On 17 November, a round table discussion was held via videoconference with representatives of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan and ITOCHU Corporation, dedicated to the prospects for cooperation with Japanese manufacturers in the field of automotive equipment supplies. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The participants emphasised that a productive partnership has already been established between the State Committee and ITOCHU Corporation for the purchase of ‘Komatsu’ equipment and spare parts. At the same time, the importance of further developing cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis was noted. During the discussion, the parties exchanged views on the current results of their joint work and considered potential areas for the implementation of new projects.
Turkmenistan consistently promotes a foreign policy of peace and neutrality, developing cooperation both with neighbouring countries and at the international level. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Ashgabat's initiatives regularly support the idea of strengthening regional partnerships, which is particularly evident in relations with Central Asian states. Consultative meetings between the leaders of the countries in the region have become a key mechanism for political dialogue. The summits have proven the effectiveness of this format, allowing for the coordination of positions, discussion of strategic issues and the launch of joint projects. The participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent confirmed Turkmenistan's desire to strengthen its multi-vector partnership. Transport, energy, trade, cooperation in industry and agriculture were among the priorities. The importance of joint work on environmental issues, water resources and the preservation of the Aral Sea was noted separately. The meeting also marked an expansion of the format, with Azerbaijan joining the dialogue, which should give additional momentum to interregional cooperation. Turkmenistan is also actively working in other ‘Central Asia+’ formats, participating in summits with the EU, China, Russia, the US and Italy. The President of Turkmenistan's visit to Uzbekistan included bilateral negotiations, which took place in a constructive atmosphere and marked a new stage in relations between the two countries. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in transport, energy, industry, ecology, agriculture and the humanitarian sphere. An important event was the awarding of the Order of ‘Oliý Darajali Dustlik’ to Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The signed documents and agreements reached confirmed the good-neighbourly nature of relations and the desire to take the partnership to a new level. Overall, the visit made a significant contribution to the development of cooperation and the strengthening of trust and stability in the region.
On 20 November, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia and the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia held a scientific conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by representatives of the Turkmen delegation, employees of the National Academy of Sciences, the Creative Union of Writers of Georgia, university leaders and journalists. Presentations were made by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, D. Seyitmammedov, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Academician R. Metreveli, and researchers and lecturers from Georgian and Turkmen universities. Conference participants also drew attention to Turkmenistan's international initiatives and its activities in the field of peacemaking. It was noted separately that the unanimous adoption of the Resolution on Permanent Neutrality for the third time confirms the growth of the country's international authority. The meeting emphasised the importance of cultural and educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and Georgia. Joint projects and humanitarian programmes help to strengthen dialogue between the states. The conference ended with a concert by Turkmen performers and an exhibition of decorative and applied arts and painting. Guests were able to get acquainted with elements of Turkmenistan's cultural heritage.
On 20 November, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Chu Hyun Baek, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The importance of regular high-level contacts for strengthening the Turkmen-Korean partnership was emphasised. Preparations for the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Summit were considered as a separate item. During the negotiations, the parties also exchanged views on the implementation of projects involving Korean companies operating in Turkmenistan. In addition, the participation of the Republic of Korea delegation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat, was discussed.
Central Asian countries have agreed to mutually recognise higher education diplomas. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have signed a corresponding agreement, according to AsmanNews. The document provides for the automatic recognition of qualifications obtained at accredited universities in these countries. This simplifies employment, internships and further study at master's or postgraduate level without the need for re-verification of diplomas. Recognition is valid provided that the qualifications comply with the general standards of the participating countries. Refusal is only possible if serious discrepancies are found between the documents presented and national requirements.
Residents of the Azerbaijani city of Fizuli sent a letter to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In the letter, they expressed their gratitude for initiatives that strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, according to TDH. The letter noted the centuries-old cultural and religious ties between the two peoples. The initiative to build a mosque in Fizuli was highlighted separately. Residents said they perceive this project as an important gesture of support and a symbol of spiritual solidarity. They also noted the significance of the online foundation-laying ceremony held on 7 October as part of the Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States. The letter recalled the visit of Hero Arkadag to Azerbaijan in July 2025 and his visit to the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque in Shusha. The authors pointed out that these steps were widely welcomed by local residents. The appeal also states that the establishment of sister city relations between Fizuli and Arkadag creates new opportunities for contacts between people. The residents of Fizuli expressed their hope that the National Leader of the Turkmen people would participate in the opening of the mosque under construction and wished him health and success. In conclusion, they conveyed their wishes for peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan.
