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The Turkmenistan national team won the medal standings at the JJIF World Championship
19.05.2026Turkmen athletes won 42 medals at the World Contact Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Antalya, Türkiye. The tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and brought together 245 participants from 16 countries, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Turkmenistan team’s tally included 14 gold, 11 silver, and 17 bronze medals, securing first place in the overall team standings. Vietnam took second place with 14 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Kazakhstan finished third with 10 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals. The JJIF World Championships in jiu-jitsu have been held since 1994 on a biennial basis. The “contact jiu-jitsu” discipline has been included in the competition program since 2017.
Tbilisi TV Tower illuminated in the colors of the Turkmenistan flag
19.05.2026On May 17–18, 2026, the Tbilisi TV Tower was lit in the colors of the national flag of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to Constitution Day and the State Flag Day of the country. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The illumination of one of Tbilisi’s landmarks reflects respect for national holidays, historical traditions, and state values. The initiative also highlights the friendly nature of Turkmen-Georgian relations, as well as the development of cooperation and cultural interaction between the peoples.
Turkmen Weightlifter Wins Silver Medal at Asian Championships in India
19.05.2026Turkmen weightlifter Davranbek Hasanbayev won a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships taking place in Gandhinagar, India. He competed in the men’s 110 kg weight category, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In the combined total, the athlete recorded 392 kg (188 kg in the snatch and 204 kg in the clean and jerk). Hasanbayev also earned a small bronze medal in the snatch event. The gold medal in this category was claimed by China’s Liu Huanhua, who lifted a total of 420 kg (190 kg in the snatch and 230 kg in the clean and jerk). The bronze medal went to Chinese Taipei’s Dong Bincheng with a total of 381 kg (166 kg in the snatch and 215 kg in the clean and jerk). Earlier in the tournament, another Turkmen athlete, Rustem Annaberdyev, won bronze in the men’s 94 kg category with a total of 354 kg (158 kg in the snatch and 196 kg in the clean and jerk). In addition, Bunyad Rashidov secured a small bronze medal in the snatch in the men’s 71 kg category after lifting 147 kg.
Turkmenistan Presented Priorities at the ECO RPC Meeting
19.05.2026The 36th meeting of the Regional Planning Council (RPC) of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held on May 17, 2026, in a hybrid format. The forum will continue until May 20 under the chairmanship of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is participating in the meeting, reaffirming its commitment to regional partnership and sustainable development. The event is being held under the slogan “Revitalizing Regionalism for a Sustainable ECO.” Participants are discussing the implementation of decisions adopted at the 35th RPC meeting, as well as approving the Work Programme and Calendar of Events for 2026. The head of the Turkmen delegation presented the country’s positions on the development of regional cooperation. The main priorities include transport and logistics integration, energy dialogue, expansion of trade and economic ties, and humanitarian cooperation. Special attention was given to the role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as an element of transit corridors connecting Asia and Europe. The Turkmen side supported the development of the East–West and North–South routes, the creation of multimodal infrastructure, and the expansion of logistics capacities. In the environmental section of the agenda, Turkmenistan emphasized the diversification of energy routes, energy security, and the introduction of energy-efficient technologies and “green” development principles. It was also noted that the First ECO Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development was held in Arkadag on April 28–29, 2025. The forum focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, the green economy, digital transformation, and transport connectivity. Turkmenistan supported work on the Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation through 2035 and reaffirmed its readiness to continue participating in ECO activities and implementing joint initiatives.
A delegation of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a visit to Turkey
19.05.2026Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. Talks were held in Ankara with representatives of the Directorate General of Migration Management of the Turkish Ministry of Interior, during which a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation was discussed. The parties noted that the regular format of working contacts contributes to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation and makes it possible to identify new areas for joint activities. The interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of migration and outlined the key priorities for further interaction. Particular attention was paid to the importance of coordination within international organizations as a factor in strengthening the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. Following the talks, the parties expressed confidence in the continued progressive development of bilateral cooperation and wished each other success in their professional activities.
Turkmen company “Tudana” begins exporting strawberries to Dubai
19.05.2026The “Tudana” business society, located in the Ak Bugdaý etrap of the Ahal velayat, has exported fresh strawberries to Dubai (UAE) for the first time. According to a company representative, the enterprise is also considering entering the Russian market, the IIC reports. The strawberries are grown in modern greenhouse complexes covering a total area of 15 hectares. As part of efforts to expand export potential, the company is constructing additional greenhouses on 30 hectares, which are expected to be launched in the coming years. Products under the “Tudana” brand are available in more than 300 retail outlets across Turkmenistan and are already supplied to the markets of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where they enjoy steady demand.
