Turkmenistan called for ensuring equal and equitable access to water, water resources, and sea routes for landlocked developing countries. This was stated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the People's Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in his speech at the International Vienna Forum on Energy and Climate. "As for another topic of this forum, which is supporting landlocked developing countries, Turkmenistan's role in this matter is clear and obvious. These countries should be provided with equal and fair access to water, water resources in a broader sense, as well as sea routes," Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted. According to him, such an approach is not only a political and legal, but also a morally justified condition. It is a responsibility to present and future generations. The National Leader of the Turkmen people In August 2025, our country hosted a major global event - the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The Avaza Political Declaration adopted at the conference has acquired the status of a UN document. This document describes the fundamental principles and approaches that must be implemented to ensure the legitimate rights and needs of tens of millions of people living in 44 countries. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan will carry out consistent and purposeful work to implement all the provisions of this document. "We hope for broad international support in this work," he added. The National Leader also noted that Turkmenistan is working with the UN to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. Based on the resolutions of the UN General Assembly adopted at the initiative of the country on energy and environmental security, transport connectivity, and protecting the interests of landlocked developing countries, Turkmenistan will continue to contribute to uniting the multilateral efforts of states and effectively coordinating practical work with the UN and its specialized agencies, in particular UNIDO. As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, Turkmenistan is working together with the UN to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Based on the Resolutions of the General Assembly adopted at the initiative of our country on energy and environmental security, transport connectivity, protecting the interests of landlocked developing countries, and a number of other important areas, Turkmenistan will continue to support the UN and its specialized agencies, in particular UNIDO, in effectively coordinating the actions of member states in order to consolidate multilateral efforts to address the tasks set out in the document.

Two higher education institutions of Turkmenistan served as venues for four sessions of the XXXIII International Scientific Conference, Lomonosov-2026. The conference was organized by the MV Lomonosov Moscow State University. According to the publication "Turkmenistan: Altyn Asyr" , the forum will be held from April 10 to April 24 in venues in the regions of the Russian Federation, as well as in the branches of the MV Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and China, as well as in the international arena in Turkmenistan, in a total of 44 sections. On April 11, three departments were successfully held at the Dovletmammet Azady Turkmen National Institute of World Languages: "Foreign Languages ​​and Regional Studies", "Theory, History and Methodology of Translation", and "Philology". On the same day, Magtymguly Turkmen State University also served as a venue for another part of the forum in the "Chemistry" section. Students, undergraduates, postgraduates, and young scientists from Turkmenistan participated with their scientific presentations, presenting the results of their innovative research, scientific achievements, and proposals of practical significance. Turkmenistan first joined such international cooperation last year, when two parts of the Lomonosov International Conference were held at the Dovletmammet Azady Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. This year, the international arena of the MV Lomonosov Moscow State University in Ashgabat has been further expanded, which indicates the strengthening of academic cooperation. 

During a working visit to the Lebap velayat, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the ceremonial opening of the Mary-Turkmenabat section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported. Construction of the 600-kilometer highway began in 2019. The first section, Ashgabat–Tejen, was commissioned in 2021, and the Tejen–Mary section in 2024. The opening of the Mary–Turkmenabad section marks the final stage of this large-scale infrastructure project. Speaking at the ceremony, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the historical significance of the new facility. "Since ancient times, an important section of the Great Silk Road, which once connected continents, ran through our country. We are currently making every effort to restore this route in its modern format," he said. The head of state also noted that the highway connecting the Ahal, Mary, and Lebap velayats with Ashgabat will significantly reduce the time it takes to transport passengers and cargo, increase the capacity of the country's transport system, and boost regional development. The new section of the highway includes six traffic lanes—three in each direction. The roadway is 34,5 meters wide. The Category I road surface is constructed using a multi-layer base of high-quality asphalt concrete, synthetic materials, and reinforcing mesh. Along the highway, there are gas stations, parking areas, rest areas, food service stations, and medical and technical support facilities. Traffic safety is ensured by a continuous video surveillance system and several roadside checkpoints. Toll booths are located at the entrance. Representatives of foreign companies involved in the construction attended the opening ceremony. Luis Felipe Duc Villegas, Director of Commercial Marketing for the French company GEA, presented international certificates of conformity confirming the high quality of the video surveillance and fare collection systems (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 10012). Dong Guosen, a representative of the Chinese company Shandong Jiangfeng New Material Technology, presented a certificate certifying the compliance of road metal barriers with international safety standards, including ISO 1461 and EN 1317. After cutting the symbolic ribbon, Serdar Berdimuhamedov drove onto the highway, blessing the start of traffic on the new section. The festivities included theatrical performances, a demonstration of Ahal-Teke horses, national wrestling competitions, and traditional games. Following the ceremony, the President departed Turkmenabat for Ashgabat.

