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The Chairman of the Russian Government noted the strengthening of ties with Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mihail Mishustin, sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Mihail Mishustin noted the steady development of Russian-Turkmen relations, emphasising that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests. According to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres is expanding, and promising joint projects are being implemented. Mihail Mishustin expressed confidence that in the new year, the multifaceted partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia will continue to develop, creating conditions for the launch of new initiatives that meet the interests of both countries. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Russian Government wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, prosperity and success in his public activities, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
Turkmenistan to expand transport links and exhibition activities in 2026
02.01.2026A number of international exhibitions are planned in Turkmenistan in 2026. Among them is the International Conference and Exhibition ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan. In recent years, the country has been actively developing its transport and logistics infrastructure: airports, railways, motorways and bridges are being built to expand regional and international connections. The development of modern modes of transport and the activities of the Turkmen Logistics Association contribute to the integration of Turkmenistan into global transport systems and the strengthening of its position in the world economy.
The first child of 2026 has been registered in Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The first baby of the New Year was born in Ashgabat on 1 January 2026. The boy was born at the capital's Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health, according to IIC. The joyful event took place in the family of Emir Gayipov and Sheker Begenjova. The birth of the first citizen of Turkmenistan in a year that goes by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ is symbolic. The newborn was named Atamyrat. According to medical staff, the baby's condition is satisfactory. He weighed 3 kilograms 1 gram and was 48 centimetres tall. The mother and child are under the constant supervision of qualified specialists at the centre. In connection with this significant event, the family of the newborn was presented with valuable gifts on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Charitable Foundation for the Support of Children in Need of Care.
New Year celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag
02.01.2026Celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag to mark the New Year, held under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The festive events organised in the city took place in an atmosphere of celebration and spiritual uplift, according to TDH. The main celebrations began on the first day of the new year with a ceremony to raise the National Flag in the central square of Arkadag, built in accordance with the ‘smart’ city concept. The ceremony marked the symbolic start of the festive programme. Residents and guests of the city took part in the events. The release of colourful balloons, concert performances and musical performances created a festive atmosphere. The celebrations continued with a solemn procession through the streets of the city, which were decorated for the holiday. The festive programme covered various venues in the city and was accompanied by performances by cultural and artistic figures, as well as young artists. One of the central events was the event at the main New Year tree. It was attended by New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk, who joined the concert programme together with the children. The children sang songs and read poems dedicated to the New Year. Ayaz Baba congratulated the participants of the holiday on the arrival of the New Year, which is being celebrated under the announced motto. The festive events continued at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Arkadag. Children undergoing treatment at the centre were presented with New Year's gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As part of the celebration, the children were given sweets, school supplies, interactive tools and musical instruments. The event was accompanied by a concert programme.
The children of ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ received New Year gifts
02.01.2026A New Year's celebration was held at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace, during which its children were presented with holiday gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency AsmanNews. The festive programme took place in the children's town near the main New Year tree. Ayaz Baba, Garpamyk, the symbol of 2026 — the Horse, as well as representatives of state bodies and public organisations congratulated the children of the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace on the New Year. The young participants prepared a concert programme, demonstrating their vocal, choreographic and artistic abilities. Many elements of the festive decorations were made by the children themselves. The event ended with a dance around the Christmas tree with the participation of fairy-tale characters. The children were presented with New Year's gifts, including sweets, fruit, school supplies, interactive tools, and musical instruments.
Turkmenistan assumes chairmanship of the CIS
01.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States passed from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the country intends to use the chairmanship to unlock the organisation's potential. The Head of State called this step a sign of trust on the part of the member states and recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the CIS. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Ashgabat will prepare a concept for the chairmanship that reflects approaches to the development of inter-state cooperation, taking into account current needs. Turkmenistan is an associate member of the CIS and previously headed the organisation in 2019.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan discussed the importance of the Arabic language and multilingual diplomacy
01.01.2026At the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (IIR MFA), a seminar was held by the Department of World Languages to mark World Arabic Language Day (18 December) and the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the event was to support multilingualism and develop dialogue between cultures within the framework of UN resolutions. The seminar was conducted by Arabic language teacher Dovrangeldi Atanazarov, who spoke about the structure of the Arabic language, Arabic-speaking countries and its role in international relations. Students who had visited Arab countries on study trips gave presentations on the culture, history and political system of those countries, including Myahriban Mammedova and Gulchemen Parahadova on Saudi Arabia. The event ended with a question-and-answer session. Participants noted the importance of such seminars for learning foreign languages and expressed their gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunities for world-class education.
