Marian Weltevreden, Head of the European Ahal-Teke Horse Association, expressed her gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan,Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for his support and personal involvement in organising the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Beauty Contest in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The letter notes that the competitions and accompanying international events took place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Complex and brought together owners and breeders of Ahal-Teke horses, experts, equestrian industry specialists and representatives from various countries. According to Marian Weltevreden, the event attracted interest from both the professional community and the general public. Participants and guests praised the high standard of organisation and the programme’s content. The letter paid particular attention to the international conference and expert discussions dedicated to the conservation, breeding and promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed. The cultural programme introduced guests to the traditions, art and music of Turkmenistan. The Association’s Chair emphasised Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s contribution to the organisation of the event and to the preservation and promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed. Marian Weltevreden also welcomed the initiative to hold the next championship in five years’ time and expressed her hope for the further development of cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding.
On 12 September, the Turkmen delegation met with Dr. Salem bin Hajj Al-Khamri, Head of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for the Mecca region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed Saudi Arabia’s experience in training Islamic scholars, as well as the management of mosques and educational institutions. The meeting took place as part of a working visit to Saudi Arabia by Yalkap Hojaguliyev, Chairman and Chief Imam of the religious organisation ‘Arkadagyň Ruhy metjidi’. Earlier in the trip, meetings were held with the President of the Islamic University of Medina, Dr Saleh bin Ali Al-Aqla, following which the parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, and with the Head of the Institute attached to the Prophet’s Mosque, Dr Salman bin Joudallah Al-Fakih — with whom issues relating to the exchange of expertise in the field of Islamic studies and academic programmes were discussed.
The second consultative meeting of Central Asian countries on the development of a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin (UN SPAS) and a regional seminar on water diplomacy took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone from 11 to 12 September 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The events were organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan, with the support of the UNDP/GEF project and in collaboration with the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative. The meetings were attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, UNDP, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), as well as international and regional organisations. Participants discussed the further development of regional cooperation in the Aral Sea basin and the priorities of the Central Asian countries within the framework of the UN Special Programme. The delegations presented their positions on further cooperation and possible directions for the development of UN SPAS. Following the meeting, a Final Summary of the participating countries was adopted. The document sets out practical steps regarding the format, legal basis, operational mechanisms and funding of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin.
On 11 September, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the activities of the Ministry of Industry and Construction. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Measures are being taken in the country to ensure that cement works operate at full capacity. Enterprises must supply construction sites, economic sectors and the population with high-quality cement products. Cooperation with foreign companies is also being developed. The Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft of the relevant resolution to the President of Turkmenistan. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed the document aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the ‘Bäherden’, ‘Balkan’ and ‘Lebap’ cement plants, and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out the necessary work.
On 11 September, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on preparations for the scientific and practical conference ‘Innovation and Digital Technologies – Driving Forces of Economic Development’. The forum is due to take place in Ashgabat in September, according to the news agency TDH. The conference is set to discuss the innovative development of the national economy and the prospects for the digital economy. Topics will include the application of cutting-edge technologies in public administration and economic sectors, e-government, artificial intelligence, financial technologies and digital services. Participants will also consider ways to improve production activities, train qualified specialists and study international best practice. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of introducing modern digital technologies into the economy. The Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with organising a scientific and practical conference dedicated to Turkmenistan’s economic growth.
On 11 September 2026, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary-General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy and the exchange of experience in the field of law-making. D. Gulmanova noted Turkmenistan’s interest in strengthening interaction with countries around the world and international organisations, as well as in expanding cooperation within the CIS. Particular attention was paid to the international and parliamentary events planned for 2026 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Preparations for the meeting of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, scheduled for November, were also discussed during the meeting. It was noted that the meeting would be aimed at improving the national legislation of the member states and the legal framework for multilateral cooperation.
A conference was held at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag to review the results of the first World Ahal-Teke Horse Championship, which took place in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. Participants discussed the results of the competition and the development of international cooperation in the field of Ahal-Teke horse breeding, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. At the ‘Peelbergen’ arena, Turkmen stallions won several top prizes. The competitions included dressage, show jumping and other disciplines. As part of the championship, representatives of the horse breeding sector from Europe and Asia discussed issues relating to selection, the maintenance of stud books and uniform breed standards. The ‘Galkynyş’ group of show riders also presented a programme featuring elements of traditional Turkmen show riding. As noted by Dayanch Reyimov, a lecturer at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, the championship brought together athletes, breeders and specialists from various countries. The black stallion Yyndam, from the French stud farm, was crowned the undisputed world champion. This prestigious title was awarded following the results of the competition held in the Netherlands. Alena Grand, France’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of Yyndam’s victory for the French equine industry and the international interest in the Ahal-Teke breed. The art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding has been included on UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage. At the conference, representatives from foreign countries emphasised the cultural significance of the traditions associated with Ahal-Teke racehorses. The celebrations concluded in the city’s main square, by the ‘Arkadag’ monument. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, arrived to congratulate the horse breeders and spectators. The programme of celebrations concluded with a performance of the national dance, the ‘kushtdepdi’, and a festive fireworks display.
The Turkmen brands ‘Desert Heritage’, ‘Binaym’, ‘Mukaddes’ and ‘AyMahri’ presented their collections at the ‘Who’s Next’ international fashion exhibition, which took place on 5–7 September in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. The participation of the Turkmen companies was organised by the International Trade Centre as part of the ‘Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration’ project, funded by the European Union. Company representatives held negotiations with potential partners from Italy, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Greece, Zambia and Armenia. Overseas buyers, particularly those from Italy, expressed an interest in cooperation. During the trip, the entrepreneurs also visited the ‘Texworld’ and ‘Première Vision’ trade fairs, where they familiarised themselves with global fashion trends, new materials and technologies, as well as the specifics of the European market. According to Merdan Hudayberdiyev, director of the ‘AK Aýna’ Joint-Stock Company, the trip helped ‘Aýna Denim’ to find potential partners, buyers and suppliers, as well as to gain a better understanding of the requirements of the European market. Participation in ‘Who’s Next’ formed part of the International Trade Centre’s efforts to promote Turkmen enterprises in the fashion and textile sectors in international markets.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev reported to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on practical steps to improve the operations of the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’. This was reported by TDH. As previously reported, work is currently underway to ensure a high level of flight safety and regularity in accordance with international standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Particular attention is being paid to strengthening cooperation with foreign companies. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a relevant proposal to the Head of State. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the country attaches particular importance to the development of national aviation. Having approved the proposal drawn up to ensure flight safety, the President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out the necessary work.
G. Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, presented a report on the activities of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ and proposals for the development of the oil and gas sector at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the news agency TDH. ‘Türkmennebit’ plans to improve the efficiency of development at existing and prospective fields. It is envisaged that increased volumes of oil and natural gas production will be achieved through the introduction of modern equipment and improved drilling efficiency. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, approved the Deputy Prime Minister’s proposals and instructed that systematic measures be taken to increase the production of raw materials. The Head of State also emphasised the need for further modernisation of the fuel and energy sector.
Turkmen students took part in an international youth educational training programme organised by the Georgian Ministry of Education, Science and Youth from 5 to 10 September. The training took place in the town of Kvareli, located in Kakheti, according to the news website Tukrmenportal. Turkmenistan was represented in the international project by students from the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The training programme was organised with the aim of developing modern education, facilitating the exchange of experience amongst young people, expanding international cooperation and enhancing the professional skills of the participants. The programme included practical sessions, interactive seminars and cultural events designed to broaden the participants’ horizons and develop their leadership skills. Participants from various countries also explored the historical and cultural monuments, cultural heritage and national traditions of Kakheti.
On the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2029 is set to be declared the ‘Year of Transport Connectivity’ in the CIS. The relevant decision will be put forward at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State. This was stated by CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev to journalists at a press briefing following the meeting of the Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘As part of Turkmenistan’s presidency of the CIS in 2026, particular attention is being paid to issues concerning the development of transport and logistics capacity. A number of significant documents regulating this sphere have been drafted and reviewed. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, at the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, 2029 will be declared the Year of Transport Connectivity for the Commonwealth,’ said Lebedev. According to him, preparations for this thematic year have already begun within the CIS, along with efforts to provide support for the implementation of the planned activities.