President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a speech at the First ‘Central Asia-Italy’ Summit in Astana on 30 May. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the organisation of the forum, as well as to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni for the initiative to hold the summit. Serdar Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is interested in expanding cooperation with Italy and Central Asian countries and is ready to contribute to the development of partnership. The President of Turkmenistan noted that sustainable development of the region requires active cooperation in the spheres of security, economy, transport, water resources and ecology. The Head of State paid special attention to security issues, stressing the importance of the UN system and Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also invited the leaders of the countries to the International Forum of Peace and Trust to be held in Ashgabat in December. On the economic agenda, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted energy, including gas supplies and hydrogen energy, digitalisation and ‘green’ technologies. The Head of State also noted the importance of transport links with Europe, support for environmental initiatives, strengthening of cultural and educational ties, including cooperation in archaeology and interest in Italian language and culture. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to deepening dialogue with Italy in bilateral and regional formats.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the first ‘Central Asia – Italy’ Summit dynamic development of Turkmen-Italian relations. Bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Italy is successfully developing both at the political and diplomatic level and within the framework of key international organisations, including the UN and the OSCE. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan Today’. Special attention was paid to the strategic partnership between Italy and Central Asian countries, which have rich natural resources, actively growing economies and favourable geographical location. Combined with advanced Italian technologies and investment opportunities, CA – Italy co-operation creates a solid basis for mutually beneficial interaction. The Summit opened new prospects for deepening cooperation in key sectors, including energy, industry and infrastructure development, which contributes to the economic progress of the entire Central Asian region.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his working visit to Kazakhstan to participate in the first ‘Central Asia – Italy’ Summit. This is reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan Today’. The Kazakh leader warmly welcomed his Turkmen counterpart, stressing the special importance of strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries. The Kazakh side expressed interest in further expansion of multifaceted cooperation with Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked for the invitation to the summit and hospitality, noting the strategic importance of the forum for the development of interaction between the countries of Central Asia and Italy. Confidence was expressed that the decisions taken during the summit will open new prospects for regional co-operation.
As part of his working visit to Kazakhstan to participate in the first summit ‘Central Asia – Italy’, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Head of the Government of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni on 30 May this year. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan Today’. During the warm conversation, the interlocutors expressed confidence that the talks would serve to further strengthen bilateral relations. The Turkmen Leader stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with European countries, including Italy, and conveyed sincere greetings from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that the Hero Arkadag recalls his official visit to Italy with special warmth, which testifies to the traditionally friendly nature of Turkmen-Italian ties.
The digital banking sector is actively developing in Turkmenistan. Credit institutions of the country have significantly expanded the list of online services, including ‘Internet-bank’, ‘Mobil-bank’, ‘Elektron söwda’, ‘Sanly töleg’, ‘Sanly karz’, ‘VISA Virtual’. The news was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the source, these services allow customers to make cashless payments, manage accounts, apply for loans and bank cards online. The State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs launched ‘Galkynyş’ payment system for transactions in national and foreign currencies. The bank also introduced ‘VISA Virtual’ card for secure online payments. Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenistan’ offers ‘Onlaýn kabulhana’ service through which customers can apply for banking services round the clock. The banks ‘Daýhanbank’, ‘Türkmenistan’ and ‘Halkbank’ provide digital services for payment of students' education abroad, medical expenses, as well as top-up of international cards ‘VISA’ and ‘MasterCard’. Mobile applications, such as ‘Sanly töleg’, ‘Halkbank-terminal’, ‘Senagat töleg’, which allow making contactless payments, are being actively introduced. In the first four months of the current year, the volume of non-cash payments through ‘Internet-bank’ and ‘Mobil-bank’ totalled more than 13.9 thousand manats, and the total volume of non-cash payments was 6.7 billion manats, which is 35% more than in the same period last year.
The opponents of the Turkmenistan U23 team in the qualifying stage of the Asian Cup-2026 have become known. According to the results of the draw in Kuala Lumpur, the Turkmen national team got into Group ‘A’ together with the national teams of Jordan, Taiwan and Bhutan, as the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ reports. According to the source, the Turkmen players will start the tournament on 3 September with a match against the national team of Taiwan, play against the national team of Bhutan on 6 September and finish the group stage with a meeting with Jordan on 9 September. A total of 44 national teams are participating in the qualification, distributed by ranking into five baskets. Turkmenistan found itself in the second basket thanks to its quarter-final appearance in the Asia Cup-2022. According to the results of the qualifying round, the winners of the groups and the four best teams among the second-placed teams will advance to the final part of the tournament, which will be held for the first time in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 25 January 2026.
