In order to preserve the spiritual and moral values of the Turkmen people and strengthen national traditions, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree on the celebration of Gurban Bayramy (Eid al-Adha) in 2025. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, the holidays are set for 6, 7 and 8 June. The day off on 8 June will be moved to 9 June. The Decree is based on the provisions of Article 81 of the Labour Code of Turkmenistan. The document emphasises the importance of observing traditional values, generosity, humanism and morality. All institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, are obliged to ensure compliance with this Decree.
On 2 June 2025, a unique cultural event will take place at the ‘Watan’ Cinema and Concert Hall in Ashgabat: a concert of traditional Indian dance and music. This spectacular performance has been prepared by an Indian creative group led by the renowned master Sukhwinder Singh. This was reported by IIC. The programme will introduce the rich heritage of Indian culture through the art of dance and music. Professional artists will demonstrate graceful movements and mesmerising rhythms that reflect India's centuries-old traditions. This concert is a wonderful opportunity for residents and guests of the capital to get to know the unique culture of India without leaving Turkmenistan. The event is organised in cooperation with the Embassy of India and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
A unique copper cable factory for Turkmenistan has started up in the village of Onaldy in the Ahal region. The plant recycles scrap metal and old wires, turning them into high-quality cable products through three stages: crushing, cleaning and melting at temperatures above 1180°C. This was reported by IIC. The production capacity is 10 tonnes per day, with the prospect of increasing to 5,000 tonnes per year. The plant produces two types of cables: flexible (for mobile equipment) and rigid (for stationary facilities). All products meet strict quality standards, including 99% copper. The 10-hectare site houses modern workshops equipped with machinery from the Chinese company Ji Cheng Technology. The automated process is controlled from a central control panel, and each batch undergoes laboratory testing.
A solemn event organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belarus was held in Minsk on 28 May 2025. The event was held at the Republican Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children and was timed to coincide with two significant dates - the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Director of the Centre Liliya Kondrashova warmly welcomed the guests, recalling her participation in the international conference on children's issues held earlier in Arkadag. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belarus Nurberdi Shagulyyev told the audience about his country's achievements during the years of independence and neutrality. The event was decorated with a colourful photo exhibition introducing the cultural heritage and natural beauties of Turkmenistan, as well as a video about the modern development of the country. The special atmosphere of the holiday was given by the performances of Turkmen students studying in Belarusian universities who performed folk songs and a fiery dance ‘Kushtdepdi’. The meeting ended with a touching moment - presenting gifts to the children undergoing rehabilitation at the centre. This gesture was a symbolic embodiment of the principles of humanism and mutual understanding that underlie the policy of neutral Turkmenistan.
On 27 May, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva held talks with Laure Crane, C-Level Engagement Director at the international news agency Newsweek. During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail promising areas of cooperation aimed at promoting Turkmenistan's strategic initiatives in the international arena. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The discussion focused on specific formats for cooperation, including the preparation and publication of analytical materials on Turkmenistan's policies and achievements, the organisation of exclusive interviews with representatives of the country's top leadership, and the participation of Newsweek correspondents in major international events held in Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to expanding dialogue on key areas of international cooperation and covering Turkmenistan's position on pressing global issues.
A specialised training course for teaching staff and employees of training departments of the border, customs, migration, veterinary and phytosanitary services of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. The event was organised as part of the Border Management Assistance Programme in Central Asia with financial support from the European Union. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The lead expert of the training was Yulia Kazakova, consultant on educational process design and management for the Border Management Assistance Programme. During the training, participants gained in-depth knowledge of modern teaching methods, including innovative approaches to increasing student motivation. Particular attention was paid to the practical component - participants independently developed and conducted master classes in the format of a training conference, which allowed them to immediately apply the techniques they had learned in practice. This training was an important step in improving the professional training system for agencies responsible for security and control at Turkmenistan's state borders. Participants noted the high practical value of the knowledge they gained and expressed their readiness to implement new educational methods in their daily work.
