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Turkmenistan strengthens cultural diplomacy on the international stage
09.10.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution approving the Strategy for the development of cultural diplomacy of Turkmenistan for 2026–2052 and the Action Plan for its implementation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted in the document, the new strategy aims to strengthen international recognition of independent and neutral Turkmenistan, promote its peaceful foreign policy, and popularise the national cultural heritage, traditions and spiritual values of the Turkmen people. The adoption of the strategy is based on proposals presented at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan on 24 September 2024, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The document emphasises the desire to make Turkmenistan a centre of harmony and friendship on the international arena, using the accumulated experience of diplomatic relations and cultural interaction. The relevant ministries, departments, as well as the hakims of the velayats and cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag have been instructed to ensure the implementation of the measures provided for in the document.
Turkmenistan to determine the best Alabay of the year
09.10.2025On 26 October, the international competition ‘Ýylyň türkmen edermen alabaýy’ (‘Turkmen Brave Alabay of the Year’) will be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The relevant Order was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as part of Resolution No. 2222 of 9 April 2021 ‘On holding competitions on the occasion of the Turkmen Alabay Holiday.’ The event is aimed at further strengthening and promoting the worldwide fame of the Turkmen Alabay, a national treasure and symbol of pride for the Turkmen people. In addition to the main competition, the Order provides for creative competitions among carpet weavers, artists, sculptors, photographers, publishers and television operators. Participants will present their works dedicated to the image of the Alabay in the genres of fine and decorative arts, publishing, photography and television. The President of Turkmenistan also approved the composition of the jury, which will evaluate the submitted works and determine the winners.
Turkmenistan reviewed priority areas for the country's development
09.10.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system, during which key issues of state life were discussed. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on improvements to legislation and announced that the President of Turkmenistan had been awarded the honorary title of ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan arhitektory’ (‘Distinguished Architect of Turkmenistan’) for his contribution to the development of architecture and the healthcare system. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the honour and stressed that he considers this award as an incentive for further work for the benefit of the country. The meeting discussed measures to develop the financial market until 2030, modernise oil refineries, increase the efficiency of agricultural campaigns, and prepare for the professional holiday of construction industry workers. Issues related to the expansion of foreign trade, the approval of the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy for 2026-2052, and the construction of new medical facilities were considered. The Head of State signed a number of Resolutions aimed at strengthening the legal framework, developing the digital economy, and improving infrastructure. At the end of the event, a ceremony was held to award the President the title of ‘Türkmenistanyň at gazanan arhitektory’, at which participants congratulated the Head of State and noted his achievements in urban development and the social sphere.
Turkmenistan is ready to implement energy and transport projects with OTS
09.10.2025Ashgabat is making significant efforts to promote large-scale initiatives in the fields of energy, transport and logistics, which are of strategic importance both for the region and for the international community, according to the online news resource TerraNews. This was stated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). According to the Hero Arkadag, Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to the development of comprehensive cooperation with the countries of the OTS, seeking to strengthen and fill with concrete content mutually beneficial relations based on equality, mutual respect and strategic partnership. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that to achieve these goals, the country is actively promoting major projects in key sectors – energy, transport, logistics and communications, as well as in other areas of strategic importance at the regional and global levels.
Turkmen film ‘Kitap’ wins special prize at film festival in Aktau
09.10.2025The ‘Korkut Ata’ International Film Festival of Turkic World, which brought together directors, actors and producers from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary and Kazakhstan, has come to an end in Aktau. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The special jury prize went to the film ‘Kitap’ (‘Book’) by Turkmen director Hekim Alovov. The film, produced by the ‘Türkmenfilm’ studio, tells the story of the value of spiritual heritage: the main character once exchanged a camel for a book, which became a symbol of eternal values for him. The film is based on the story of the same name by Nurmyrat Saryhanov and was first shown in Ashgabat in 2024. The festival included a TURKSOY Cinema Summit dedicated to cooperation in the field of cinema. Participants discussed opportunities for international co-production, joint projects and strengthening cultural ties through the art of cinema. Sahysalyh Bayramov, Deputy Chairman of ‘Türkmenfilm’, spoke about the importance of cinema as a carrier of spiritual heritage.
Expansion of economic ties with Croatia discussed in Ashgabat
09.10.2025A Turkmen-Croatian Business Forum was held in Ashgabat with the participation of Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman and a business delegation from leading Croatian companies. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, aimed to expand strategic economic cooperation between the countries. The delegation included companies from the IT, high-tech, industrial and engineering sectors, including ‘404’, ‘Decode’, ‘Insako’ and ‘Neuchemie’. In addition, bilateral meetings were held during the forum, underscoring Turkmenistan's importance as a partner and “bridge” between Europe and Asia. The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, chaired by Croatian State Secretary Goran Romek, was also held with the participation of representatives of key ministries and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Turkmenistan thanks Qatar's Ambassador for outstanding achievements
09.10.2025On 7 October, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova held a farewell meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Qatar Hamad bin Rashid bin Hamad Al-Azbi. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. D. Gulmanova thanked the Ambassador for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and developing cooperation in the parliamentary, political, economic and cultural spheres, wishing him success in his future work. The parties emphasised the high level of friendly relations between the countries and the importance of traditional cooperation. The Ambassador noted the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and related events, including the Parliamentary Forum, in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in August. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation and exchanged wishes for success.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan considered further cooperation with Croatia
08.10.2025On 7 October, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. At the meeting, the parties discussed the priorities of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, as well as the current state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the development of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian ties. The parties noted opportunities for exchanging experience, improving legislative and parliamentary practices, and strengthening friendship between the peoples. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to develop bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
Turkmenistan is actively strengthening its position on the world stage
08.10.2025September 2025, marked by the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, was distinguished by active international cooperation within the framework of the ‘open door’ policy pursued by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Delegations from the country participated in key international forums and meetings. At the beginning of the month, the Bled Strategic Forum was held in Slovenia, where the priorities of the partnership between the EU and Central Asian countries were discussed. The focus was on the development of economic, educational, cultural and sports ties, as well as cooperation in UN forums and regional initiatives. During September, negotiations were held with representatives of Japan, Finland, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Turkey, South Korea and China, as well as with the UN, IAEA and OSCE. Issues of bilateral cooperation, international security, energy, transport and infrastructure connectivity, innovation, cultural exchange and the implementation of joint projects were discussed. Turkmenistan also took part in international forums and conferences, including the UN General Assembly, MONDIACULT-2025 in Barcelona and the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS, where cultural, economic and social initiatives were discussed. During meetings with major international companies and partners from Turkey, France and other countries, the readiness to implement joint projects using innovative technologies and modern solutions was confirmed. The result of last month's active international dialogue was the consistent implementation of the country's development strategies, the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral ties, and the promotion of Serdar Berdimuhamedov's initiatives for the prosperity of Turkmenistan and its people.
