A briefing dedicated to the national equestrian games team ‘Galkynysh’ was held at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag. The event was timed to coincide with the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. This was reported by IIC. Riders, experts, lecturers and students took part in the discussion. Issues relating to the development of the national school of horse breeding were discussed. The programme was complemented by a themed exhibition. Paintings and decorative and applied art pieces were displayed, reflecting the Turkmen people’s connection with Ahal-Teke horses. Special attention was paid to the history of the group, which was founded in 2007. During this time, the ‘Galkynysh’ group has received awards at international circus festivals. It was noted that some of the riders combine their performances with teaching and training activities at the academy, which helps to pass on experience and develop professional skills. During the briefing, participants discussed the preparation of horses for performances, the specifics of the training process, and the interaction between rider and horse. The organisers emphasise that such meetings contribute to the training of specialists and the strengthening of Turkmenistan’s position in the field of equestrian art.
Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, visited the King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat familiarised himself with the teaching process and current projects. During a meeting with teachers, the parties discussed methods of teaching the Korean language and the development of cultural cooperation. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea noted that the visit took place as part of monitoring the activities of one of the key centres of Korean education in the region. Lee Won-jae gave a positive assessment of the institute’s work. He emphasised that the institution combines language teaching with cultural programmes. Students take part in masterclasses on Korean cuisine and traditional dance classes, which helps them to familiarise themselves with the culture of the Republic of Korea. Following the visit, the Ambassador confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the institute. According to him, collaboration with the educational centre contributes to strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting the Korean language in Turkmenistan.
On 10 April, a video conference was held between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation. It was noted that cooperation with UNESCO remains an important area of Turkmenistan’s international humanitarian partnership. The main focus was on developing cultural dialogue and implementing joint projects in the organisation’s priority areas. Previously proposed initiatives were also reviewed, and approaches to their further promotion were agreed upon. The coordinating role of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty in the implementation of projects at national and regional levels was highlighted separately.
On 10 April, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan hosted an awards ceremony for the winners of the ‘Start-ups in the Field of Renewable Energy’ competition. This was reported by IIC. The competition was organised by the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the project EU for a Green Turkmenistan: ‘Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2029’. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Fifty-three projects have reached the final. They were selected from school students, students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30 from across the country. The competition is timed to coincide with the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and aims to support youth initiatives in the field of the ‘green’ transition. Participants presented projects in three areas: solar and wind energy, biomass and bioenergy, as well as energy efficiency and digital solutions. Abdyrahman Myratdurdyev, a representative of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, noted that the development of renewable energy sources and the introduction of new technologies are among the priorities of the country’s energy strategy. According to him, the competition helps to find practical solutions in the field of energy efficiency and prepares future specialists for the industry. The jury selected nine winners – three in each category. The first-place winners received a study trip to Germany to learn about experiences in the field of renewable energy. The other finalists were awarded certificates of honour and commemorative gifts. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan attended the ceremony. The organisers note that the competition contributes to the development of the ‘green’ economy and the implementation of national climate strategies.
On 10 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed a Resolution appointing the heads of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation and its subcommittees on the Turkmen side. This was reported by the news website AsmanNews. The document is aimed at further developing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China.
On 8 April, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, held a meeting with Mohamed Garali, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Tunisian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. It should be noted that earlier, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Khalid Bakhsh, Director of the Department of Reciprocity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 3rd International Mathematics Olympiad has opened at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The event is organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. More than 180 school students from 12 countries, including the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, are taking part in the competition. The Olympiad will be held in two categories – Levels A and B. The main rounds will be hosted by Specialised Secondary School No. 135 in Ashgabat, which offers an in-depth English language programme. Before the ceremony, participants and delegations viewed a themed exhibition at the university. A cultural programme featuring creative groups was also held. The Olympiad aims to identify the strongest school students and foster international cooperation in the field of education.
Turkmen boxer Dovlet Islamov has won a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, organised under the auspices of World Boxing. This was reported by IIC. The athlete reached the semi-finals, where he lost to Kazakhstan’s Aybek Oralbay. After the bout, his opponent praised the Turkmen boxer’s level of preparation and his progress, emphasising that he had been in top form throughout the tournament. Around 200 athletes from Asian countries took part in the competition. Islamov’s bronze medal was the result of the Turkmenistan national team’s performance and a testament to its competitiveness on the international stage.
On 9 April, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States of America, presented copies of his credentials to Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States, during an official ceremony held at Blair House, the presidential guest residence in Washington. This was reported by the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan in the US. During the event, the parties exchanged views on topical issues concerning the further development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States of America. The event was attended by representatives of the US Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State John Pommersheim. Following the ceremony, the American side hosted an official reception in honour of the Heads of diplomatic missions who had presented copies of their credentials.
On 7 April, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with representatives of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary-General Shahid Khalil. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for expanding business cooperation and strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. Representatives of the Lahore CCI expressed interest in developing practical cooperation. The Turkmen side provided information on the reforms being carried out in the country, aimed at developing foreign trade and integration into the global economy. Turkmenistan’s export potential was highlighted, including supplies of natural gas, petroleum products, textiles and agricultural produce. Particular attention was paid to the international business forums planned for this year. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand mutual trade and for the business community to participate in joint events.
The Turkmenistan national team won 14 medals at the Ashihara Karate World Championships. The team secured 2 gold, 4 silver and 8 bronze medals. This was reported by IIC. Gold medals were won by Rejepmyrat Akmyradov (up to 85 kg) and Gulnabat Yazylova in the women’s kiwami kumite discipline. Silver medallists were Joshgun Tachmyradov, Jemshit Orazov, Serhet Haytekov, and Umyt Artykov in kiwami kumite. Bronze medals were awarded to Allamyrat Kurbanov, Merdan Akyabov, Farhat Jumayev and Yhlas Charyev, who stood on the podium twice. Gulnabat Yazylova and Umyt Artykov also won their second medals of the tournament. In the 13–14 age group, Begench Gurbangeldiyev won bronze. The result confirmed the competitiveness of the Turkmen Ashihara Karate school on the international stage.
On 7 April, a joint cultural event marking the celebration of Nowruz took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The event was organised by the Permanent Missions to UNESCO of Turkmenistan and a number of Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event took place in UNESCO’s reception hall and included a concert, an exhibition and a tasting of national dishes. The guest of honour was UNESCO Assistant Director-General Anthony Kwaku Ohemeng-Boamah. Among the participants were representatives of French government bodies, international organisations, the diplomatic corps and the general public. Turkmenistan presented handmade national carpets, jewellery and souvenirs. A tasting of Turkmen cuisine was also organised for the guests. The cultural programme featured a musical ensemble led by Serdar Haydarov. The performance included pieces played on traditional instruments, such as the dutar and the gyjak. A fashion show was also held, showcasing a collection by Turkmen designer Gowher Pirkuliyeva alongside works by designers from Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.