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Japan discusses STEM education development with participation of Turkmenistan
17.05.2026A delegation of Turkmenistan led by N. Shykhlyyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, held a meeting in Japan on May 14 with Yano Kazuhiko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of educational cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Turkmen students in the MEXT program, the possibility of allocating a separate quota for Turkmenistan, as well as the development of STEM fields, engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental education. The sides also reviewed issues related to the establishment of Japanese language centers at universities in Ashgabat, the provision of educational and digital materials for these centers, and advanced training for teachers. Separate discussions focused on the introduction of the Japanese technical education model (KOSEN) and joint research in the fields of smart technologies, robotics, and green energy. On May 15, the delegation held a meeting with the management of “SPRIX Inc.” The parties discussed projects in digital education, the introduction of the TOFAS test, the development of exchange programs, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Participants of the Great Silk Road Tourist Rally Arrive in Turkmenistan
17.05.2026Turkmenistan welcomed the participants of the fifth tourist car rally “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon.” A total of 16 participants in nine vehicles arrived in the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Traveling through Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi, the motorcade received a warm welcome from local residents. Turkmenistan became one of the intermediate stops on the route to the final destination — Mongolia. The “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon” rally is organized by the East–West Friendship Rally Association together with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY). The project aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote the historical heritage and traditions of the peoples living along the Great Silk Road. The total route length is approximately 9,000–11,000 kilometers. The rally starts on the banks of the Danube, after which participants travel across countries in Europe and Asia, finishing at the Orkhon monuments in Mongolia.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrives in the United Kingdom on a visit.
17.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has departed on a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the family of Charles III. This was reported by the TDH news agency. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Hero-Arkadag was seen off by the leaders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Apparatus of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. After taking off from Ashgabat, the aircraft of the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived in the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom were established in January 1992. In December 1995, the United Kingdom also supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Romania agree to develop consular cooperation
16.05.2026Consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Romania were held at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the level of heads of consular services. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Döwletmurat Muratov. The Romanian side was represented by the Director General of the Consular Department of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oana Darie. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular and migration spheres. These included the development of visa cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legal interests, as well as the improvement of the legal and contractual framework. Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of consular services and the exchange of experience in training personnel for consular work. Following the consultations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania in the consular field.
Turkmenistan and China outline development of educational projects in the energy sector
16.05.2026Rector of the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, B. Atamanov, paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China on May 13–15. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the visit was to participate in a symposium dedicated to the development of higher education in the energy sector within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The forum was held at the China University of Petroleum in Beijing. During the plenary session, B. Atamanov delivered a report on the introduction of innovative technologies in the oil and gas industry within the framework of Turkmen-Chinese partnership. He presented the results of the international conference “Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 years of strategic partnership in the gas sector,” held in Ashgabat. Special attention was given to the work of the “Luban Workshop” project operating at the university. As part of the visit, the delegation also attended the opening of a cultural festival. Turkmen students studying in China performed the national dance “Kushdepdi.” On the second day, representatives of Turkmenistan familiarized themselves with the laboratories of the China University of Petroleum. They were presented with solutions for integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process. On the final day, a meeting was held at Lenovo headquarters with the leadership of Xi’an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University. The sides discussed the development of the “Luban Workshop” and its technical equipment. The Chinese side presented plans for the third phase of modernization of the project. The Turkmen delegation emphasized the need to accelerate the development of the educational and research base of the center and to move toward practical implementation of the outlined tasks.
Turkmenistan initiates experience exchange in the field of “smart” cities
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum in Kazan. The Hero-Arkadag proposed the creation of mechanisms for professional exchange between countries in the fields of urban development and high technologies. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The key initiative was the development of “smart city” diplomacy in the Islamic world. According to him, such cities combine technology, architecture, culture, and science, creating a foundation for cooperation within ICESCO. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to establish the exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices between Islamic countries in this area. He also noted that Turkmenistan is developing the concept of “smart” cities at the state level and is ready to share its accumulated experience.
