On 5 May, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a working meeting involving the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Tangryguly Atahalliyev, and the khakims of the velayats. The current state of the country's agricultural sector was discussed at the meeting. This was reported by the Turkmenistan State News Agency (TDH). The khakims of the velayats reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural work: the care of wheat, cotton, potato and other crop sowings continues, with inter-row tillage, watering, and weeding being carried out using machinery. Information was also presented on the construction of social and industrial facilities planned for commissioning this year under the existing state programmes. In turn, T. Atahalliyev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural work, preparation for harvesting, sowing rice, caring for silkworm crops and cocoons, as well as measures for fire protection. The President of Turkmenistan instructed to ensure high-quality and timely implementation of agricultural work and construction projects, focusing on the need to comply with agrotechnical standards, rational use of land and water resources and fire prevention. The head of state also ordered to control settlements between farmers and service structures.
A delegation of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan (SEIT), within the framework of the EU Erasmus+ academic mobility programme, visited the "Angel Kanchev" University of Ruse in Bulgaria. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the visit, a round table discussion took place to explore partnership prospects, where Vice-Rector of the University of Ruse, Galina Ivanova, expressed interest in developing long-term cooperation within Erasmus+. The Turkmen side also took part in the III International Conference ‘Digital Transformation of Education’, where the introduction of digital technologies, sustainable development and the role of universities in training specialists of the future were discussed. Gadam Akmyradov, Head of the Department of Languages of SEIT, made a report on the importance of ‘green’ education. He stressed the need to integrate ecological principles into curricula. Govher Begmyradova, Director of the Scientific and Educational Centre ‘IT-Nurly Shokhle’ at SEIT, presented a report on digital training of civil servants, noting the importance of IT competencies in the digitalisation of public administration. The visit was a significant step towards expanding international academic co-operation and integrating Turkmen education into the global scientific community.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe held the Day of Turkmenistan, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality. The Director of the Bureau, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted the success of Turkmen medicine in disease prevention, vaccination and improving the medical literacy of the population. This was reported by the online publication "Turkmenistan: Golden age". During the meetings, preparations for the international conference on healthcare, which will be held in Ashgabat in October 2025 with the participation of representatives of the WHO and the ministries of health of European countries, were discussed. The photo exhibition held within the framework of the event clearly demonstrated the development of the healthcare system of Turkmenistan over the past three decades. The Day of Turkmenistan confirmed the international recognition of the country's achievements in the medical field and strengthened its position as an active participant in WHO global initiatives.
From 1 to 3 May 2025, Ashgabat hosted the Days of Culture of the State of Libya, a large-scale event designed to strengthen humanitarian ties between the two countries. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The official start of the event was given at the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the Great, where a thematic exhibition dedicated to the cultural heritage of Libya was opened. The exhibition presented samples of Arabic calligraphy, traditional costumes, books, as well as dishes of national cuisine. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, subordinate institutions, cultural and art workers, teachers and students of universities, as well as representatives of the public and the media. The concert programme included national dances, traditional and modern music performed in authentic costumes. Bright performances elicited a lively response from the audience and left indelible impressions. Within the framework of the Days of Culture, a scientific conference was also held on the topic "The Role of Turkmen Scientists in Uncovering the Cultural Development of Humanity and in Enriching the Arabic Language and Islamic Education", which brought together experts and researchers from both countries. An extensive cultural programme was organised for the Libyan delegation, including visits to the sights of Ashgabat, in particular, the Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park Complex and the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. The final chord of the Days of Culture will be a joint performance of creative teams of Libya and Turkmenistan - a symbol of the unity of cultures and friendship between peoples.
At the ongoing Youth World Weightlifting Championship in Peru, Turkmen athlete Islam Akmyradov won a silver medal in the 96 kg weight category. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the total of the two lifts, I. Akmyradov achieved a result of 316 kg — 141 kg in the snatch and 175 kg in the clean and jerk. The champion in this weight category was Armenian athlete Grigor Kazaryan, who totaled 330 kg (145 + 185). The bronze medal went to Indian representative Parv Chaudhari with a total of 315 kg (140 + 175). This is not the first medal for the Turkmenistan team at the tournament: earlier, silver medals were awarded to Didarbek Jumabaev (up to 81 kg) and Kakamyrat Annamyradov (up to 73 kg). Ogulshat Amanova won bronze in the clean and jerk event and placed fourth overall in the 55 kg weight category.
