On 4 April, a concert featuring masters of culture and the arts from Turkmenistan took place in the French town of Gretz-Armainvilliers, organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. The event was held to mark the theme for 2026, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The evening brought together representatives of local authorities, the diplomatic corps, the cultural community and residents of the region. Maksat Charyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to France, highlighted the importance of cultural dialogue in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between nations. As part of the programme, guests were introduced to the musical and vocal arts of Turkmenistan, an exhibition of national cultural heritage, and samples of traditional cuisine. Particular attention was paid to the Ahal-Teke horse — the country’s national symbol. The concert marked another step in the development of cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and France.
The renovation of the 500-capacity “Şehitler” Mosque in Ashgabat is proceeding according to plan. As part of the modernisation, the prayer hall has been expanded, reports the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Rejep Bazarov, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Having listened to a report on the progress of the reconstruction, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure high-quality construction work and the use of high-quality finishing materials. In addition, the National Leader of the Turkmen people was briefed on the construction and artistic design of a mosque in the city of Fizuli in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is being carried out by Turkmen specialists. It was noted that this project is regarded as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.
In the Ak Bugday etrap, the private confectionery manufacturer ‘Ak gar’ is expanding its production. This was reported by AsmanNews. The company has been in operation since 2011. It produces oriental sweets, toffee and chewy sweets. Daily output exceeds 10–12 tonnes. Dozens of specialists are employed at the production facility. The production lines are equipped with automated machinery that meets international standards. The range includes ‘Akbon fruity’ toffee, ‘Hasyl’ sweets, ‘Eclairs’, ‘Taffy’ and ‘Taffytof’ chewy sweets, as well as children’s sweets ‘Koko dino egg’ and ‘Koko surprise egg’. In addition, the company produces ‘Ak gar’ icing sugar, cocoa, vanilla sugar, baking powder and citric acid. The quality of the products is confirmed by ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certificates. Deliveries are made to all regions of the country. Some of the products are exported to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and the Dominican Republic.
Tahir Atayev’s Orchestra will perform in Ashgabat with the DIGITAL SYMPHONY concert. The event will take place on 30 April at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The programme features soundtracks from popular video games, including The Witcher 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Assassin’s Creed and Super Mario. The organisers have announced that the concert will feature neon lighting and visual effects.
The renowned singer Emin Agalarov met in Baku with representatives of the Turkmen National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’, who had arrived in Azerbaijan on a visit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The artist spoke with the riders, inspected the Ahal-Teke horses and familiarised himself with elements of the group's famous show. E. Agalarov noted the skill of the horsemen and the grace of the Ahal-Teke horses, and emphasised the importance of preserving national cultural traditions. Earlier, in March, the artists of ‘Galkynysh’, together with groups from the State Circus of Turkmenistan and the Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, presented a large-scale programme featuring horseback acrobatics, acrobatic and circus acts at the ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ complex in Baku.
Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on the activities of the construction and industrial sectors for January–March 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The sector’s production and work completion plan for the specified period was fulfilled at 128.2%. This figure stood at 105.6% for the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, 128.5% for the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, and 104.7% for the Ministry of Energy. The work plan was fulfilled at 111.4% by the Ministry of Roads, 152.7% by the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, and 116.4% by the Ashgabat City Administration. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to increase production volumes in the construction and industrial sector, to strengthen and upgrade the material and technical base of the energy sector, and to modernise the country’s roads.
In Ashgabat, the results of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector for the first quarter of 2026 were reviewed, and priorities for the industry’s further development were outlined. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-gaz’. On 4 April, a reporting meeting was held at the Central Building of the Oil and Gas Complex, at which the fulfilment of the tasks set by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was discussed, as well as the implementation of major energy projects. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov noted that the modernisation of the industry’s production base and the introduction of modern technologies are continuing. One of the key decisions was to authorise the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ to conclude a contract with the Chinese company ‘CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd.’ for the construction of facilities for the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field. The project involves the creation of facilities to process 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year and the drilling of production wells. During the meeting, heads of relevant departments reported on oil and gas production, growth in export figures, the drilling of exploration wells and work to expand the resource base. Particular attention was paid to the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field, the construction of the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ section of the TAPI gas pipeline, and cooperation with foreign partners. Following the meeting, participants were instructed to strengthen oversight of investment projects, actively introduce innovations, and ensure preparations for an international conference marking the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector.
The closing ceremony of International Francophonie Month was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event marked the conclusion of a series of cultural and educational activities involving diplomats, lecturers, university students and schoolchildren from across the country. This was reported by IIC. The competition has been held annually in Turkmenistan for 18 years. Students from various universities who had passed the qualifying rounds took part in the final. They demonstrated their proficiency in the French language. Following the event, the winners were presented with their awards. The country’s role in the development of international cultural and educational cooperation was highlighted.
A sports festival marking World Health Day was held at the Olympic Village in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport as part of the 2026–2027 work plan. This was reported by IIC. The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people, expand opportunities for girls in sport, and involve men in advancing gender equality. The programme comprised four sessions at different venues. Some participants attended educational sessions on equality, whilst others took part in masterclasses on self-defence and gymnastics. Girls learnt kickboxing and taekwondo, whilst boys practised stretching and gymnastics. This approach helped to reinforce the principles of mutual respect through sport and to demonstrate that physical activity is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. The event highlighted the importance of equal access to sporting and educational opportunities for young people.
In Turkmenistan, between January and March 2026, athletes won 123 medals at international competitions. This was announced by B. Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, at a government meeting. This was reported by TDH. According to him, measures to develop physical culture, sport and international cooperation in this field were implemented during the reporting period. Summing up, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further work in the fields of science, education, healthcare and sport. The Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people on an ongoing basis. The Head of State also noted that World Health Day will be celebrated in the country on 7 April. He congratulated the meeting participants and citizens on this occasion. World Health Day was established to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948 and is observed annually on 7 April. The organisation comprises 194 member states, including Turkmenistan. The holiday aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding harmful habits and regular physical activity.
A futsal tournament for ethnic Turkmen was held in Herat. The competition was organised to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to IIC. The matches were held at the ‘Modern’ cultural and sports complex. The event was organised by the Consulate General of Turkmenistan. Eight teams from the Turkmen diaspora in the western region of Afghanistan took part in the tournament. More than a hundred spectators were present in the stands. Among the guests were representatives of relevant departments and the Herat Futsal Federation. The winners were awarded medals and trophies. Participants were presented with commemorative gifts. The event concluded with a joint sadaqah.
On 4 April, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag, where he inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of development. This was reported by IIC. The inspection began at the headquarters of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. There, plans for the modernisation of children’s facilities were presented. Plans are in place to create an observatory and install a telescope at the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. The ‘Jahan’ Creative Centre will be expanded and transformed into a creative and sports centre featuring fitness rooms, Pilates and yoga studios, language labs and marketing studios. It was also reported that doctors from China are planning a visit to exchange expertise. At the State Medical University, following the recommendation of Hero Arkadag, a department of alternative medicine will be established. Particular attention was paid to the construction of the city’s main mosque, designed to accommodate 30,000 people. Issues regarding the design and selection of interior elements were discussed, taking into account the city’s architectural character. In addition, the construction of the city administration building was inspected. It will be equipped with digital systems and a press centre for media operations.