A seminar dedicated to the European Union's new environmental requirements for energy imports was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised within the framework of the EU-funded project ‘EU for a green Turkmenistan’, brought together experts to discuss EU Regulation 2024/1787 on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. This was reported by the IIC. The seminar participants reviewed the key provisions of the document, including requirements for hydrocarbon importers and methods for monitoring methane leaks. Particular attention was paid to the OGMP 2.0 initiative, UNEP's global programme for reporting in the oil and gas industry, which will form the basis for compliance with the new EU standards. EU representatives demonstrated modern monitoring technologies, including the MARS satellite system and GHGSat infrared sensors, which can detect large methane emissions. As noted by a representative of the EU Directorate-General for Energy, the new regulation strengthens countries' positions in the international market and promotes sustainable development. The seminar emphasised the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change and the EU's willingness to share best practices.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the dynamic development of the country's agricultural sector during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the grain harvest has already begun, and the growth rate of the agro-industrial complex in January-May was 113% compared to the same period last year. Investment in agriculture has also been fulfilled — by 311.8%. T. Atahallyev noted that harvesting has begun in the Ahal, Lebap and Mary velayats. In the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats, preparations are actively underway for the start of harvesting, scheduled for 11 June. The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the successes of silk producers: over 2,100 tonnes of silkworm cocoons have been harvested across the country, which indicates that contractual obligations have been fully met. After listening to the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the workers of the industry on the results achieved and stressed the need to further increase yields and effectively use the potential of agricultural production. The Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to keep the wheat harvest under strict control without losses.
Turkmenistan is actively developing its foreign policy, promoting cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, according to the state news agency TDH. R. Meredov spoke in detail about the results of the recent visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Mongolia (1–2 June), during which key areas of cooperation were discussed. The Turkmen-Mongolian business forum in Ulaanbaatar was a success, highlighting priority areas such as investment, transport, logistics, communications, textiles, and agriculture. Fourteen bilateral agreements were signed. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, in January–May 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid visits to Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Japan. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited Monaco, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, France and Tatarstan (Russian Federation). In addition, 293 online meetings were held and 73 international documents were signed. After listening to the report, the President of Turkmenistan instructed R. Meredov to continue actively developing foreign relations and signed a Decree on the new composition of the Turkmen part of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation.
On 4 June, the grain harvest season officially began in Turkmenistan. As part of large-scale agricultural activities, farmers have started harvesting crops, according to the news agency TDH. The start of the harvesting campaign was announced following a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 29 May, where President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave the go-ahead and wished the farmers success and a bountiful harvest. The first to start mowing were grain growers in the Ahal, Mary and Lebap velayats. On 11 June, the harvest will also begin in the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats. According to the agricultural plan for 2025, 1.4 million tonnes of grain are to be harvested from 690,000 hectares. The largest volumes are planned in the Ahal (400,000 tonnes), Mary (345,000 tonnes) and Lebap (310,000 tonnes) velayats. All fields have been sown with high-yielding varieties of winter wheat. The campaign is proceeding with full technical readiness. Modern combines and motor vehicles are being used for harvesting, and machine operators are provided with everything they need, from fuel to spare parts. Repair teams are working on site, and specialists from the ‘Türkmenstandartlary’ service are conducting operational quality control of the grain received.
On 4 June, the Avaza International Dance and Folklore Festival ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ kicked off in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. This was reported by TDH. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the government, representatives of international organisations, diplomats, cultural figures, as well as creative groups from Iran, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. The concert programme on the stage of the water park brought together a multitude of musical traditions, national melodies and choreographic performances. The festival will include a scientific forum entitled ‘Küştdepdi – parahatçylyk waspçysy’ dedicated to the study of folk dance and its symbolism, as well as master classes, creative meetings and evening performances by national ensembles. The grand closing of the festival, the awarding of diplomas to participants and the final gala concert will take place on 6 June.
The gross domestic product (GDP) of Turkmenistan grew by 6.3 per cent in January–May 2025. This was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the state news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister reported on macroeconomic indicators, noting steady growth in a number of sectors. Growth was recorded in industry (0.8%), construction (4.7%), transport and communications (10.8%), trade (9.9%), agriculture (4%) and services (8.6%). The total volume of production increased by 9.7% compared to the same period last year. H. Geldimyradov also noted a 12.5% increase in retail trade turnover and a 5.4% increase in foreign trade turnover. The revenue side of the state budget was executed at 101.2%, while the expenditure side was executed at 97.6%. The average wage at large and medium-sized enterprises increased by 11.4%. Pensions, benefits and scholarships were financed in a timely manner. The volume of investments increased by 16.3%. After listening to the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the need to ensure sustainable economic growth and maintain the set GDP growth rates until the end of the year. The Head of State instructed to keep the implementation of state programmes under control and focused attention on the main task of the government – improving the living standards of the population. Particular importance is attached to the implementation of the Programme of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2028.
The film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’, created in collaboration between filmmakers from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, won the audience award in the feature film category at the 7th ECG Film Festival, which took place in London from 22 to 27 May. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The film, dedicated to the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy, was presented by director Muzaffarkhon Erkinov. The film resonated with international audiences thanks to its emotional depth, visual expressiveness and respectful treatment of Central Asia's cultural heritage. The ECG Film Festival, organised annually by the Eurasian Creative Guild, brings together filmmakers from more than 20 countries and serves as an important platform for promoting Eurasian cinema on the world stage.
On 4 June, at the 75th plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan was re-elected to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. ECOSOC plays a key role in coordinating the economic and social activities of both the United Nations itself and the institutions within its system. The Council plays a central role in promoting sustainable development, covering economic, social and environmental aspects. ECOSOC consists of 54 member states elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term. Each year, 18 new members are elected from regional groups to replace countries whose terms have expired. Turkmenistan has already been a member of ECOSOC twice, from 2013 to 2015 and from 2019 to 2021.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France and concurrently to the Principality of Monaco, Maksat Charyev, held a meeting with the Executive Director of the Monaco Economic Board, Guillaume Rose. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, during the meeting, special emphasis was placed on holding the Turkmenistan-Monaco Economic Forum in the near future with the participation of business communities from both countries. Both sides expressed interest in establishing direct contacts between relevant structures to deepen cooperation. Current and prospective areas of cooperation were also discussed, including investment, trade, innovation, environmentally sustainable development, green technologies and the digital economy.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree approving the composition of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation from the Turkmen side. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The document was signed with the aim of implementing bilateral agreements reached between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, as well as further developing cooperation between the two countries.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Lee Jae-myung on his victory in the presidential election of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan noted the high level of partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. Taking this opportunity, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the newly elected President of the Republic of Korea good health, prosperity and success, and the Korean people peace, sustainable development and prosperity.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the Turkmen people and the Halk Maslahaty, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on World Environment Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Hero Arkadag noted that this holiday reflects the recognition of the country's environmental policy and international initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of efforts to preserve nature, improve the environment, green areas and provide the population with clean water. The National Leader of the Turkmen people drew attention to the international recognition of these efforts, including the awarding of a UN certificate to Ashgabat and the inclusion of the country's natural sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also noted that Turkmenistan, under the leadership of the President of the country, is actively involved in addressing global environmental issues, supports international agreements and implements major environmental projects. In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, longevity and success in his state and international activities in the field of environmental protection.