On 31 May, festive races of 2, 5 and 10 kilometres will be held in the capital of Turkmenistan to mark the celebration of Europe Day 2025. The event is organised by the European Union Delegation in partnership with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport, the Ashgabat City Administration and the Run-Rush public movement. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Runners will start and finish at the intersection of Turkmenbashi Avenue and 10 ýyl Abadançylyk Street (formerly Moskovskaya Street), and the routes will be laid out around the picturesque Independence Park. The organisers have provided for different formats of participation: family teams with children under 16 will be able to prove themselves in a 2 km race, while more experienced participants aged 16 and older can try their hand at 5 and 10 km distances. Both professional athletes and sports enthusiasts of all ages can participate in the races. The morning will begin with fun sports competitions and warm-ups, and after the races, participants will receive commemorative gifts and attend an awards ceremony for the winners. The event aims to highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the spirit of international cooperation.
As part of the XXIV International Multidisciplinary Exhibition ‘White City Ashgabat’, a business trip by Belarusian business representatives to Turkmenistan was successfully completed. Following negotiations organised by the Minsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belarusian Embassy in Turkmenistan, with the support of Turkmen partners, contracts were signed for the supply of high-quality fresh vegetables and fruits produced in Turkmenistan, as well as polypropylene sleeves, to Belarus. This was reported by the IIC. During the visit of the Belarusian delegation, consisting of the heads of five enterprises, productive meetings were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country. Of particular interest was the possibility of organising the production of specific plastic products in Turkmenistan using Belarusian moulds, which could mark the beginning of industrial cooperation between the two countries. The business negotiations and exhibition clearly demonstrated the Turkmen side's sustained interest in Belarusian technologies and products, while opening up new prospects for increasing Turkmenistan's export potential. The visit by Belarusian entrepreneurs also included visits to the country's leading industrial enterprises, which allowed for a deeper exploration of opportunities for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.
On 27 May 2025, a high-level regional forum entitled ‘Dialogue for Children: Central Asia and UNICEF’ was held in Tashkent to mark International Children's Day. The event was organised by the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, the ‘Zamin’ Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The country's delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan A. Ovezov. In his speech, he presented the main directions of Turkmenistan's state policy in the field of protecting children's rights, emphasising achievements in the field of protecting the health of the younger generation. The importance of cooperation with UNICEF and other international organisations was also noted. The participants discussed the implementation of national programmes to support children and the prospects for regional cooperation in this area. An exchange of experience in creating a favourable environment for child development took place.
A special screening of the feature film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ was held in Islamabad, organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan for representatives of the Afghan-Turkmen diaspora. The event took place in a warm atmosphere of positive cultural dialogue. This was reported by the IIC. The film, created in 2024 to mark the 300th anniversary of the great poet, was the fruit of joint work of Turkmen and Uzbek cinematographers. The project was implemented under the patronage of the presidents of the two countries, which emphasises the importance of cultural cooperation in the region. The film was followed by a lively discussion during which the high artistic level of the film was noted and the importance of preserving cultural heritage was emphasised. Particular attention was paid to the artistic value and historical accuracy of the film, which allows to accurately convey the spirit of the era of Magtymguly Pyragy.
On 24 May, Begench Matliyev, Vice-Rector for Research at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Jean-Noel Castori, Vice-President of the University of Le Havre, French Republic, and Pierre Barthelemy, Director of International Relations. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA. According to the source, during the meeting, the priority areas of Turkmen-French cooperation were comprehensively discussed, with an emphasis on the development of scientific and educational ties — key areas of interaction between the two countries. J.N. Castorio expressed his readiness to support initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral partnership, exchanging experience and implementing the Erasmus+ programme between the two universities. In his speech, P. Barthelemy highlighted the partnership relations and sponsorship programmes involving the University of Le Havre and shared plans to expand international cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the delegation visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy, where guests learned about the rich historical heritage and contemporary aspects of Turkmenistan's foreign policy.
Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the National Trade Union Centre and Central Council of Women's Unions of Turkmenistan, will represent Turkmenistan at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILO), which will be held in Geneva from 2 to 13 June 2025. This was reported by the IIC. According to the source, during the event, delegates from governments, employers' organisations and trade unions from around the world will discuss key challenges in the labour market. Topics will include measures to reduce informal employment, ensuring decent working conditions in the digital economy, gender equality, the development of social dialogue, and the ILO's contribution to promoting social progress. Representatives of all 187 ILO member states have confirmed their participation in the conference. In addition, the Second Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice is scheduled for 12 June, aimed at uniting efforts to combat social injustice and promote the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.