The Turkmenistan national team will compete at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar (India). The tournament features 172 athletes from 28 countries, according to the news outlet Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan will be represented by six athletes. The first to take to the platform on May 14 will be Bunyad Rashidov (up to 71 kg) and Bektimur Reimov (up to 79 kg). On May 15, Ramazan Toryaev and Gaygygyz Toryaev will compete in the up to 88 kg category. On May 16, Rustem Annaberdiyev is entered in the up to 94 kg weight class. On the final day, May 17, Davranbek Hasanbayev will compete in the up to 110 kg category. The Asian Championships are being held in India for the second time. Previously, the tournament was hosted by Delhi in 1982 as part of the 9th Asian Games.
A student of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, Guvanchmyrat Arrykov, has become the winner of the international research competition “Analysis, Modeling and Practical Application of Scientific Problems and Their Solutions.” He was awarded a first-degree diploma. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Arrykov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Law, presented a paper titled “The Legal Nature of the Fundamental Principles of International Law.” His academic supervisor was S. Gochumova, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law. The competition was held in an online format. It was organized by the scientific publishing center “Eterna” (Ufa, Russian Federation).
At the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan, the 3rd International Competition “International Relations: Culture of Peaceful Dialogue” has officially begun. Representatives from nine countries are taking part in the event, according to AsmanNews. The competition has brought together more than 40 international participants from 13 universities, as well as 117 students from Turkmenistan. The participating countries include the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Iran. Before the opening of the event, participants visited an exhibition in the institute’s foyer. The display featured examples of decorative and applied arts, as well as materials highlighting the priorities of the country’s foreign policy. It was noted that the competition is dedicated to issues of peaceful dialogue and international cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of political and diplomatic approaches in addressing global challenges, as well as the role of the United Nations. The program includes discussions on cooperation in politics, economics, energy, food security, and environmental protection. The event also highlighted Turkmenistan’s foreign policy orientation toward strengthening peace and sustainable development. Participants additionally visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan, where they learned about the country’s history and cultural heritage. The competition will continue according to the planned program.
From May 6 to 7, a delegation from the Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the Gomel State Medical University (GomSMU). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation included the head of the academic department, Geldimurad Dzhumaguliyev; the head of the scientific department, Garabeg Goshaev; the head of the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology and chief freelance neurosurgeon of Turkmenistan, Sakhit Annapesov; as well as an assistant at the Department of Faculty Therapy, Sohbet Gurbanalyyev. During the visit, talks were held with the leadership of GomSMU — Rector Irina Nazarenko, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Viktor Melnik, Vice-Rector for International Relations Svetlana Anashkina, as well as heads of relevant departments. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of medical education and personnel training. Following the meetings, agreements were reached on the development of academic mobility, including the exchange of students and faculty members. It is noted that previously, cooperation between the Turkmen university and Belarus was carried out mainly with the Belarusian State Medical University. The Turkmen side showed particular interest in the experience of organizing a military department at GomSMU, given the presence of a military faculty within the structure of the Turkmen Medical University. In addition, the delegation visited the university’s simulation and certification center, familiarizing themselves with its work in the context of plans to create similar infrastructure in Ashgabat. Members of the delegation also emphasized that positive feedback about GomSMU had been received from Turkmen graduates of the university, some of whom are now part of the academic staff of their institution.
Turkmenistan has taken second place in terms of the number of students studying at Russian universities: currently, 57,060 citizens of the country are studying in Russia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Kazakhstan remains the leader (60,818 students), while China is in third place (56,766). They are followed by Uzbekistan, India, Tajikistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. The total number of international students in Russia has increased to 402,000 people from 179 countries, rising by about 7,000 over the year. Including all forms of education, the figure may reach 425,000. The agency also forecasts a further 28% increase over the next five years.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated participants and guests on the opening of the international exhibition “Agro Pack Turkmenistan – 2026,” according to the state news agency TDH. The head of state noted that the exhibition showcases modern developments and solutions for the agricultural sector, as well as the food and processing industries. The platform facilitates the exchange of experience and the development of long-term cooperation. The president emphasized that the country is modernizing production facilities, introducing innovations, and increasing the output of competitive products. These measures are aimed at expanding export potential. Particular attention is being paid to food security. Cooperation with the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization was highlighted. The country is implementing programs to develop sustainable agriculture, introduce modern technologies, and improve production efficiency. The head of state underlined the role of the private sector in the development of the agro-industrial complex. Growth in production and an expanded range of goods were noted, as well as strengthened positions in foreign markets. The president expressed confidence that the exhibition would contribute to the introduction of technologies, the development of partnerships, and the expansion of international cooperation. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished participants good health and success in their work.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting on May 11 with representatives of Malaysia and the leadership of the company “Petronas”. The current state of cooperation and prospects for its expansion were discussed. This was reported by the online resource AsmanNews. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Political Affairs under the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, as well as executives of “Petronas”. The guests conveyed greetings to the Head of State from the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the visit for the development of bilateral dialogue and expressed confidence in practical outcomes of the talks. The parties confirmed that cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect and covers political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and humanitarian spheres. Energy remains the key area of interaction. It was noted that this year marks 30 years of cooperation with “Petronas”. Over this period, projects have been implemented in hydrocarbon production and the development of the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, as well as in personnel training. As part of the visit, the signing of a Protocol on commercial terms between the State Concern “Turkmennebit” and “Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.” is planned. The President confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to further develop the partnership and consider new proposals. The Malaysian representatives stated their intention to continue fulfilling their commitments. The meeting concluded with an exchange of good wishes and confirmation of a course toward continued cooperation.