Turkmenistan delegation participates in FAO conference in Dushanbe
16.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev, took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The forum was held on May 11–12 in Dushanbe with participation of representatives from regional countries, international organizations, and relevant agencies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed issues of food security, sustainable agricultural development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the efficient use of water and land resources. Special attention was given to expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were held to consider prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the fields of agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
Turkmen climbers hoisted the flag on the summit of Annapurna
16.05.2026Employees of the Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” successfully climbed Annapurna (8,091 m) in Nepal. The expedition was dedicated to the Constitution Day and State Flag Day of Turkmenistan, reports the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. At the summit, the climbers unfurled the State Flag of Turkmenistan. Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world. The mountain is known for difficult weather conditions and a high risk of avalanches. The massif includes 16 peaks over 6,000 meters and is located near the Kali Gandaki Valley. The ascent added to the expedition record of the “Morinjgeology” team. Previously, its members have climbed Everest, K2 (Chogori), Manaslu, Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, Kilimanjaro, Ararat, Mont Blanc, and Matterhorn. On each summit, they installed the State Flag of Turkmenistan. The Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” operates in the energy sector. The company carries out geophysical and engineering-geological work in the “Cheleken” area under contract with Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd. and cooperates with Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd in the Contract Area “Block-I”. It also works with PJSC “LUKOIL”, JSC NC “KazMunayGas”, SOCAR, and other international partners.
Conference in Bishkek brought together Turkmenistan researchers
16.05.2026On May 14, the international conference “Turkmenistan: Language, Literature, History and Culture” was held at J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University. The event was dedicated to the year “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan — the homeland of determined winged horses.” This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Faculty members and students of the university took part in the conference. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, as well as universities from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, joined via video link. Participants noted the significance of the 2026 motto. According to them, it reflects the principles of Turkmenistan’s state policy—neutrality, peace, and national unity—as well as its course toward development and strengthening its international position. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly presented reports on language, culture, and traditions. Special attention was paid to the country’s achievements in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, as well as the historical heritage of the Turkmen people.
Hero-Arkadag called for the development of inter-civilizational dialogue through culture
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke at the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Kazan and presented an initiative in the field of education and enlightenment. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. He proposed launching the program “Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and the Connection of Centuries.” The project is aimed at popularizing the philosophical and literary heritage of the Muslim world—from antiquity to the present day. As a first step, it was proposed to create a “World Anthology of Islamic Poetry,” which would bring together works by poets, thinkers, and philosophers of the Islamic world. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that humanitarian cooperation with ISESCO remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. He also emphasized the country’s commitment to developing inter-civilizational dialogue and promoting humanistic values.
Turkmen Teacher Receives International Award for Contribution to Science
16.05.2026From May 6 to 11, an international scientific and practical conference titled “Science and Innovative Education: Global Development Strategies” was held in Tashkent as part of the “Pearl of the East” championship. The event was organized with the participation of the Academies of Sciences of Uzbekistan and Germany. Turkmenistan was represented by Novruzalem Gurdov, a lecturer at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, according to the Orient news agency. During his presentation, N. Gurdov spoke about the integration of modern educational approaches with centuries-old traditions of training Akhal-Teke horses. Special attention in his report was given to the training of young specialists at the academy, which attracted interest from experts from CIS countries. For his contribution to the development of science and his high level of professional excellence, Novruzalem Gurdov was awarded the honorary CIS title “Master of His Craft” and received commemorative awards. This recognition became another indication of the international reputation of Turkmen horse breeding schools and the national education system.
Turkmenistan has high potential for tourist railway routes
16.05.2026The development of tourist railway routes in Turkmenistan has significant potential, said Sergey Pavlov, First Deputy Head of Russian Railways (RZD). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the country’s historical and geographical position—connecting the “North–South” and “East–West” corridors—creates strong opportunities for expanding such projects and generates sustained interest in them. The statement was made in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of CIS member states. The previous meeting was held in Baku. In 2026, Turkmenistan assumed the CIS chairmanship from Tajikistan and now coordinates the work of a number of key intergovernmental councils and economic structures within the organization.
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