On 29 May, the Consul of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Astrahan) Gadam Ilamanov took part in an international scientific and practical conference dedicated to the development of water transport and the implementation of the North-South transport corridor. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the event, which took place at the Caspian Institute of Marine and River Transport named after General Admiral F.M. Apraksin, was also attended by representatives of diplomatic missions of the Caspian region countries, as well as representatives of regional authorities. During his speech, G. Ilamanov emphasised the importance of integrating national infrastructure into international logistics chains and spoke about large-scale projects being implemented in Turkmenistan. In particular, the Consul of Turkmenistan noted the modernisation of the transport industry, the digitalisation of logistics, and the development of railway and maritime infrastructure. In addition, the conference paid special attention to the port of Turkmenbashi, which is becoming a key link in the North-South route.
On 28 May 2025, the 10th meeting of the Council of Heads of Customs Administrations of the Member States of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) was held in Tehran. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by the Chairman of the State Customs Service of the country, Maksat Hudaykuliyev. The main focus was on the development of regional cooperation, trade facilitation and the modernisation of customs procedures. The Turkmen side voiced its proposals for strengthening cooperation in this area. Following the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that the agreements reached would contribute to the development of regional ties and international transit. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation also held a bilateral meeting with Iranian counterparts, discussing the implementation of the joint action plan and current areas of cooperation.
In order to comply with industrial safety legislation and modernise the national education system, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed Decrees aimed at ensuring the country's safety and sustainable development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The first Decree was adopted in accordance with Article 12 of the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities’ and is aimed at ensuring the reliable operation of such facilities, improving the level of control and preventing possible incidents. According to the second Decree, the Ministry of Education is authorised to conclude a contract for the design and construction of the Güneşli Children and Youth Centre in Ashgabat. The new centre will be equipped with modern facilities and landscaped to create a comfortable urban environment. In addition, an observatory with a telescope for space observation will be created at the expense of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship at the Bazar Amanov State Children's Library, which will be located on the territory of the Centre. The library will also receive the latest digital equipment. Construction work is scheduled to begin in June 2025. The facility is expected to be commissioned in May 2027.
In order to preserve the spiritual and moral values of the Turkmen people and strengthen national traditions, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree on the celebration of Gurban Bayramy (Eid al-Adha) in 2025. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, the holidays are set for 6, 7 and 8 June. The day off on 8 June will be moved to 9 June. The Decree is based on the provisions of Article 81 of the Labour Code of Turkmenistan. The document emphasises the importance of observing traditional values, generosity, humanism and morality. All institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, are obliged to ensure compliance with this Decree.
On 2 June 2025, a unique cultural event will take place at the ‘Watan’ Cinema and Concert Hall in Ashgabat: a concert of traditional Indian dance and music. This spectacular performance has been prepared by an Indian creative group led by the renowned master Sukhwinder Singh. This was reported by IIC. The programme will introduce the rich heritage of Indian culture through the art of dance and music. Professional artists will demonstrate graceful movements and mesmerising rhythms that reflect India's centuries-old traditions. This concert is a wonderful opportunity for residents and guests of the capital to get to know the unique culture of India without leaving Turkmenistan. The event is organised in cooperation with the Embassy of India and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
A unique copper cable factory for Turkmenistan has started up in the village of Onaldy in the Ahal region. The plant recycles scrap metal and old wires, turning them into high-quality cable products through three stages: crushing, cleaning and melting at temperatures above 1180°C. This was reported by IIC. The production capacity is 10 tonnes per day, with the prospect of increasing to 5,000 tonnes per year. The plant produces two types of cables: flexible (for mobile equipment) and rigid (for stationary facilities). All products meet strict quality standards, including 99% copper. The 10-hectare site houses modern workshops equipped with machinery from the Chinese company Ji Cheng Technology. The automated process is controlled from a central control panel, and each batch undergoes laboratory testing.