In Turkmenistan and abroad, events dedicated to the motto of 2026, “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” as well as the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, were held in March–April 2026. This was reported by TDH. International conferences, round tables, lectures, cultural events, exhibitions, and sports activities were organized at the Embassies and Consulates of Turkmenistan. They took place in Romania, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, South Korea, Austria, France, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and other countries. The main focus was on promoting Akhal-Teke horses, the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, and the achievements of Turkmenistan during the years of independence. At several events, the book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, “Neutrality of Turkmenistan – a Bright Path of Peace and Trust,” was presented. The events also discussed the development of international cooperation in education, science, culture, sports, and horse breeding. Special attention was given to joint projects and the expansion of academic ties. In Japan, Romania, and Kazakhstan, thematic meetings and round tables were held on Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan. In Azerbaijan, representatives of the national equestrian games group “Galkynysh” took part in conferences and meetings on the development of equestrian sports and specialist training. In France and South Korea, cultural and musical events and exhibitions of Turkmen decorative and applied arts were held. In Ukraine, poetry and cultural-educational events were organized in honor of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. In addition, diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan held sports events dedicated to World Health Day, including football tournaments, chess competitions, and table tennis matches. As noted during the events, the Akhal-Teke horse remains one of the symbols of the national heritage of Turkmenistan and holds a special place in the country’s culture. The activities were aimed at developing international humanitarian cooperation and promoting Turkmen cultural heritage abroad.
The business entity “Garagum” represented Turkmenistan at the international nonwoven materials and disposable products exhibition “INDEX 2026” in Geneva, according to the news website Asmannews, citing the newspaper “RYSGAL”. At its stand, the company showcased products under the “Garagum Nonwoven” brand, including medical items such as masks, gowns, coveralls, and protective materials, as well as modern nonwoven solutions based on “meltblown” and “spanmelt” technologies. “Garagum” is considered the first producer of spunbond materials in Turkmenistan and the only manufacturer of meltblown materials in Central Asia. Production has been carried out in Ashgabat since 2020, and the company’s products are exported to more than 15 countries. The quality of the products is confirmed by international ISO certifications, as well as the company’s membership in the EDANA association. Participation in the exhibition marked a step toward strengthening the company’s export position and expanding the presence of Turkmenistan’s private sector in the global market.
A meeting was held in Turkmenistan between the leadership of the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and the Ambassador of Italy to Turkmenistan, Martin Bruk. The parties discussed preparations for the international exhibition “Turkmentextile Expo-2026,” which will take place on June 4–6, the CCI press service reports. The event is viewed as a platform for expanding cooperation between Turkmen and Italian companies, primarily in the textile industry. The participants also noted the growing interest in developing bilateral business ties and exchanged views on potential partnership opportunities. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed confidence that the upcoming exhibition would contribute to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
On May 28, on the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Turkmen-Pakistani relations, as well as regional and international issues. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. The importance of regional and global security issues was also highlighted. It was emphasized that regular political dialogue at the highest level remains a key factor in the development of bilateral relations. Such dialogue contributes to strengthening cooperation and advancing joint projects. Particular attention was paid to economic and infrastructure cooperation. Priority areas include the TAPI project, the development of energy transmission links, and the construction of fiber-optic communication lines along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan corridor. The sides also discussed preparations for upcoming bilateral events, including a meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, as well as the organization of business, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives. The parties underscored the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation as a factor in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing the partnership and continuing political dialogue at all levels.
On May 29, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House in Washington. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-American cooperation, noting the intensification of political and diplomatic dialogue and the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the areas of trade and economy, energy, and transportation. The sides also reviewed issues related to energy security and the development of mutually beneficial partnerships. In addition, the participants exchanged views on regional security, countering contemporary challenges and threats, as well as cooperation within the framework of the C5+1 platform. Following the talks, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing bilateral relations and continuing a constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has received congratulatory messages on the occasion of Eid al-Adha from foreign leaders, statesmen, and heads of international organizations. This was reported by TDH. Congratulatory messages were sent by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Prime Minister of Afghanistan Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Governor of Russia’s Astrakhan Region Igor Babushkin, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board and Co-Chairman of the CIS Interreligious Council Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, and TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. In their messages, the authors wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and continued success, and extended wishes of peace, prosperity, and well-being to the Turkmen people. Several messages also emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, and preserving shared spiritual and historical values.
