News
An international chess tournament will be held in Ashgabat
14.06.2025Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva reported on the preparations for the international chess tournament to be held in Ashgabat from 15 to 19 June during a government meeting on 13 June. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The tournament will be attended by young chess players aged 8, 10 and 12 from various foreign countries, as well as representatives of our country. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister submitted a relevant proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for consideration. Summing up the report, the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the thorough preparation of the international chess tournament at the Specialised Chess and Checkers School in Ashgabat at a high level.
A Week of Culture will be held in the Ahal velayat
14.06.2025Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova reported on preparations for Culture Week, scheduled for 22–27 June in the Ahal velayat, during a government meeting on 13 June. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event is timed to coincide with the celebration of Culture and Arts Workers' Day and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The Culture Week will include an opening ceremony at the ‘Türkmeniň ak öýi’ building in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley, concerts, song and music programmes, conferences, exhibitions, creative meetings, poetry evenings, film screenings and performances, as well as a production of the opera ‘Şasenem–Garyp’ at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. In addition, participants in Culture Week will lay flowers at the monument to the great poet in the Magtymguly Pyragy cultural and park complex in the capital. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal for consideration by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of holding Culture Week at a high level, noting its significance in honour of the Day of Culture and Art Workers, as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure thorough preparation for the creative event in the Ahal velayat.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the parliamentary dialogue between Central Asia and South Korea
14.06.2025The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, Begench Durdyev, took part in a meeting of ambassadors from Central Asian countries with the chairmen of parliamentary friendship groups operating between the Republic of Korea and the Central Asian states. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The participants emphasised the key role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and South Korea in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. As part of the event, a separate bilateral meeting was held between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of the Korea-Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Choe Hyon Do. The sides confirmed their mutual commitment to further developing constructive bilateral relations, especially in the field of parliamentary cooperation. The Ambassador provided detailed information on the events being held in Turkmenistan in connection with the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. At the end of the meeting, the diplomat expressed hope that a high-level Korean delegation would participate in the International Forum to be held in Ashgabat in December. The sides also discussed opportunities for strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ format.
Representatives of Turkmenistan contributed to the work of the regional forum in Bishkek
14.06.2025The Second Forum of Think Tanks of the Republic of Korea and Central Asian Countries was held in Bishkek, during which Turkmenistan presented a comprehensive approach to key regional challenges. The focus was on energy stability, climate sustainability and the development of transregional logistics, according to Orient. According to the source, representatives of Turkmenistan took an active part in the panel sessions, demonstrating the country's strategic priorities and readiness for constructive dialogue. Bekdurdy Amansaryev, an employee of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, identified energy as the cornerstone of sustainable development in the region. With the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves, Turkmenistan is actively promoting initiatives to modernise the gas industry, develop renewable energy sources and international cooperation, especially with the Republic of Korea within the framework of the K-Silk Road project. Special attention was paid to gas diplomacy: Turkmenistan supplies over 30 billion cubic metres of gas to China annually, thereby reducing global emissions. Diversification of routes, including through the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus, and the completion of the Turkmen section of the TAPI gas pipeline are also being discussed. The country is also increasing electricity exports as part of the TAP project. Dovletmurat Mamedov, a lecturer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, drew attention to cross-border climate threats. He spoke about reforms in water management, methane emission reduction targets and the development of a legal framework for renewable energy. Turkmenistan proposed to host a Regional Climate Technology Centre in the country. Senior lecturer Osman Hemzaev presented Turkmenistan's transport initiatives, including the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran and CASCA+ corridors. The importance of multimodal routes through the Caspian Sea for access to European and Asian markets was emphasised. The forum reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to deepening its partnership with the Republic of Korea and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan discussed the development of economic ties with Malaysia
14.06.2025On 12 June, a meeting with representatives of the Malaysian Consortium of Medium-Sized Enterprises was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Malaysia. The talks were attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, President of the Malaysian Consortium of Medium-Sized Enterprises Martin Ang, as well as heads and representatives of Malaysian companies such as ‘Intelligent PIE Consulting Sdn Bhd’ and ‘Marrybrown’, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to strengthening trade and economic cooperation and finding new areas for interaction. Malaysian companies presented information about their activities and products, expressing interest in establishing business ties with Turkmen partners and entering the domestic market of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen ambassador emphasised the high potential for developing mutually beneficial cooperation between the business communities of the two countries. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their desire to further develop their partnership.
