On 1 September, a ceremony was held at the National Pavilion of Turkmenistan at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka to mark the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. The ceremony was aimed at demonstrating the unique cultural heritage of the Turkmen people to the international community, including the art of carpet weaving and the beauty of national costumes. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants and guests of the exhibition were able to learn about the art of creating Turkmen carpets, the symbolism of ornaments and the high level of development of the textile industry. The highlight of the event was a show of national costumes from the Fashion House of the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. A significant element of the programme was a master class dedicated to the intricacies of Turkmen carpet art, during which the meanings of the ornaments and ancient traditions of the craft were revealed. The events made a significant contribution to strengthening international cultural dialogue and promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people in the world community.
1 September – On the foreign market, the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ signed contracts for the supply of liquefied gas with entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. During the bidding, three deals were signed for a total amount of $1,119,030. The parties did not disclose details about the delivery dates and product volumes.
On 26 August, the Tatarstan Oil, Gas and Chemistry Forum kicked off at the ‘Kazan Expo’ exhibition centre, with delegations from Turkmenistan and a number of other countries in attendance. The opening ceremony of this large-scale international forum featured speeches by Rustam Minnikhanov, President of Tatarstan, and Mikhail Ivanov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. This was reported by IIC. In his speech, Rustam Minnikhanov emphasised that the oil, gas and chemical industry is undergoing a profound transformation that requires technological renewal and the search for new vectors of development. The Head of Tatarstan expressed confidence that open dialogue and the exchange of experience within the framework of the forum will contribute to the strengthening of international cooperation and the creation of new promising projects. Parallel to the forum, the international specialised exhibition ‘Kazan Oil, Gas & Chemistry’ is being held, showcasing the latest equipment and developments in the field of extraction, processing and chemical synthesis. The forum programme includes thematic sessions on digitalisation, import substitution and environmental aspects of the industry, as well as presentations of new technological solutions.
On 1 September, the Consulate of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Astrakhan) hosted a conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, Knowledge and Student Youth Day. This was reported by the Consulate's press service. The event was attended by Consulate staff, representatives of the Astrakhan Regional Public Organisation for the Preservation of Turkmen Culture, students, teachers and pupils of the Magtymguly Pyragy School in the village of Funtovo. Turkmenistan Consul Gadam Ilamanov congratulated the young people on the start of the academic year, spoke about the importance of neutrality and the achievements of Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty. The schoolchildren also read poems by Magtymguly Pyragy in the Turkmen language. At the end of the conference, the Consulate presented letters of appreciation and commemorative gifts to the participants for their active participation in cultural and educational events.
Young Turkmen chess player Osman Hamrakuliyev won the ‘Malatya Golden Apricot’ International Open Tournament, which took place in the Turkish city of Malatya. This was reported by the IIC. The competition brought together 486 participants from eight countries: Turkmenistan, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Morocco, Syria and Turkey. The tournament was held according to international standards: 9 rounds using the Swiss system, with a time control of 90 minutes per game plus 30 seconds per move. O. Hamrakuliyev scored 7.5 points out of 9 and demonstrated stable and confident play throughout the tournament, confidently ahead of his competitors. The Turkmen chess player is a student of international grandmaster Maksat Atabayev. From early childhood, O. Hamrakuliyev has shown a deep interest in chess and has been actively participating in competitions since the age of four. He is currently in the 7th grade at the Turkmen-Russian School named after A.S. Pushkin, where he also excels in his studies. The victory in Malatya was another success for Osman: earlier, from 18 to 24 August 2025, he took second place in the under-12 age category among boys at the International Tournament in Cappadocia.
In his speech at the SCO summit in the ‘SCO+’ format, which took place on 1 September in Tianjin, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined in detail the key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the countries of the organisation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the SCO for continental and global processes, noting: ‘Turkmenistan has great respect for the SCO and closely and kindly monitors its activities. We note the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in continental and global processes, and its great contribution to the establishment of a fair and balanced system of the modern world order.’ Particular attention was paid in the speech to the Global Governance Initiative recently proposed by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that this initiative is fully in line with Turkmenistan's conceptual vision of improving international relations: ‘This idea aligns with Turkmenistan’s conceptual vision of the process of further improving the architecture of international relations and their collective management based on the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect.’ The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the organisation's constructive position on Turkmenistan's foreign policy, including the country's neutrality and international initiatives: ‘It would be appropriate to note that the states that are now members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as a number of other UN decisions proposed by our country.’ Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the economy remains the main vector of Turkmenistan's relations with the SCO. Among the priority areas, he highlighted transport and logistics, communications, energy, trade and industrial cooperation: ‘The presence of an extensive resource base, the benefits of a geographical location, the dynamic development of industry and infrastructure, and the accumulated experience of cooperation – all this objectively contributes to economic rapprochement and joint development, the realization of combined potential.’ The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to transport corridors. The Head of State emphasised the potential of Turkmenistan and the SCO countries as key links in the ‘East-West’ and ‘North-South’ logistics corridors: ‘The purposeful pooling of efforts and potentials, the mobilization of political, diplomatic and economic resources will mean a qualitatively new stage not only in the development of our cooperation.’ According to the Head of State, this creates conditions for the formation of a holistic geo-economic space. The Head of Turkmenistan drew attention to the opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian and Caspian routes: ‘I think our common task is to put them into practice. We see the Caspian corridors – vertically and horizontally – as a real chance to dramatically increase the efficiency and return on our economic and production capabilities, fully enter global markets.’ Serdar Berdimuhamedov also emphasised the importance of a favourable political and legal climate for transport on the Caspian Sea, which opens up new opportunities for trade and economic activity for the SCO countries. Particular attention was paid to the port of Turkmenbashi and its potential: ‘Many SCO member states possess substantial industrial capacities and rich expertise in this field. Turkmenistan, too, is actively developing its national shipbuilding industry, and we are convinced that partnership in this area could yield significant mutual benefits.’ The President of Turkmenistan noted the opportunities for developing railway and road infrastructure, as well as the implementation of joint projects, including the construction of railways to Afghanistan, and confirmed his readiness to submit proposals for long-term cooperation. In the field of communications, Turkmenistan, together with its partners, is laying fibre-optic communication lines through Afghanistan to Pakistan and is offering the SCO to participate in the expansion of these projects. In the energy sector, the Head of State emphasised Turkmenistan's readiness to increase supplies of natural gas and electricity: ‘At the same time, we are placing growing emphasis on the electric power industry. We remain open to discussing the practical aspects of electricity supply, including expanding both its directions and volumes.’ The President of Turkmenistan also noted the importance of industrial cooperation: ‘The positive dynamics of economic growth across our countries, the construction of new industrial facilities, and the expansion of the range of goods and services all underscore the need for deeper economic partnership.’ In the humanitarian sphere, the Head of State emphasised the importance of historical experience, shared values, loyalty to traditions, good neighbourliness and respect, noting that strengthening cultural, scientific, educational and social ties will always be of particular importance. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to practical steps to realise joint opportunities in the interests of common goals, strengthening friendship, good neighbourliness and trust, and thanked the President of the PRC for the invitation to the summit.