Elkitap, a new mobile app for reading and listening to books, has taken first place in the "Books" category of the Turkmen App Store—and this is just the beginning of its launch in the domestic IT market. The service combines e-books and audiobooks in a single interface, with a monthly subscription costing 35 manat. Access can be purchased either within the app itself or using gift promo codes distributed through the online stores ynamdar.com and wabrum.com. The developers focused on simplicity: the interface is designed so users can start reading or listening to a book in just a few taps. Elkitap's distinctive feature is its AI Summary feature—artificial intelligence generates a 15-20-page summary of a book, conveying its key ideas. The tool is designed for busy readers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest literary releases without spending hours reading them in full. It's also worth noting that the app offers users access to e-books and audiobooks in Turkmen, Turkish, Russian, and English. The service's library currently contains over 5,000 books, with new titles added daily. For user convenience, a "Suggest a Book" feature is available. If the desired work isn't yet available in the library, users can submit a request directly in the app and receive a notification within a few hours that the requested book has been added.

Today, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in a mass bicycle rally on the occasion of World Health Day, the "Watan" news program reported. The parade, which started from the Ashgabat Bicycle Building with the start given by the head of state, covered the most beautiful corners of the capital. The presence of musical events and sports performances at designated locations during the parade further enhanced the significance of this international holiday. A mass bicycle rally dedicated to World Health Day ended in the central part of the city near the Ruhiyet Palace. Addressing the participants of the bicycle rally, the President of Turkmenistan noted the need to continue comprehensive work to attract the public, especially young people, to regular physical education and sports, and to strengthen the principles of a healthy lifestyle in society. 

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov cordially congratulated his compatriots on the international holiday celebrating the noble humanitarian traditions of humanity - World Health Day. This is reported by TDH. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted that World Health Day holds a special place in the national calendar as a date symbolizing the unity and solidarity of society, and holding mass physical education, sports, healthy lifestyle, and cultural events in honor of it promotes Turkmenistan's reputation as a country of health and spirituality. "Based on the unified, continuous and strategic state policy established by our Hero Arkady, the unanimous adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of the historic Resolution declaring June 3 as "World Bicycle Day", as well as the Resolution "Introducing mass cycling into public transport systems to achieve sustainable development", and the election of Turkmenistan to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Culture and Sport for 2023-2027, made our entire people immensely proud." "The adoption of the Resolution entitled "United Nations Games" at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, initiated by Turkmenistan, the declaration of Ashgabat as the "City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth" at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, and the declaration of the Olympic Village Tennis Complex as the "Tennis Training and Training Center of the Asian Region" by the Asian Tennis Federation are positive results of the peace-loving policy pursued by our country for the benefit of global progress, well-being, and prosperity," President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized in his congratulatory message. At the end of his congratulatory message, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again sincerely congratulated the Turkmen people on World Health Day, wishing them good health, a prosperous and happy life, and great success in their work for the prosperity of their homeland.

March 25th in Paris, during a meeting with Turkmenistan's Minister of Education, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, at UNESCO headquarters, Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, praised Turkmenistan's work in education. She particularly noted its consistent and comprehensive nature. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. In particular, Ms. Giannini emphasized the country's active steps to accede to UNESCO's international conventions in the field of education, which demonstrates Turkmenistan's commitment to international standards and strengthening the legal framework for the educational system. She also noted Turkmenistan's significant achievements in modernizing the educational sector, including the development of inclusive and high-quality education, digitalization, and the expansion of international cooperation. The role of the country's leadership in consistently promoting reforms and ensuring a strategic course for the development of a modern and competitive education system was particularly emphasized. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation and expanding practical collaboration in education. We previously reported on the meeting between Turkmenistan's Minister of Education, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, and the UNESCO Director-General.

