On 12 August, Ashgabat hosted the YOUTHx festival, dedicated to International Youth Day. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event, organised by the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan in cooperation with ‘Creative Corner’ and ‘Ynamly Kepil’, brought together young people from the capital to learn, socialise and exchange ideas. The festival programme was dedicated to developing skills that are in demand in the digital age: communication, leadership, teamwork and project management. Participants attended interactive workshops on public speaking, digital etiquette, goal setting and decision making. A separate section was devoted to pitching ideas, where young people presented projects on socially significant topics ranging from ecology to inclusiveness. The best initiatives received certificates. Support for young people and human capital development remain an important area of EU cooperation with Turkmenistan, including the creation of open platforms for dialogue and learning.
On 13 August, a meeting was held at the Permanent Mission of the United Nations in Tajikistan between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, Aymyrat Gochmyradov, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Ramaswamy Parvati. This was reported by the online publication ArzuwNews. The interlocutors noted Turkmenistan's active participation in the work of the UN and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of neutrality, peaceful coexistence and preventive diplomacy. They discussed joint activities within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In addition, the parties discussed the organisation of an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the participation of young people, the diplomatic corps and international organisations, where the role of neutrality and preventive diplomacy in ensuring peace and sustainable development will be emphasised.
Representatives of Turkmenistan are participating in the 'New Generation 2025' training course for young financial intelligence officers, which is being held in Moscow. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The programme is organised by Federal Financial Monitoring Service, Rossotrudnichestvo and the International Educational and Methodological Center for Financial Monitoring. Over the course of five days, participants will exchange experiences and improve key competencies for the upcoming round of mutual evaluations. The programme includes visits to the Bank of Russia, the Federal Tax Service and VTB, as well as participation in seminars, master classes and round tables. A business game on FATF/EAG assessments, a round table on international information exchange and a case study on the freezing of assets related to terrorism have already taken place. As part of the cultural programme, participants laid flowers at the Eternal Flame in Alexander Garden. The participation of Turkmen specialists in such initiatives strengthens the national financial security system and develops international cooperation.
A presentation of the programme ‘Experience Malaysia Healthcare’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Malaysian Embassy in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The event was timed to coincide with Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 and Visit Malaysia Year (VM) 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Participants were presented with medical tourism opportunities and cultural attractions of the country. Malaysian Ambassador Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin noted the combination of advanced medicine with tourism potential, direct flights between Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur, and a visa-free regime for Turkmen citizens. About 30 travel agencies from different regions of Turkmenistan received information about comprehensive treatment and recreation programmes. According to the Malaysian Medical Tourism Council, the industry is actively developing, attracting patients from all over the world.
The Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, approved by the UN General Assembly, is an updated plan to support 32 landlocked developing countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme builds on the experience of the Vienna Programme of Action for 2014–2024 and aims to accelerate development by simplifying trade, strengthening transport connectivity, introducing technological innovations, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening international cooperation. The document covers the structural transformation of economies, the development of science and technology, the reduction of trade and transit costs, the modernisation of transport infrastructure and improved access to the sea, as well as adaptation to climate change and the mobilisation of financial and institutional resources. The programme provides for productivity growth, industrial and service development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, investment in quality education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and gender equality. Particular attention is paid to international partnerships, including ‘North-South’ and ‘South-South’ formats, as well as digital transformation as a tool for integration into the global economy. Its successful implementation requires concerted efforts by governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society to remove structural constraints, enhance the competitiveness of these countries and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the entire people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday – Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to friendly relations with Pakistan and is confident of their further steady development for the benefit of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the high level of inter-state cooperation, which is being consistently strengthened and improved, expressing confidence in its further successful and mutually beneficial development. Taking the opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan wished the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability and prosperity.
