The Swiss publication ‘Umwelt Zeitung’ published an article entitled ‘Turkmenistan: Unknown, Neutral and Rich,’ in which it highly praised the country's economic model based on permanent neutrality. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The author of the article, Iurie Moraru, Vice-President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland – East Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus (JCC), considers Turkmenistan's neutrality to be ‘the cornerstone of its economic strategy’. The article provides data on the stability of Turkmenistan's economy. Particular attention is paid to the country's role as a transport and logistics hub in Eurasia: the country is developing the East-West and North-South corridors, building motorways, railways and a port in Turkmenbashi, and World Sustainable Transport Day was proclaimed on its initiative. In the energy sector, neutrality has made it possible to build a multi-vector export policy, including new gas pipelines to China, which has strengthened regional energy security. According to I. Moraru, Turkmenistan demonstrates how a foreign policy principle can become an economic advantage and make the country a reliable partner for international investors.
In honour of the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, on 27 September, the US State Department published a congratulatory message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In his message, Marco Rubio expressed his sincere congratulations to the people of the country and reaffirmed the US's commitment to bilateral partnership. The US Secretary of State emphasised support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Turkmenistan, noting its important role in the stability of Central Asia. Marco Rubio also highlighted joint efforts to promote common interests and develop economic cooperation through the C5+1 and B5+1 platforms. ‘The United States looks forward to many years ahead of fruitful and productive collaboration with Turkmenistan. I wish you heartfelt congratulations on your Independence Day,’ Marco Rubio concluded.
A concert dedicated to Turkmenistan's Independence Day was held in Ashgabat, marking the grand finale of the festivities. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Thousands of spectators gathered in the square in front of the ‘Älem’ Cultural and Entertainment Centre to enjoy performances by talented artists, as well as folk and national creative groups demonstrating the richness of the country's cultural heritage. The concert was broadcast live, allowing all residents of Turkmenistan to join in the main event of the year. Turkmenistan's Independence Day is a significant date in the country's history, which is celebrated on an increasingly grand scale every year. With the attainment of independence, Turkmenistan has strengthened its position in the international arena, becoming a full member of the UN and a number of other prestigious organisations. The evening ended with an impressive fireworks display, symbolising the country's sovereignty and desire for prosperity.
A meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan will be held in Ashgabat in mid-October, according to Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication RIA Novosti. The Ambassador noted the active exchange of delegations between the countries this year and emphasised the mutual understanding achieved on key issues on the international agenda. I. Volynkin also recalled the contribution of the Soviet people to the victory in the Great Patriotic War and stressed that Russia was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of Turkmenistan, supporting its neutral status. The diplomat wished the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen people health, happiness and prosperity.
From 10 to 12 October, Ashgabat will host an international forum dedicated to healthcare, education and sports. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event will include the 11th Congress of Cardiologists of Turkic-speaking States, the International Congress of Physiologists of Central Asia, and the International Conference of Oncologists of Eurasian Countries. Representatives of foreign and local companies, scientists, doctors and sports specialists are expected to attend.
On 27 September, Ankara's tallest buildings — the buildings of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey — were illuminated with the colours of the National Flag of Turkmenistan in honour of the 34th anniversary of the country's independence. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The impressive light installation transformed the buildings into a bright red and green flag with traditional Turkmen patterns, a crescent moon and five stars. The building of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey is 140 metres high, making it one of the tallest buildings in Ankara and an important business centre in the country. This event symbolises the friendship and brotherly relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan.
In honour of the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE), was illuminated with the country's National Flag. This was reported by the press service of the Consulate of Turkmenistan in the UAE. The event was held as part of a tradition in which friendly states decorate their high-rise buildings with the national symbols of Turkmenistan to congratulate the people on their main national holiday. The impressive light installation transformed the 828-metre skyscraper into a brightly shining red and green column with Turkmen ornaments, a crescent moon and five stars. Such events highlight the friendly and fraternal relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE, as well as the international community's attention to the celebration of the country's Independence Day.
A Hydrogen Energy Centre has been established at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The centre has already presented its first results: research has been conducted on the production of ‘green’ hydrogen by electrolysis, and a facility has been created to obtain it from natural gas using plasma chemical technologies. Cooperation has been established with international partners, including Tsukuba University, ‘Iwatani’ and ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries’, the IAEA and Imperial College London, to train specialists and exchange experience. Seminars and advanced training courses are held for employees of the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan. During the recent visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Japan, a Memorandum was signed with the University of Tsukuba on joint research and educational programmes for 2025–2026.
Ashgabat hosted celebrations to mark the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, according to the state news agency TDH. The main ceremony was held on the square in front of the State Tribune, where a military parade was held with the participation of servicemen from all branches of the armed forces, cadets from military educational institutions, officers and representatives of the country's security forces. The ceremony began with the raising of the National Flag and the performance of the National Anthem. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov accepted the report of the Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan, Minister of Defence Begench Gundogdyev, giving permission to start the military parade. The parade featured infantry units, modern weapons, aircraft and military equipment. Spectators saw combat and transport aircraft, helicopters, as well as new armoured vehicles and artillery installations. Particular attention was drawn to the cavalry units riding Ahal-Teke horses, the national pride and symbol of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage. In addition to the military, representatives of the country's velayats and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag took part in the parade. Colorfully decorated floats demonstrated Turkmenistan's achievements in industry, energy, construction, transport, healthcare, education, science, and sports. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by performances by a combined military orchestra and concert numbers featuring national ensembles. The celebration ended with a procession bearing state symbols.
On 27 September, a ceremony was held in Ashgabat to lay flowers at the Independence Monument in honour of the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The event was attended by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as representatives of the government, the Mejlis, the diplomatic corps, public organisations and residents of the capital, according to the state news agency TDH. The President of Turkmenistan laid a wreath at the monument, after which other participants in the ceremony also laid flowers. In his address, the Head of State emphasised that independence and neutrality remain the foundations of the country's development, and that the current anniversary is accompanied by the opening of new social, cultural and industrial facilities. It is noted that 2025 coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality status, confirmed by UN General Assembly resolutions. Festive events dedicated to Independence Day were held in all regions of the country.
The President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed Decrees on awarding military personnel and employees of the country's security forces. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The documents were issued in connection with the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and provide for the awarding of military and special ranks, as well as class ranks to a group of military personnel and law enforcement officers. In addition, a number of military personnel and law enforcement officers were awarded state medals. The awards were presented for personal contributions to strengthening the country's defence capabilities, protecting its independence and sovereignty, ensuring public order and lawfulness, as well as for exemplary performance of official duties.
On 27 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation Rustam Minnikhanov, who arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the celebrations on the occasion of Turkmenistan's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Rustam Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 34th anniversary of its independence and conveyed greetings from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in turn, congratulated the guest on his election victory. The parties emphasised the dynamic development of cooperation in the economy, science, education and culture, noting the role of the Turkmen-Tatarstan working group on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening humanitarian ties. Rustam Minnikhanov noted the contribution of the Turkmen leadership to the development of friendship between the peoples, and the Hero Arkadag expressed confidence that the visit would give new impetus to the partnership. At the end of the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.