On Russian Language Day, which marks the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to UNESCO joined in the celebrations at the Organisation's headquarters in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. In his speech, Maksat Chariyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, noted Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of multilingualism and cultural diversity. He emphasised the significant role of the Russian language as a means of interethnic communication and an important element of cultural dialogue in Turkmenistan. The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives from Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. The cultural programme included poetry readings of works by A.S. Griboyedov performed by students of the Russian-language school of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, as well as a concert by the famous jazz ensemble conducted by Igor Butman. This event was further evidence of the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation within international organisations.
On 27 and 28 June this year, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre will host a concert of symphonic music dedicated to outstanding works of Italian and world cinema. This was reported by IIC. The State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, conducted by the country's distinguished artist Rasul Klychev, will perform famous compositions by Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota from such cult films as ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, ‘The Professional’, ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The concert promises to be a significant cultural event in Turkmenistan, allowing art lovers to enjoy the immortal melodies that make up the golden fund of world music.
The past week in Turkmenistan, marked by the celebration of the sacred Kurban Bayram, was filled with bright events. They reflected the key policy directions of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov - strengthening international partnership, developing the economy, and enriching the spiritual life of the nation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the source, on 2 June, talks were held in Ulaanbaatar between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed, including transport links, trade, energy, parliamentary relations and the humanitarian sphere. As a result of the talks, 14 agreements were signed, including a sister city agreement between Ashgabat and Ulaanbaatar. During the visit, a meeting was held with the Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament and a business forum aimed at developing economic ties. On 3 June, Turkmenistan celebrated World Bicycle Day. Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in a large-scale bike ride in Ashgabat, emphasising the importance of environmental initiatives and infrastructure modernisation. On 4 June, a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers was held in digital format. The results of the past five months were discussed. GDP grew by 6.3%, and construction of facilities continues. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of implementing the Socio-Economic Development Programme and congratulated silk producers on the successful delivery of cocoons. The grain harvest also began in the Ahal, Lebap and Mary velayats. On 5 June, a meeting of the State Security Council was held to discuss issues of strengthening defence and security. On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan had a telephone conversation with the President of Iran, during which the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen their partnership. The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ International Folklore Festival and a forum dedicated to dance traditions. At the same time, an international scientific conference on the environmental aspects of introducing innovative technologies in Turkmenistan's fuel and energy complex was held, as well as a conference dedicated to environmental protection.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in Baku Energy Week, which was held from 2 to 4 June. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the source, the week included the 30th Anniversary International ‘Caspian Oil and Gas’ Exhibition, which was attended by 267 energy companies from 39 countries. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev opened the Week, noting the importance of the forum, where issues ranging from traditional and renewable energy sources to energy diplomacy, strategic cooperation and international negotiations are discussed. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey read out a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which emphasised the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the export of Turkmen gas through Azerbaijan and Turkey, and that this project will make a significant contribution to expanding the geography of energy supplies and improving the well-being of the countries in the region. The participants discussed energy security issues, the development of green energy, the potential of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea, cross-border projects and the digitalisation of the industry.
On 5 June, an interactive youth session dedicated to World Environment Day was held at the UN Office in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal. The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and focused on the interlinkages between the climate agenda, gender equality and youth leadership. Students from the International University for the Humanities and Development took part in the session. Participants learned about Turkmenistan's achievements in the field of green urban development. In particular, the results of two projects implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) were presented. In parallel, a photo exhibition organised by UNDP was opened in the UN building, dedicated to 30 years of partnership with Turkmenistan in the areas of climate resilience, energy efficiency and environmental protection. The exhibition presented visual stories reflecting the contribution of joint projects to the promotion of sustainable development goals and the fulfilment of the country's international climate commitments, according to a UNDP press release.
On 8 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the ‘Turkmenistan-USA’ Business Council. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and American companies. Among the priority areas were trade, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, high technology, as well as cybersecurity, green technology and education. Special attention was paid to the role of the Business Council in developing bilateral ties. Meredov confirmed Turkmenistan's interest in expanding economic partnership with the United States and noted the contribution of American companies to the country's economy. The interlocutors expressed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation.