From 3 to 9 August 2025, a delegation from the International University of Humanities and Development for the Turkmenistan has participated in the ‘Future is Now’ Summer Educational Programme at the University of Malaya (Malaysia). The group consisted of five students and one teacher. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The programme provided participants with an opportunity to study modern world practices, innovative approaches and creative methods in various fields of knowledge. This academic initiative was made possible due to the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two universities in December 2024. The agreement provides for the development of academic exchanges, joint research projects and the strengthening of educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia. Participation in such international programmes contributes to the professional growth of Turkmen students and teachers, as well as strengthening the position of the national higher education system in the international arena.
A commemorative conference was held at the Cultural Centre of Military Unit No. 1001 named after Malikguly Berdimuhamedov, attended by military personnel, cadets and veterans of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The event was dedicated to the legacy of an outstanding officer who rose from a village teacher to a lieutenant colonel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and made a significant contribution to the patriotic education of young people. This was reported by IIC. Conference participants laid flowers at the monument to Malikguly Berdimuhamedov and viewed the museum exhibition, which includes personal belongings, documents and equipment from his period of service. Special attention was paid to the book ‘True son of Motherland. Life work of Malikguly aga’ published in 2012, which details the life of this outstanding officer. During the conference, it was emphasised that the principles of service and dedication to duty upheld by Malikguly Berdimuhamedov remain relevant today, forming moral guidelines for new generations of law enforcement officers in Turkmenistan.
Representatives of Turkmenistan are participating in the second conference of the Working Group on Cooperation in Civil Aviation between the Central Asian countries and China. The event is also attended by delegations from aviation administrations, national carriers and major airports in China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This was reported by the IIC. The main topics of discussion include the development of regional airlines, improving the quality of cargo and passenger transportation, upgrading airport infrastructure and strengthening aviation security. Special attention is paid to the prospects for the formation of a common aviation space in Eurasia. Due to its location on the North-South and East-West routes, Turkmenistan has great potential to become an important link in the regional aviation network. The development of air traffic through Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi could increase passenger and cargo traffic and attract more tourists. The meeting of the working group contributes to the economic and technical integration of the Central Asian countries and China, as well as to the creation of a single aviation market with competitive and safe services for passengers and cargo carriers.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, held a meeting with the Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, during which issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, A. Movlamov extended an invitation to the Pakistani side to participate in the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF-2025), scheduled for 18–19 September in Ashgabat. The parties discussed the expansion of trade and economic ties and opportunities for developing joint projects in the fields of energy, transport and construction. The Pakistani finance minister confirmed his country's interest in strengthening cooperation and recalled the high-level ministerial meetings held last year. The Turkmen ambassador noted the importance of Pakistan as a key trading partner and strategic transit hub for regional trade. The invitation to the forum was conveyed on behalf of Turkmenistan's Minister of Finance and Economy, Mammetguly Astanagulov.
On 11 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Pakistan, Wolfgang Oliver Kuchera. This was reported by the online publication ArzuwNews. The parties discussed the regional situation and Turkmenistan's foreign policy priorities, including neutrality, good neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation. Special attention was paid to the international energy projects TAPI and TAP, which are important for diversifying exports and strengthening energy security in the region. Following the meeting, the diplomats expressed their readiness to develop multilateral cooperation and strengthen relations between Turkmenistan and Austria.
An exhibition dedicated to the 130th anniversary of Sergey Yesenin has opened at the Russian State Library, with special attention paid to the work of Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The exhibition presents the notes of his vocal cycle “Persian Motifs” based on Yesenin’s poems, created in 1969–1971. This six-part cycle combines European and Eastern musical traditions, using plot features of Turkmen folk legends, which gives the work emotional depth. ‘Persian Motifs’ is considered an outstanding example of 20th-century vocal music and is regularly performed on Russian stages, including the Moscow International Festival of Arts ‘Sounds of Dutar.’ In 2018, the cycle was performed in the Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in honour of the composer's 80th birthday. Nury Halmamedov is a significant figure in Turkmen and Soviet musical culture, whose work connects the cultures of Turkmenistan and Russia, and whose ‘Persian Motifs’ convey the beauty of Yesenin's poetry through the prism of national colour and Eastern lyricism.