Turkmenistan today celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence, a milestone the country reaches amid sweeping achievements at home and growing recognition abroad. The anniversary arrives as the government pushes forward across key areas of socio-economic development, with the country approaching a new stage of its growth. The year carries added symbolism: the Mejlis declared 2026 the Year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.”
A Roadmap Set at the Halk Maslahaty
The run-up to the jubilee was defined by a landmark national gathering. On September 23, the Halk Maslahaty convened in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, one of the central events ahead of the anniversary. Addressing the session, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov called for lifting the nation’s socio-economic development to a new level, with further industrialization among the top priorities. The country plans to adopt a National Industrial Development Strategy for 2030–2045 to set long-term goals for industry.
Major projects will continue apace, including the fourth development phase of the Galkynysh gas field, new oil and gas facilities, road construction and the modernization of existing infrastructure, alongside wider use of modern technology and expanded support for digitalization, science and entrepreneurship.
Energy Strength and Economic Momentum
Turkmenistan’s energy sector remains a pillar of its progress. Over January–September 2025, crude oil production plans were exceeded at 109.7 percent and oil refining at 109.4 percent, while the country’s proven oil reserves stood at 600 million barrels as of January 2025, according to U.S. EIA data. To showcase this trajectory, the government organized a large-scale exhibition highlighting the progress and transformations achieved across state and society over the years of independence.
Honouring the Nation’s Builders
In a gesture of national gratitude, President Berdimuhamedov signed decrees at the Halk Maslahaty session conferring state honours on citizens distinguished in public administration, the economy, industry, agriculture, science, education, entrepreneurship and the creative arts.
Culture, Science and Heritage at the Heart of Celebrations
The festivities have extended well beyond economics. An exhibition of painters, sculptors, carpet artists, jewellers and ceramicists filled both floors of the Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Exhibition Center, where around 80 artists received awards. The academic community has also marked the occasion: two leading economics and finance institutes jointly published a collection titled “Socio-Economic Development of Independent Turkmenistan,” analysing reforms and future priorities. Meanwhile, scholars at the Academy of Sciences highlighted research on world-renowned sites such as Ancient Merv, Nisa, Dehistan and Kunya-Urgench.
Neutrality: The Cornerstone of Foreign Policy
At the core of Turkmenistan’s international identity is its status of permanent neutrality, recognized by the UN in 1995 and reaffirmed by the General Assembly on March 21, 2025. That resolution acknowledges the country’s role in regional dialogue, preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding, including its offer to host talks supporting Afghan reconciliation.
The anniversary has resonated across capitals. On September 21, Dushanbe hosted an international conference on the 35th anniversary and the deepening Turkmen-Tajik strategic partnership, following similar events earlier in the year, including a conference at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul in March.
Looking Ahead
As Turkmenistan turns 35, it does so with a clear sense of direction: a diversified industrial future, expanded energy infrastructure, deeper digital transformation and an unwavering commitment to peaceful neutrality. The Gulf Observer extends its warmest congratulations to the people and leadership of Turkmenistan on this historic occasion.
