On 19-20 June 2025, a regional meeting of the multi-country project ‘Pandemic Preparedness and Response through a One Health Approach’ was held, bringing together five countries of Central Asia. The event, organised with the support of the Pandemic Fund, brought together representatives of veterinary services, health and environmental agencies in the region, as well as international organisations, including the World Bank, WHO, FAO and others. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the International and Scientific Relations Department of the State Veterinary Service, who presented a report on the progress of the project in the country. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan also made presentations, demonstrating the country's commitment to the principles of intersectoral cooperation in the field of biosafety. During the two-day discussions, participants summarised the results of the second year of project implementation, analysed emerging challenges and identified priorities for further work. Particular attention was paid to strengthening regional cooperation and the scientific and technical capacity of participating countries. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach as an effective tool for ensuring epidemiological stability in the Central Asian region. Turkmenistan, demonstrating a high degree of responsibility in matters of sanitary security, continues to actively participate in international initiatives aimed at protecting the health of the population and the environment.
At the 10th WKF Central Asian Karate Championships held in Bishkek, Turkmen athletes demonstrated outstanding results. In the competition, which involved 609 karatekas from five countries, the Turkmenistan team of 36 athletes won 26 medals: 9 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. It is noteworthy that the Turkmen team, being one of the smallest, took a respectable fourth place in the overall standings, surpassing many teams with larger squads in terms of the number of medals won. This success was made possible thanks to the professional work of coaches Aydin Charyev and Bayram Yalkabov. The performance of Turkmen athletes at this prestigious tournament once again confirmed the high level of karate development in the country and the promising future of young athletes who represent Turkmenistan with dignity on the international stage.
On 24–25 June, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. The programme includes high-level talks and discussions on topical aspects of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head is scheduled to meet with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. It is noteworthy that Lavrov will be accompanied by a representative delegation of Russian media outlets. Among those accredited are journalists and cameramen from leading federal television channels and news agencies, including Channel One, Russia 1, MIR 24, NTV, RT, TASS, RIA Novosti, Interfax, Kommersant, Izvestia, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia Today, Solovyov Live and Eurasia Daily. The scale of media coverage underscores the importance of the upcoming visit and the interest in strengthening strategic dialogue between the two countries. The visit is further significant given that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
On 22 June 2025, at the initiative of the American side, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the First Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, Christopher Landau. During the conversation, the parties noted the stable nature of the Turkmen-American partnership, which covers political, trade, economic, social, cultural and other areas. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors exchanged views on topical international and regional issues of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Middle East and humanitarian aspects related to current events. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, with its neutral status recognised by the United Nations, consistently adheres to a policy of peaceful settlement of conflicts and constructive participation in international affairs. In this context, the Turkmen side expressed its readiness to contribute to de-escalating the situation in the Middle East, using the full range of diplomatic tools. The conversation took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, openness and constructiveness.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Hero of Turkmenistan, instructor-cosmonaut-tester and commander of the detachment of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre Oleg Kononenko. This was reported by TerraNews. In his message, the Head of State expressed his sincere wishes for good health, longevity, happiness and family well-being. The significance of Oleg Kononenko's contribution to the development of the space industry and space exploration was particularly emphasised. The President also wished the cosmonaut new achievements and success in his professional activities.
In honour of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated annually on 21 June, a practical yoga session was held on the Caspian coast in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone with the participation of enthusiasts of this discipline. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The outdoor session, surrounded by the sea and a fresh breeze, created a great atmosphere for meditation and healing. The session was led by Myahri Gulmamedova, a yoga instructor from Balkanabat with five years of experience and special training. According to her, interest in yoga in the region is growing consistently: ‘Last year, with the support of the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan, a master class was held at the ‘Awaza’ indoor water park, and since then the number of people wanting to practise yoga has increased significantly. We practise both in gyms and outdoors, in the mountains and by the sea, as our region offers excellent conditions for yoga,’ said the instructor.
In accordance with Article 81 of the Air Code of Turkmenistan and with a view to the gradual implementation of measures to ensure aviation safety, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved a Decree introducing a State Programme for Flight Safety in Civil Aviation, according to the state news agency TDH. The programme aims to strengthen the organisational, legal and technical foundations for the consistent and safe operation of the country's aviation industry.
In honour of International Yoga Day, the staff of the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat organised an event at the ‘Bagtyýarlyk’ Sports Complex. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the day, which is dedicated to the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ according to the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’ news agency. According to the source, the event was also attended by Azat Ovezov, Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. This event brought together yoga enthusiasts in Ashgabat. Indian Ambassador Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat emphasised the importance of regular yoga practice and its benefits for health in her speech.
Turkmenistan continues to ensure the safe transit of foreign citizens from Iran via organised humanitarian routes. This was reported by the online resource TerraNews. According to the source, 52 countries have asked Turkmenistan for assistance in returning their citizens home due to the escalating situation in the Middle East. All requests are being promptly reviewed in coordination with diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat.
On 23 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. During the talks, the sides discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the two sides exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East. It was also noted that Turkmenistan was one of the first to take a position on the situation between Israel and Iran, emphasising that, as a state with UN-recognised status of positive permanent neutrality, it does not accept the use or threat of force to resolve political or other issues. Special attention was paid to the need to use exclusively political and diplomatic measures to resolve conflicts peacefully on the basis of the UN Charter and universally recognised norms of international law. In this regard, the Turkmen side, guided by the principles of peaceful resolution of international problems, expressed its readiness to participate in the settlement of the current situation in the Middle East through negotiations with all interested parties with a view to achieving peace, security and stability in the region as soon as possible. The Iranian Foreign Minister thanked brotherly Turkmenistan, its leadership and people for their constant support and confirmed his readiness to continue constructive political dialogue with the Turkmen side.
On 23 June, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, Dovletmyrat Seyitmammedov, met with the Director General of the National Library of Georgia, Konstantine Gamsakhurdia. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. K. Gamsakhurdia spoke about the work of the library, its history and unique collections of ancient books from private and state funds. They discussed bilateral relations, including cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The importance of high-level visits, especially the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Georgia to Turkmenistan, was noted. The sides expressed their readiness to develop direct cooperation between the national libraries of both countries. The Ambassador also spoke about events being held in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, as well as plans for joint cultural projects. In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed their desire to further develop friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A nine-day training course on ‘Psychological Aspects of Preventing Various Forms of Extremism’ has started in Turkmenistan. The event is organised as part of the country component of the UNDP regional project on countering violent extremism in Central Asia, with support from the Government of Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The training aims to develop skills in psychosocial support, mental health and critical thinking. It is attended by representatives of government agencies, universities, NGOs, as well as psychologists and coaches. The programme includes practical methods such as case studies, discussions and storytelling, and covers topics such as target audience analysis, evaluation of preventive materials and resilience to manipulation. Particular attention is paid to human rights, humanistic values and gender sensitivity. The initiative contributes to strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to prevent violent extremism and build resilient communities.