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Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold meetings with CIS delegations
18.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from CIS countries during the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth. The event will take place on May 22 in Ashgabat. This was reported by TDH. The program includes negotiations between the delegations of participating countries and meetings within specialized CIS structures. A number of documents are expected to be signed following the event. Preparations for the summit are being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the CIS Executive Committee. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the progress of preparations during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. Turkmenistan is chairing the CIS this year. Since the beginning of the year, meetings of specialized councils and commissions have been taking place. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the development of cooperation with Commonwealth countries in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. He instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for the upcoming summit.
A Group of Pilgrims from Turkmenistan Departed for Saudi Arabia
18.05.2026289 pilgrims from Turkmenistan have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The organization of the trip was approved by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in early May. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. Before departure, the pilgrims visited the Hazreti Omar Mosque in Ashgabat. Residents from all regions of the country and the capital joined the pilgrimage. Special flights are being operated by the state airline Türkmenhowaýollary at its own expense. During the days of Kurban Bayram, the pilgrims will join Muslims from around the world. They will perform Hajj rituals in Mecca and Medina, including worship at the Kaaba. Turkmenistan annually organizes trips for its citizens to the holy sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People paid a visit to the United Kingdom
18.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the royal family. This was reported by TDH. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, Hero-Arkadag proceeded to Windsor Castle, where he was welcomed by representatives of the organizing committee of the Royal Horse Show. During the visit, a meeting was held with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The sides exchanged greetings and emphasized the high level of bilateral cooperation. The King noted the significant contribution of Hero-Arkadag to the development of international cooperation and warmly recalled previous contacts, including their meeting in 2015. During the conversation, the importance of high-level dialogue in strengthening Turkmen-British relations was reaffirmed. Hero-Arkadag conveyed greetings to Charles III from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the British monarch sent his warm wishes to the head of state, noting the importance of his visit to the United Kingdom in 2023. Special attention was given to the development of equestrian sports and the promotion of Akhal-Teke horses. Charles III expressed interest in the participation of Turkmen horses in international competitions held in the United Kingdom. During the visit, Hero-Arkadag also met with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife. The parties discussed issues related to the development of cooperation, including in horse breeding and humanitarian initiatives. The British side showed particular interest in the practice of hippotherapy using Akhal-Teke horses. Hero-Arkadag highly praised the organization of international equestrian events attended by representatives of dozens of countries, including Turkmenistan. As part of the cultural program of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited an exhibition dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses, where national values and folk art items were presented. A meeting was also held with a representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which greetings from President Ilham Aliyev were conveyed. At the conclusion of the talks, Hero-Arkadag invited representatives of the British royal family to take part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and events dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. At the end of the visit, Hero-Arkadag attended equestrian performances and reviewed the program of the international event. Following the visit, it was emphasized that the talks and meetings held opened new prospects for the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in various fields.
Turkmen students participated in a competition on the works of Ferdowsi
17.05.2026A literary meeting and a “Shahnameh” reading competition were held at the Makhtumkuli State University of Turkmenistan. The events were dedicated to the Day of Protection of the Persian Language and the memory of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi, which is observed on May 15. This was reported by IIC. The Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan acted as the organizer. The jury included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi, lecturer Yadollah Mohammadi, and representatives of the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts. Before the start, participants were introduced to an exhibition featuring books about Ferdowsi and the Persian language, handicrafts, and thematic materials. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the rector of Makhtumkuli State University Orazgeldi Ovezsakhedov, Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, and cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi. They highlighted the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Iran and shared literary traditions. The competition was held in three stages. Participants recited passages from the “Shahnameh” by heart, then explained their content in Persian, and answered questions about the life and work of Ferdowsi. The winner was Turkmen State University student Irada Guseynova. Second place went to Selbi Orazova from the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Döwletmämmet Azadi, and third place was awarded to Turkmen State University student Myakhri Gurbanova. Winners received diplomas, gifts, and cash prizes. The cultural program included performances by creative groups and students. Musical and dance performances were presented in both Turkmen and Persian languages.
Turkmenistan develops “green” skills in vocational education system
17.05.2026A technical seminar dedicated to the development of “green” skills in Turkmenistan’s vocational education system was held in Ashgabat at the Ýyldyz Hotel. The event was organized by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank within the framework of the CAREC program, the IIC of Turkmenistan reports. Participants discussed the introduction of environmental competencies and the principles of a just transition into educational programs, as well as the adaptation of curricula to labor market needs and the training of specialists for sustainable sectors of the economy. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev emphasized the growing importance of environmental education in the context of global climate challenges. Issues of interaction between the education system and the labor market, as well as the improvement of educational standards taking into account international environmental initiatives, were also considered.
