President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang and the people of the country on the occasion of the Day of the Proclamation of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In his message, the Head of State noted China's achievements in the economy and in improving the living standards of its citizens, emphasising the successful implementation of modernisation policies. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan highly values the development of bilateral relations, the strengthening of trade and economic ties, and cultural exchanges. The President of Turkmenistan also recalled his recent visit to China and meetings in Beijing, calling them an important step in strengthening mutual trust and partnership. The Head of State expressed confidence that strategic cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop dynamically. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the Chairman and Premier of the State Council of the PRC good health and success, and the people of the country peace and prosperity.
On 30 September, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a conference entitled ‘International Cooperation: A Guarantee for Strengthening Peace and Sustainable Development.’ This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The event was opened by the Rector of the institute, Gulshat Yusupova. The conference was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, representatives of the UN and UNICEF, as well as ambassadors from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. R. Meredov emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to cooperation with the UN, the implementation of the ‘Pact for the Future’ and the initiatives presented at the 80th session of the General Assembly. Among the priorities are strengthening international law, supporting neutrality and preventive diplomacy for global security and sustainable development. The projects of the International Forum ‘Central Asia - a Space of Peaceful Coexistence’, the World Summit on the Culture of Peace, the Caspian Environmental Forum and the activities of the Regional Centre for Combating Desertification were discussed. The participants expressed their support for Turkmenistan's foreign policy and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation.
On 30 September, a mass 3 km run took place in the Olympic Village of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by representatives of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, the diplomatic corps, the Indian diaspora, city residents and amateur athletes. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan. The event was part of the international Viksit Bharat Run 2025 campaign, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening solidarity. This initiative is linked to the national programme ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’), which aims to achieve the country's full development by 2047. In 2025, India will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of its independence. The race in Ashgabat brought together participants of all ages, highlighting the value of sport and friendly ties between India and Turkmenistan. As noted by Ganesh Haloi, Counsellor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan, similar events were held in more than 150 cities around the world this year. The Diplomat thanked the Turkmen government for supporting the initiative.
On 30 September, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Serdar Muhammetdurdyev met with the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to Turkmenistan (resident in Moscow) Clare Brosnan, who presented copies of her credentials. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The parties discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, noting their experience of cooperation within the UN and joint authorship of a number of General Assembly resolutions. Particular attention was paid to expanding the legal framework, strengthening contacts between scientific and educational institutions, and inviting Ireland to participate in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The Ambassador assured her readiness to contribute to the further development of the Turkmen-Irish partnership.
The sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The delegations were led by Mammetguly Astanagulov, Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and Adam Stifter, Deputy State Secretary for the Development of Eastern Relations. The main focus was on the development of trade and economic ties, the preparation of an agreement on investment protection and the organisation of business visits. The prospects for the export of Turkmen energy resources to Europe, projects in the field of ‘green’ energy, the exchange of agricultural technologies and joint initiatives on ecology and resource management were discussed. The parties also agreed to continue academic exchange programmes, strengthen cultural cooperation and hold Hungarian Culture Days in Turkmenistan. Following the meeting, a final protocol was signed, and the next session of the commission will be held in Budapest.
On 29 September, during trading on the foreign market, entrepreneurs from Afghanistan, the UAE, Uzbekistan, the USA, Turkey and the UK concluded deals for the supply of liquefied gas from the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. In addition, representatives of the UAE signed contracts with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the purchase of a 5% alcohol solution of iodine and a drink made from licorice root. A total of 14 deals were concluded for a total amount of $10.697 million.
A ‘Turkmen Corner’ has opened in Brussels, at the COMET centre, to mark Turkmenistan's Independence Day. The project was implemented with the support of ‘BinyamProject’ and aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy between Turkmenistan and Europe, according to the Orient news agency. COMET, known as a venue for international forums, now has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the UN's International Year of Peace and Trust. The main attraction is a large map of Turkmenistan made from fragments of traditional textiles, created by Turkmen craftswomen and reflecting the country's cultural diversity. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, noted: ‘This panel is not only an artistic project, but also a vivid metaphor: the world consists of different elements that, when combined, form a single harmonious whole.’ The opening was an important outcome of the Second Central Asian European Creative Forum and highlighted the role of cultural diversity in strengthening dialogue between peoples. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan thanked the COMET management, emphasising that the exhibition will help the European audience to better understand the cultural code of Turkmenistan and promote mutual understanding.