On 5 May, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left on an official visit to the French Republic. Officials saw off the Hero-Arkadag at Ashgabat International Airport. This is reported by the Turkmenistan State News Agency (TDH). A few hours later, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's plane landed at Paris-Orly Airport. State flags of Turkmenistan and France were placed near the ramp. The guard of honour lined up on both sides of the carpet. Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty was met by representatives of official circles of France, as well as members of the diplomatic accompaniment. During a short conversation with the official representative of the host country, France's desire to strengthen partnership relations with Turkmenistan was emphasised. In turn, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the consistent development of cooperation between the two countries covering various spheres. The sides expressed confidence that the visit would serve as an impetus for further deepening of bilateral relations and open new prospects for cooperation.
On 5 June 2025, Ashgabat will host a significant event in the field of energy and ecology - International Scientific and Practical Conference "Environmental aspects of implementing innovative technologies in the development of hydrocarbon fields" (TESC 2025). The event, organised by the state concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, is timed to coincide with the World Environment Day. This is reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The conference under the motto ‘Reliable, Sustainable, Clean Energy’ will become an important platform for professional dialogue. Its goal is to share best practices, present environmentally friendly technologies and strengthen international cooperation in the field of sustainable development of the energy sector. Representatives of authoritative international organisations including the UN, OSCE, World Bank, EBRD, Asian Development Bank, Gas Exporting Countries Forum, International Energy Agency and IRENA are invited to participate. Government officials, leading scientists, industry experts and environmentalists are expected to attend. Special attention will be paid to developing practical solutions to minimise the environmental footprint of hydrocarbon production. Last year's forum was attended by 250 delegates from 31 countries, which demonstrates the growing relevance of the topic.
From 5 to 7 May 2025, the Iranian city of Gurgen will be the venue for a large-scale exhibition of Turkmen goods. The event will be attended by 12 state organisations of Turkmenistan and 50 member companies of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The exposition will introduce guests to a wide range of export-oriented products of various sectors of the Turkmen economy. Special emphasis will be placed on goods produced by private enterprises of Turkmenistan. The organisers note that the exhibition is designed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran, as well as to promote national products in the markets of the region. The event will become an important platform for establishing new business contacts and searching for potential partners. The exhibition in Gurgen continues the tradition of regular business forums between the two countries, demonstrating the dynamic development of bilateral economic relations.
From 1 May 2025, new rules of entry to the Kingdom of Thailand for citizens of Turkmenistan will come into force. According to the updated requirements of the Migration Service of Thailand, all passengers, regardless of the purpose of travel, must fill out an electronic migration card. This is reported by the International Information Centre of Turkmenistan. According to Turkmenistan Airlines, the registration procedure is held in an online format through the official website of the Thai migration services. This innovation is aimed at speeding up passport control and simplifying the entry procedure for foreign guests. The airline's representatives strongly recommend passengers not to delay filling in the digital form and check-in well in advance of departure. This will avoid possible delays in border control at Thai airports.
In anticipation of the summer tourist season and the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan will expand transport links to the Avaza National Tourist Zone. This was announced by Director General of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakyev at a government retreat, Turkmenistan State News Agency (TDH) wrote. As part of the preparations, it is planned to increase the number of railway flights on the route Ashgabat - Turkmenbashi - Ashgabat, as well as to launch regular bus routes: from Balkanabat International Airport to Turkmenbashi and from Turkmenbashi railway station to Avaza. Additionally, the frequency of flights to Balkanabat from Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Kerki will be increased. Special attention will be paid to the organisation of transportation of participants of the international forum. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of proper logistics for comfortable stay of the conference guests.
On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree, according to which the khakimliks of velayats, cities and etraps must solemnly present monetary and valuable gifts to war veterans on behalf of the head of state. This is reported by the International Information Centre of Turkmenistan. As stated in the document, this measure is an expression of deep gratitude for the heroism shown by the participants of military operations and for the selfless labour of women and home front workers. It is also noted the significant role of veterans in educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and cohesion.
The Exhibition Centre of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan has launched an exhibition of the famous Polish artist Joanna Galecka. This was reported by the Internet publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. It is not the first time the artist visits Turkmenistan, and each visit to the country ends with a new exposition of paintings. The current exhibition tells about the Turkmen spring and people of the country. When looking at her works, one can immediately realise that they were painted by a foreigner in love with Turkmenistan. Joanna Galecka works with pastels rather than oil paints, but each of her works looks like a colourful painting. At the grand opening of the exposition, artists from Turkmenistan highly appreciated the work of Joanna Galecka. It was noted that her works show love for Turkmen culture and nature. Joanna creates based on the first impression, not trying to finalise her drawings for too long. This is especially evident in the pastel technique, which implies a certain subtlety, as there is no opportunity to correct mistakes. Thanks to this, one can feel the lightness and freshness of perception in her paintings.