Young poets from Turkmenistan will take part in the international festival ‘Zhashyl aalam’ (‘Green World’), which will be held from 28 to 30 May in the picturesque city of Osh (Kyrgyzstan). This is reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the festival will become a platform for creative dialogue and strengthening of cultural ties between aspiring authors from Turkmenistan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. In addition, the participation of Turkmen poets in such a significant international event emphasises the growing interest in the contemporary literature of Turkmenistan and contributes to the deepening of cultural interaction in the Turkic world.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan Batyr Rejepov held a meeting with Vice-Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Alibek Zhamauov on 16 May. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. According to the source, the main topic of the talks was the consideration and implementation of the agreements recorded in the protocol of the 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Kazakhstan Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. During the meeting, the sides discussed key areas of cooperation in the energy sector. The interlocutors noted the importance of a comprehensive and systematic approach to solving urgent tasks facing both countries within the framework of the energy dialogue. At the conclusion of the talks, the sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening of partnership and development of bilateral dialogue.
TurkmenTextile Expo 2025, an international exhibition designed to unite key players of the global textile industry on a single platform, will be held in Ashgabat from 11 to 13 June. The large-scale event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and Turkmen Expo Company, TerraNews reported. The exposition will cover the entire production cycle - from modern technologies and equipment to finished products, including clothing, accessories, textile accessories and interior goods. The exhibition will be attended by leading manufacturers, designers, representatives of specialised companies and industry experts. The forum programme includes demonstrations of new collections, fashion shows with the participation of Turkmen and foreign designers, professional discussions, training master classes, as well as B2B meetings. The participants will be able not only to present their designs, but also to establish promising partnership contacts. The main objective of the exhibition is to promote international cooperation, promote competitive Turkmen products to foreign markets and strengthen the image of Turkmenistan as the centre of the textile industry in the region.
The opening ceremony of the International Festival ‘Music of the World’ was held in the Mukam Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency 'Turkmenistan: Golden Age'. The cultural forum gathered in Ashgabat distinguished composers, conductors, opera singers and musicians from Russia, China, France, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. According to the source, the welcoming address by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the beginning of the ceremony emphasised the importance of international creative forums for the promotion of national culture and strengthening of friendly ties between peoples. The Head of State expressed confidence that the festival would become a bright platform for cultural exchange and popularisation of universal humanistic values. Performances by artists from China, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Russia attracted special attention of the audience. Compositions dedicated to peace, friendship and cultural diversity were performed. The evening ended with the song ‘Türkmen sährasy’, which was welcomed by the audience with standing ovations and applause. The foyer of the Mukam Palace was decorated with an exhibition introducing the guests to the historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. Excursions to the sights of Ashgabat were organised for foreign participants. The source notes that the festival also includes creative meetings, master classes of foreign artists and a final gala concert to summarise the results of this large-scale cultural event.
Turkmenistan is considering the possibility of increasing the volume of natural gas transit through Iran as part of the strategy to diversify export routes. This was announced by Turkmen Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov at the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation, IIC reported. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ashgabat is also interested in attracting Iranian investments for the implementation of projects in the petrochemical industry. Such interaction, according to the Turkmen side, contributes to more efficient use of natural gas. During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral interaction, including the development of cooperation in trade and economic, energy and transport spheres.
On 18 May 2025, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Tajikistan joined the international cultural initiative ‘Night at the Museum’ held at the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Embassy. The official opening of the event gathered a wide range of participants, including heads and staff of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organisations, as well as heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Education and Science of Tajikistan. Among the guests were representatives of scientific and creative intelligentsia, public associations and students. The Turkmen exposition, presenting the original culture and rich historical heritage of the country, was decorated in the traditional national style. The visitors were presented publications on the domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, samples of folk arts and crafts, including handmade carpets, jewellery and paintings. The cultural programme included a presentation on Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and its international initiatives. Of particular interest to the guests were the works of Hero Arkadag and Honourable President of Turkmenistan, reflecting the spiritual guidelines and historical traditions of the Turkmen people. The exhibition also featured a thematic stand dedicated to the Constitution Day and the State Flag of Turkmenistan.
A delegation of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan held strategic talks with leading international organisations at the Education World Forum on 19 May 2025. This is reported by the Ministry of Education of the country. One of the most important meetings was with representatives of Times Higher Education (THE), an authoritative agency for academic ratings. The parties discussed the integration of Turkmen universities into the global educational space. THE noted the significant progress of the country: the number of scientific publications of teachers has increased 95 times in five years due to the introduction of a digital monitoring platform. Special attention was paid to the elaboration of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education of Turkmenistan until 2052. THE confirmed the methodology's compliance with international standards and offered expert support, including consultations and training programmes to improve the competitiveness of HEIs.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent an official congratulation to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his enthronement. This is reported by IIC. In his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the new pontiff will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of spiritual values, development of interfaith dialogue, achievement of unity and global peace. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of continuing constructive interaction between Turkmenistan and the Vatican. In the final part of the congratulatory message, the Head of State wished Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom and success in fulfilling his high mission.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks on 19 May this year, during which they confirmed the dynamic development of bilateral relations. This is reported by IIC. The interlocutors noted the steady development of trade and economic cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects with leading UAE companies. Special attention was paid to the energy partnership, in particular, to the agreements involving ADNOC (UAE) and PETRONAS (Malaysia), which open new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. At the end of the conversation, the sides exchanged good wishes and expressed confidence in further strengthening of friendly ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE.
A dialogue forum organised by the Center for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran was held in Tehran on 18-19 May. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in the event. This is reported by the IIC. In a panel discussion on the role of transport corridors in the development of Eurasia, Meredov stressed the importance of transport and logistics connectivity for sustainable growth and regional cooperation. He presented Turkmenistan's initiative ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’ as an important tool of Eurasian integration, and also spoke about the development of national infrastructure, modernisation of Caspian ports and participation in transit projects with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Iran. The Turkmen Foreign Affairs Minister noted the country's contribution to the promotion of sustainable transport, recalling the holding of the first UN Global Conference on this topic in Ashgabat in 2016. He also touched upon Turkmenistan's energy strategy, including the TAPI gas pipeline project and the expansion of electricity exports to West Asia. During the forum, Rashid Meredov held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of other countries to discuss prospects for co-operation.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Geneva took part in the solemn ceremony of enthronement of the new Pope Leo XIV held in the Vatican. This is reported by IIC. The presence of the Turkmen diplomat at this significant event underscores Turkmenistan's consistent position in the development of inter-religious dialogue, respect for spiritual values and strengthening international understanding. Participation in the ceremony was a confirmation of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, openness and respect for cultural diversity of the world community. The ceremony gathered in the Vatican representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and heads of international organisations from all over the world.
At the World Ice Hockey World Championship (Division IIIA) held in Istanbul, Turkmenistan's national team showed an impressive result, winning silver medals. Six teams took part in the tournament: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, South Africa and Turkmenistan. This is reported by the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Turkmen team started the tournament with three consecutive victories: 3:1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2:1 against the tournament hosts - Turkey, 8:3 against Luxembourg. The decisive game was against Kyrgyzstan, in which the Turkmenistan is suffered their only defeat (1:6). However, in the final game against South Africa, the team showed character, coming back from 2:5 down in the third period to win in overtime (6:5). With 11 points, Turkmenistan took second place, behind only Kyrgyzstan (15 points). This result was a significant progress compared to last year's 4th place. The team featured 19 hockey players from the Galkan, Shir, Oguzkhan and Alp Arslan clubs. The coaching staff headed by Ilyas Veliyev successfully prepared the team for the tournament, which made it possible to achieve the best result in the history of Turkmen hockey.