On June 5, a meeting of the culture ministers of the Central Asian countries and the United States was held in Tashkent in the C5+1 format. The event took place at the JW Marriott Hotel, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed further cooperation in the preservation, study, and promotion of cultural heritage. Particular attention was given to joint projects involving museums, research centers, and specialized institutions, as well as the expansion of professional exchange programs. The sides also reviewed issues related to the digitalization of historical and cultural heritage sites and the introduction of modern technologies for their research, documentation, and preservation. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan G. Muradaliyev emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation in fostering dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and the United States. He also highlighted Turkmenistan’s experience in working with international partners on cultural heritage preservation projects, including initiatives supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The meeting followed up on agreements reached at the C5+1 Summit in Washington in November 2025, which resulted in the adoption of a Joint Statement of Intent on cultural heritage preservation.
At the international trade fair Turkmentextile Expo 2026, Turkmen designer Anna Korostova unveiled her debut fashion collection under the Anna Kor brand. The collection, titled Anew, combines elements of Turkmen national traditions with contemporary European fashion trends, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. According to the designer, her interest in fashion began in childhood. Anna started creating sketches and sewing clothes at an early age. She later received professional training in garment construction, as well as education in marketing and management. The name of the collection carries a dual meaning. It refers to Anau, the designer’s hometown, while also symbolizing a “new beginning” in English. The collection features dresses, skirts, and blouses. Traditional Turkmen materials, including panbarhat (silk velvet) and handmade silk, were used in the designs. Some pieces were made from keteni fabric and decorated with traditional embroidery. A distinctive feature of the collection is the combination of European silhouettes with elements of Turkmen cultural heritage. The presentation at Turkmentextile Expo 2026 marked the first large-scale showcase of Anna Korostova’s work to a wide audience.
On June 5, during exchange trading on the foreign market, entrepreneurs from Turkey concluded deals with Turkmen entrepreneurs to purchase textile products. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded deals with the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan for the purchase of cotton yarn and first-grade refined cottonseed oil. As a result of the trading session, 9 deals were concluded for a total amount of 55 million manats and 24 thousand US dollars.
The results of the youth competition “Future of the Aral Sea – Creating Solutions Today,” dedicated to World Environment Day, were announced at the United Nations building in Ashgabat. The news was reported by the Orient News Agency. The initiative, organized by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and supported by the GEF, showcased young people's interest in applying digital technologies to address environmental challenges. Instead of traditional written submissions, participants presented 3D models and visual projects aimed at solving problems in the Aral Sea region. The exhibition attracted the attention of international experts and UN agency representatives, covering topics such as water conservation, combating desertification, and natural resource management. According to Narine Saakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, engaging young people in the climate agenda is crucial for the region’s sustainable development, and the organization will continue supporting similar initiatives. The jury recognized several projects in different categories. The award for Best Innovative Idea went to an AI-based digital model for the adaptation of the Uzboy River and the Aral Sea, developed by Lale Garyagdyyeva. In the Eco-Design category, projects on remote Earth sensing and “Green Protection” were honored, while the concept “A World at the Crossroads of Two Roads” was named the Most Inspiring Project. The winners received certificates and prizes, while all participants were recognized for their creativity and environmental focus. The project became part of broader long-term efforts to promote environmental education and introduce technologies for restoring the ecosystems of the Aral Sea region.
An exhibition of Azerbaijani decorative and applied arts has opened in Ashgabat. The exhibition is based on exhibits from the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan, covering a period from the 19th century to the present day, according to the IIC. A separate section is dedicated to carpet schools. On display are Guba carpets “Gymyly,” Karabakh carpets “Arjiman,” and Baku carpets “Zili.” Household items such as khorjuns and chuvals with traditional ornaments are also presented. The contemporary section features works by Azerbaijani masters, including tapestries by Khalida Nasirova titled “Azerbaijan in the Third Millennium” and carpets by Eldar Mikayilzade titled “Shebi-Khijran” and “Leyli and Majnun,” inspired by the poetry of Fuzuli. Jewelry and metalworking art pieces are also showcased. Visitors can see copper vessels, bathhouse chests (hamam trunks), and silver jewelry. The exhibition also demonstrates shebeke, a traditional technique of creating wooden window lattices with colored glass without the use of nails or glue. The organizers noted that the exhibition has become a platform for cultural exchange and expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for organizing the Culture Days and supporting bilateral cooperation.
In Geneva, on the sidelines of the 114th session of the International Labour Conference, a meeting was held between the chairpersons of national trade union centers of Central Asian countries and representatives of the Bureau for Workers’ Activities of the International Labour Organization (ACTRAV). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of trade unions from Mongolia and Azerbaijan also took part in the meeting. The participants discussed the development of the trade union movement, strengthening social dialogue, and expanding cooperation between trade union organizations in the region. They also exchanged information on planned activities for the current year. Separately, preparations were discussed for an upcoming meeting in November in Ashgabat of the chairpersons of trade unions from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, as well as a scientific and practical conference. These events are included in the 2026–2027 Joint Action Plan signed in May between the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities and the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue regional cooperation and further develop interaction in the interests of workers. Also, on June 4, on the sidelines of the session, a meeting took place between the Chairperson of the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, Oguldzhanet Berdiliyeva, and the Chairperson of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Satybaldy Dauletalin. The sides discussed the development of cooperation between the trade unions of the two countries, the protection of workers’ labor rights, and the strengthening of social partnership. The Chairperson of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan invited Oguldzhanet Berdiliyeva to visit Kazakhstan for a bilateral meeting and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the national trade union centers. The Turkmen side also received an invitation to a regional trade union conference in Almaty. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation between the trade unions of the two countries.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, during a working visit to Lisbon organized by the OSCE office in Ashgabat, visited the headquarters of the Portuguese public broadcasting corporation RTP. This was reported by the IIC. The delegation included representatives of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as editors from state media outlets. Discussions focused on the modernization of broadcasting standards and the exchange of professional experience. Portuguese specialists presented practices for the technical and editorial upgrading of television and radio channels. The Turkmen side introduced colleagues to the development of the national media industry and presented the Belet streaming platform. During the meeting, the Portuguese side noted the technological level and design of the platform, as well as expressed interest in its sports and multimedia content. Following the visit, both sides noted the strengthening of professional contacts. Turkmen representatives thanked RTP for the reception and the opportunity to study European media experience for the further development of national media.
