News
Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year 2026 with large-scale celebrations
01.01.2026The people of Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year, 2026, with festive events across the country. The celebrations took place in the capital and regions, with the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre in Ashgabat serving as the central venue, according to TDH. New Year's trees were installed in places of mass celebrations, and concert programmes were held with the participation of pop artists, creative groups and theatres. Festive events also took place at the building of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. The new year, 2026, will mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The motto for the coming year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ reflects the priorities for further strengthening the country's statehood and international authority. The main New Year celebrations took place at the country's main New Year tree in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre. Festive decorations, music and dance performances created a festive atmosphere. The concert programme featured national music and New Year compositions. Residents of the country's regions joined the festive events in Ashgabat via a teleconference. Through video links with the administrative centres of the five velayats and the city of Arkadag, representatives of the older generation, regional leaders, young people and labour collectives sent New Year's greetings to the country's leadership and the people of Turkmenistan. The celebrations culminated in a New Year's address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to his compatriots. At the stroke of midnight, the National Anthem of Turkmenistan was played. The sky over Ashgabat was lit up by festive fireworks, marking the arrival of the New Year, 2026.
The President of Turkmenistan delivered a New Year's speech
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the nation with a New Year's greeting. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, was a significant milestone in the country's development. According to him, during the year, state programmes aimed at socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of the population were implemented, and new etraps were formed. The President announced the commissioning of educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and manufacturing facilities throughout the country. Thousands of families received new housing. Major projects were implemented in the fuel and energy sector, including the commissioning of the oil loading terminal at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and the start of construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline. Industrial and infrastructure facilities have been opened in Ahal, Balkan and other velayats. The President emphasised the priority of social policy. In 2025, construction began on multi-profile hospitals in Ashgabat and Tejen, as well as a Mother and Child Health Centre in Dashoguz. Reforms in the fields of science and education continued. The successes of Turkmen athletes on the international arena were noted, including the victories of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group and the ‘Arkadag’ football team. In the field of culture and international cooperation, the President recalled the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the addition of the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Head of State noted the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, as well as the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Forum on Neutrality Day at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan announced that 2026 had been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and wished citizens health, prosperity and success in the new year.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Cuba on Liberation Day
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the occasion of the national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State conveyed his best wishes to the President of Cuba, wishing him good health, happiness and prosperity, and to the people of the Republic of Cuba — peace, progress and prosperity.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the New Year 2026
01.01.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message notes that 2026 is being celebrated under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is being met by the country with achievements and goals set. Hero Arkadag wished the President good health, long life and success in his work for the future of the country. The message emphasises the significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. It was noted that the country's initiatives within the UN and the adoption of the Resolution on Permanent Neutrality for the third time confirmed the international recognition of Turkmenistan's peacekeeping policy, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust was its logical continuation. The socio-economic development of the regions, Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, the implementation of the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024-2052’, as well as the commissioning of new settlements and social and industrial facilities were noted. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, the country will continue on the path of sustainable development, and wished success in implementing the tasks of improving the living standards of the population and strengthening the economy.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan summarised the results of the partnership in 2025
01.01.2026The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, summarised the results of cooperation between the UN and the country in 2025. He noted that the interaction remains strategic and is aimed at achieving concrete results for the population. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 2025 was a special year: The International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN highlighted the importance of joint efforts for sustainable development. Turkmenistan successfully hosted the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, demonstrating leadership in regional cooperation. Throughout the year, the UN supported Turkmenistan in developing national plans on human rights, gender equality and early childhood development, implementing reforms in the digital economy, energy efficiency and combating human trafficking, as well as in establishing a department for women's and children's rights and organising inclusive events. The digital transformation of the economy, trade facilitation, the introduction of electronic solutions for rail transport and preparations for the regional economic forum were actively promoted, contributing to sustainable economic growth and investment. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and climate sustainability: projects on renewable energy, emissions reduction, land restoration, water and biodiversity management were implemented, young people were actively involved, and transparency and readiness to fulfil international climate commitments were increased. In health and social protection, services for the population were expanded, medical data systems were modernised, disease prevention was strengthened, pandemic preparedness was enhanced, and vulnerable groups received specialised support. Education and skills development also remained a priority: ‘green schools’ were established, early childhood development strategies were implemented, digital and vocational skills training was provided, and young people were prepared for employment and diplomatic activities. Mr. Shlapachenko emphasised the UN's commitment to continuing cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan under the new Framework Programme for 2026-2030, implementing the Awaza Action Programme, promoting sustainable transport and climate initiatives to turn strategies into real results for the country's citizens.
China has donated 190 textbooks to a Turkmen university
01.01.2026The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan donated 190 books and educational materials to the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin. Students demonstrated their knowledge of Chinese by reading poems, and a video about China was also shown. The Ambassador answered questions about exchange programmes and opportunities for master's and doctoral studies in China. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to further develop cooperation in the field of education.
Around 100 Turkish companies will be represented at the exhibition in Turkmenistan
31.12.2025On 30 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on preparations for the exhibition of export products of the Republic of Turkey, which will be held in Ashgabat in February this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. About 100 Turkish companies representing various industries have registered to participate in the exhibition. Among them are manufacturers and exporters of equipment, heating and air conditioning systems, chemical products, iron goods, electronics, as well as companies from the construction, energy, logistics and education sectors. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal for consideration by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of developing trade and economic ties with foreign countries and instructed that the exhibition be properly prepared.
