At the beginning of winter, Turkmenistan enters a period of some of the most significant and solemn events of the year. During these days, the country is filled with a festive atmosphere, and the people are filled with enthusiasm in anticipation of International Neutrality Day, according to the IIC. Large-scale preparations are underway in Ashgabat and other regions of the country ahead of 12 December. This date, which plays an important role in the socio-political life of the country, is accompanied by high-level international meetings, scientific and practical conferences and exhibitions. According to tradition, on this festive day, the celebration of peace and friendship will be marked by a ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality with the participation of government representatives, foreign diplomats and public figures.
A new-level research centre for the Central Asian region has begun operating at the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan. Its equipment corresponds to the technologies used in the Olympic academies of leading sports countries, according to the online publication Arzuw News. The centre's laboratories are equipped with Italian ‘BOD POD’ and ‘Cosmed’ systems, which allow for detailed analysis of body composition. The ‘SpeedCourt’ system, known from the academies of ‘Bayern Munich’ and ‘Real Madrid’ football clubs, is used to assess speed and coordination. In addition, specialists have access to the ‘Höhenbalance’ installation, which creates high-altitude conditions and allows for specialised training. The centre's infrastructure includes departments for restorative massage and psychological training, which use modern approaches ranging from visual therapy to stress management training. The complex is complemented by physiotherapy rooms designed for the rehabilitation of athletes after injuries.
From 1 to 15 December, the International University for the Humanities and Development is accepting applications for study at higher education institutions in the People's Republic of China. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Citizens of Turkmenistan aged 18 to 25 with a complete secondary education and fluent English can submit their documents. Information about specialities, the number of applicants and the terms of study can be obtained from the admissions committee.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov held a meeting with Executive Director of the Global Gas Centre (GGC) Valérie Ducrot. The negotiations were held on 1 December in Ashgabat and focused on expanding export routes for Turkmen gas, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva. According to the source, the parties also exchanged views on the increasing importance of security of gas supplies to international markets and the development of regional energy cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening long-term partnerships and diversifying export destinations. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to actively cooperate with international energy structures, emphasising its role as a reliable and predictable partner in the regional and global energy space.
On December 3, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with Somalia's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. This was shared by the press service of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in international organisations, primarily in the UN. They noted the coincidence of the positions of Turkmenistan and Somalia on issues of global peace and sustainable development. They also discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality.
From 1 to 15 December, the International University for the Humanities and Development in Ashgabat is accepting applications for admission to Hungarian higher education institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Citizens of Turkmenistan with a complete secondary education, as well as those who will graduate from school in the 2025-2026 academic year and will reach the age of 18 by 31 August 2026, are eligible to apply. A list of specialities, information on the number of applicants and conditions of study can be obtained from the admissions committee. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis based on the results of certification tests.
The Turkmenistan pavilion at the International Tourism Fair ‘Tourism on the Silk Road’, which took place on 27-29 November in Tashkent, attracted a large number of visitors. Guests learned about the history, culture and nature of the country, took a keen interest in tourist routes and expressed their desire to include Turkmenistan in future trips, according to Orient. Turkmen travel companies held a series of meetings with foreign partners. As a result of the negotiations, preliminary agreements were reached on cooperation and the participation of foreign companies in exhibitions in Turkmenistan. The country also presented its opportunities at a business session, where inbound tourism and the prospects for the exhibition industry were discussed. A cultural programme was held at the venue. Among the most discussed moments were performances by creative groups and a dancing robot, which became the main entertainment of the event. In addition, there were competitions between chefs from different countries. Turkmenistan's participation in the fair provided an opportunity to increase international interest in the tourism sector and expand partnerships.
On 1 December, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the UAE, presented his credentials to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The first part of the ceremony, with an honor guard and national anthems, was held on 27 November, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the UAE leadership. The President of the UAE congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and expressed his readiness to further strengthen bilateral ties. The parties discussed the participation of the Emirati delegation in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. B. Bayramov also extended an invitation to the President of the UAE to visit Turkmenistan. Concluding the meeting, the Ambassador thanked for the support of cooperation and confirmed his readiness to promote the development of partnership between the two countries.
From 12 November to 3 December, a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the 37th Inter-Parliamentary Internship Programme organised by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and held in New Delhi. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The programme was aimed at studying the basics of parliamentary activity, exchanging experience and improving the professional skills of participants. The interns were presented with detailed information about the structure and work of the Indian Parliament — its committees, apparatus, as well as the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha chambers. Particular attention was paid to the legislative process, the role of parliament in the country's political system, the interaction of deputies with the media, and the educational work of the Institute of Parliamentary Studies. The participants gave presentations on their parliaments and countries. Representatives of Turkmenistan spoke about the priorities of Turkmenistan's peaceful policy, the composition of the Mejlis, and the ongoing reforms of the legal framework, including the development of parliamentary diplomacy. Excursions to historical and cultural sites in India, which were held as part of the programme, will allow participants to consolidate their knowledge in practice.
Turkmen FIFA referee Resul Mamedov is participating in the second module of an international seminar on the VAR system, which is being held from 1 to 5 December in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan. The event, which brings together FIFA referees from AFC countries, allows participants to hone their skills in analysing game situations and making the right decisions with the help of VAR. The seminar is being held at the renovated training centre of the Uzbekistan Football Association, located near Tashkent. The first module of the seminar was earlier held in the Uzbek capital. Upon completion of the course, R. Mamedov will be eligible to join the team of referees for AFC Champions League matches.
Construction has begun in Ashgabat on a modern ‘Toyota’ dealership centre, which is being built in accordance with international requirements and the brand’s corporate standards. The project is being implemented by the company ‘Beýik Ýüpek Ýoly’ in conjunction with ‘Toyota Central Asia’ with the support of Japanese investment, according to the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. The 2.79-hectare complex on G. Kuliyev Street will become a 3S centre, combining car sales, service and a warehouse for original spare parts. The two-storey building will house a showroom and a full-cycle service centre. The car dealership will implement a ‘New Retail Concept’ with the main element being a ‘Customer Hub,’ where visitors can get advice, study models, and use digital services. The service area will provide all types of work, from technical inspection and diagnostics to engine repair, bodywork, electronic system calibration and software updates. Simultaneous servicing of eight cars will increase speed and convenience for customers. The complex will include a body shop, a detailing area and a modern car wash. A test drive area will also be set up. The centre will offer the latest ‘Toyota’ models, including hybrids, and provide warranty and post-warranty service. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2027.
Professor Arianeb Mehrabi from Heidelberg University Hospital in the Federal Republic of Germany is visiting Turkmenistan, where he is sharing his experience with local specialists. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During his visit to the multidisciplinary hospital in Arkadag, the professor examined patients who had undergone kidney transplants and noted the high level of technical equipment at the medical facility. According to the professor, the medical infrastructure of Arkadag is based on modern technologies, and the quality of care provided meets advanced international standards.