Turkmenistan has received observer status with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This decision was made at the 15th session of the ISESCO General Conference in Kazan, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the organization's forum, held within the framework of the international economic forum "KazanForum 2026", dedicated to the announcement of Kazan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world.

Speaking at the session, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that in March 2026, Turkmenistan submitted an official request for observer status. He described joining the organization as a significant step in the development of the republic's international cooperation in education, science, and culture.

During his speech, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put forward a number of initiatives. Specifically, he proposed developing a long-term ISESCO strategy for preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Islamic countries, launching the "Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and Connection of Ages" program, and implementing smart city diplomacy in the Islamic world.

In his speech, ISESCO Chairman Salim Al Malik noted that the issue of declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is already being considered.