Ashgabat and Minsk agree on exhibition and business exchange plan
31.12.2025The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, Mergen Gurdov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan, Stanislav Chepurnoy, discussed plans for cooperation for the year in Ashgabat, focusing on exhibition exchanges and specialised business missions. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Belarusian companies will take part in the ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan’ exhibition, and the Turkmen delegation will participate in the ‘BELAGRO-2026’ forum. This series of events will allow business agreements to be consolidated in a short period of time. In addition to the agricultural sector, Turkmenistan is interested in Belarusian experience in IT, logistics and textile industry. The parties agreed on specialised business missions to develop joint projects. At the end of 2025, it was noted that direct contacts through the CCI remain a key tool for trade growth, and the transition to highly specialised missions reflects the deepening and technological diversification of the partnership.
CIS Summit will be held on October 9, 2026, in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone.
31.12.2025The next summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States will be held on 9 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during a telephone conversation with the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, according to TDH. During the conversation, the Hero Arkadag confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to continue developing multifaceted and systematic cooperation with the Russian Federation within the framework of bilateral strategic partnership, as well as interaction in multilateral formats in the coming year. It was noted that the CIS summit in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone was approved by a decision of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of preparing for events planned during Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS, including the Women's Dialogue, the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Conference on Demography. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026.
New Year's event for children held in Ashgabat
31.12.2025A festive event for children was held in Ashgabat at the ‘Maslahat köşgi’ Palace ahead of the New Year. The celebration was organised by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, according to AsmanNews. The participants of the celebration were children from the ‘Jahan’ creative centre and other children. New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk took part in the programme. R. Bazarov, Chief of Staff of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, delivered a congratulatory message to the children on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President of Turkmenistan. He noted the state's attention to the development of the creative abilities of the younger generation and wished the children success in their studies. The celebration continued with a concert programme featuring songs and musical performances by children from the ‘Jahan’ creative centre. At the end of the event, the children were presented with New Year gifts on behalf of the Charitable Foundation. The organisers emphasised that the foundation continues to work to support children in need of care and to provide assistance with medical treatment.
Hero Arkadag and Valentina Matvienko discussed Turkmen-Russian relations
31.12.2025On 30 December, a telephone conversation washeld between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Russian relations. At the beginning of the conversation, they exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the coming 2026. Hero Arkadag noted that contacts between Turkmenistan and Russia in 2025 were intense and productive. He emphasised the importance of the President of Turkmenistan's visits to Russia to participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the meeting of Heads of State of the CIS. The participation of a Turkmen delegation of schoolchildren in the international ‘Train of Remembrance’ campaign was also noted. The National Leader of the Turkmen people pointed to Russia's support for Turkmenistan's neutral foreign policy. In this context, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat for the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality were noted. Special attention was paid to inter-parliamentary cooperation. The significance of the visit of the Turkmen delegation headed by the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to Moscow in October 2025 and the meeting with the Chairman of the Federation Council was emphasised. Hero Arkadag also noted the development of humanitarian ties, including the participation of a Turkmen delegation headed by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, in the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion’ in St. Petersburg. During the conversation, Turkmenistan's readiness to continue its strategic partnership with Russia in bilateral and multilateral formats was confirmed. It was announced that on 9 October 2026, the CIS Summit will be held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The importance of preparing events within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS, including the Women's Dialogue, the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Conference on Demography, was also noted. Hero Arkadag highlighted Valentina Matvienko's contribution to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations and expressed his gratitude on his own behalf and on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan. Valentina Matvienko thanked him for his high assessment and confirmed Russia's commitment to further strengthening cooperation. In conclusion, the parties once again exchanged New Year's greetings and best wishes.
The Turkmenistan Tennis Federation has summarised the results of 2025
30.12.2025The final conference of the Turkmenistan Tennis Federation was held in Ashgabat, dedicated to the results of 2025 and plans for the next season. Participants summarised the sporting and organisational results of the federation's work, according to IIC. During the year, Turkmen tennis players achieved a number of significant results on the international arena. Suleyman Hudayberdiyev won a tournament in Saudi Arabia, and 11-year-old Sulgun Ishankuliyeva won a competition in Dubai. The U14 women's team was among the five strongest teams in the region, and the U16 team made its debut in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. The 30+ team reached the quarter-finals of the world championship, defeating the Canadian team. The conference also noted the launch of the ‘Wheelchair Tennis’ programme in Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented on the basis of a memorandum between the Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan and UNICEF and is aimed at developing inclusive sport. In 2025, the federation trained 15 certified coaches, bringing their total number to 60. In the summer, the U12 girls' team defeated the Uzbekistan national team and reached the final of the Asian competition, while the U14 juniors took first place in the team standings at an international tournament in Thailand. In the autumn, an ITF Level 2 training seminar was held in Ashgabat with the participation of coaches from five countries. The season ended with the Turkmenistan men's team defeating Guam in the Davis Cup zonal tournament in Bahrain. The team earned the right to compete in Group IV of the Asia-Oceania zone in 2026. At the end of the conference, athletes and coaches were awarded honorary diplomas.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
