In his New Year's address, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that in 2025, at the initiative of the country, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ The Head of State noted that this confirmed the consistency of the policy of neutrality, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As part of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, a number of international events were held in the country. The key event was the International Forum dedicated to International Neutrality Day. As a result, the Ashgabat Declaration was adopted. The President emphasised that in 2025, Turkmenistan became a platform for active political and diplomatic work, and the country's foreign policy course was practically enshrined in international documents. On the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted several resolutions. Of particular importance are the documents dated 15 December 2025 – ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)’. The first document focuses on the development of consistent energy networks, while the second focuses on strengthening regional and global transport connectivity. Both decisions form a long-term legal basis for economic development. The results of the International Year of Peace and Trust confirmed that neutrality remains a key element of Turkmenistan's internal development and its contribution to international dialogue.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages for the New Year 2026 from foreign statesmen and heads of international organisations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. New Year's greetings to the Head of State were sent by the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed Yunus Al-Menfi, and the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas. In their messages, they noted the development of friendly relations, as well as the importance of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and international dialogue. The role of the country in connection with the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was highlighted separately. Congratulations were also sent by Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Warm wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and the people of Turkmenistan were expressed by Mintimer Shaymiyev, State Councillor of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, and Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS. New Year's greetings were also received from the heads of international organisations — Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The messages noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation in the Turkic world and the strengthening of regional stability. In addition, Alexander Beglov, Governor of the city of St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year, expressing confidence in the further development of partnership relations. The authors of the messages wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov health and well-being, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
The Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group, Neda Berger, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In her message, she congratulated the Head of State on the arrival of 2026 and wished him new achievements and successes in his state activities, according to TDH. Neda Berger expressed her hope that the new year would contribute to the further expansion and strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and Austria. In conclusion, she wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and prosperity, and the people of the country peace and stability.
The Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, Binali Yıldırım, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In his message, he conveyed his wishes for health, peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan. Binali Yıldırım noted that the culture of solidarity and consultation is being strengthened within the Organization of Turkic States, which, according to him, contributes to the formation of a common future for the Turkic world. The Head of the Council of Elders emphasized his readiness to continue deepening cooperation in all areas, based on common history and values. He also stated that the Council's priority remains to promote sustainable interaction, strengthen unity and mutual trust between countries. In conclusion, Binali Yıldırım expressed his hope for the further development of inter-state relations and wished the President of Turkmenistan success in his state activities in the new year.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing confidence in the further steady development of bilateral relations between Yerevan and Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, Pashinyan noted that in 2026, Armenian-Turkmen relations, built on the principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to strengthen, opening up new opportunities for expanding cooperation. The Armenian Prime Minister also wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and new successes in the coming year, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, stability and prosperity.
The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mihail Mishustin, sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Mihail Mishustin noted the steady development of Russian-Turkmen relations, emphasising that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests. According to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres is expanding, and promising joint projects are being implemented. Mihail Mishustin expressed confidence that in the new year, the multifaceted partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia will continue to develop, creating conditions for the launch of new initiatives that meet the interests of both countries. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Russian Government wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, prosperity and success in his public activities, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
A number of international exhibitions are planned in Turkmenistan in 2026. Among them is the International Conference and Exhibition ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan. In recent years, the country has been actively developing its transport and logistics infrastructure: airports, railways, motorways and bridges are being built to expand regional and international connections. The development of modern modes of transport and the activities of the Turkmen Logistics Association contribute to the integration of Turkmenistan into global transport systems and the strengthening of its position in the world economy.
The first baby of the New Year was born in Ashgabat on 1 January 2026. The boy was born at the capital's Scientific and Clinical Centre for Maternal and Child Health, according to IIC. The joyful event took place in the family of Emir Gayipov and Sheker Begenjova. The birth of the first citizen of Turkmenistan in a year that goes by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ is symbolic. The newborn was named Atamyrat. According to medical staff, the baby's condition is satisfactory. He weighed 3 kilograms 1 gram and was 48 centimetres tall. The mother and child are under the constant supervision of qualified specialists at the centre. In connection with this significant event, the family of the newborn was presented with valuable gifts on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Charitable Foundation for the Support of Children in Need of Care.
Celebrations were held in the city of Arkadag to mark the New Year, held under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The festive events organised in the city took place in an atmosphere of celebration and spiritual uplift, according to TDH. The main celebrations began on the first day of the new year with a ceremony to raise the National Flag in the central square of Arkadag, built in accordance with the ‘smart’ city concept. The ceremony marked the symbolic start of the festive programme. Residents and guests of the city took part in the events. The release of colourful balloons, concert performances and musical performances created a festive atmosphere. The celebrations continued with a solemn procession through the streets of the city, which were decorated for the holiday. The festive programme covered various venues in the city and was accompanied by performances by cultural and artistic figures, as well as young artists. One of the central events was the event at the main New Year tree. It was attended by New Year characters Ayaz Baba and Garpamyk, who joined the concert programme together with the children. The children sang songs and read poems dedicated to the New Year. Ayaz Baba congratulated the participants of the holiday on the arrival of the New Year, which is being celebrated under the announced motto. The festive events continued at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Arkadag. Children undergoing treatment at the centre were presented with New Year's gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As part of the celebration, the children were given sweets, school supplies, interactive tools and musical instruments. The event was accompanied by a concert programme.
A New Year's celebration was held at the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace, during which its children were presented with holiday gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency AsmanNews. The festive programme took place in the children's town near the main New Year tree. Ayaz Baba, Garpamyk, the symbol of 2026 — the Horse, as well as representatives of state bodies and public organisations congratulated the children of the ‘Döwletliler köşgi’ Palace on the New Year. The young participants prepared a concert programme, demonstrating their vocal, choreographic and artistic abilities. Many elements of the festive decorations were made by the children themselves. The event ended with a dance around the Christmas tree with the participation of fairy-tale characters. The children were presented with New Year's gifts, including sweets, fruit, school supplies, interactive tools, and musical instruments.
On 1 January 2026, the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States passed from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the country intends to use the chairmanship to unlock the organisation's potential. The Head of State called this step a sign of trust on the part of the member states and recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the CIS. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Ashgabat will prepare a concept for the chairmanship that reflects approaches to the development of inter-state cooperation, taking into account current needs. Turkmenistan is an associate member of the CIS and previously headed the organisation in 2019.
At the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (IIR MFA), a seminar was held by the Department of World Languages to mark World Arabic Language Day (18 December) and the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare an International Day of Multilingual Diplomacy. This was reported by the press service of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the event was to support multilingualism and develop dialogue between cultures within the framework of UN resolutions. The seminar was conducted by Arabic language teacher Dovrangeldi Atanazarov, who spoke about the structure of the Arabic language, Arabic-speaking countries and its role in international relations. Students who had visited Arab countries on study trips gave presentations on the culture, history and political system of those countries, including Myahriban Mammedova and Gulchemen Parahadova on Saudi Arabia. The event ended with a question-and-answer session. Participants noted the importance of such seminars for learning foreign languages and expressed their gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the opportunities for world-class education.