From 24 June to 11 July, UNICEF conducted training sessions in Ashgabat and all velayats of Turkmenistan aimed at promoting respectful and non-discriminatory terminology in the field of mental health. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The events were part of a regional project to reduce stigma surrounding mental disorders, implemented in Central Asian countries and Belarus. More than 200 healthcare workers took part in the training. The training helped them better understand how language affects perceptions of mental health and patient trust. Participants analysed stigmatising expressions, developed alternative wording, role-played situations and discussed methods for effective communication with patients and communities. Promoting inclusive language is an important step towards creating a more empathetic and accessible mental health care system. UNICEF will continue to support Turkmenistan's efforts in this area, with a particular focus on children, adolescents and vulnerable groups.
A Turkmen delegation is participating in a regional training course entitled ‘Towards Respectful Care: Overcoming Gender Bias in Medical Practice,’ which is being held on 15-16 July in Almaty. The event is organised as part of the EU-supported CADAP 7 programme, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The training aims to improve the skills of healthcare workers and civil society representatives in providing gender-sensitive and trauma-informed care to women who use synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). The delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, relevant universities and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing ways to overcome stigma in medicine, develop an empathetic and professional approach to patients, and improve cross-sectoral cooperation. Particular attention is being paid to the role of men in creating a safe and respectful medical environment. The initiative is being implemented in support of Turkmenistan's national priorities for the development of an inclusive health care system.
Turkmenistan has officially confirmed its participation in the III CIS Games in Azerbaijan, registering 170 athletes. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Thus, the number of participating countries has increased to eight, including Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. A total of about 1,840 athletes and 2,666 delegates will attend the Games. Registration for the first stage is open only to CIS countries, with delegations from other countries joining later. As a result, about 5,500 delegations from 23 countries are expected to attend. The III CIS Games will be held from 28 September to 8 October in seven cities of Azerbaijan: Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Goygol and Khankendi. The event aims to strengthen friendship and unity among the youth of the region and is considered one of the most significant sporting events.
An official event marking Bastille Day was held in Ashgabat, organised by the French Embassy, according to Arzuw.news. French Ambassador to Turkmenistan Philippe Merlin in his speech supported Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust and stressed the importance of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to France on 5 May 2025. The diplomat highlighted promising areas of cooperation, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, urban planning, water management and education. Joint projects are being implemented in partnership with French companies THALES, Airbus, SUEZ, CARPITech and Bouygues. Turkmenistan's Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev congratulated the French on the holiday and noted that French is taught in more than 25 schools and will be included in the programme of the International University for the Humanities and Development starting in the new academic year. The parties signed a roadmap for cooperation for 2025–2026. The cultural part of the event included a fashion show by Turkmen designer Govher Gouvernet, musical performances and a video presentation on French archaeological and scientific missions in Turkmenistan.
A commemorative ceremony and photo exhibition dedicated to the Day of Democracy and National Unity of the Republic of Turkey was held in Ashgabat, at the Cultural Centre of the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The event was timed to coincide with the events of 15 July 2016 in Ankara and Istanbul, when hundreds of Turkish citizens were killed as a result of the escalation of the political situation. In the same year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan established this day in memory of national heroes. The ceremony began with a minute of silence, followed by a documentary film and an exhibition of photographs reflecting the historical confrontation of the Turkish people. Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok noted the importance of these events as a lesson for the international community and expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for its support and solidarity.
On 15 July, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungireha. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed key aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as issues related to preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The parties also emphasised that the establishment of diplomatic relations on 14 July 2025 was an important step towards strengthening mutual trust and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
On 15 July, three trade deals worth a total of 33.18 million manats and 55,200 US dollars were signed on the foreign and domestic markets of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. On the foreign market, entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan bought terry products from Turkmen suppliers. On the domestic market, local entrepreneurs signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for the purchase of polypropylene grade ‘TPP Z 30 G’. In addition, a deal was signed with the Ministry of Textile Industry for the purchase of waste substrate.
A team of four swimmers from Turkmenistan will compete in the World Aquatics Championships, which will be held in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The team includes David Akopiyan, Musa Zhalayev, Anastasia Morginshtern and Aynur Primova. The athletes will compete in butterfly, freestyle and backstroke events. The swimming competitions will take place from 27 July to 3 August. The World Championships are one of the most important events in world swimming after the Olympic Games. The tournament will be held at a new 50-metre arena built to Olympic standards. More than 2,500 athletes from 210 countries, including the world's leading swimmers, will take part in the competition. The prize fund is $6 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the results of foreign policy activities for the first half of 2025, according to the state news agency TDH. According to R. Meredov, Turkmenistan continues to adhere to a policy of neutrality and peaceful interaction, actively developing international ties. In January–June, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan and Mongolia. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, also made a number of foreign visits, including trips to Monaco, France, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tatarstan. Over the past six months, more than 1,800 official events were held in the country, resulting in the signing of 97 international agreements. Turkmenistan also received delegations from international organisations and strengthened inter-ministerial contacts through its diplomatic missions abroad. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan called for continued systematic work to expand cooperation in politics, economics, culture, science and with international structures.
Today in Beijing, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to China P. Durdyev met with Jin Liqun, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the Head of the AIIB confirmed the bank's interest in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan and announced plans to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in August 2025 in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. The bank plans to organise its own exhibition pavilion at the event. The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the implementation of infrastructure projects. The Turkmen delegation presented information on the country's current foreign policy priorities and international initiatives. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan presented the President of the AIIB and the bank's library with a book of selected poems by Magtymguly Pyragy in Chinese, emphasising the importance of the cultural aspect in bilateral relations. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, confirming mutual interest in developing the partnership.
On 14 July 2025, a ceremony was held at Incheon Airport (Republic of Korea) to mark the launch of regular flights between Turkmenistan and South Korea. The event was attended by representatives of the two countries' leadership, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Lee Hak-yong and representatives of the Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ N. Kakabayev. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In their speeches, the participants emphasised that the launch of direct air service reflects the dynamic development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea B. Durdyev presented a programme of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon-cutting and a commemorative photo, symbolising the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries. Direct flights between Ashgabat and Seoul will contribute to strengthening business and tourist ties, as well as the development of cultural exchanges.
A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark France's National Day, Bastille Day, organised by the Embassy of the French Republic in Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of diplomatic circles, ministries, as well as figures from the worlds of culture and science, according to the news website TerraNews. In his speech, French Ambassador Philippe Merlin noted Turkmenistan's support for international law and global initiatives, including the fight against climate change. He highlighted the contribution of French companies to projects in Turkmenistan, ranging from telecommunications to sustainable urban development. Special attention was paid to educational cooperation: French is taught in 25 schools and several universities in the country, and interest in the language is growing. In his response, Turkmenistan's Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian partnership and thanked France for its contribution to the preservation of Turkmen heritage. The festive part of the event included a fashion show by Govher Gouvernet, who combined Eastern motifs and French style in her collection. The evening continued with video presentations on archaeological expeditions and a musical programme featuring Turkmen and French performers. The event highlighted the close cultural ties and the development of Turkmen-French dialogue at all levels, from diplomacy to fashion and education.