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Turkmenistan is represented at the first Chess Olympiad of Turkic countries
17.05.2026The national team of Turkmenistan is taking part in the first Chess Olympiad of Turkic countries, which is being held on May 13–18 in Astana. The team includes 14 of the country’s leading chess players, according to the IIC. Teams from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are participating in the tournament; Kazakhstan has also fielded a second team. In total, seven teams are competing in the open, women’s, and youth (under 16) categories. After two rounds, the women’s team of Turkmenistan is leading in its group. The leadership of the country’s Chess Federation notes the active development of the youth and junior direction: the number of Turkmen players with a FIDE rating has increased from fewer than 100 in 2022 to around 500 today. Plans include creating stronger internal competition within the national team and expanding the roster. As part of the Olympiad, representatives of Turkmenistan are also participating in discussions on the strategic development of the Turkic Chess Association, established in 2025 to expand international cooperation and tournament practice among participating countries.
“Gap İnşaat” and “Rönesans Holding” confirm participation in the “White City Ashgabat” forum
17.05.2026International construction companies “Gap İnşaat” and “Rönesans Holding” have become silver sponsors of the XXV International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026”, which will take place on May 24–25 in Ashgabat under the motto “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development”, reports the news website Turkmenportal. The forum will bring together representatives of government bodies, business, investors, and experts in the field of architecture and urban development. Participation of more than 500 delegates from over 100 companies and 50 countries has already been confirmed. “Gap İnşaat”, operating since 1996, is implementing a number of major infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan, including the Garabogazkarbamid plant, the Turkmenbashi seaport, as well as medical centers and transport and industrial infrastructure facilities in Ashgabat and other regions of the country. “Rönesans Holding”, founded in 1993 in Ankara and present in more than 30 countries, has been operating in Turkmenistan through its subsidiary for over 16 years. The holding has participated in the construction of educational, hotel, and administrative facilities in Ashgabat and plans further expansion of its activities in the energy, petrochemical, and gas processing sectors.
Preparations Underway in Ashgabat for CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting
17.05.2026Turkmenistan, during its chairmanship in the CIS, is preparing a large-scale program of integration events in Ashgabat, the centerpiece of which will be the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on May 22 at the “Karakum” Hotel. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the preparations during a government meeting, the state news agency TDH reported. The summit agenda includes 12 issues, among them discussions on economic cooperation, a review of the geodesy and cartography program through 2026, as well as initiatives in digitalization, the mining and metallurgical sector, and transport. The approval of the CIS Youth Capitals for 2027–2028 is also planned separately. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of CIS delegations, following which a number of joint documents are expected to be signed. The summit will be preceded by expert-level events: on May 21, a meeting of CIS plenipotentiary representatives and a session of financial intelligence units will take place, while on May 22–23, the plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) will be held. After hearing the report, the head of state emphasized the importance of trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation within the CIS and instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for all events.
At Istanbul Bilgi University, the traditions and values of Turkmenistan were presented
17.05.2026On May 14, the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul held a cultural event at Istanbul Bilgi University dedicated to the year’s motto: “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, faculty members and students, as well as guests interested in the country’s culture. The main focus was placed on strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and promoting the historical heritage of Turkmenistan. As part of the program, presentations were delivered on the national traditions, customs, and spiritual values of the Turkmen people. The organizers emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the development of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.
Turkmenistan Represented at the CIS International Legal Forum in Minsk
17.05.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Nazarguly Shagulyev, took part in the Second CIS International Legal Forum held in Minsk at the headquarters of the CIS Executive Committee. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the CIS Executive Committee under the motto “International Legal Dialogue in the CIS: Traditions of Cooperation and Responses to the Challenges of the Time.” Around 70 representatives from CIS member states, international organizations, and the academic community are participating in the forum. During the plenary session and thematic panels, participants are discussing the development of international law, issues of regional integration, and the improvement of dispute settlement mechanisms. The forum also highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution, based on its status of permanent neutrality, to strengthening legal culture and developing preventive diplomacy within the CIS area.
