On 19 September 2026, a friendly football match featuring members of the diplomatic corps took place in Romania. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. The match was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, according to the IIC.

Before the match, participants were briefed on Turkmenistan’s achievements since independence in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The country’s foreign policy, based on the principles of neutrality and equal cooperation, was also outlined.

Particular attention was paid to state policy on the development of mass sport and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps took part in the friendly match. The match took place in an atmosphere of sporting rivalry, mutual respect and teamwork. The organisers highlighted the importance of such events for the development of sports diplomacy and the strengthening of international partnerships.