From 1 to 2 October, Ashgabat will host the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026), which will bring together foreign investors, international financial organisations and companies interested in entering the Turkmen market. This was reported by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The forum will showcase Turkmenistan’s investment opportunities and consider proposals for attracting foreign direct investment. Participants will also discuss the prospects for implementing joint investment projects, including regional initiatives. Particular attention will be paid to the development of foreign economic relations and the expansion of cooperation between Turkmen and foreign entrepreneurs and investors. Other topics on the forum’s agenda include the promotion of Turkmenistan’s export potential, digitalisation and the development of the digital economy.
Amangeldi Yegenov, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of International Journalism at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, has been awarded the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ prize. This was reported by the press office of the university. Amangeldi Yegenov is interested in documentary film, history and the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. In his work, he uses modern digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create content about the country’s history, prominent figures and national values. His victory in the competition was the result of his creative work and the support of his lecturers and fellow students. The awarding of the prize to Amangeldi Yegenov recognises the contribution of young journalists to the development of creative projects and the application of modern technologies in their professional practice.
Military personnel in Turkmenistan have been awarded military and special ranks, grade ranks and state honours to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The awards and ranks were conferred upon military personnel and staff of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their contribution to strengthening defence capabilities, ensuring security, legality and law and order, as well as for the conscientious performance of their official duties. A separate group of senior officers, military personnel and staff were awarded the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’ for their participation in the preparation and conduct of the ceremonial military parade dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The relevant Decrees were signed by the President of Turkmenistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
On 25 September, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in high-level events as part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At a meeting of the Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), the Turkmen delegation presented the country’s experience in the field of preventive diplomacy and emphasised its link to permanent neutrality, international law and intercultural dialogue. The work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat was highlighted. The importance of the National Concept ‘International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ and the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law was also emphasised. During the UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Vepa Hajiev, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, presented the country’s initiatives in the field of global public health. These include a programme for coronavirus genome research, a multilateral mechanism to combat pneumonia, and the establishment, under the auspices of the WHO, of a methodological centre for the treatment and prevention of acute infectious diseases. The development of epidemiological surveillance, laboratory capacity and the ‘One Health’ approach was also highlighted. During informal meetings of the Councils of Ministers of the Organisation of Turkic States and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation, Turkmenistan outlined the priorities for regional cooperation. These included the development of transport and energy links, the expansion of trade, digitalisation and partnership with the UN. Within the framework of the OTS, the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035 and cultural cooperation were highlighted separately. In the OEC, discussions centred on the creation of joint trade zones, the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme, the development of tourism and culture, and the nomination of Mary for the status of OEC Tourism Capital in 2028.
On 27 September 2026, celebratory events were held in Turkey and Pakistan to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In Ankara, the façade of the building housing the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey was illuminated with festive lighting in the colours of the Turkmenistan national flag. The 140-metre-tall building, one of the tallest structures in the Turkish capital, was adorned with images of the traditional Turkmen ‘göl’, the crescent moon and five stars. The illumination served as a symbol of the friendly and fraternal relations between Turkmenistan and Turkey. In Pakistan, festive events took place from 25 to 27 September on the initiative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. A video dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was shown on the façade screen of The Centaurus Mall, the largest shopping centre, as well as at the Mövenpick Hotel located within the complex. The video introduced residents and visitors to Islamabad to the country’s achievements since independence, its socio-economic development and the main areas of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation. The celebratory presentation also served as a reflection of the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
On 26 September 2026, negotiations were held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with Levan Ioseliani, the Ombudsman of Georgia. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Georgian Ombudsman was briefed on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, trust, equality and mutual benefit. The participants also discussed the work of the national Parliament, the state programmes being implemented and the reforms taking place in the country. A separate part of the discussion was devoted to issues of democratisation of public and state life, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of human rights and freedoms. The parties exchanged views on the work of the Human Rights Commissioner in Turkmenistan – the Ombudsman. His role in developing the national system for the protection of human rights and in drawing on international experience was highlighted. The participants also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Ombudsman’s office and international organisations and foreign partners. In conclusion, it was noted that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy initiatives, aimed at strengthening peace, humanism, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, enjoy the support of the international community.
On 28 September, a festive horse race was held at the capital’s racecourse to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The event was attended by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The festive programme began with a concert featuring artists from five velayats, and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag. An exhibition of decorative and applied arts was also on display. As part of the competition, seven races were held over distances ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 metres for horses aged two years and over. The winners of the races were the racehorses Nazli, Aýýyldyz, Bendesen, Genubek, Maksatly and Gudratlydag. Their owners were presented with commemorative gifts – handmade Turkmen carpets and traditional headscarves – whilst the stage winners each received 100,000 manats from the country’s relevant government departments. In the final race over 2,200 metres, the winner was the horse Bezirgen, owned by the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. He was trained by the groom Maksatmyrat Agamyradov and ridden by the jockey Begenchmyrat Agamyradov. The winner of the final race was presented with the President of Turkmenistan’s Cup and a cash prize from the Head of State amounting to 300,000 manats.
On 26–27 September, the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan in Herat organised events to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In the central districts of Herat, themed videos and photo galleries were broadcast on LED screens in English and Persian. The screenings took place near ‘Cinema’ Square, as well as on the digital billboards of the ‘Zaitoon’ shopping centre on ‘64 Meter’ Avenue. The events were attended by elders and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora living in the provinces of Herat and Badghis. The participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for supporting their compatriots and pursuing a peaceful foreign policy.
In a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasised the importance of the historical, religious and cultural ties between Iran and Turkmenistan for the further development of bilateral relations. This was reported by TDH. Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the common ground shared by the two states forms a solid foundation for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. In his message, the Iranian leader wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and success, and the Turkmen people progress and prosperity.
A representative of Turkmenistan took part in a high-level side event dedicated to issues of demographic sustainability. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the discussion, the Turkmen side emphasised the interconnection between high-quality demographic data, the development of professional skills, productive employment and the expansion of opportunities for young people. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the younger generation and cooperation with UNFPA in promoting human development, gender equality and improving the well-being of young people.
The President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the country’s Independence Day. This was reported by the news agency Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, the Belarusian leader noted Turkmenistan’s steady development based on its own path and the principles of permanent neutrality. He said that the country contributes to improving the well-being of its citizens, as well as to strengthening international security and stability. Alexander Lukashenko expressed his confidence that joint efforts would enable the full realisation of the potential for bilateral cooperation and take it to a new level. In conclusion, Alexander Lukashenko wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and happiness, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has emphasised the importance of further strengthening relations with Turkmenistan. This is stated in his message of congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, reports AsmanNews. Emomali Rahmon noted that the development of the Tajik-Turkmen partnership is one of the priorities of Tajikistan’s foreign policy. He said that cooperation between the two countries and dialogue at various levels are steadily expanding due to the joint efforts of both sides. The Head of Tajikistan expressed his confidence that the bilateral partnership would continue to strengthen. In conclusion, he wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and success, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, prosperity and further development.