Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, took part in the parade marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence in Ashgabat on 27 September 2026. Speaking to journalists afterwards, he congratulated the Turkmen leadership and public on the anniversary, said the country’s cities and enterprises had visibly changed with each visit, and noted that Russian companies were operating successfully there. Turkmen state media reported the remarks and described the visit as a sign of trust and a growing partnership in economic and cultural exchange.
The visit continues a pattern of regular contact. Minnikhanov attended the 2025 celebrations shortly after taking office following his re-election, and Tatarstan media counted four visits to Turkmenistan during 2025. In May 2026 the reverse visit took place, when Berdimuhamedov travelled to Kazan for KazanForum. Their talks there covered energy, industry, digitalisation and logistics, with Tatneft and KAMAZ cited as established partners.
The anniversary falls in a year Turkmenistan has designated “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses”. Ahead of the date, the Halk Maslahaty met in Ashgabat on 23 September. Under a presidential decree, 28 September was declared a non-working day and the rest day from 27 September was moved to 29 September. /// nCa, 28 September 2026