As part of the international exhibition-fair Turkmentextile Expo – 2026, a fashion show took place on June 4 featuring designers from France, Morocco, Oman, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Among the honorary guests of the event were Carlo D’Amario, CEO of the fashion house Vivienne Westwood, and Marzio Nocera, founder of Fashion Channel Italy. In his speech, Nocera thanked the organizers and highlighted the role of international platforms in promoting designers in the global market. The show opened with a collection by the Ashgabat fashion house “Miras” under the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. The presented looks incorporated elements of national costume, traditional ornaments, and jewelry, including “gulyaka,” “tumar,” and “alaja.” The musical accompaniment of the evening featured a performance by Dovran Shammyyev. At the conclusion of the show, Carlo D’Amario shared his views on trends in the global fashion industry. According to him, modern brands are increasingly focusing on combining quality, affordability, and cultural identity. He also emphasized the importance of historical heritage as a foundation for developing new design solutions.
Representatives of leading Azerbaijani media outlets have arrived in Ashgabat to cover the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The media group includes journalists from Azerbaijan Television (AzTV), the Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (İTV), CBC and REAL TV channels, as well as the news agencies Qafqazinfo and Report. Azerbaijani media are covering events within the cultural program, including exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and creative meetings. Information support is provided by the International Information Center of Turkmenistan, which is covering key events of cultural exchange between the two countries. During the visit, representatives of Turkmen and Azerbaijani media are also exchanging professional experience, conducting joint filming, and discussing prospects for further cooperation in the media sphere.
On June 5, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, who arrived in Turkmenistan to take part in the Azerbaijani Culture Days. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and emphasized the role of culture in strengthening ties between the peoples of the two countries. Special attention was paid to expanding cooperation between cultural institutions, museums, libraries, creative groups, and specialized educational organizations. Participants of the meeting highlighted the importance of the Azerbaijani Culture Days in Turkmenistan for the development of bilateral contacts. The program includes screenings of feature films, lectures on Azerbaijan’s literary and artistic heritage, exhibitions, and a gala concert featuring Azerbaijani artists. The events are taking place over three days in Ashgabat and Arkadag. During the talks, the sides also discussed prospects for implementing joint cultural projects, organizing exhibitions, and expanding contacts between representatives of the creative intelligentsia of both countries. In addition, the parties exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations and cultural platforms, and considered new directions for Turkmen-Azerbaijani cultural and humanitarian partnership. At the end of the meeting, mutual interest in further developing bilateral relations was reaffirmed.
A ceremonial opening of the Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place on June 5 in Ashgabat at the Mukamlar Palace of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was attended by representatives of the cultural sectors of both countries, as well as artists and public figures. Speakers emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation in strengthening Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations and expressed gratitude to the leadership of both states for supporting humanitarian ties. It was noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan is steadily developing across various fields, including culture, with mutual visits and joint projects playing an important role. The central event of the first day was a concert featuring Azerbaijani and Turkmen artistic ensembles. Performers included the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments named after Fikret Amirov, the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev, the percussion ensemble of the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, as well as well-known performers from both countries. The program also included joint performances by Turkmen and Azerbaijani artists. One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of the “Küştdepdi” dance featuring the Turkmen “Galkynyş” ensemble and an Azerbaijani soloist. As part of the cultural days, the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi opened an exhibition titled “Pearl of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage.” The exhibition includes carpets, jewelry, embroidery, traditional headwear, and other exhibits from the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. In addition, Azerbaijani feature films were screened at the “Ashgabat” cinema. The cultural program will continue in the city of Arkadag. Planned events include a scientific conference dedicated to the works of classical Turkmen and Azerbaijani literature, a photo exhibition, as well as a joint concert of artists from both countries featuring the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group.
On June 5, an International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Environmental Well-Being and International Cooperation in the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’” was held in the building of the Agricultural Complex of the country in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to World Environment Day, according to TDH. The forum brought together heads of relevant ministries and public organizations of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, including UN agencies. Before the plenary session began, a welcoming address from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out. The message emphasized the importance of the rational use of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and ensuring environmental well-being. The conference noted that Turkmenistan is implementing measures to combat climate change, preserve natural ecosystems, and expand international environmental cooperation. Among the key steps highlighted were the fulfillment of obligations under the Paris Agreement and accession to the Global Methane Pledge. An exhibition showcasing the country’s achievements in environmental protection was organized for forum participants. During the plenary session, speeches were delivered by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Narine Saakyan, and the UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, Jalpa Ratna. Representatives of international organizations emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in combating climate change, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advancing the principles of sustainable development. Particular attention was given to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s first National State of the Environment Report for 2017–2022 and the initiative to establish a Regional Climate Technology Center for the countries of Central Asia. Following the plenary session, the conference continued its work in thematic sections. Participants discussed the development of environmental legislation, the introduction of environmentally safe technologies, the transition to a green economy, and measures aimed at improving the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region. At the conclusion of the forum, participants adopted an address to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing gratitude for his attention to environmental protection issues and for promoting international cooperation in the environmental sphere.