From May 25 to 28, the 4th High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” was held in Dushanbe. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev, took part in the event. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission in Tajikistan. The main topics of the forum included promoting the objectives of the water decade, accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), and preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference. The opening ceremony took place on May 26 at the “Kokhi Somon” complex with the participation of the President of Tajikistan. In his speech, the head of the Turkmen delegation emphasized the importance of water resources as a foundation for sustainable development and regional stability in Central Asia, as well as the need for international cooperation—primarily under the auspices of the United Nations—in managing transboundary water resources. Turkmenistan proposed a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Council on Water Issues in Central Asia, as well as the promotion of regional centers for climate technologies and desertification control. Special attention was given to environmental projects such as the restoration of the Aral Sea region, reforestation, and the creation of “green belts.” During the sessions, participants discussed sustainable water resource management, access to drinking water and sanitation, as well as strengthening international cooperation to achieve SDG 6 and advance the global water agenda.
On May 6, on the external exchange market, entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan concluded deals with Turkmen businessmen for the purchase of textile products. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity Exchange of Turkmenistan. At the same time, on the domestic market, transactions were concluded between Turkmen entrepreneurs and the State Association of Industry of Turkmenistan. The subject of the purchase was refined first-grade cottonseed oil. As a result of the trading, two deals were concluded for a total amount of 1.5 million manats and 323 thousand US dollars.
Leading agricultural universities of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan continue an academic exchange program aimed at strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries, according to the Orient news agency. Twenty students from the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers have arrived in Ashgabat for a two-week internship at the Saparmurat Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University. During the internship, under the guidance of Turkmen professors, the students take part in practical and academic training in water management and agriculture, as well as become familiar with the university’s infrastructure, research and technology centers, and botanical garden. A reciprocal visit by Turkmen students to Tashkent is scheduled for June–July. The exchange program is viewed as a contribution to the development of agricultural education and the strengthening of strategic partnership between the two countries.
On May 28, during a visit to the United States, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Acting Under-Secretary-General of the UN, Head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, Alexander Zouev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties emphasized the high level and strategic nature of long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN and its structures. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the UN General Assembly resolution of May 20, 2026, on the role of neutrality in strengthening international peace, security, and sustainable development, which, according to the parties, confirmed international recognition of the country’s foreign policy course. In this context, key initiatives of Turkmenistan were discussed, including the creation of an academic center on peace and neutrality, the establishment of a Mediation Chamber for the peaceful settlement of disputes, the development of joint UN guidelines on the principles of neutrality, and the promotion of a global security strategy based on international law. Issues of regional security were also considered, along with support for the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The Turkmen side also presented an initiative to open a Programme Office of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office in Ashgabat, which is expected to serve as an analytical platform for the region. In conclusion, readiness was confirmed for further expansion of cooperation, implementation of joint programs, and training of diplomatic personnel.
On May 27, a meeting took place in New York between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the talks, the sides exchanged greetings. The Turkmen side congratulated China on the successful holding of open high-level debates of the UN Security Council. The Chinese side expressed gratitude to the Turkmen delegation for its participation. The parties discussed issues related to the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of a multilateral approach, adherence to the UN Charter, and strengthening the role of the United Nations. The sides underlined the significance of regular contacts at the highest and high levels for strengthening trust and developing bilateral relations. Special attention was paid to the outcomes of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to China in March of this year and his meeting with the President of the PRC Xi Jinping. The importance of the visit to Turkmenistan in April by Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Vice Premier of the State Council of the PRC, was also highlighted. The parties noted the high level of political trust and the active development of cooperation across a wide range of areas. Key attention was given to energy cooperation, primarily in the gas sector, including the development of joint projects and long-term partnership. Prospects for cooperation in trade, economic, innovation, cultural, and humanitarian fields were also discussed. Special emphasis was placed on coordination between the two countries within the United Nations. The sides confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation on international platforms and to support each other’s initiatives. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing the strategic partnership and implementing the agreements reached.
On 28 May, a meeting took place in New York between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed Turkmenistan’s priorities within the framework of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The talks focused on international security, sustainable development, as well as climate and humanitarian issues. The Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan emphasized the country’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and strengthening the central role of the United Nations. Particular attention was paid to efforts aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the General Assembly as a key platform for issues of peace and development. The discussions also covered initiatives in preventive diplomacy, the promotion of international law, and the development of dialogue between states. The activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat were noted. The initiative to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law was also highlighted. A separate part of the talks was devoted to sustainable transport for the 2026–2035 period, climate initiatives, and environmental projects, including the Caspian Environmental Initiative. The outcomes of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Avaza were also mentioned. Humanitarian cooperation issues were discussed, including the expansion of women’s and youth rights, as well as the promotion of the “Women, Peace and Security” and “Youth, Peace and Security” agendas. Annalena Baerbock welcomed Turkmenistan’s role in advancing multilateral cooperation and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted that the country’s experience is viewed within the UN as a positive example of promoting the global agenda. The sides also highlighted the significance of the UN General Assembly resolution dated 20 May 2026 on “The Role and Significance of Neutrality Policy…”. According to their assessment, the document strengthens Turkmenistan’s international position and promotes ideas of peace and trust. At the end of the meeting, the sides exchanged views on international and regional developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation.