From 28 July to 30 August, eleven students from eight universities in Turkmenistan are improving their language skills in Germany. The selected candidates represent the country's leading universities, including the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, as well as specialized institutions in the fields of medicine, engineering, pedagogy and international relations. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Classes are held at German universities under the guidance of experienced teachers using modern methods. The programme includes not only in-depth language study, but also an introduction to German culture and history. The DAAD programme, which has been supporting academic exchanges since 1997, regularly organises educational projects for Turkmen students and researchers. These initiatives contribute to the development of scientific and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
On 11 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea Ji Kyu-Taek, who is completing his diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides summed up the results of cooperation during the Ambassador's tenure and discussed prospects for further development of bilateral relations in various fields. The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan noted Ji Kyu-Taek's significant personal contribution to strengthening Turkmen-Korean ties. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, who is completing his diplomatic term, expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for its support and fruitful cooperation throughout his tenure in Ashgabat.
Negotiations between delegations from Turkmenistan and the Republic of Chad took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone on 9 August. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Minister Delegate of Foreign Affairs of Chad Fatimé Aldjineh Garfa to discuss topical issues of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the constructive dialogue, the parties discussed opportunities for strengthening relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. Special attention was paid to upcoming international events, including the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat in December 2025 to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. Ms. Garfa expressed interest in developing the partnership and invited the Turkmen side to participate in the implementation of the Chad Connection 2030 project. The sides confirmed their intention to continue active dialogue in all areas of mutual interest, emphasising the importance of further developing bilateral relations.
On 6 and 9 August 2025, commemorative events were held in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. They were attended by Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan A. Bayramov, as well as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, members of the government, parliamentarians, diplomats and representatives of international organisations. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The events focused on issues such as the renunciation of nuclear weapons, the prevention of military conflicts and the strengthening of trust between states. The leaders of Hiroshima and Nagasaki called on world leaders to create new security mechanisms based on diplomatic dialogue. At the end of the event, a peace declaration was adopted calling on Japan to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to develop a concrete plan for its elimination at the 2026 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.
The European Commission has noted Turkmenistan's potential for diversifying gas supplies to the EU via the Southern Gas Corridor. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Energy cooperation between the parties is governed by a 2008 memorandum covering energy security, infrastructure, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency; a bilateral working group has been set up for dialogue. Decisions on infrastructure projects are taken by national authorities and companies. Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Esen Aydogdyev, previously emphasised that the country's neutral status helps to diversify energy export routes.
From 5 to 8 August, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, bringing together delegates from 32 countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum became a key platform for discussing infrastructure development, trade, climate change resilience and financial mobilisation. The main outcome was the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for 2024-2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration, which define the development strategy for such countries. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport corridors, digitalisation of logistics, economic diversification and strengthening regional cooperation. The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which gave it additional diplomatic weight. On the sidelines of the forum, a trilateral meeting was held between the leaders of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, dedicated to expanding cooperation in the transport, energy and humanitarian spheres. The world media noted Turkmenistan's growing role as a neutral mediator and centre for international dialogue. The implementation of the decisions taken will depend on global solidarity, investment and technology transfer.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a letter of gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulating him on the successful organisation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of Uzbekistan noted the significant transformations and large-scale reforms carried out in Turkmenistan, and also stressed the importance of the conference in drawing the attention of the world community to the problems of developing countries, especially the countries of Central Asia. He highly appreciated the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration and the approval of the ten-year Programme of Action. Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the bilateral negotiations would strengthen trade, economic, investment, transport, logistics, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries. The President of Uzbekistan also noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the preparations for the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Leaders of the Central Asian States, which will be held in Tashkent. The Head of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude for awarding him the Order ‘Hyzmatdaşlygy ösdürmäge goşandy üçin’ (‘For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation’), calling the award a high assessment of the Uzbek people and joint efforts to strengthen friendship between the two countries. In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan wished Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov good health and prosperity, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and progress.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a letter of gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The President of Uzbekistan noted that the forum confirmed the growing authority of Turkmenistan and became a platform for discussing the strengthening of transport and economic interconnection between the countries of Central Asia, as well as their entry into world markets. Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the Awaza Political Declaration and the ten-year Action Programme adopted at the conference would contribute to the achievement of the set goals, and that dialogue with Turkmenistan would strengthen bilateral cooperation. The Head of Uzbekistan thanked for awarding him the highest state award of Turkmenistan, calling it a symbol of friendship between the peoples. The President of Uzbekistan also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan would take relations to a new level, and wished the head of Turkmenistan good health and success, and the people peace and prosperity.
On 10 August, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the high level of bilateral relations and warmly recalled recent visits, emphasising the significance of the agreements reached. During the conversation, the importance of the agreements reached and the documents signed during the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to the United States of America was noted. Ilham Aliyev congratulated Hero Arkadag on the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The role of the trilateral meeting between Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, prospects for the development of transport and communication corridors, as well as issues related to the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Heads of Central Asian countries to be held in Tashkent were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Azerbaijan to visit Turkmenistan. At the end of the conversation, the parties exchanged best wishes. The conversation took place at the initiative of Azerbaijan.
The British Embassy in Ashgabat has begun accepting applications for the Chevening Scholarship Programme. The programme, funded by the British government, covers tuition, accommodation and travel expenses, and provides access to exclusive events and internships. This was reported by the IIC. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis. The main requirements include a higher education diploma, at least two years of professional experience and language proficiency. Applications will be accepted until 12:00 (UTC) on 7 October 2025 via the programme's official website. The Chevening Scholarship allows you to obtain a master's degree at one of the UK's universities within one academic year. Upon completion of their studies, scholarship holders become part of the programme's international community of alumni. Detailed conditions of participation and selection criteria are published on the website chevening.org.
Children from the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Palace for Orphaned Children in Ashgabat have left for a summer holiday in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a rich programme has been organised for the children: they visit parks and amusement parks, take part in sports activities, participate in cultural events and enjoy beach holidays on the shores of the Caspian Sea. In an interview with the ‘Ýaşlyk’ TV channel, the children shared their vivid impressions of their holiday, noting that Avaza has everything they need for a comfortable and interesting holiday. The resort's modern infrastructure allows children not only to have fun, but also to improve their health. This summer holiday was made possible due to the state's attention to social support and the comprehensive development of the younger generation.
From 5 to 8 August 2025, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Heads of States and Government, delegates from more than 100 countries, representatives of business, international organisations and the media, according to Arzuw.news. The forum was dedicated to finding solutions for 32 countries deprived of access to sea trade routes, home to about 570 million people. The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. The document covers five areas: structural reforms with a focus on science and innovation, trade integration, transport connectivity, climate resilience and resource mobilisation. By 2034, it is planned to double the share of manufacturing, service exports and high-tech sectors in the economies of the participating countries. The programme includes the creation of regional agricultural research centres, the formation of a High-Level Group on Freedom of Transit and the introduction of mechanisms to attract private investment in infrastructure. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has announced its readiness to invest $10 billion in the development of transport and energy systems. Special attention is being paid to climate issues: there are plans to establish a climate negotiation group and integrate environmental aspects into all areas of the programme. The launch of the Decade of Sustainable Transport from 2026 was also announced. Delegations from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan took part in the forum's cultural programme. Parallel forums were held for the private sector, parliamentarians and young people. The final political declaration includes monitoring and reporting mechanisms and reaffirms commitment to key international agreements. The Avaza conference became the largest international platform for discussing the problems of the LLDCs and marked the transition from declarations to the implementation of specific projects capable of changing the socio-economic situation in these countries.