Japan discusses STEM education development with participation of Turkmenistan
17.05.2026A delegation of Turkmenistan led by N. Shykhlyyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, held a meeting in Japan on May 14 with Yano Kazuhiko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of educational cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Turkmen students in the MEXT program, the possibility of allocating a separate quota for Turkmenistan, as well as the development of STEM fields, engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental education. The sides also reviewed issues related to the establishment of Japanese language centers at universities in Ashgabat, the provision of educational and digital materials for these centers, and advanced training for teachers. Separate discussions focused on the introduction of the Japanese technical education model (KOSEN) and joint research in the fields of smart technologies, robotics, and green energy. On May 15, the delegation held a meeting with the management of “SPRIX Inc.” The parties discussed projects in digital education, the introduction of the TOFAS test, the development of exchange programs, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Participants of the Great Silk Road Tourist Rally Arrive in Turkmenistan
17.05.2026Turkmenistan welcomed the participants of the fifth tourist car rally “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon.” A total of 16 participants in nine vehicles arrived in the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Traveling through Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi, the motorcade received a warm welcome from local residents. Turkmenistan became one of the intermediate stops on the route to the final destination — Mongolia. The “Silk Road Danube–Orkhon” rally is organized by the East–West Friendship Rally Association together with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY). The project aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote the historical heritage and traditions of the peoples living along the Great Silk Road. The total route length is approximately 9,000–11,000 kilometers. The rally starts on the banks of the Danube, after which participants travel across countries in Europe and Asia, finishing at the Orkhon monuments in Mongolia.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrives in the United Kingdom on a visit.
17.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has departed on a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the family of Charles III. This was reported by the TDH news agency. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Hero-Arkadag was seen off by the leaders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Apparatus of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. After taking off from Ashgabat, the aircraft of the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived in the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom were established in January 1992. In December 1995, the United Kingdom also supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Romania agree to develop consular cooperation
16.05.2026Consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Romania were held at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the level of heads of consular services. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Döwletmurat Muratov. The Romanian side was represented by the Director General of the Consular Department of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oana Darie. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular and migration spheres. These included the development of visa cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legal interests, as well as the improvement of the legal and contractual framework. Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of consular services and the exchange of experience in training personnel for consular work. Following the consultations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania in the consular field.
Turkmenistan and China outline development of educational projects in the energy sector
16.05.2026Rector of the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, B. Atamanov, paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China on May 13–15. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the visit was to participate in a symposium dedicated to the development of higher education in the energy sector within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The forum was held at the China University of Petroleum in Beijing. During the plenary session, B. Atamanov delivered a report on the introduction of innovative technologies in the oil and gas industry within the framework of Turkmen-Chinese partnership. He presented the results of the international conference “Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 years of strategic partnership in the gas sector,” held in Ashgabat. Special attention was given to the work of the “Luban Workshop” project operating at the university. As part of the visit, the delegation also attended the opening of a cultural festival. Turkmen students studying in China performed the national dance “Kushdepdi.” On the second day, representatives of Turkmenistan familiarized themselves with the laboratories of the China University of Petroleum. They were presented with solutions for integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process. On the final day, a meeting was held at Lenovo headquarters with the leadership of Xi’an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University. The sides discussed the development of the “Luban Workshop” and its technical equipment. The Chinese side presented plans for the third phase of modernization of the project. The Turkmen delegation emphasized the need to accelerate the development of the educational and research base of the center and to move toward practical implementation of the outlined tasks.
Turkmenistan initiates experience exchange in the field of “smart” cities
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum in Kazan. The Hero-Arkadag proposed the creation of mechanisms for professional exchange between countries in the fields of urban development and high technologies. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The key initiative was the development of “smart city” diplomacy in the Islamic world. According to him, such cities combine technology, architecture, culture, and science, creating a foundation for cooperation within ICESCO. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to establish the exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices between Islamic countries in this area. He also noted that Turkmenistan is developing the concept of “smart” cities at the state level and is ready to share its accumulated experience.
Turkmenistan delegation participates in FAO conference in Dushanbe
16.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev, took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The forum was held on May 11–12 in Dushanbe with participation of representatives from regional countries, international organizations, and relevant agencies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed issues of food security, sustainable agricultural development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the efficient use of water and land resources. Special attention was given to expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were held to consider prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the fields of agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
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