News
“TurkmenTextile Expo 2026”: focus on exports, logistics and sustainable standards
18.05.2026On June 5, the second day of the international exhibition “TurkmenTextile Expo 2026” in Ashgabat, the business program will focus on key issues in the development of textile exports — logistics, certification, and sustainable production. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The morning training session will be dedicated to the “Better Cotton” standard: participants will learn about requirements for producers, the system for raw material traceability, and preparation for international audits required to access global markets. In the afternoon, a workshop on export logistics for Central Asian countries will take place. Experts will examine practical cases of supply chain optimization, multimodal routes, and cost reduction across production-to-end-customer chains. The program will conclude with a seminar featuring international specialists on the “GOTS” and “OEKO-TEX” standards. The discussion will focus on environmental certification, digital solutions for the industry, and the implementation of ESG approaches in textile production. The organizers emphasize that all sessions are practice-oriented and aimed at helping companies enter foreign markets, improve supply chain transparency, and implement sustainable practices without reducing business efficiency.
In Islamabad, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy was discussed with IYDS students
18.05.2026On May 13, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with students of the International School of Young Diplomats (IYDS) at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies of Pakistan, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, the Turkmenistan IIC reports. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of its foreign policy, based on neutrality, peace-oriented principles, and international cooperation, as well as initiatives in the areas of regional stability, transport, energy, and humanitarian ties. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, introduced participants to the country’s history, culture, geography, and geopolitical significance, emphasizing the friendly nature of relations with Pakistan. Participants discussed issues of neutrality, investment, and the development of cooperation, receiving detailed responses. At the end of the meeting, certificates were presented to the students. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Turkmenistan’s foreign policy priorities.
Europe Day in Ashgabat: EU and Turkmenistan highlight strengthening of partnership
18.05.2026In Ashgabat, at the cultural and entertainment center “Gala,” a formal reception was held on the occasion of Europe Day 2026, confirming the steady development of the partnership between the European Union and Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event, led by EU Ambassador Beata Peksa, brought together representatives of Turkmen government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, business circles, and the media. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov. The choice of venue at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains was described as symbolic, emphasizing the long-term nature of bilateral relations. A key highlight of the evening was a light projection of the European Union flag onto the Kopetdag Mountains, accompanied by the EU anthem. In her speech, Beata Peksa emphasized the importance of the principle of “unity in diversity” as a foundation for expanding dialogue between the EU and Ashgabat in the interests of regional stability and development.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan visited the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship in Minsk
18.05.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belarus, Nazar Gulyyev Shagulyyev, visited the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship in Minsk, where he met with the university’s rector, Professor Aleksandr Tsyganov, and international students. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed the development of Belarusian–Turkmen cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan addressed students from Belarus, Russia, and China with a presentation dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the motto of 2026. The diplomat paid special attention to the symbolism of the Akhal-Teke horse as a representation of progress and continuity between generations. Participants of the meeting were also shown a video about Turkmenistan’s achievements and the traditions of Akhal-Teke horse breeding, which is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. During the discussion, students asked questions about the development of Turkmenistan, the art of Turkmen carpet weaving, and the specifics of Akhal-Teke horse breeding.
Issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan were discussed
18.05.2026Chairman of the State Committee for Construction under the President of Turkmenistan, Derýageldi Orazov, met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 17. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Derýageldi Orazov conveyed greetings to Ilham Aliyev from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the holding of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. The sides discussed the construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli, being implemented on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the project and noted that the work is ongoing. They also addressed the reconstruction of the Karabakh region, where a large-scale reconstruction and development program is underway. Following the meeting, Orazov stated plans to visit Karabakh again and personally observe the progress of the works on site.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold meetings with CIS delegations
18.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from CIS countries during the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth. The event will take place on May 22 in Ashgabat. This was reported by TDH. The program includes negotiations between the delegations of participating countries and meetings within specialized CIS structures. A number of documents are expected to be signed following the event. Preparations for the summit are being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the CIS Executive Committee. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the progress of preparations during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. Turkmenistan is chairing the CIS this year. Since the beginning of the year, meetings of specialized councils and commissions have been taking place. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the development of cooperation with Commonwealth countries in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. He instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for the upcoming summit.
