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The President of Turkmenistan pardoned 231 convicts on Neutrality Day
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree pardoning 231 convicts. The decision was timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day, which the country will celebrate on 12 December. This was reported by TDH. The Decree was signed at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The discussion was attended by Heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan abroad, as well as representatives of the country to international organisations. Foreign policy issues were on the agenda. Begench Gundogdyev, Secretary of the State Security Council and Chairman of the Commission for the Preparation of Proposals on Citizenship and Pardon, presented a report on the work done. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan approved the decision on pardons. He instructed the Commission and law enforcement agencies to ensure the speedy return of those released to their families.
Turkish coffee brought guests together at a reception in Ashgabat
07.12.2025December 5 marks World Turkish Coffee Day, a date associated with its inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. A reception with coffee tasting was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Turkmenistan, according to TerraNews. Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok noted that Turkish coffee has been part of the country's social life for centuries and is associated with respect and friendly communication. Guests were told about the peculiarities of preparing the drink. The coffee is ground into powder and boiled in a ‘cezve’ (coffee pot) over low heat or hot sand, which gives it a thick texture and rich aroma. Traditionally, coffee is served with water, and the remaining grounds are used for fortune telling. It was noted that the drink is rich in antioxidants and, when consumed in moderation, helps to maintain concentration and alertness.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a book dedicated to the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the completion of the book ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Turkmenistan's Neutrality – The Clear Path to Peace and Trust). The publication is dedicated to the results of the year and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. The announcement was made at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices and representatives of Turkmenistan to international organisations. Key areas of foreign policy were discussed at the meeting. The President congratulated the participants of the meeting and the residents of the country on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality. According to the Head of State, the book reveals the role of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the UN General Assembly. It reflects initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and trust, as well as the country's achievements over the current year. The President noted that the book will be a gift to the people.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan presented commemorative medals to mark the 30th anniversary of neutrality
07.12.2025On 6 December, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, a ceremony was held to award anniversary medals ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) to diplomatic service employees. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted that the events marking the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality include a number of international events, including a forum to be held on 12 December in Ashgabat. The Head of the Foreign Ministry stressed that the diplomatic service faces the tasks of strengthening the country's position in the international arena and developing foreign policy dialogue. After that, the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on awarding the medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ was announced. Diplomats were presented with state awards and commemorative medals. The medals were awarded to employees who contributed to strengthening the independence and legal status of neutrality, as well as to enhancing the country's international authority.
The President of Turkmenistan was awarded a commemorative medal for the 30th anniversary of Neutrality
07.12.2025The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted a Resolution on awarding the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the Turkmenistan’s anniversary medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) and a set of commemorative badges. The decision is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, reports AsmanNews. The document notes that the status of permanent Neutrality remains as a key element of the country's foreign policy. It also highlights the contribution of the President of Turkmenistan to strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the state, developing international cooperation, promoting an ‘open door’ policy and the doctrine of ‘Dialogue - a Guarantee of Peace’. The Resolution was signed by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan expand cooperation in higher education
06.12.2025On 3 December in Ashgabat, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan Faryal Leghari discussed the development of cooperation between universities in the two countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties considered issues related to the implementation of existing agreements and the possibility of expanding them. The minister spoke about measures to improve the quality of education and the achievements of the national system, noting the active participation of Pakistani youth in international events held by Turkmen universities. The Ambassador gave a positive assessment of the reforms in Turkmen education and expressed interest in further expanding exchanges. In particular, they discussed scholarships for Turkmen students and mutual visits by educational delegations.
GIZ has provided Turkmenistan with equipment to launch electronic phytosanitary certificates
06.12.2025On 5 December, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) handed over a new batch of equipment to the State Plant Quarantine Service of Turkmenistan under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan. The delivery included a server, laptops, monitors, a printer and other devices, according to the news website Asmannews. The cooperation is aimed at introducing the ‘ePhyto Solution’ system in the country, developed under the auspices of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to transition to electronic phytosanitary certificates and improve data exchange between services in Central Asia and other regions. The project is designed to increase phytosanitary security, speed up paperwork and reduce barriers to trade in agricultural products. The next stage involves the creation of national software, a trial exchange of electronic certificates and training for State Plant Quarantine Service specialists. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between GIZ and the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan on the regional project ‘Trade Facilitation in Central Asia’ (TFCA) for 2024-2026.
Turkmen university rises to the ‘gold category’ of the UI GreenMetric ranking
06.12.2025The Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan entered the ‘gold category’ of the UI GreenMetric world ranking for 2025. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The university improved its position, scoring 7,675 out of 10,000 points and rising to 306th place. Among the 12 Turkmen universities included in the ranking, the university became the leader. In 2025, 1,745 universities from 105 countries participated in UI GreenMetric. The assessment is based on six areas, ranging from infrastructure and energy to sustainable transport and scientific research. The ‘gold category’ is awarded to universities that have scored more than 7,500 points. Oguz Han University has strengthened its position for the fourth year in a row: from 637th place in 2022, it rose to 306th in 2025. This result reflects the growth of environmental indicators and Turkmenistan's efforts to develop sustainable education and comply with international environmental standards.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed new formats for cooperation
06.12.2025On 4 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of cooperation and highlighted issues of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. It was noted that the meeting in September on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly gave a new impetus to joint work. During the conversation, Turkmenistan's proposals to hold an International Forum ‘Central Asia – Space of Peaceful Coexistence’ under the auspices of UNESCO and the Alliance of Civilisations were considered, including the idea of a Global Summit on Culture of Peace, Trust and Mutual Respect. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the preparation of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for the Peace and Trust Forum
06.12.2025On 5 December, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Kaja Kallas congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and noted the role of the country's neutral course in maintaining peace and sustainable development. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation and noted the importance of mechanisms for interaction in the ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ format. The main issues on the bilateral agenda were considered. Preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, were discussed separately.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Sadyr Zhaparov on his birthday
06.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov on his birthday. In his message, he noted the achievements of Kyrgyzstan under the leadership of Sadyr Zhaparov and emphasised his contribution to the development of the statehood, economy and international authority of the country, reports AsmanNews. The Head of Turkmenistan also highlighted the consistent development of bilateral relations and the constructive nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Sadyr Zhaparov good health, prosperity and success in his future work.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of the Republic of Finland
06.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and the Finnish people on the occasion of Independence Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Alexander Stubb good health and prosperity, and the citizens of Finland peace, stability and continued prosperity.
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