During the visit of the Turkmen delegation to China, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a meeting with Li Bin, Head of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the long-standing friendly ties between the two nations and expressed their willingness to develop humanitarian cooperation. Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised the Turkmen side's interest in exchanging experience and social projects. Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two foundations.
On 29 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took part in a round table organised by the COPAIR think tank on the topic ‘Central Asia & Pakistan connectivity: efforts & prospects’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Participants discussed key infrastructure projects, including TAPI, TAP, CASA-1000, the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line and others. The focus was on issues related to the development of trade, transit, transport routes and energy cooperation. The role of these initiatives in strengthening regional integration, energy and transport security, supply diversification and stimulating sustainable growth was noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the people of Afghanistan in connection with the earthquake that occurred in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. This was reported by the IIC. On behalf of the Turkmen people and on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died, and wished a speedy recovery to those affected by this tragedy.
On 1 September, the new 2025–2026 academic year began in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The first bell rang in all schools across the country, and traditional ceremonies included laying flowers at the Independence Monument and monuments to Berdimuhamed Annayev, erected at the Berdimuhamed Annayev Pedagogical Secondary Vocational School in Arkadag and at Secondary School No. 27 in the village of Yzgant, Goktepe etrap, Ahal velayat. On Knowledge and Student Youth Day, all secondary and higher education institutions held solemn assemblies where a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out, wishing the younger generation success in their studies. The first lesson was dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. New schools and kindergartens with modern equipment are being actively built in the country. On Knowledge Day, four schools with 2,800 places and four kindergartens with 1,120 places opened in Ashgabat and Lebap velayat. The new educational institutions are equipped with multimedia and interactive classrooms, sports halls, libraries and playrooms for preschoolers, creating conditions for the comprehensive development of children. The opening ceremonies were accompanied by festive events with the participation of artists and local residents, who expressed their gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan for their care for the younger generation and contribution to the development of the education system.
On 1 September, the grand opening of new facilities at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan took place: an additional academic building, a dormitory, a sports complex, and the ‘Täze kuwwat’ monument. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The new facilities, timed to coincide with Knowledge and Student Youth Day, strengthen the scientific and educational base of the country's energy sector. The ceremony was attended by the governor of Mary velayat, the executive secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, members of the velayat, city and etrap Halk Maslahaty, representatives of public organisations, the media, as well as foreign structures, the teaching staff and students of the institute, and honourable elders. The event was accompanied by theatrical performances and musical performances by students. An address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out, emphasising the importance of knowledge for the development of the country and the formation of a highly educated, patriotic young generation. The speakers noted that the reforms carried out in the field of education have given new impetus to the development of the national education system. The institute's new facilities create modern conditions for training specialists in the field of energy, including renewable energy sources. The educational building is equipped with 18 general lecture halls, 28 practical classrooms, 6 computer and language labs, 57 laboratories, a robotics and AI centre, conference rooms, a library and a research and production centre. The laboratories are equipped with modern instruments from Germany, Spain, Italy and China. The 800-bed dormitory provides comfortable living conditions for students, and the sports complex includes a gym and a fitness room with modern equipment. Solar and wind power stations and rainwater collection systems have been installed on the premises, demonstrating the country's commitment to environmentally friendly energy. During the opening ceremony, international certificates were awarded for the introduction of innovative technologies, energy-efficient construction and sustainable development. Memoranda of Cooperation were also signed with Clausthal University of Technology in Germany and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg for the training of highly qualified specialists. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the release of doves and balloons, and musical performances highlighting the significance of the event for the country and its student youth.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of greeting to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his letter, the President of Azerbaijan expressed warm words of welcome, recalled Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to Azerbaijan in July and noted the friendly atmosphere of their meeting. Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the invitation to participate in the Forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat on 12 December, emphasising the importance of Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly. The President of Azerbaijan noted the symbolism of holding the Forum in the year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and emphasised Azerbaijan's respectful attitude towards this status. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the Forum would contribute to strengthening global peace and stability, and wished success in its work, as well as health and prosperity to the Hero Arkadag and the people of Turkmenistan.