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Turkmen climbers hoisted the flag on the summit of Annapurna
16.05.2026Employees of the Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” successfully climbed Annapurna (8,091 m) in Nepal. The expedition was dedicated to the Constitution Day and State Flag Day of Turkmenistan, reports the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. At the summit, the climbers unfurled the State Flag of Turkmenistan. Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world. The mountain is known for difficult weather conditions and a high risk of avalanches. The massif includes 16 peaks over 6,000 meters and is located near the Kali Gandaki Valley. The ascent added to the expedition record of the “Morinjgeology” team. Previously, its members have climbed Everest, K2 (Chogori), Manaslu, Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, Kilimanjaro, Ararat, Mont Blanc, and Matterhorn. On each summit, they installed the State Flag of Turkmenistan. The Group of Service Enterprises “Morinjgeology” operates in the energy sector. The company carries out geophysical and engineering-geological work in the “Cheleken” area under contract with Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd. and cooperates with Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd in the Contract Area “Block-I”. It also works with PJSC “LUKOIL”, JSC NC “KazMunayGas”, SOCAR, and other international partners.
Conference in Bishkek brought together Turkmenistan researchers
16.05.2026On May 14, the international conference “Turkmenistan: Language, Literature, History and Culture” was held at J. Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University. The event was dedicated to the year “Independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan — the homeland of determined winged horses.” This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Faculty members and students of the university took part in the conference. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, as well as universities from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, joined via video link. Participants noted the significance of the 2026 motto. According to them, it reflects the principles of Turkmenistan’s state policy—neutrality, peace, and national unity—as well as its course toward development and strengthening its international position. Representatives of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly presented reports on language, culture, and traditions. Special attention was paid to the country’s achievements in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, as well as the historical heritage of the Turkmen people.
Hero-Arkadag called for the development of inter-civilizational dialogue through culture
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke at the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Kazan and presented an initiative in the field of education and enlightenment. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. He proposed launching the program “Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and the Connection of Centuries.” The project is aimed at popularizing the philosophical and literary heritage of the Muslim world—from antiquity to the present day. As a first step, it was proposed to create a “World Anthology of Islamic Poetry,” which would bring together works by poets, thinkers, and philosophers of the Islamic world. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that humanitarian cooperation with ISESCO remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. He also emphasized the country’s commitment to developing inter-civilizational dialogue and promoting humanistic values.
Turkmen Teacher Receives International Award for Contribution to Science
16.05.2026From May 6 to 11, an international scientific and practical conference titled “Science and Innovative Education: Global Development Strategies” was held in Tashkent as part of the “Pearl of the East” championship. The event was organized with the participation of the Academies of Sciences of Uzbekistan and Germany. Turkmenistan was represented by Novruzalem Gurdov, a lecturer at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, according to the Orient news agency. During his presentation, N. Gurdov spoke about the integration of modern educational approaches with centuries-old traditions of training Akhal-Teke horses. Special attention in his report was given to the training of young specialists at the academy, which attracted interest from experts from CIS countries. For his contribution to the development of science and his high level of professional excellence, Novruzalem Gurdov was awarded the honorary CIS title “Master of His Craft” and received commemorative awards. This recognition became another indication of the international reputation of Turkmen horse breeding schools and the national education system.
