The official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to France has opened new prospects for Turkmen-French cooperation in advanced technological sectors. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan on 8 May. According to the source, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency and ‘Airbus Defence and Space SAS,’ which will allow Turkmenistan to intensify interaction with the world leader of aerospace industry in the field of space technologies and satellite communications. A framework agreement was also reached between the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency and the French company ‘Thales Alenia Space France’ to modernise Turkmenistan's national communications satellite ‘TürkmenÄlem’. The signing ceremony took place in Paris within the framework of the Turkmen-French Economic Forum, which emphasises the desire of Turkmenistan and France to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships.
Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan Gulmurat Myradov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan Nurlan Nogayev on 5 May. The meeting was attended by relevant persons from the Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the country, the Commission's press service reported. During the talks, they presented Turkmenistan's electoral system, election commissions, their establishment, powers and activities, which are based on democratic principles and in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan. G.Myradov also stressed that close, friendly relations are maintained with the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan. In turn, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the reception and handed over an invitation from the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Abdirov to the first meeting of the Consultative Platform of the Central Election Bodies of the OTS member countries, as well as to the international scientific-practical conference ‘The Turkic World: Electoral Traditions, Experience and Development Prospects’. N.Nogayev also emphasised the cultural and spiritual ties between the Turkmen and Kazakh peoples. At the end of the meeting G.Myradov expressed hope for the continuation and strengthening of co-operation between the CECs of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and wished the guests success in their work.
In 2025, Turkmenistan celebrates the 30th anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality, which has become not only the basis of its foreign policy, but also an important element of the country's environmental strategy. Turkmenistan promotes sustainable development, participates in international environmental initiatives, cooperates with the UN and other organisations, and contributes to solving global climate problems. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At the international climate forum in Samarkand, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of partnership with the EU on climate issues and reaffirmed commitment to key environmental agreements. The country has joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), established a relevant inter-ministerial commission and has already achieved emission reductions. Domestically, programmes were being implemented to develop renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation and combating desertification. Particular attention is paid to greening: millions of trees are planted as part of popular actions, forest areas are created, and rare species are protected. The Arkadag city has become an example of environmentally oriented urban development. Ashgabat is also developing as a ‘garden city’ that meets modern environmental standards. Turkmenistan is actively working to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem by developing environmentally friendly infrastructure and ‘green diplomacy’. Among the priorities are preservation of the unique nature of the Karakums and promotion of desert reserves to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Turkmenistan, while remaining a neutral state, demonstrates its readiness to engage constructively in addressing global environmental challenges and strengthening international co-operation for a sustainable future.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In his letter Ilham Aliyev invited Hero-Arkadag to visit Azerbaijan. This is reported by state news agency TDH. Ilham Aliyev noted that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are linked by ties of friendship and brotherhood. The Azerbaijani President highly appreciated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's significant personal contribution to the development of interstate relations and strategic partnership. The Azerbaijani leader expressed satisfaction with Turkmenistan's sustainable development and growth of its international prestige, which became possible due to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's far-sighted and well-thought-out policy. In conclusion, the President of Azerbaijan wished the National Leader of the Turkmen People good health, happiness and success in his activities, and the people of Turkmenistan prosperity and well-being.
Students and teachers of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan honoured the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War on 7 May this year by organizing a warm meeting with war veteran Aydogdy Amadiyev. This is reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Great Patriotic War veteran Aydogdy Amadiyev, a resident of Mary velayat, became the guest of honour. During the meeting, representatives of the Institute's public organisations presented the veteran with memorable gifts and flowers. Students of the Institute listened with special attention to Aydogdy-aga's story about the war years, after which the creative group ‘Kuvvat’ performed patriotic songs dedicated to the Motherland, National Leader of the Turkmen People Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar. The event ended with words of gratitude to the country's leadership for creating all necessary conditions for preserving historical memory and patriotic education of the youth.
Turkmen enterprises will take part in the largest agrarian and food exhibitions in Azerbaijan, where they will present their products and establish business contacts. Two significant international exhibitions - the 18th Caspian Agro and the 30th anniversary InterFood Azerbaijan - will be held at the Baku Expo Centre from 13 to 16 May 2025. Turkmenistan has confirmed its participation in these events, which will bring together about 450 companies from more than 30 countries. This is reported by IIC. This is a great opportunity for Turkmen producers to demonstrate the achievements of agriculture and food industry, find new partners and investors, study advanced technologies and experience of foreign colleagues. According to the representative of the organisers Bahruz Hidayatzade, the format of the event increased to four days will allow the participants to make the most effective use of time for business negotiations and establishment of promising contacts.