The V Open International Internet Olympiad on the subject of resistance of materials was held among students of higher educational institutions of the country and abroad, organized by the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction. This was reported in the newspaper "Turkmenistan" . The International Olympiad was attended by 877 students from 63 higher education institutions in Australia, Germany, Romania, the United States, Malaysia, China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Uganda and Pakistan. The opening ceremony of the competition, held in the main building of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, was attended by a large crowd. The Olympiad was held in a single round in the form of an individual competition, in which participants were presented with 6 problems related to the subject, and a total of 120 minutes were given to solve them. The judges determined the individual winners of the Olympiad based on the total number of points scored. Thus, students of higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan won 106 prize places at the international Olympiad. Among the foreign students, students from the People's Republic of China came out on top. 432 students from China participated in the competition, winning 101 prizes. Students from the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the Institute of Engineering and Transport Communications, the State Energy Institute, the Turkmen Agricultural University named after SA Niyazov, the International Oil and Gas University named after Yagshigeldi Kakayev, and the Turkmen Agricultural Institute particularly distinguished themselves in the competition.

A new textbook entitled "Russian Language for Professionals" has been published for students of higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. Its author is T. Babaeva. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan , the new textbook is intended for students studying in fields other than language studies. This book can also be used by those studying in the field of "International Economic Relations". The textbook is designed for 136 hours of study and is aimed at developing professional communication skills. This includes areas such as business correspondence, drafting documents, conducting negotiations, and preparing speeches (presentations). The book also includes texts and related tasks for independent work.

In April, subject Olympiads in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science will be held for senior high school students in Turkmenistan. The competitions are being held by the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University, according to "Turkmenistan: Golden Age." All interested students are welcome to participate in the Olympiads; there is no limit on the number of participants. The first round of the Olympiad will be held online from April 9 to 11. Students who successfully complete the first round will be invited to Ashgabat to participate in the second, final round. The final round will take place on April 25 at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. Applicants wishing to participate in the Olympiad must submit student information to the organizing committee by April 4, using the established template. By decision of the organizing committee, students who demonstrate high results at the competition and win prizes will receive priority admission to the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. Detailed information about the upcoming subject competitions is available on the university's website.

A nationwide garden planting ceremony was held today with the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported on the "Watan" news program. The participation of the head of state in this large-scale event aimed at turning the country into a grove has further increased its significance and clearly demonstrated that the noble traditions of the Turkmen people are being continued. Planting various types of garden crops, taking into account the soil and climatic conditions of this region, will allow creating forest belts in the foothills. During the garden planting ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan was interested in the work of some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers in charge of the agricultural sector T. Atahallyev reported to the President of Turkmenistan on the progress of the nationwide garden planting ceremony, as well as Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers in charge of Ashgabat B. Annamammedov reported on the improvement and sanitation of the capital of Turkmenistan, as well as on the ongoing construction work. Thus, the mass tree planting ceremony became a vivid demonstration of Turkmenistan's worthy contribution to global efforts to ensure ecological well-being, protect the environment, and achieve sustainable development goals during the period of the Revival of the new era of the sovereign state.

Today, the Turkmen people celebrated the National Spring Holiday - International Nowruz Day - with great enthusiasm, joy, and good wishes and hopes. As reported by the "Watan" news program, the main festivities were held in the "Nowruz Yayla" in the Ak Bugday district of Ahal region. The festivities organized on the occasion of the National Spring Holiday — International Nowruz Day, "Nowruz Yayla", were combined with the traditions of Turkmen holidays. The inspiring performances of the country's cultural and artistic masters added a wonderful touch to the celebrations organized in the beautiful valley. The presentation of Turkmen national traditions in the beautiful valley, the preparation of Turkmen national dishes, and the performance of the "Galkynysh" national equestrian troupe left unforgettable memories for the participants of the ceremony. Decorated white houses were erected in the "Nowruz countryside", creating the image of a Turkmen village. It reflected the lifestyle of the Turkmen people, wise traditions related to family, and the features of village life. Also, works of national applied and decorative art and types of crafts were displayed here. A concert of artists of Turkmenistan was also held in connection with the festivities organized in the "Nowruz steppe". Celebrations on the occasion of Nowruz were widespread in the city of Arkadag, built on the wisdom of Hero Arkadag, as well as in all regions of the country.