Turkmen-Russian relations continue to strengthen. This was stated on 20 November by Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Head of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Council, at a meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, reports the online publication ‘SenatInform’. Valentina Matvienko noted that cooperation between the two countries is developing steadily, with the trusting relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov playing an important role in this. She also recalled that Russia supports Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, which contributes to the expansion of international contacts. According to her, Turkmenistan's high authority is confirmed by the events held in the country under the auspices of the UN. The speaker separately focused on the work of Oguljahan Atabayeva within the framework of a Charitable Foundation that supports children in need of care. She emphasised that social projects in Turkmenistan are comparable in terms of their objectives to Russian initiatives in the field of protecting families with children. Valentina Matvienko recalled the activities of the ‘Krug Dobra’ (‘Circle of Kindness’) foundation, which provides medicines and support to children with orphan diseases, including in cases requiring surgical intervention. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion’ at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg.
A Turkmen delegation led by H. Ashyrmyradov, governor of Balkan velayat, visited Gilan Province in Iran on 18–19 November. The trip was connected with participation in the First Meeting of Governors of the Caspian littoral states’ coastal regions, which took place in the city of Rasht, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Iranian government, governors of the Caspian regions, diplomats and official guests. The participants focused on trade, economic partnership and opportunities for expanding ties with the Persian Gulf regions. During the visit, the governor of Balkan velayat met with the governor of the Astrakhan region of Russia, I. Babushkin, and the governor of the Gilan province of Iran, H. Hagshenas. The delegation also visited the port in the Anzali Free Trade Zone and attended an exhibition dedicated to the economic potential of the region.
Students from the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan have completed a five-day diplomatic course, which took place from 16 to 20 November at the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies under the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Saudi Arabia. The programme was implemented as part of a Cooperation Agreement between the two educational institutions, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants studied the Kingdom's foreign and domestic policies, as well as the specifics of its interaction with Central Asian countries. Lecturers Ahmed Al-Fayez, Dr. Khaled Ibrahim Al-Ali and Dr. Raja Al-Mazrouqi presented analytical materials on international relations, government programmes and the ‘Vision 2030’ initiative. Excursions to the ‘Al-Masmak’ Museum, ‘Riyadh Boulevard’ Park and ‘Imam Turki bin Abdullah’ Mosque were also organised for the students. At the end of the programme, the participants received certificates.
Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, arrived in St. Petersburg on 19 November at the invitation of Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. This was reported by IIC. The purpose of the visit is to participate in the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion,’ organised by the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Federation Council. The forum will showcase collections by designers from CIS countries. The Vice-President of the Foundation will speak at the session ‘It is Fashionable to Be Healthy,’ where she will present the work of the Foundation, including support for children in need of care and projects in the field of humanitarian policy in Turkmenistan.
The United Nations Development Programme has delivered a batch of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables to Turkmenistan as part of a joint project with the Ministry of Health to strengthen clinical laboratory services. This was reported by TerraNews. The delivery includes tabletop centrifuges, disposable blood collection tubes, and a wide range of reagents for general and biochemical analysis, coagulograms, and ELISA tests for viral hepatitis B and C. All equipment will be distributed among clinical laboratories throughout the country. The project is funded by the Turkmenistan government and aims to modernise laboratory infrastructure, increase its sustainability and expand access to quality diagnostic services in all regions, from etraps to the capital.
Turkmenistan is preparing to host an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This was reported by IIC. Heads of State of UN member states, leaders of international organisations and political representatives are expected to attend the forum. Participants will discuss the results of the International Year of Peace and Trust and further steps to strengthen stability and security. The programme includes plenary sessions, high-level meetings and cultural events. The main session, entitled ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Purpose for a Sustainable Future,’ will focus on the role of trust, dialogue and preventive diplomacy in addressing contemporary challenges. The forum will be part of a series of events organised throughout the year in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust. A State Organising Committee has been set up to prepare for the forum. A special website has also been launched with all the necessary information for participants and guests.