On April 29, 2025, a cultural event aimed at strengthening friendship between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan was held at the secondary school No. 8 named after Makhtumkuli Fraghi, located in Dusti district of Khatlon region of the Republic of Tajikistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The initiative was realized with the assistance of the Union of Writers of Tajikistan, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan, the school administration, as well as the Cultural Society of Tajik Turkmens. The meeting was attended by writers, poets, representatives of mass media, educational institutions, local authorities and students. The speeches emphasized the humanistic content of the poetry of Makhtumkuli, who sang the ideas of peace, justice and harmony. An exhibition demonstrating the richness of the artistic heritage of the Turkmen and Tajik peoples was organized as part of the event. The meeting was brightly concluded with the performance of the dance ensemble of the Cultural Society of Tajik Turkmens, which performed the traditional Turkmen dance Kushtdepdi, becoming the culmination of the cultural program.
The delegation of the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the West Saxony University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (Germany) from April 26 to May 3. During the visit, important meetings and events aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the educational sphere were held. This is reported by the Internet publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Turkmen representatives met with the leadership of the German university and discussed prospects for further partnership. Vice-rector of the Turkmen institute Kakabaya Hodzhanepesova delivered a lecture for students and teachers on the International Year of Peace and Trust. Familiarization with the laboratories of the University allowed the Turkmen delegation to assess modern scientific developments in the field of automotive, mechanical engineering and digital technologies. WHZ, located in the historical center of the German automotive industry, is known for close cooperation with industrial enterprises, including Volkswagen. This visit was an important step in the development of partnerships and exchange of experience between the educational institutions of the two countries.
From 28 April to 1 May 2025, a series of working meetings organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan took place in Ashgabat. The events were held within the framework of a joint project aimed at strengthening the statistical and institutional capacity of the country, the IRC reports. The main focus was on the development of a financial account in accordance with the international standards of the System of National Accounts 2008 (SNA 2008). The discussions were attended by international consultant Peprone Margaryants, representatives of Turkmenstat, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and other specialized agencies. The working meetings were part of the project “Assistance in the development of the financial account for the implementation of SNA 2008”, which is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with national partners. The aim of the initiative is to contribute to the improvement of the state statistical system and to enhance the quality of monitoring of economic and financial processes.
The International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has completed the development of a fundamentally new hydrophobic composite coating for building structures. The technology created under the guidance of candidate of technical sciences Meretmuhammet Khudaiberdiyev has already received patent protection. This is reported by the Internet edition “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The innovation is based on a unique composite material combining porous synthetic matrix with sulfur polymer concrete. This provides a number of significant advantages over traditional solutions. The coating demonstrates high adhesion to various surfaces and increased mechanical strength, allowing to effectively solve the problems of external and internal waterproofing of structures. The performance characteristics of the development deserve special attention. The material shows resistance to aggressive media, which significantly expands the scope of its application. Time indicators of strength gain are reduced several times - instead of the standard 28 days the material reaches working characteristics in just a few days. An important aspect of the technology is its economic and environmental efficiency. The use of sulphur from natural gas processing creates additional opportunities for utilization of this by-product. Simplified installation and no need to combine with traditional concrete reduce labor costs during construction.
The first meeting of the Turkmen-Kyrgyz Commission on Transport, Transit and Logistics, held from April 28 to 30, 2025, was completed in Bishkek. Following the negotiations, the parties signed a Protocol that enshrines the agreements on the development of transit transportation and multimodal routes. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Special attention was paid to cooperation in road, rail and water transport, including the effective use of opportunities of the International Sea Port of Turkmenbashi. Agreements were also reached to harmonize approaches in tariff policy. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled to be held in 2026 on the territory of Turkmenistan, which emphasizes the long-term nature of bilateral cooperation.
The OSCE Center in Ashgabat hosted a two-day training course for trainers in media and information literacy. It was attended by representatives of the Turkmen media and agencies involved in the implementation of the National Action Plan on human rights in Turkmenistan for 2021–2025. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The training was conducted by Deputy Director of the MediaNet International Journalism Center and Editor-in-Chief of Facktcheck.kz Duman Smakov (Kazakhstan), as well as co-founder of facktcheck.tj and media trainer Rustam Gulov (Tajikistan). The experts shared their methods of effectively conducting such trainings. Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ambassador John McGregor noted that media literacy is a priority area of the organization's work, and this training is a continuation of previous initiatives to promote freedom of speech and media development in the country. The training participants were also presented with the OSCE report on the development of media literacy in the region. The event ended with the presentation of certificates to the course graduates.
Representatives of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction met with international experts of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) on April 25. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and UN-Habitat. The guests familiarized themselves with the peculiarities of the country's architecture, students' projects and conditions created for immobile citizens. During the meeting, proposals were made on joint work on the “small city” project, improvement of urban environment, training of specialists and development of bilateral cooperation.
A large-scale action was held in Turkmenistan to present sweet gifts to children on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Special attention was paid to children from children's institutions and young patients of rehabilitation centers. This is reported by the IIC. In the Children's Rehabilitation Center named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as in kindergartens working at the Center, solemn ceremonies of presenting gifts were held. In Arkadag the event was accompanied by warm wishes to the children, in the capital's Dovletliler Palace the ceremony was preceded by a festive concert with the participation of young talents. The children expressed their sincere gratitude for the care and sweet surprises.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation E.Aydogdyyev met with the State Duma deputy O.Pilipenko on April 28. This was reported by the press service of Turkmenistan's diplomatic mission to the Russian Federation. The parties discussed preparations for the commemorative action “Orel-Belgorod-Ashgabat: Our Common Frontier” timed to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The program of the event provides laying flowers at the memorials in Ashgabat, Orel and Belgorod, as a sign of respect for the feat of Soviet soldiers. A student delegation from Belgorod State Technological University and Orel State University, among whom Turkmenistan citizens study, is scheduled to take part in the event. O.Pilipenko expressed hope that such events would be held regularly in the future. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan confirmed the readiness for further cooperation in the field of patriotic education and support of initiatives immortalizing the heroism of the defenders of peace.
In the new season, silkworm breeders of Turkmenistan plan to hand over more than 2 000 tons of valuable cocoons to the state. The Balkan province traditionally makes a significant contribution to the total volume of production, setting a goal to collect more than 25 tons of products. This is reported by the online news outlet "Turkmenistan: Golden Age". Silk farming remains one of the most important sectors of the national economy, the products of which are in steady demand in the domestic and world markets. The development of the industry is ensured thanks to the state support, including implementation of comprehensive programs for modernization of agriculture and creation of optimal conditions for the work of specialists. In Balkan velayat specialized nurseries where thousands of silkworm bushes - the main fodder base - are grown are successfully working. At the beginning of the season more than 680 boxes with greens were distributed to silkworm breeders of the region. Compliance with technological requirements to temperature regime, humidity and lighting allows producers to confidently fulfill production plans.
As part of the celebration of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse, large-scale festivities reflecting the rich cultural heritage and modern achievements of the country in the field of horse breeding were held in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The conference “Arkadag şäheri - ahalteke atlarynyň mekany” discussed the role of Ahalteke horses as a national treasure. It was preceded by an exhibition presenting achievements in equestrian sport, the history of the “Galkynyş” group, as well as books about horses. The event was attended by representatives of the city administration, scientists, horse breeders, elders and students. They noted the importance of the Kopetdag region as the homeland of Ahalteke horses and expressed respect for the contribution of ancestors to the development of the breed. The participants of the event noted that the monuments “Akhan” and “Taýçanak” erected in the city of Arkadag emphasized the importance of horse breeding traditions in the Turkmen culture. Cultural performances completed the festive atmosphere and the conference participants expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their contribution to the development of the country and preservation of national values.
Turkmenistan has launched an important environmental project aimed at modernizing the country's construction sector. The initiative entitled “Development of national potential of Turkmenistan by improving the legal framework for energy efficient and sustainable construction sector” is implemented with the support of international organizations. This is reported by the online publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan jointly with the UN Development Program with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility. The Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the Ministry of Energy and the Hakimlik of Ashgabat are also involved in its implementation. The main objectives of the project include the development and implementation of modern building standards and regulations consistent with the principles of energy efficiency and sustainable development. Special attention will be paid to Turkmenistan's fulfillment of international climate commitments, in particular the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement.