. The source notes that at the end of the ceremony, Director of the ADB Resident Mission in Turkmenistan Artur Andrysiak emphasised the contribution of the country's leadership to the successful development of investment initiatives with the Bank's participation. He also proposed to hold a solemn event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of co-operation between ADB and Turkmenistan.
Consul General of Turkmenistan in Herat (Afghanistan) Batyr Yolov held a meeting with the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Herat Tomoko Kutoba on 15 May. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen consulate. According to the source, the importance of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNAMA was emphasised during the talks. The sides also highlighted the measures taken by the Government of Turkmenistan to promote the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission systems and fibre-optic communication Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan, as well as to intensify railway traffic. At the end of the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their intention to continue strengthening the partnership.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message to the participants and guests of the International Festival ‘Music of the World’, which will be held from 19 to 21 May in Ashgabat. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of state noted Turkmenistan's achievements in various spheres, stressing that the state programmes contribute to the well-being of the people. The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to the initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, supported by the UN General Assembly. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of cultural cooperation and called the festival an important step in strengthening friendship and humanitarian ties with other states. The head of state recalled the role of art as a unifying force and noted that the festival demonstrates Turkmenistan's openness to the world. The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the festival would strengthen international creative ties and promote cultural values, wishing the participants new achievements in art.
Members of the Turkmen-Iranian friendship group met in the building of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on 16 May 2025. This was reported by the press service of the national parliament. During the talks, the sides discussed ways to improve the activities of bilateral inter-parliamentary groups and establish closer contacts between the relevant committees. It was emphasised that the Turkmen-Iranian relations, dynamically developing in various spheres, are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and benefit. Within the framework of the meeting, the Iranian side was presented information on the structure of the national parliament of Turkmenistan, as well as on the lawmaking activities aimed at supporting the priority directions of the state policy in the field of education, science, social protection and ecology. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed satisfaction with the current level of interstate dialogue and stressed the availability of ample opportunities for further expansion of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation based on the principles of respect and good-neighborliness.
The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated his compatriots on the Day of Constitution and State Flag of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the Constitution and the State Flag are sacred symbols of national statehood, reflecting the honour, dignity and achievements of the country. The Head of state expressed confidence that the festive events held across the country strengthen patriotism and inspire further development. The President of Turkmenistan also noted that large-scale reforms aimed at improving the welfare of the people and enhancing the authority of Turkmenistan in the international arena are being implemented within the framework of the national programmes. The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to the policy of neutrality, stressing the recognition of its importance by the UN. The Head of state called the adoption of the new resolution on neutrality an important step towards strengthening international dialogue and cooperation. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished his compatriots health, prosperity and success.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on behalf of the Turkmen people and the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the Day of the Constitution and the State Flag of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag wished the head of state good health, longevity and further successes in activities aimed at the well-being of the people and strengthening the international authority of the country. In his address, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan this significant holiday symbolising sovereignty, democratic principles and national unity is celebrated with enthusiasm. It was stressed that the country is consistently improving legislation, ensuring citizens' rights, implementing state programmes, while the individual remains the supreme value of society. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the constitution and the flag will continue to inspire the people and strengthen the unity of the country.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to the city of Arkadag. Hero Arkadag familiarised himself with the projects of the second stage of development, including social and industrial facilities, paying attention to architectural and environmental aspects, as well as the use of modern technologies. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the plans of new buildings, solar panels and infrastructure facilities and made recommendations for their improvement, focusing on the quality of materials, landscaping and digitalisation of construction. As part of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people met with Arthur Andrysiak, Head of the Permanent Mission of the Asian Development Bank in Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the partnership strategy for 2024-2028, which covers ‘green’ economy, private sector development and institutional reforms.
A scientific conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust was held in Alanya, Turkey, on 16 May this year. The event, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey together with the University of Alanya, gathered representatives of government, science and public. This was reported by the Internet publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The conference was attended by the head of Alanya Municipality Fatih Urkmezer, the rector of the University Professor Aykut Ekinci, as well as representatives of political, scientific and creative circles of Turkey. The participants highlighted Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening international stability, emphasising the importance of the initiative to declare 2025 the Year of Peace and Trust adopted by the UN General Assembly. As part of the event, a thematic video on Turkmen neutrality was shown and an exhibition of books by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was organised. At the end of the conference, the Embassy of Turkmenistan donated a collection of books in Turkish by Turkmen leaders to the library of the University of Alanya.
On 16 May, the Chairman of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova held a meeting with the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by the Chairman of the Iran-Turkmen Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Chairman of the Construction Commission of the Shura Majlis of Iran Abduljalal Iri. This was reported by the press service of the national parliament. According to the source, within the framework of the meeting the sides paid special attention to the importance of inter-parliamentary partnership in the established relations between the two countries. They also emphasised the importance of working visits of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Iran. In addition, special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiative to adopt the UN General Assembly Resolution ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust’. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for supporting this proposal. The sides also exchanged views on the current state of political and diplomatic relations and considered the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and build confidence between countries and peoples.
On 16 May 2025, the Chairman of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan Amer Ali Al-Shehri. This was reported by the press service of the National Parliament. On behalf of the national parliament, the Chairman of the Mejlis congratulated the diplomat on the start of his mission in Turkmenistan and expressed confidence that his activities would contribute to further strengthening of bilateral dialogue and development of cooperation between the two countries. During the conversation, the Ambassador was familiarised with the key directions of Turkmenistan's domestic policy and foreign policy course based on the principles of neutrality, as well as the main aspects of the Mejlis' activity. The dialogue also highlighted mutual interest in sharing experience in lawmaking and parliamentary management, as well as in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries. As a result of the meeting, readiness to further strengthen interstate relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and trust was confirmed.