Last week, 17 transactions were concluded at the auctions of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. For foreign currency, buyers from the UAE and Georgia purchased Türkmennebit base oil. Cotton yarn, cotton fiber, calico fabric, wheat flour, textile waste, and Portland cement were also sold for export. The buyers included companies from Turkey, the UAE, and Switzerland. The total value of export contracts exceeded $11.375 million. On the domestic market, local entrepreneurs purchased base oil, cotton fiber, textile waste, as well as polypropylene and metallized film worth more than 145.42 million manats.
A meeting between the leadership of the International University for the Humanities and Development and the President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies took place in Tokyo. The sides discussed the further development of inter-university cooperation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The talks were held within the framework of a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding and took place in a constructive atmosphere. The participants considered the expansion of academic exchanges, joint educational projects, scientific cooperation, and the training of internationally oriented specialists. Particular emphasis was placed on academic mobility of students and faculty as an important factor in strengthening humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Japan. It was noted that since 2017, 11 students have studied at the Japanese university, contributing to the development of professional skills, language training, and intercultural dialogue. The role of the Global Japanese Office, which has been operating at the university since 2016 and contributes to the development of educational and cultural ties, the promotion of the Japanese language, and the expansion of academic contacts, was also highlighted. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership and implementing joint projects in the fields of education and science.
The Chinese petrochemical company “Puyang Shengyuan” has proposed implementing a large-scale gas processing project in Turkmenistan aimed at deeper industrial utilization of the country’s natural resources. This was reported by the online newspaper “Nebit-Gaz”. The proposal was presented by the company’s president, Wang Xicheng. The project envisions the creation of an integrated gas-chemical complex combining three main production areas: petrochemical, agricultural, and energy. Its goal is to increase the added value of natural gas and stimulate the development of related industries, including logistics, services, and mechanical engineering, while also creating new jobs. At the core of the initiative is the construction of a methanol production plant with a capacity of 1.8 million tons per year. In addition, the plan includes the production of high value-added products, such as high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.
Winners of equestrian competitions held on 9–10 May in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan, H. Khamitov, a representative of the “Uzbegim otlari” horse farm, and jockey Z. Kulmatov, received the keys to a modern car as a prize from the President of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Previously, jockey P. Orazov and horse breeder K. Agamyradov of Turkmenistan were also awarded a car as a prize from the President of Uzbekistan. The participants expressed gratitude to the leaders of both countries for their support and their contribution to strengthening friendship, developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and fostering collaboration among specialized professionals. The recognition of Akhal-Teke horses as Asian champions became a significant event, strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the international prestige of the breed as a symbol of friendship between peoples.
On May 9–10, equestrian competitions and the beauty contest “Pearl of the East” were held in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the events. This was reported by TDH. On the first day, horse races took place. The competitions were observed by specialists from various countries, cultural figures, as well as local residents and guests, including young people and Turkmen students. As part of the event, an exhibition of the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was organized. Particular attention was drawn to decorative and applied arts and jewelry pieces dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. Winners were determined in several races. Among two-year-old horses, first place went to a mare named Pula from Uzbekistan. Second and third places were taken by representatives of the Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. In the races for adult horses over a distance of 1,600 meters, victories were shared between participants from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In one of the races, the horse Dovamat from Turkmenistan took first place. The competitions were accompanied by musical performances by artists from both countries. Winners were awarded cups, diplomas, and valuable prizes, including cars. Participants expressed gratitude for the organization of the events and noted their importance for the development of cooperation in horse breeding and cultural ties. It was noted that holding such competitions contributes to strengthening Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation and promoting Akhal-Teke horses at the international level.