A Group of Pilgrims from Turkmenistan Departed for Saudi Arabia
18.05.2026289 pilgrims from Turkmenistan have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The organization of the trip was approved by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in early May. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. Before departure, the pilgrims visited the Hazreti Omar Mosque in Ashgabat. Residents from all regions of the country and the capital joined the pilgrimage. Special flights are being operated by the state airline Türkmenhowaýollary at its own expense. During the days of Kurban Bayram, the pilgrims will join Muslims from around the world. They will perform Hajj rituals in Mecca and Medina, including worship at the Kaaba. Turkmenistan annually organizes trips for its citizens to the holy sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People paid a visit to the United Kingdom
18.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the royal family. This was reported by TDH. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, Hero-Arkadag proceeded to Windsor Castle, where he was welcomed by representatives of the organizing committee of the Royal Horse Show. During the visit, a meeting was held with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The sides exchanged greetings and emphasized the high level of bilateral cooperation. The King noted the significant contribution of Hero-Arkadag to the development of international cooperation and warmly recalled previous contacts, including their meeting in 2015. During the conversation, the importance of high-level dialogue in strengthening Turkmen-British relations was reaffirmed. Hero-Arkadag conveyed greetings to Charles III from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the British monarch sent his warm wishes to the head of state, noting the importance of his visit to the United Kingdom in 2023. Special attention was given to the development of equestrian sports and the promotion of Akhal-Teke horses. Charles III expressed interest in the participation of Turkmen horses in international competitions held in the United Kingdom. During the visit, Hero-Arkadag also met with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife. The parties discussed issues related to the development of cooperation, including in horse breeding and humanitarian initiatives. The British side showed particular interest in the practice of hippotherapy using Akhal-Teke horses. Hero-Arkadag highly praised the organization of international equestrian events attended by representatives of dozens of countries, including Turkmenistan. As part of the cultural program of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited an exhibition dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses, where national values and folk art items were presented. A meeting was also held with a representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which greetings from President Ilham Aliyev were conveyed. At the conclusion of the talks, Hero-Arkadag invited representatives of the British royal family to take part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and events dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. At the end of the visit, Hero-Arkadag attended equestrian performances and reviewed the program of the international event. Following the visit, it was emphasized that the talks and meetings held opened new prospects for the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in various fields.
Turkmen students participated in a competition on the works of Ferdowsi
17.05.2026A literary meeting and a “Shahnameh” reading competition were held at the Makhtumkuli State University of Turkmenistan. The events were dedicated to the Day of Protection of the Persian Language and the memory of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi, which is observed on May 15. This was reported by IIC. The Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan acted as the organizer. The jury included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi, lecturer Yadollah Mohammadi, and representatives of the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts. Before the start, participants were introduced to an exhibition featuring books about Ferdowsi and the Persian language, handicrafts, and thematic materials. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the rector of Makhtumkuli State University Orazgeldi Ovezsakhedov, Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, and cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi. They highlighted the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Iran and shared literary traditions. The competition was held in three stages. Participants recited passages from the “Shahnameh” by heart, then explained their content in Persian, and answered questions about the life and work of Ferdowsi. The winner was Turkmen State University student Irada Guseynova. Second place went to Selbi Orazova from the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Döwletmämmet Azadi, and third place was awarded to Turkmen State University student Myakhri Gurbanova. Winners received diplomas, gifts, and cash prizes. The cultural program included performances by creative groups and students. Musical and dance performances were presented in both Turkmen and Persian languages.
Turkmenistan develops “green” skills in vocational education system
17.05.2026A technical seminar dedicated to the development of “green” skills in Turkmenistan’s vocational education system was held in Ashgabat at the Ýyldyz Hotel. The event was organized by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank within the framework of the CAREC program, the IIC of Turkmenistan reports. Participants discussed the introduction of environmental competencies and the principles of a just transition into educational programs, as well as the adaptation of curricula to labor market needs and the training of specialists for sustainable sectors of the economy. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev emphasized the growing importance of environmental education in the context of global climate challenges. Issues of interaction between the education system and the labor market, as well as the improvement of educational standards taking into account international environmental initiatives, were also considered.
Students of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university participated in a PETRONAS training
17.05.2026From May 11 to May 14, a professor from the PETRONAS University of Technology conducted an online training session for students and young lecturers of the geology faculty at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Participants of the “Black Gold” session were introduced to modern technologies and methods of oil and gas extraction, and also gained practical knowledge about the latest industry innovations. Upon completion of the training, they will be awarded PETRONAS certificates. Cooperation between the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan), and PETRONAS University of Technology has been successfully developing for several years, covering educational and scientific projects. Online courses, training sessions, and summer internships for students and lecturers are regularly organized. Within the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding, the parties plan further joint programs, including courses on oil and gas topics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and processing using modern technologies.
Turkmenistan will participate in Green EXPO-2027 in Yokohama
17.05.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the International Garden Exhibition Green EXPO-2027, which will be held in Yokohama from March 19 to September 26, 2027. The relevant proposals were approved at a Cabinet of Ministers meeting, according to TDH. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev delivered a report, stating that the exhibition will be held under the motto “Landscape of the Future for Happiness.” Around 80 countries are expected to participate. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation. The proposal to take part in the exhibition was approved, and the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to carry out preparatory work.
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