Turkmenistan presented its initiatives and culture at a reception in Vienna
08.10.2025On 2 October, a ceremony was held at the ‘Grand Hotel Wien’ in Vienna to mark the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria with the support of the Austrian-Turkmen Society. The reception was attended by representatives of the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Vienna City Hall, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, as well as heads of Austrian departments, businesses, Turkmen students and the media. Hemra Amannazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria, spoke about the country's achievements during its years of independence and the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres. Representatives of Austria emphasised the importance of friendship and mutual understanding in relations with Turkmenistan. Neda Berger, President of the Austrian-Turkmen Society, noted the significance of Turkmenistan's neutrality, confirmed by the UN, and compared it with Austria's experience. The evening was accompanied by a musical programme by Turkmen performers, an exhibition of national art and a tasting of Turkmen cuisine.
Turkmenistan noted the successful development of inter-state relations
08.10.2025On 7 October, during his working visit to Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the President of the country Ilham Aliyev. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The President of Azerbaijan warmly welcomed the Hero Arkadag and expressed his gratitude for the invitation to participate in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States. In turn, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked him for the invitation and the opportunity to discuss priority areas of bilateral cooperation, conveying warm greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Ilham Aliyev noted the importance of strengthening inter-state dialogue with brotherly Turkmenistan, and the Hero Arkadag expressed gratitude for the personal contribution of the President of Azerbaijan to the development of friendly relations between the countries. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also noted the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation at the level of the Prime Minister in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The interlocutors emphasised that trust-based relations at the highest level give a systematic character and stable impetus to bilateral cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recalled that this was already the third meeting with President Aliyev this year, and warmly recalled the previous negotiation held in July and August. During the discussion, topical issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation were considered, emphasising the high level of fraternal relations. The two countries' positions on key issues of global and regional politics were noted to be consistent. Hero Arkadag thanked Azerbaijan for its support of Turkmenistan's positive neutrality and international initiatives. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also invited President Aliyev to participate in the International Forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, issues of cooperation in the Caspian Sea region were discussed, including security, economy, ecology, trade, shipping and scientific research. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to take an active part in the upcoming Summit of the Heads of Caspian States and proposed to pay special attention to the ecological security of the sea. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation, with an emphasis on more effective use of the potential of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Economic Cooperation. Transport, logistics, energy, agriculture, the textile industry and new technologies were also discussed. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation remains an important area. Shared history, traditions, language and spiritual values create a solid foundation for ties. The practice of holding Culture Days, joint concerts, conferences, exhibitions and festivals continues. This year, Turkmenistan Culture Days are planned in Baku and Ganja, which will be organised at a high level. The interlocutors confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation in carpet weaving and the breeding of Ahal-Teke and Karabakh horses. Hero Arkadag invited Ilham Aliyev to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan at a convenient time. At the end of the meeting, the leaders of both countries expressed confidence in the further development of traditionally friendly relations and exchanged best wishes.
Turkmenistan builds mosque as gift to brotherly nation
08.10.2025On 7 October, as part of his visit to Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the ceremony of laying the foundation of a mosque in the city of Fizuli via a digital platform. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The new mosque will be a gift from the people of Turkmenistan to the people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Hero Arkadag, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people for this generous gift. The floor was given to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In his address, Hero Arkadag emphasised that this day will go down in history, noting that the construction of roads, bridges and mosques is considered a sacred deed by the Turkmen people. ‘A mosque is the house of God, so in the future, people will come here to remember the past and offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of our countries. May the Almighty accept the prayers that will be read in this mosque,’ Hero Arkadag concluded his speech. Then the muftis of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan read ayats from the Quran via a digital system and offered prayers for the well-being of the peoples of the two countries. Next, the Heads of Delegations simultaneously touched the screen, symbolising the start of construction of the mosque. At that moment, a commemorative capsule with an inscription was laid in the foundation, after which the participants in the ceremony began pouring concrete. During the event, videos dedicated to the future mosque were shown. At the direction of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the construction of the mosque will be undertaken by the private enterprise ‘Aga-gurluşyk’, with funding provided by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The mosque in Fizuli will become a symbol of humanism, unity and devotion to noble traditions. It will be a place of spiritual improvement and preservation of cultural values that the Turkmen people have carefully maintained for centuries. After completing his official visit to Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people went to Gabala International Airport and flew to Turkmenistan. Soon his airliner landed at Ashgabat International Airport, where the Hero Arkadag was met by officials. The Hero Arkadag's participation in the current Summit once again highlighted Turkmenistan's active role as a partner of the Organisation's member states and confirmed the country's commitment to strengthening ties between brotherly peoples united by common historical, cultural and spiritual values.
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