The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag on a working trip, during which he familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of the city's development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag inspected the construction work, including the construction of a mosque, and gave instructions on the organisation of the coordinated functioning of the relevant structures for the successful implementation of the tasks set. Particular attention was paid to the improvement and compliance of the facilities with modern requirements, including the quality of construction materials. Projects for sculptures, bus stops and other elements along Ahalteke Atlar Avenue were also discussed. Aesthetics, compactness and durability were named as important criteria. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for modern design of the horse sculptures and the reliability of their foundations, as well as compliance with standards for cycle paths and running tracks. The National Leader of the Turkmen people instructed that the quality of the materials used and the convenience of the infrastructure along the avenue be ensured.
In anticipation of International Children's Day, celebrated on 1 June, significant events were held in Ashgabat, organised by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with Turkmenistan's government agencies. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In front of the Älem Cultural and Entertainment Centre, 300 children performed the traditional Turkmen dance kushtdepdi. This colourful event was organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ombudsman's Office and the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography. A recording of the dance flash mob will be shown on 1 June on the Yashlyk TV channel. In parallel with the cultural events, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ombudsman's Office, conducted an information campaign aimed at raising children's awareness of their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As part of the campaign, more than 170 schoolchildren took part in creative competitions and interactive training sessions. These events demonstrate Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of child protection and the implementation of international obligations in the field of children's rights, as well as highlighting the importance of partnership between state bodies and international organisations in this area.
On the eve of International Children's Day on 31 May this year, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a festive event for children of employees of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in the country. This was reported by the IIC. The concert kicked off with a welcome speech by Gulshat Yusupova, the rector of the Institute of International Relations. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of respecting and protecting children's rights around the world, as well as Turkmenistan's role in implementing international initiatives in this area. As part of the festive programme, the young participants demonstrated their creative abilities by taking an active part in various competitions and performing musical and dance numbers. The event was made even more special by the participation of parents, who, together with their children, became full participants in the festive celebrations. This event was an important occasion that demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of protecting children and strengthening international cooperation. The organisation of this celebration for children underscores the country's desire to develop friendly relations with the international community through cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
On 31 May 2025, the ‘Marathon of Peace and Trust’ took place in the capital of Turkmenistan, organised by the EU Delegation in cooperation with the State Committee for physical culture and sport of Turkmenistan, the public movement ‘Run-Rush’ and the Ashgabat City Administration. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of Europe Day. This was reported by IIC. A total of 517 people took part in the race. Athletes covered distances of 2, 5 and 10 km along a route around Independence Park. Refreshment and medical stations were set up for marathon participants. The races started at 7:30 a.m. Ashgabat time, and the award ceremony took place at 9:30 a.m. The winners received commemorative prizes and gifts. The organisers noted the successful holding of the first marathon in Turkmenistan dedicated to Europe Day. The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen international cooperation. There are plans to make the marathon an annual event.
The organising committee of the international festival ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ named after Nury Halmamedov has joined the large-scale media project ‘Poems of Victory,’ initiated by the Library Assembly of Eurasia with the support of the Presidential Library. The project, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, has united the CIS countries in preserving the poetic heritage of the war years. This was reported by IIC. Turkmenistan presented the work of poet Hemra Shirov, father of Ayna Shirova, a well-known composer and member of the jury of the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ festival. His soulful poems, reflecting the pain of loss and the fortitude of the Turkmen people during the war, were included in the project's documentary film. The film was officially presented at the All-Russian Library Congress under the slogan ‘Victory. Stronger Together.’ The event, which took place from 26 to 29 May 2025, brought together representatives of the Eurasian library community and became a platform for discussing the role of culture in preserving historical memory. Participation in the project highlights the importance of Turkmen literature in the pan-Eurasian cultural space, the role of the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ festival as a bridge between tradition and modernity, and the ability of art to unite peoples with a common history and values. This project is a testament to the fact that poetry and music remain a living reminder of the deeds of our ancestors and the importance of peace for future generations.
From 26 to 27 May this year, the capital of Azerbaijan hosted an International Scientific Symposium dedicated to the study of the historical and cultural heritage of Turkmen-Oguz. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Azerbaijan together with the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and Khazar University within the framework of the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ initiated by Turkmenistan. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The forum was attended by leading scientists from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of the Turkmen diaspora from Turkey, Iraq and Uzbekistan. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the historical roots and origin of the Turkmen people, the role of the Oguz in the formation of the Turkic civilization, the contribution of Turkmen ancestors to the creation of large state formations. The symposium participants stressed that throughout their history the Turkmen people had preserved and developed the traditions of peacefulness and good-neighbourliness. These principles are embodied in the modern policy of positive neutrality of Turkmenistan, which is based on the humanistic ideals inherited from the ancestors. An important event was the presentation of a new book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov ‘Magtymguly – the Sage of the World’. The symposium became an important platform for strengthening scientific and cultural ties between the countries of the region, and also contributed to a deeper understanding of the historical heritage of Turkmen-Oguz and its significance in the modern world.
The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA-2025) Under-17 Championship has been successfully completed in Tashkent, where the national team of Turkmenistan achieved significant success, becoming the bronze medallist of the competition. This is reported by IIC. In a tense struggle for bronze medals, the wards of head coach Ahmet Allaberdiyev met with peers from Kyrgyzstan. The main time of the match did not reveal the winner - the teams finished the main time with the score 0:0. In the penalty shootout, the Turkmen players showed coolness and accuracy, winning 7:6. Goalkeeper Azim Abayev demonstrated a brilliant game and was recognised as the best player of this important match. This success of the Turkmen national team became an important stage in the development of youth football in Turkmenistan and showed the prospects of young players in the international arena.
The Almaty Technological University (ATU) hosted a solemn event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. Organised with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan, the event brought together the management of the university, diplomats, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora and students. This was reported by IIC. The participants emphasised the historical significance of Turkmenistan's neutral status, as well as the importance of the year 2025, declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ by the UN on Ashgabat's initiative. In their speeches, representatives of the ATU and the Turkmen diaspora noted the country's contribution to strengthening international stability. The guests were shown a video clip demonstrating the country's achievements over three decades of neutrality. The cultural programme was a bright decoration of the evening: students from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan performed folk songs and dances, including traditional ‘Bilezik’ and ‘Kushtdepdi’. Representatives of the Embassy also held a working meeting with the management of ATU, discussing issues of support for Turkmen students and prospects for educational co-operation.
During Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's official visit to Kazakhstan, a ceremony was held to exchange documents related to archaeological cooperation, TDH reported. According to the source, two agreements were signed: the first one between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies (ISMEO, Italy), and the second one between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the Turin Centre for Archaeological Research and Excavations in Asia and the Middle East (Italy). Both documents are aimed at developing joint activities in the field of archaeological research. The agreements envisage deepening partnership in archaeological research and expanding scientific cooperation.
Turkmenistan, adhering to the policy of positive neutrality, actively develops international dialogue and makes proposals on key areas of regional and global cooperation. This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, special attention is paid to interaction with the European Union in the spheres of economy, transport and ecology, especially in the context of ‘green’ energy and expansion of electricity exports. The country promotes transit projects, including the Trans-Caspian route, and favours cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including education and tourism. Turkmenistan has offered the EU a long-term partnership on ‘green’ issues within the framework of the CA-EU dialogue, which has been supported by a number of meetings with representatives of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Ties with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, especially Japan, are also actively developing. Participation in EXPO-2025 and the strengthening of inter-parliamentary, economic and humanitarian ties confirm the country's course towards sustainable and peaceful development.
The State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ carries out a comprehensive study of the subsoil of Turkmenistan using geological and geophysical methods. The main directions of its activity are the search for deposits of oil, natural gas, solid minerals, construction materials and underground water, AsmanNews reported. According to the source, importance is attached to hydrogeological studies. Expeditions are operating in Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz and Mary velayats of the country, carrying out surveys on various scales and observations of groundwater conditions, including quality, mineralisation and level of occurrence. In addition to the main activity, ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ performs contractual works ordered by the provincial governors and other organisations within the framework of implementation of the ‘National Program of the President of Turkmenistan for improvement of social and living conditions in villages, settlements, towns and district centres till 2028’. Thanks to the application of modern technologies such as SZMC-300, SZMC-200 and others, all conditions are created for increasing the efficiency of work in the country.
A conference dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality was held in the national pavilion of Turkmenistan at the World Expo 2025 on 30 May 2025. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan, Japanese NGOs and the Organising Committee of the World Expo-2025. The participants stressed the importance of peace, trust and neutrality as the basis of international cooperation. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan Atadurdy Bayramov noted the country's contribution to promoting peaceful and sustainable policies. The Japanese side stressed that the event was an important platform to popularise Turkmenistan's policy based on the principles of peace and international understanding.