A Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Culture Atageldy Shamyradov participated in the 42nd meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), which took place on November 28, 2025, in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The meeting was held in a constructive, businesslike format and was of strategic importance for the development of the Organization. The Permanent Council adopted a number of decisions defining the future direction of TURKSOY.

The TURKSOY Strategic Document for 2026–2028 was supported, and the Activity Program for 2026, based on proposals from member states, was approved.

The General Secretariat was tasked with preparing a draft document aimed at developing and strengthening TURKSOY, pursuant to the decision taken at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. Final approval of this document is scheduled for the next meeting.

The Permanent Council heard a report from the Republic of Kazakhstan on the events held throughout the year as part of the "Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025" program.

The baton for the 2026 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World was ceremoniously passed to Andijan, Uzbekistan. The Council took note of the program of upcoming events in Andijan and planned to hold its 43rd meeting there in 2026. The authority of the TURKSOY Interim Coordinator was transferred to the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan's participation in the meeting reaffirmed the country's commitment to deepening cooperation within TURKSOY, strengthening humanitarian ties, and further developing cultural interaction with countries of the Turkic world.

ORIENT