Turkmenistan and Russia continue to increase co-operation in key areas
14.06.2025Currently, more than 47,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying at Russian universities, of which about 7,000 are receiving education at the expense of the Russian Federation's state budget. This was reported by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, in an article for the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, according to the news resource Turkmenportal. According to him, there is still a lot of interest in Russian culture in Turkmenistan. In the first half of 2025, performances by Albert Zhalilov, Honoured Artist of Tatarstan, İlya Kuzmin, soloist of the E.V.Kolobov ‘Novaya Opera’ Theatre of Moscow and the musical groups ‘Turk's Choir’ and SOPRANO were sold out in Ashgabat. Kolobov, and the musical groups ‘Turetsky Choir’ and SOPRANO. The Russian film festival held in March also received a positive response from the audience. The Ambassador noted that Russia remains one of Turkmenistan's leading trade and economic partners. Major Russian companies such as ‘Gazprom’, ‘Tatneft’, ‘Kamaz’, the ‘Vozrozhdenie’ group of companies and others operate in the country. Interregional ties remain an important area of cooperation. Among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan, St. Petersburg, Astrakhan and Chelyabinsk regions are the most active. According to the diplomat, Moscow and Ashgabat demonstrate similar positions on key issues of the global and regional agenda, including ensuring international security. He recalled that at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution initiated by Turkmenistan, ‘2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust,’ was adopted, with Russia as a co-author. ‘Our interests also coincide within other international platforms, such as the CIS, the Caspian Five and the OSCE,’ Volynkin emphasised. This year, Turkmenistan is co-chairing the highest bodies of the CIS and plans to assume the chairmanship in 2026. One example of strengthening cooperation was the 16th International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,’ held in Kazan from 13 to 18 May. The Turkmenistan delegation was led by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan is concerned about the situation in the Middle East
14.06.2025In response to the missile strikes carried out by Israel on Iranian territory on 13 June 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expresses serious concern over the growing tensions in the Middle East. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. As a country with internationally recognised permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan has consistently opposed the use of force and threats of force as a means of resolving political or other disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises the importance of peaceful settlement of conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means, in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law.
Turkmenistan and Venezuela strengthen diplomatic partnership
14.06.2025Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela took place in Ashgabat on 13 June this year. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova, and the Venezuelan side was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tatiana Pugh Moreno. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the interlocutors exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral agenda. They noted the positive dynamics of the political and diplomatic dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and mutually beneficial partnership. Particular attention was paid to coordinating actions in international forums, particularly within the UN, where the countries traditionally support each other's initiatives. An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. This document lays a solid foundation for further development of cooperation. The parties also agreed to prepare joint events to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
A meeting on women's reproductive health care was held in Ashgabat
14.06.2025A coordination meeting dedicated to ensuring women's access to reproductive health services was held in Ashgabat under the auspices of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event brought together representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan and international organisations to develop effective solutions. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The main purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the resources available in reproductive health clinics in the capital and other regions of the country. Participants discussed ways to optimise the distribution of medical supplies and developed a procurement plan to provide women from at-risk groups with the necessary medicines and materials. The discussion was attended by specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as experts from UNFPA and the United Nations Development Programme. During the productive dialogue, data on current stocks of medical supplies and monthly requirements were analysed. UNFPA reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the Government of Turkmenistan's efforts to ensure that all women have access to reproductive health services.
Le.Travel presents Turkmen tourism at an international exhibition
14.06.2025As part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ international exhibition, held at the Ashgabat Expo Centre, the travel company Le.Travel is presenting itineraries for travel enthusiasts. At the agency's stand, visitors can find a wide selection of tours in Turkmenistan and popular foreign destinations. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to consider various travel options: from cultural and historical routes through the country's ancient cities to pilgrimage trips and excursion programmes. Special emphasis is placed on showcasing the national colour: the stand features traditional household items, decorative and applied arts and souvenirs reflecting the centuries-old culture of the Turkmen people. The company provides comprehensive services, including the organisation of individual and group tours, visa support, airline ticket reservations and assistance at all stages of the trip. The travel agency's participation in ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ contributes to the promotion of Turkmen tourism on the international stage.
Turkmenistan and UNFPA coordinate efforts in the field of health protection
14.06.2025On 12 June 2025, a meeting of the Coordination Council of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Turkmenistan was held at the UN office in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as experts from UNFPA and UNDP, according to IIC. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the availability and needs of resources used to ensure reproductive health in medical institutions in Ashgabat and the country's velayats. Participants discussed the possibility of more efficient redistribution of existing stocks, as well as the development of a procurement plan to replenish critical supplies needed to support women at risk. The meeting provided an update on the current status of supplies and their projected consumption. Particular attention was paid to issues of timely delivery, optimising accounting and reporting, and finding solutions to expand coverage and improve the effectiveness of reproductive health programmes.
The presentation session has begun at the ‘TurkmenTextile EXPO – 2025’ exhibition
14.06.2025On the third day of the ‘TurkmenTextile EXPO – 2025’ exhibition in Ashgabat, master classes and presentations were held with the participation of renowned designers and fashion industry experts. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Aydarkhan Kaliyev (Taraz, Kazakhstan), Omar Mansoor (London, United Kingdom), Govher Gouvernet (France – Turkmenistan), Elena Kharitonova (Brussels, Belgium) and Hayden Ng (Singapore) shared their experience and knowledge. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from neo-folklore and sustainable fashion to marketing, cultural identity and new technologies. Particular attention was paid to issues of cross-cultural interaction and the role of fashion as a tool for self-expression and preservation of traditions. During the master classes, Turkmen craftsmen presented their crafts, from felting camel wool to silk painting and other types of handicrafts.
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