On 29 September, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS was held in Minsk, at which Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During the meeting, 15 issues related to deepening economic integration and digitalisation were discussed. The documents adopted are of particular importance for Turkmenistan. Among them is the strategy for the digitalisation of multimodal transport corridors in the CIS, aimed at developing logistics and accelerating transit along the East-West and North-South routes, as well as the action plan for the second stage of the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030, which provides for the expansion of production and investment cooperation and the digitalisation of economies. In addition, the CIS Science and Technology Development Strategy until 2035 with the corresponding concept of digital cooperation, as well as documents on pricing in construction and the fight against locust pests, were approved. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government is planned to be held in Turkmenistan in the first half of 2026, reflecting the country's growing role as a platform for regional dialogue.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad held a friendly golf tournament and a reception in honour of the 34th anniversary of independence and the 30th anniversary of neutrality of the country, in conjunction with the management of the Pines Golf Club. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Ambassadors, diplomats and experienced Pakistani players took part in the competition. The tournament was held in a spirit of friendship, rivalry and mutual respect. The winners received commemorative prizes and gifts from the embassy. After the tournament, a reception was held, with the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Hamid Asghar Khan, as the guest of honour. The guests noted the high level of organisation and warm atmosphere of the event, emphasising its contribution to strengthening cultural, humanitarian and diplomatic ties between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova, is participating in the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policy and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT-2025), which is being held from 29 September to 1 October in Barcelona, Spain. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The conference serves as a platform for global dialogue and cooperation in the field of culture and aims to shape cultural policy strategies for the coming decades, as well as to integrate culture into the post-2030 sustainable development agenda. Delegations from more than 160 countries, UN agencies, inter-governmental and international organisations are participating in MONDIACULT-2025. Issues such as cultural rights, digital transformation, the development of creative industries, the connection between culture and education, climate and artificial intelligence, as well as the preservation of cultural heritage in crisis situations are being discussed. At the thematic sessions ‘Culture and Peace’ and ‘Culture and Education,’ M. Byashimova noted the importance of Turkmenistan's policy on preserving historical and cultural heritage and developing cultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy. She emphasised the country's commitment to UNESCO principles and its active participation in international humanitarian initiatives. Turkmenistan's participation in MONDIACULT-2025 strengthens international cooperation in the field of culture and contributes to the global cultural agenda.
The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by celebrations of the country's 34th anniversary of independence. The main celebrations were held on 27 September in Ashgabat: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid flowers at the Independence Monument and took part in a parade and festive events, according to the state news agency TDH. Concerts and marches were held in the capital with the participation of representatives of the regions, workers from various industries, athletes and cultural figures. During the parade, modern military equipment and traditional Ahal-Teke horses were demonstrated. The Head of State was presented with a horse named Zaman. On the occasion of the holiday, state awards were presented and military and special ranks were conferred. On 28 September, the celebrations continued at the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex, where exhibitions, concerts and horse races were held, with the main prize won by the horse Bezirgen, belonging to the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Master jockey – B. Agamyradov. The celebrations were accompanied by meetings between the President of Turkmenistan and foreign partners and business delegations. The prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas, chemical and agricultural sectors were discussed. As part of his working visit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he proposed initiatives in the areas of sustainable development, ecology and strengthening international trust. The President of Turkmenistan held meetings with world leaders and invited them to a forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. In honour of the anniversary of independence, the President of Turkmenistan signed a number of Decrees, including pardons for convicts and residence permits for foreign citizens. Congratulations to Turkmenistan and its leader were received from world leaders and international organisations. The week of celebrations highlighted the country's commitment to strengthening independence, developing the economy and expanding international cooperation.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev held a meeting with a delegation from the Astrakhan Region led by Vice-Governor Denis Afanasyev. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, in particular issues of air transport, logistics and shipbuilding. D. Afanasyev emphasised the importance of a direct flight between Astrakhan and Turkmenbashi for tourism and business, noting the airport's readiness to receive Turkmen Airlines. They also discussed the creation of a logistics centre, the launch of a regular shipping line between ports and the training of specialists at Astrakhan universities, including the Caspian Institute of Maritime and River Transport. The Turkmen side expressed interest in the participation of its companies in Astrakhan International Forum ‘North-South Transport Corridor – New Horizons’ to be held in October.