Turkmenistan will traditionally be a guest at the SCO summit scheduled for this autumn, strengthening its position in regional cooperation. This is reported by IIC. The next summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will open a new page in the history of the association. According to SCO Secretary General Nurlan Ermekbayev, China is successfully performing the functions of the chairmanship, and the upcoming forum will be the central event of the ‘Year of China’ in the Organisation. The SCO Secretary General spoke about the plans and priorities of the Organisation, including preparation for high-level meetings, strengthening regional security and developing multilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan, which regularly receives invitations to the summits as a guest, reaffirms its interest in developing regional partnership. Together with observer Mongolia, the country will take part in the meetings of the Council of Heads of State. Over 24 years, the SCO has become an influential participant in international relations, whose role in shaping a just world order continues to grow. Turkmenistan's active participation in the events of the Organisation contributes to strengthening its position in the world arena.
Students of the Turkmen National Conservatory named after M. Kuliyeva together with young performers from CIS countries are preparing a special concert programme to celebrate Victory Day. This is reported by the Internet publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Of particular interest is the performance of the united choir, which will be attended by talented performers from eight countries: Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Active preparations for this large-scale event are underway. Turkmen and Azerbaijani students at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music under the guidance of rector A.S.Ryzhinsky are rehearsing famous military works. The programme will include such iconic compositions as ‘Holy War’, the anthem ‘Bells’ and the legendary song ‘Victory Day’. Participation in such international projects is of special importance for Turkmen students - it contributes to their creative growth, development of stage skills and strengthening of cultural ties between the countries.
Turkmenistan's U17 and U19 girls' handball teams successfully performed at the IHF Trophy Women-2025 Asian Zone III tournament held in Faisalabad (Pakistan). Both teams won silver honours, losing only to Uzbekistan, the IIC of Turkmenistan reports. In the U17 age category, Turkmen athletes confidently defeated the teams of Pakistan (38:18), Tajikistan (53:6) and Kyrgyzstan (36:18). Among the best players Selbi Mollaeva, Aidane Garadzhaeva and Angelina Lopatina were noted. In the U19 category, the opponents' composition changed - instead of Kyrgyzstan, the national team of Mongolia took part. The Turkmen team again lost only to Uzbekistan, having shown a convincing result in matches against Pakistan (50:17), Tajikistan (60:9) and Mongolia (44:12). Leaders of the national team include Sevara Ikhtiyarova (goalkeeper), Bagtynyyaz Muhammedova, Farida Akhmedova and Safiye Yalchinkaya.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his official visit to France, held a meeting with the head of the French company ‘Bouygues’ Martin Bouygues. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the source, during the meeting, Mr.Bouygues expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in major construction projects in Turkmenistan, emphasizing the favorable investment climate in the country. Hero-Arkadag noted that ‘Bouygues’ has been a longstanding and reliable business partner of Turkmenistan, particularly highlighting the company's contribution to the development of educational ties, including the construction of a specialized school for the study of the French language. During the negotiations, the interlocutors discussed the prospects for further strengthening cooperation and the company's participation in the implementation of new joint projects.
At the conclusion of the high-level negotiations in Paris, a ceremony was held for the signing of a number of bilateral documents reflecting new vectors of interaction between Turkmenistan and France, as reported by the IIC. The parties have confirmed their intention to develop cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development by signing a corresponding declaration. A Roadmap in the field of education for the years 2025-2026 has been established, along with an agreement on archaeological research between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the National Museum of Natural History of France. Furthermore, agreements have been reached with French companies: a framework agreement has been signed with Thales Alenia Space France for equipping the Turkmen satellite, as well as a memorandum between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Kayrros SAS.
Following the talks between the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, the dialogue between the parties was continued in an extended format. Within the framework of the business meeting, the delegations of Turkmenistan and France exchanged views over dinner, the IIC wrote. Hero-Arkadag expressed gratitude to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron for supporting the policy of neutrality and international initiatives of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the sides considered the prospects of cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia-European Union dialogue, as well as in the context of the implementation of the Global Gateway initiative. During the talks, special attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, efficient water use, as well as cooperation in the social sphere, including promotion of the French language and organisation of cultural events.