Turkmenistan Showcases National Art at Festival in Korea
19.05.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea took part in the “Central Asia Spring 2026” festival held in Seoul from May 16 to 17 under the auspices of the Korea–Central Asia Cooperation Forum and the Korea Foundation. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen side presented a national pavilion featuring handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional musical instruments. Diplomats from Central Asian countries and representatives of the South Korean government attended the opening ceremony. Turkmen Ambassador Begench Durdyyev highlighted the growing partnership between the countries of the region and the Republic of Korea, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming “Central Asia – Korea” summit scheduled for September 2026. The diplomat also noted that passenger flights on the Ashgabat–Seoul route have been operating since July 2025, while cargo transportation has been carried out since April 2023, contributing to the development of tourism, business, and educational ties. As part of the cultural program, audiences were shown the film “At-Murat” by director Vepa Ishanguliyev, посвященный традиции почитания Akhal-Teke horses — one of the symbols of the Turkmen people.
Charles III Invited to Turkmenistan’s 35th Independence Anniversary Celebrations
19.05.2026National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the United Kingdom, invited King Charles III and members of the royal family to attend events marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The invitation was accepted with gratitude, according to the TDH news agency. The visit took place at the invitation of the British royal family. The Turkmen delegation participated in the Windsor Horse Show. At Windsor Castle, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with King Charles III. The King emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed hope that Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan would take part in international equestrian competitions in the United Kingdom next year. Talks were also held with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. The sides discussed cooperation in the fields of horse breeding and hippotherapy. The year 2026 in Turkmenistan is being held under the slogan: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” Events aimed at promoting the country’s national equestrian heritage are being organized both domestically and abroad.
Turkmenistan expands cooperation with the European Union
18.05.2026Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union is expanding and becoming more practical in nature. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov at an event in Ashgabat dedicated to Europe Day, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, cooperation with the EU is among the priorities of the country’s foreign policy. Relations are based on the principles of mutual respect and trust and are aimed at supporting international peace and sustainable development. Over recent decades, cooperation has become multi-dimensional, covering trade, economy, security, energy, transport, environmental protection, digitalization, education, science, and culture. Ahmet Gurbanov noted the high level of political dialogue. He recalled the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit on April 4, 2025, in Samarkand, as well as meetings with the leadership of the European Council and the European Commission. An intensification of “Team Europe” initiatives was also noted in the areas of digital connectivity, energy, water resources, and the climate agenda.
Turkmenistan and “Habib Rafiq” Discuss Cooperation in Construction and Investment
18.05.2026On May 14, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan with the leadership of the Pakistani company “Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Ltd.”, headed by Chief Operating Officer Aslam Malik. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in construction, investment, and technology implementation, noting the significant potential for collaboration. The Turkmen side presented information on large-scale modernization of transport and engineering infrastructure, including road construction and the development of industrial facilities. Following the talks, the participants expressed readiness to further strengthen business ties and continue dialogue on promising areas of cooperation.
Turkmen weightlifters win two medals at the Asian Championships
18.05.2026Turkmen weightlifter Rustem Annaberdyev won a bronze medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships taking place in Gandhinagar, India, in the men’s 94 kg weight category. This was reported by Turkmenportal. In the combined total, he lifted 354 kg (158 kg in the snatch and 196 kg in the clean and jerk). The winner in this category was Chinese athlete Yi Tu, who recorded a total of 386 kg (175+211). Second place went to Uzbekistan’s Muhammadqodir Toshtemirov with a total of 373 kg (166+207). Earlier at the championships, Turkmen athlete Bunyad Rashidov won a small bronze medal in the snatch in the 71 kg category, lifting 147 kg.
Turkmen athletes excel at international karate tournament
18.05.2026The national team of Turkmenistan won two medals at the international tournament “Karate 1 – Youth League,” held in Manila (Philippines), according to the news website Turkmenportal. The winner of the competition was Rayan Gurbanmyradov, who earned a gold medal in the junior kumite category (16–17 years old) in the under-55 kg weight class. Another medal for the team was brought by Alymuhammet Kakaliyev, who won a bronze medal in cadet kumite (14–15 years old) in the under-57 kg category. A total of 790 athletes from 58 countries took part in the tournament.
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