2025: Turkmenistan on the path to peace, progress and international recognition
01.01.2026The year 2025 was a period of active strengthening of domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic development and growth of international authority for Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Of particular significance was the coincidence of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the declaration of the year as the International Year of Peace and Trust on the initiative of Turkmenistan. During the year, key resolutions were adopted by the UN General Assembly, large-scale international forums were held in Awaza and Ashgabat, and the Awaza and Ashgabat Declarations were approved, confirming support for the country's foreign policy. Humanitarian activities expanded, including through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The modernisation of legislation, sustainable economic growth and the implementation of major infrastructure projects in industry, energy, transport and construction continued. Agriculture, social services, education, healthcare and culture were actively developed. The city of Arkadag became a symbol of the introduction of modern technologies and urban planning solutions. This momentous year was also marked by international cultural initiatives, the recognition of elements of national heritage by UNESCO and the promotion of citizens for their labour and social achievements. The year 2025 ended as an important stage in the development of neutral Turkmenistan, passing the baton to 2026, the year of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex exceeded its target for 2025
01.01.2026The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex ended the 2025 reporting period with 106.7% of its oil refining plan fulfilled, according to the news website Asmannews. During the year, the enterprise, which is part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, processed over 4.5 million tonnes of oil. The complex is one of the largest industrial facilities in the country. The plant's employees ensured consistent production of a wide range of petroleum products, including petrol, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oils, petroleum bitumen, polypropylene and liquefied gas. The products are supplied both to the domestic market and abroad.
Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year 2026 with large-scale celebrations
01.01.2026The people of Turkmenistan welcomed the New Year, 2026, with festive events across the country. The celebrations took place in the capital and regions, with the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre in Ashgabat serving as the central venue, according to TDH. New Year's trees were installed in places of mass celebrations, and concert programmes were held with the participation of pop artists, creative groups and theatres. Festive events also took place at the building of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. The new year, 2026, will mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The motto for the coming year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ reflects the priorities for further strengthening the country's statehood and international authority. The main New Year celebrations took place at the country's main New Year tree in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre. Festive decorations, music and dance performances created a festive atmosphere. The concert programme featured national music and New Year compositions. Residents of the country's regions joined the festive events in Ashgabat via a teleconference. Through video links with the administrative centres of the five velayats and the city of Arkadag, representatives of the older generation, regional leaders, young people and labour collectives sent New Year's greetings to the country's leadership and the people of Turkmenistan. The celebrations culminated in a New Year's address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to his compatriots. At the stroke of midnight, the National Anthem of Turkmenistan was played. The sky over Ashgabat was lit up by festive fireworks, marking the arrival of the New Year, 2026.
The President of Turkmenistan delivered a New Year's speech
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the nation with a New Year's greeting. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, was a significant milestone in the country's development. According to him, during the year, state programmes aimed at socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of the population were implemented, and new etraps were formed. The President announced the commissioning of educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and manufacturing facilities throughout the country. Thousands of families received new housing. Major projects were implemented in the fuel and energy sector, including the commissioning of the oil loading terminal at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and the start of construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline. Industrial and infrastructure facilities have been opened in Ahal, Balkan and other velayats. The President emphasised the priority of social policy. In 2025, construction began on multi-profile hospitals in Ashgabat and Tejen, as well as a Mother and Child Health Centre in Dashoguz. Reforms in the fields of science and education continued. The successes of Turkmen athletes on the international arena were noted, including the victories of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group and the ‘Arkadag’ football team. In the field of culture and international cooperation, the President recalled the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the addition of the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Head of State noted the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, as well as the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Forum on Neutrality Day at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan announced that 2026 had been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and wished citizens health, prosperity and success in the new year.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Cuba on Liberation Day
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the occasion of the national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State conveyed his best wishes to the President of Cuba, wishing him good health, happiness and prosperity, and to the people of the Republic of Cuba — peace, progress and prosperity.
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