The Consulate of Turkmenistan in the Federal Republic of Germany (Frankfurt am Main) hosted a cultural event dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the online resource TerraNews. The meeting brought together diplomats, business representatives, the Turkmen diaspora and students. In his speech, the Consul of Turkmenistan in Germany, Murat Ozbekbayev, noted the importance of neutrality as a key principle of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, contributing to the strengthening of international ties and good-neighbourly relations. Special attention was paid to the country's cultural heritage. Guests were presented with an exhibition of books by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The presentation of the literary works ‘Magtymguly – the Sage of the World’ and ‘Hakyda göwheri’ highlighted the significance of the great poet's philosophical heritage and his contribution to world culture. The event concluded with a tasting of Turkmen national dishes. The demonstration of their preparation aroused particular interest among the participants, allowing them to become more familiar with the traditions of Turkmen cuisine and the atmosphere of hospitality.
Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov got some congratulatory letters for Eid al-Adha from the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev and the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, and Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Co-Chair of the Interreligious Council of the CIS. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the OTS Secretary General congratulated the Head of State on Eid al-Adha, wishing him well-being and success. He noted that this day symbolises the generosity of the Islamic religion and contributes to strengthening the unity of the Turkic peoples. K. Omuraliev expressed confidence that the holiday will strengthen solidarity and cooperation between the Turkic states. In turn, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and the people of the country on Eid al-Adha, wishing them health, success and prosperity. He noted the importance of cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, expressing confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation and prosperity of both peoples.
At the invitation of the Communist Party of China, representatives of the Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Agrarian Party of Turkmenistan took part in the international forum ‘Building a Community with a Shared Future with Neighboring Countries: Political Parties in Action.’ The event served as a platform for exchanging experiences and developing regional cooperation, according to the news website TerraNews. Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with neighbouring countries, comparing it to ‘building a common home.’ More than 200 delegates, including politicians, diplomats and experts, discussed strategic trust and political dialogue. The Turkmen side recalled that the forum is being held in the International Year of Peace and Trust, initiated by Turkmenistan. Participants noted the contribution of Turkmen parties to strengthening peace and developing good neighbourliness through legislative activities. In addition, the Turkmen delegation visited a number of Chinese enterprises and universities, expressing interest in the PRC's experience in rural development.
The International Dance and Folklore Festival ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ has begun in Turkmenistan's Avaza National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the internet portal MIR24. Representatives from Iran, India, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the event. Together with Turkmen groups, 56 artists celebrated the opening of the festival with a spectacular concert held at the water park. Well-known dance and folk groups from Turkmenistan, as well as popular performers of folk songs and dances, demonstrated their skills, presenting the richness of Turkmen culture to the audience. The festival programme includes creative meetings, master classes in choreography, and performances by ethnographic and folk ensembles. A rich cultural programme with excursions and boat trips has been prepared for foreign participants.
A new alley of saxaul, kandym and tamarisk trees has been planted in northern Turkmenistan. The environmental campaign was timed to coincide with World Environment Day. This was reported by the information and analytical internet portal ‘MIR 24’. Residents of the Dashoguz velayat took part in the event. The work was carried out in the Botendag hills, where a large-scale project to create a ‘green shield’ has been underway for more than ten years. Previously, this was a desert area, which is gradually being greened with drought-resistant plant species. They help protect against the spread of sand, dust and salts rising from the dry bed of the Aral Sea. Soyun Hallyev, a resident of Dashoguz velayat, noted that the velayat's forestry department is actively involved in the implementation of the national greening programme. Specialists are planting trees in Botendag and caring for them. The creation of a forest area in this region is of great importance for improving the ecological situation and purifying the air from harmful salts. Special channels have been laid to supply fresh water for watering the trees. The total area of the greening project is more than 20,000 hectares.
On 7 June, the ‘Fili’ Children's Park in Moscow hosted the ‘All-Russian Festival of National Cultures’, which attracted thousands of spectators. The event, organised with the support of the Moscow Department of Culture, brought together folk-art exhibitions, master classes and a concert programme featuring more than 70 groups from across the country. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the highlights was the performance by Darya Guseynova, representative of the ‘Zvuki Dutara’ Foundation. She performed the Turkmen song Bibijan, known in Russia since the 19th century and used by Tchaikovsky in his ballet ‘The Nutcracker’. The artist received a first-degree diploma for her contribution to the preservation of national culture. The festival highlighted Moscow's cultural diversity and became a platform for dialogue between peoples, receiving a positive response from guests of all ages.