President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the former Turkmenistan president and current Chairman of the People’s Council, upon the passing of his mother. The communication was reported by TASS, the Russian news agency. In that message, Putin conveyed sympathy for the loss, recognizing the significant role the mother played in the lives of her family and in Turkmenistan’s public sphere, and expressed a hope that the family would find strength and solace during this difficult time.
The official notices indicated that Ogulabat Berdimuhamedova, who passed away, was the grandmother of Turkmenistan’s present leader, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Her passing marks a moment of national reflection for the country, as she stood in the lineage of Turkmen leadership and contributed to the family’s long-standing involvement in public life. Her memory is acknowledged as part of the broader history of Turkmenistan’s leadership and the continuity of its governance across generations.
Putin’s message extended wishes for peace of mind and patience to the Berdimuhamedov family, emphasizing the enduring importance of support and solidarity in the face of a grave personal loss. The remarks highlighted a sense of shared humanity that crosses national boundaries, especially among leaders who have maintained diplomatic ties despite evolving political landscapes. The tone reflected a customary moment of courtesy and sympathy between heads of state during periods of mourning.
In light of the bereavement, Turkmenistan’s president, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, postponed an official visit to Tajikistan. The postponement was announced as a precautionary measure during the period of mourning, underscoring the gravity of the family bereavement and the country’s desire to observe respectful observances at home. The decision was communicated as a postponement rather than a cancellation, with implications for the scheduling of diplomatic engagements and bilateral dialogues in the near term.
Previously scheduled on the calendar, Serdar Berdimuhamedov was expected to travel to Dushanbe on April 10, where he would meet with Tajikistan’s president Emomali Rahmon. The planned discussions were anticipated to cover bilateral cooperation, regional security, economic initiatives, and broader regional initiatives in Central Asia. The current developments reflect the routine practice of adjusting high-level visits to align with national mourning periods and to honor traditional customs that govern official state interactions during such times.
According to Turkmenistan’s presidential press service, the initial business council meetings between the two states were also postponed in tandem with the visit. These councils typically serve as a platform to advance cooperation across multiple domains, including trade, industry, energy, and cultural exchanges. The postponement underscores the careful sequencing of diplomatic activities, ensuring that ceremonial occasions and official talks proceed with the appropriate reverence and focus that such moments demand. Officials indicated that the postponements are temporary and that the agenda will be reconsidered once the period of mourning concludes, allowing for renewed discussions and continued collaboration between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in the future.