The President of Turkmenistan cordially congratulated his compatriots on the holy holiday of Oraza Bayram, one of the oldest holidays celebrating the moral and spiritual purity of humanity, and expressed his firm belief that the rich events dedicated to Oraza Bayram will further enhance the patriotic feelings, creative enthusiasm, and labor enthusiasm of the beloved people, who are infinitely proud of the honor and glory of the Motherland that shines throughout the world. This was reported in the Turkmenistan newspaper. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State said: "In the year when the 35th anniversary of the Independence of our beloved Motherland is widely celebrated, in the holy month of physical and spiritual purification, fasting was observed, taraweeh prayers were performed, and prayers were offered for the peace, prosperity and prosperity of the people and the country, guided by obligatory and important principles. In the capital of our beloved Motherland, Ashgabat, which is confidently advancing towards new heights of development, in the beautiful city of Arkadag, where modern digital technologies, ecological prosperity and national architectural traditions are harmoniously combined, in our cities and villages where a happy life is in full swing, Oraza Bayramy is widely celebrated with enthusiasm. Following our noble traditions, which come from our brave ancestors and are in harmony with the spirit of the modern age, prayers are offered for the further enhancement of the world reputation of our independent, permanent neutrality and the well-being of the country. "This confirms that in the year of "Independent, Eternal Neutral Turkmenistan - the Land of the Brave and Brave Horse-Murad", our national principles, festivals, and traditions, which are the foundation of our patriotism and humanism, statehood, and power, are being worthily maintained, and our society is becoming more united and revitalized," he noted. At the end of the congratulatory letter, the President of Turkmenistan once again sincerely congratulated the people on the holy holiday of Oraza, which celebrates the purity of the human soul, and wished them good health, a peaceful and prosperous life, happiness, and great success in their work for the further prosperity of their beloved Motherland. He prayed that the meritorious deeds performed during the blessed days of the blessed month of Oraza, the offerings of the fast, and the prayers for the strength, unity, and prosperity of the Independent, Eternally Neutral Motherland may be accepted by the Almighty.