Students of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university participated in a PETRONAS training
17.05.2026From May 11 to May 14, a professor from the PETRONAS University of Technology conducted an online training session for students and young lecturers of the geology faculty at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Participants of the “Black Gold” session were introduced to modern technologies and methods of oil and gas extraction, and also gained practical knowledge about the latest industry innovations. Upon completion of the training, they will be awarded PETRONAS certificates. Cooperation between the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan), and PETRONAS University of Technology has been successfully developing for several years, covering educational and scientific projects. Online courses, training sessions, and summer internships for students and lecturers are regularly organized. Within the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding, the parties plan further joint programs, including courses on oil and gas topics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and processing using modern technologies.
Turkmenistan will participate in Green EXPO-2027 in Yokohama
17.05.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the International Garden Exhibition Green EXPO-2027, which will be held in Yokohama from March 19 to September 26, 2027. The relevant proposals were approved at a Cabinet of Ministers meeting, according to TDH. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev delivered a report, stating that the exhibition will be held under the motto “Landscape of the Future for Happiness.” Around 80 countries are expected to participate. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation. The proposal to take part in the exhibition was approved, and the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to carry out preparatory work.
Turkmenistan is represented at the first Chess Olympiad of Turkic countries
17.05.2026The national team of Turkmenistan is taking part in the first Chess Olympiad of Turkic countries, which is being held on May 13–18 in Astana. The team includes 14 of the country’s leading chess players, according to the IIC. Teams from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are participating in the tournament; Kazakhstan has also fielded a second team. In total, seven teams are competing in the open, women’s, and youth (under 16) categories. After two rounds, the women’s team of Turkmenistan is leading in its group. The leadership of the country’s Chess Federation notes the active development of the youth and junior direction: the number of Turkmen players with a FIDE rating has increased from fewer than 100 in 2022 to around 500 today. Plans include creating stronger internal competition within the national team and expanding the roster. As part of the Olympiad, representatives of Turkmenistan are also participating in discussions on the strategic development of the Turkic Chess Association, established in 2025 to expand international cooperation and tournament practice among participating countries.
“Gap İnşaat” and “Rönesans Holding” confirm participation in the “White City Ashgabat” forum
17.05.2026International construction companies “Gap İnşaat” and “Rönesans Holding” have become silver sponsors of the XXV International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026”, which will take place on May 24–25 in Ashgabat under the motto “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development”, reports the news website Turkmenportal. The forum will bring together representatives of government bodies, business, investors, and experts in the field of architecture and urban development. Participation of more than 500 delegates from over 100 companies and 50 countries has already been confirmed. “Gap İnşaat”, operating since 1996, is implementing a number of major infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan, including the Garabogazkarbamid plant, the Turkmenbashi seaport, as well as medical centers and transport and industrial infrastructure facilities in Ashgabat and other regions of the country. “Rönesans Holding”, founded in 1993 in Ankara and present in more than 30 countries, has been operating in Turkmenistan through its subsidiary for over 16 years. The holding has participated in the construction of educational, hotel, and administrative facilities in Ashgabat and plans further expansion of its activities in the energy, petrochemical, and gas processing sectors.
Preparations Underway in Ashgabat for CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting
17.05.2026Turkmenistan, during its chairmanship in the CIS, is preparing a large-scale program of integration events in Ashgabat, the centerpiece of which will be the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on May 22 at the “Karakum” Hotel. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the preparations during a government meeting, the state news agency TDH reported. The summit agenda includes 12 issues, among them discussions on economic cooperation, a review of the geodesy and cartography program through 2026, as well as initiatives in digitalization, the mining and metallurgical sector, and transport. The approval of the CIS Youth Capitals for 2027–2028 is also planned separately. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of CIS delegations, following which a number of joint documents are expected to be signed. The summit will be preceded by expert-level events: on May 21, a meeting of CIS plenipotentiary representatives and a session of financial intelligence units will take place, while on May 22–23, the plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) will be held. After hearing the report, the head of state emphasized the importance of trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation within the CIS and instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for all events.
At Istanbul Bilgi University, the traditions and values of Turkmenistan were presented
17.05.2026On May 14, the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul held a cultural event at Istanbul Bilgi University dedicated to the year’s motto: “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, faculty members and students, as well as guests interested in the country’s culture. The main focus was placed on strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and promoting the historical heritage of Turkmenistan. As part of the program, presentations were delivered on the national traditions, customs, and spiritual values of the Turkmen people. The organizers emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the development of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.
Turkmenistan Represented at the CIS International Legal Forum in Minsk
17.05.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Nazarguly Shagulyev, took part in the Second CIS International Legal Forum held in Minsk at the headquarters of the CIS Executive Committee. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the CIS Executive Committee under the motto “International Legal Dialogue in the CIS: Traditions of Cooperation and Responses to the Challenges of the Time.” Around 70 representatives from CIS member states, international organizations, and the academic community are participating in the forum. During the plenary session and thematic panels, participants are discussing the development of international law, issues of regional integration, and the improvement of dispute settlement mechanisms. The forum also highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution, based on its status of permanent neutrality, to strengthening legal culture and developing preventive diplomacy within the CIS area.
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