In May–September 2026, the diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan held a series of events abroad dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country's independence and the motto of the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses." This was reported by the TDH news agency.

According to the source, on May 14, the Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University held an international conference "Turkmenistan: Language, Literature, History, and Culture" with the participation of representatives from universities in Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

On June 3, cycling events marking World Bicycle Day were held at Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions abroad. In Vienna, the Embassy of Turkmenistan, together with the embassies of the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Colombia, organized a bicycle ride with more than 100 participants. A cultural and educational event and a concert dedicated to the independence of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were held in Tashkent. In Islamabad, there was a meeting with the Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, during which regional stability and bilateral cooperation were discussed.

On 9 June, the exhibition “Turkmenistan: 35 Years of Independence – A Celebration of Heritage and Culture” opened in Bucharest. On 11 June, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Türkiye, in cooperation with Pamukkale University, organised a scientific conference in Denizli. A photo exhibition also opened that day, and meetings were held to discuss cooperation in education, cultural and humanitarian affairs, and trade and economic relations.

On 10 July, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan met with Rustam Bayaliyev, President of the Regional Public Organisation “Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. The parties discussed the development of equestrian sports and the promotion of national horse-breeding traditions.

On 17–18 July, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States of America, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, organised events in Washington to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the 250th anniversary of US independence. The programme included a roundtable entitled “Turkmenistan–US Partnership: Celebrating Independence, Friendship and a Shared Future”, an exhibition of national applied arts, traditional clothing and publications, a chess tournament, and a football match. On 29 July, the Consulate of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan hosted a conference marking the anniversary of the country’s independence.

On 15 August, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran met with Mahmoud Heydari, President of the Equestrian Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Discussions focused on developing cooperation in equestrian sports, establishing contacts between the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding and relevant Iranian institutions, and organising joint competitions.

On 21 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of India hosted a conference marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. Participants were also briefed on the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2028 the “International Year of International Law”.

On 28 August, during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates met with Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director General of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in horse breeding. The Emirati side also highlighted the outcomes of the Society’s delegation visit to Turkmenistan on 5–7 August, the performance by the Galkynyş National Equestrian Games Group, and the facilities of the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Research and Production Centre for Horse Breeding in Arkadag city.

In September, Turkmenistan’s embassies and consulates, including those in Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Romania, hosted conferences, meetings, roundtables and exhibitions dedicated to the country’s independence, the national theme of the year, and the UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2028 the “International Year of International Law”.

On 9 September, a concert marking the Independence Days of the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan was held at the Lok Virsa National Heritage Museum in Islamabad. On 21 September, the Embassy of Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, organised an international scientific and practical conference in Dushanbe entitled “The 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence: New Horizons for Turkmen–Tajik Friendship and Deeper Strategic Partnership”. A photo exhibition and a book exhibition dedicated to Turkmenistan’s history, culture and achievements were also opened as part of the event.

From 25 to 27 September, a video about Turkmenistan was displayed on the exterior screen of The Centaurus Mall in Islamabad. On 27 September, the building of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye in Ankara was illuminated in the colours of the State Flag of Turkmenistan to mark the occasion.

The events aimed to promote Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, advance sports and cultural diplomacy, strengthen humanitarian ties, and expand cooperation with international partners.