Turkmenistan has high potential for tourist railway routes
16.05.2026The development of tourist railway routes in Turkmenistan has significant potential, said Sergey Pavlov, First Deputy Head of Russian Railways (RZD). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the country’s historical and geographical position—connecting the “North–South” and “East–West” corridors—creates strong opportunities for expanding such projects and generates sustained interest in them. The statement was made in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of CIS member states. The previous meeting was held in Baku. In 2026, Turkmenistan assumed the CIS chairmanship from Tajikistan and now coordinates the work of a number of key intergovernmental councils and economic structures within the organization.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the Asian Development Bank within the framework of CAREC
16.05.2026A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan with representatives of the Asian Development Bank, where the implementation of initiatives under the CAREC program was discussed, as well as the integration of “green” skills and principles of a just transition into the education system. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties also considered prospects for further cooperation. The ADB presented plans to develop environmental competencies in vocational and higher education, strengthen institutional capacity, and align these measures with the goals of the nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with educational institutions and the business community to develop skills in demand on the labor market. The participation of specialized universities and the training of teachers in “green” topics were also discussed. The parties noted successful cooperation with the Turkmen Agricultural University and the development of projects in the field of agricultural “green” technologies. Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev emphasized the connection between the initiatives and the state strategy, including the development of digital solutions in education and the idea of creating a regional climate technology center. ADB representatives positively assessed these steps and outlined the potential for expanding cooperation in the areas of digitalization, training personnel for the knowledge economy, and the tourism sector. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop the partnership within the framework of CAREC projects.
Turkmenistan has been granted observer status in ICESCO
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in a forum of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during his visit to Kazan. The event was held in connection with the city being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Hero-Arkadag noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to develop multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, and promote a culture of peace. It was also emphasized that during the 15th session of the General Conference of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the Organization dedicated to education, science, and culture across the Islamic world. ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik stated that the possibility of declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration. Work in this direction has already begun.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed support to India’s leadership
16.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has extended condolences to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the casualties and destruction caused by severe storms and heavy rainfall in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, the head of state expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Turkmenistan and Nepal discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC
15.05.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Nepal and President of the 2026 ECOSOC session, Lok Bahadur Thapa, according to the IIC. During the talks, the sides discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC, focusing on key areas of sustainable development, the development of transport connectivity, strengthening energy security, as well as support for countries facing intersecting energy and governance challenges. Separately, they addressed the implementation of the “Avaza” programme initiated by Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035. In addition, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum, including a planned side event dedicated to sustainable transport development, which Turkmenistan intends to organize.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan
15.05.2026During a visit to Bukhara, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Speaker of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The sides noted the importance of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are connected by shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values, and that the partnership—based on mutual respect and trust—is actively developing across various areas. The parties also discussed cooperation in the international legal sphere, the exchange of experience in legislative activity, and further work of interparliamentary friendship groups. The Turkmen side invited Azerbaijani colleagues to take part in international events in Avaza within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission in Malta
15.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Federal Republic of Germany and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to UN Tourism, Turizm B. Rejepov, is taking part in the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, held from 12 to 14 May 2026 in St. Julian’s (Malta). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event is organized by the UN Tourism Secretariat in cooperation with the Government of Malta. It is attended by member states of the Commission, as well as representatives of international organizations and relevant institutions. During the session, participants are discussing global and regional approaches in the field of tourism, the activities of UN Tourism, and the implementation of the Europe work programme for 2025–2026. Cooperation with affiliated members of the organization is also being considered. Special emphasis is placed on preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, the development of international cooperation, and current challenges facing the tourism industry. Turkmenistan is participating in the work of the Commission and is developing cooperation with the UN Tourism Secretariat in the field of tourism. The country notes growing interest in its tourism potential, based on natural sites, cultural and historical heritage, and modern infrastructure.
Turkmen students took part in a youth festival in Beijing
15.05.2026On May 14 in Beijing, the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Youth Cultural Festival was held at Chengxin Square of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) under the motto “Lead the Tide, Embrace the World.” Turkmen students studying at the university, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the PRC, took part in the event and presented their national culture, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. As part of the festival, a national pavilion of Turkmenistan was organized and prepared by Turkmen students. The exhibition showcased the country’s culture and traditions and became part of the international student platform. The pavilion was visited by diplomats, representatives of various organizations, and international students. The program also included artistic performances. Students presented traditional dances and showcased elements of Turkmen culture and national cuisine. Separately, it was noted that Turkmen students participated on the eve of the festival in the Symposium on High-Quality Development of Higher Energy Education within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, held at China University of Petroleum. Participation in these events formed part of Turkmenistan’s international student engagement and is aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting intercultural exchange.
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