Ships of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) closed joint-stock company are transporting pipes intended for the construction of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, Report reports, citing information from ASCO. The cargo transportation is carried out from the seaport of Baku to the international seaport of Turkmenbashi. The pipes are transported by ASCO's multi-purpose dry cargo vessels: Natavan, Rasul Rza, Garadag, Teymur Ahmedov and Maestro Niyazi. It is planned to transport 11,700 pipes to Turkmenistan by the end of the year via the aforementioned vessels.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sincerely congratulated the Turkmen people on the most sacred night in the Muslim world, which celebrates the noble traditions of humanism and humanity. He also expressed his firm belief that in the year of "Independent, Eternally Neutral Turkmenistan - the Land of the Brave Horse-Murad", this blessed night will be greeted with good wishes and will further celebrate love, unity and solidarity for the beloved Motherland. As reported in the "Turkmenistan" newspaper, the head of state in his congratulatory message said: "The values ​​​​that have been formed on the glorious path of the Turkmen people and such as patriotism, unity, humanism, statehood, morality, honesty, friendship and brotherhood, humility, generosity, purity, nobility, honesty, goodness are the unshakable pillars of our national unity and spiritual world. These values, which are based on centuries-old historical experience, spiritual and moral roots, and have become the fundamental teachings of our new era, are further enriched during the holy month of Ramadan and the blessed Night of Power, strengthening our unity and solidarity. Accordingly, the Turkmen people especially honor Night of Power as a night of holiness, blessing and generosity. During the month of Ramadan, especially in honor of Night of Power, those who have passed away are remembered with kindness, and ifzachar is given. Kind words are said to each other, and tarawa prayers are performed. "Prayers and wishes are made for the further strengthening of the foundation of the Independence and Neutrality of our beloved Motherland, whose prestige in the world is growing, for the well-being of our people, and for the happiness of every family," he notes. At the end of his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan once again sincerely congratulated the Turkmen people on the holy Night of Power, wishing them good health, a prosperous and happy life, and great success in their work for the further prosperity of their sovereign Motherland.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. During the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan signed a document aimed at turning the country into a grove, creating forest zones and properly caring for planted tree seedlings, as well as implementing Resolution No. 1718 of the President of Turkmenistan of February 13, 2026, on planting trees in Turkmenistan in 2026. This was reported on the "Watan" news program. In accordance with the document, it is planned to hold a nationwide tree planting ceremony in Turkmenistan on March 21, 2026. Ministries and departmental administrations, as well as the administrations of the regions, Ashgabat, and Arkadag cities, have been instructed to ensure the high-level organization of the nationwide tree-planting ceremony.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov reported on progress in developing partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at a government meeting, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports. Turkmenistan has been a member of the IMO since August 26, 1993. The country has acceded to 14 of the organization's conventions and is working to bring its national legislation into compliance with their standards. During the meeting, Meredov put forward a number of specific proposals. Specifically, to prepare for accession to the new IMO conventions, it is proposed to form an interdepartmental working group with representatives from relevant ministries and agencies. One of the group's priority tasks is to facilitate Turkmenistan's accession to the IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic. In addition, it was proposed to organize visits by IMO leadership to Turkmenistan in 2026 to discuss prospects for cooperation, as well as to hold thematic seminars and conferences with the participation of representatives of the organization.

The Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan summarized the results of the national student hackathon "AI Solutions" and announced the winners. The competition took place on February 21 at the "Sanly Çözgüt - IT meýdança" business association, which operates under the Institute. Sixteen student teams participated—one from each university, according to "Turkmenistan: Golden Age." The first place was won by teams from the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan, the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. The second place was won by teams from the International University for Humanities and Development, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. Third place was awarded to teams from the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A. Niyazov, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan. The winners received diplomas and commemorative gifts from the host university. Six teams from several other universities across the country received incentive prizes. Hackathon participants competed in developing IT products using artificial intelligence, specifically testing systems capable of generating questions based on user categories and evaluating results based on the answers received. The effectiveness and performance of the participants' innovative solutions were assessed by a panel of experts, including university professors of IT disciplines and invited experts in the field.

The State Circus of Turkmenistan will present a large-scale circus program in the capital of Azerbaijan. The performances will be held on the territory of the Circus Sea Breeze arena. The main part of the program will be a performance by the Galkynysh national equestrian troupe, the winner of the 47th International Circus Festival held in Monte Carlo in 2025. The program will also feature performances by artists from various other genres of circus art. In honor of Nowruz, the organizers have announced special prices: tickets for all screenings on March 14, 15, and 20 can be purchased for 15 Azerbaijani manats. To make things easier for viewers, special bus services will be launched from the Koroglu metro station. Tickets are on sale on the iTicket.az website and at all box offices in the city.

The total cargo turnover at the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port between January and December 2025 amounted to 7 million 316 thousand 326 tons. In this indicator, the share of export cargo was 4 million 465 thousand 956 tons; import cargo was 1 million 522 thousand 793 tons; and transit cargo was 1 million 327 thousand 576 tons. The achievement of a 15.2 percent growth rate in total cargo turnover compared to the same period in 2024 is a clear indication of the successful implementation of Turkmenistan's logistics strategy. This was reported in the Turkmenistan newspaper. 20 modern vessels belonging to the "Maritime Merchant Fleet" Closed Joint-Stock Company have entered the ranks of the most active vessels in the Caspian Sea. According to the results of January-December 2025, these vessels transported 2 million 454 thousand 106 tons of cargo, 20 thousand 267 vehicles and 3 thousand 207 containers to their designated destinations. The report also states that the national fleet provided high-quality service to 170,162 passengers, increasing the reliability of domestic and international flights.