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Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in key areas
10.07.2026In June, Turkmenistan held a series of international negotiations, consultations, forums and meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation with foreign countries and international organisations. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On 3 June, a telephone conversation took place between the heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and Malaysia. The parties discussed the prospects for further partnership. On the same day, meetings were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and Narine Sahakyan, the UNDP Resident Representative. Issues relating to cooperation with the UN were discussed, including Turkmenistan’s participation in UN Security Council meetings. Also on 3 June, as part of World Bicycle Day – proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan – documents were signed between the country’s government bodies and the UNDP. A meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the ‘US-Turkmenistan’ Business Council. The main focus was on developing contacts between the public and private sectors of the two countries. From 4 to 6 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the second session of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia in Tashkent. The event was attended by representatives of states, international organisations and think tanks. On 5 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Adil Kerimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The development of humanitarian cooperation was discussed. The Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag from 5 to 7 June. On 8 June, a meeting was held with Sarah Rogers, US Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. The parties discussed the development of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as cooperation within the ‘C5+1’ framework. On the same day, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund. Issues relating to cooperation with the IMF, Turkmenistan’s integration into the global economy and the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation were discussed. Also on 8 June, a high-level regional meeting was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. As part of the event, negotiations took place with the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, Robert Floyd, and representatives from Uzbekistan. On 9 June, the Foreign Affairs Ministry discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Korean relations with Jong Tae-in, Special Envoy of the Secretariat of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). On 10 June, a meeting took place with Maria Agren, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to Turkmenistan. The prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. On 12 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Mehdi Sobhani, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The parties discussed cooperation in areas of mutual interest. On the same day, the 13th meeting of the Turkmen-Austrian Joint Commission took place in Ashgabat. Participants discussed the development of trade and economic ties and cooperation between business communities. From 8 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn. On 15–17 June, representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 66th session of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in Vienna. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. From 16 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026). The focus was on energy, transport, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and investment cooperation. On 17–18 June, the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, a corresponding Protocol was signed.
IUOG students are undertaking work placements in the UAE
10.07.2026From 1 to 10 July, students from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas are undertaking a work-based learning placement in Abu Dhabi as part of the ‘Summer Energy Camp for International Students’ programme, organised by Khalifa University in the UAE. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The placement aims to familiarise students with the activities of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Khalifa University, as well as to study their expertise in the fields of education, science and oil and gas production. During the placement, students are studying modern technologies in the oil and gas sector and the application of artificial intelligence in the energy sector, whilst also familiarising themselves with the university’s research, laboratories, training centres and museums. The programme also includes visits to ADNOC’s production facilities, an aerospace laboratory, 3D printing laboratories and maintenance facilities. In addition, participants undertake short courses on renewable energy, well drilling, oil and gas engineering, and the properties of reservoir fluids. The knowledge and practical skills gained contribute to the professional training of future specialists in the oil and gas sector and to the development of cooperation between leading universities in Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are expanding their cooperation in strategic areas
10.07.2026Making effective use of the geographical advantages of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan creates significant opportunities for expanding and diversifying cooperation in strategically important areas. This was discussed at a meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State noted that his recent state visit to Azerbaijan had marked an important stage in the development of bilateral relations. The high-level negotiations held during the visit had laid new foundations for further strengthening cooperation in priority areas. During the meeting, the parties emphasised the need to make more effective use of the two countries’ advantageous geographical location. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation, implementing joint projects in the energy sector, developing transport and transit routes, improving logistics infrastructure and promoting initiatives of international significance. The important role of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was also noted. As noted, the Commission is a key mechanism for coordinating joint work and contributes to the development of ties in trade and economic, logistical, scientific and technical, and other priority areas.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with a US senator
10.07.2026On 9 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with US Senator Steve Daines from the state of Montana. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations and the prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The participants noted the development of political and diplomatic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the US, as well as the importance of regular contacts at various levels. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of high-level visits in strengthening inter-state cooperation. During the negotiations, particular attention was paid to inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as trade and economic ties. The parties explored opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, trade, investment, transport and logistics. The role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council in developing contacts between the business communities of the two countries was highlighted. An exchange of views also took place on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing a constructive dialogue.
Ashgabat and Baku are developing their partnership in the energy and transport sectors
10.07.2026The ninth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. The main topics were the development of a strategic partnership in the electricity sector and the transport and logistics sector, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. It was noted at the meeting that the 1,574 MW power station currently under construction in the Turkmenbashi etrap of the Balkan velayat would form the basis for expanding cooperation in the electricity sector. The participants also discussed the development of transport corridors. It was emphasised that the modernised infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Baku International Sea Trade Port facilitates efficient transit freight transport between Asia and Europe and strengthens the logistical capacity of the Caspian region.
A meeting between Hero Arkadag and a US senator took place in Ashgabat
10.07.2026On 9 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Senator Steve Daines of Montana, a member of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The US Senator conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to the National Leader of the Turkmen people. Steve Daines noted the level of development in Turkmenistan and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conveyed his own best wishes to the US President and noted that the Senator’s visit would contribute to the development of dialogue between the two countries. The Hero Arkadag also congratulated Steve Daines and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan and the US are developing their cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, trust and understanding. The two sides are cooperating in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of active dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries and noted the US’s support for Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality. Senator Steve Daines highlighted the cooperation between the two states within the framework of the UN and emphasised his interest in developing cooperation in various fields. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council was highlighted, as was the participation of American companies, including ‘Boeing’, ‘General Electric’, ‘John Deere’ and ‘Case New Holland’, in projects in Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fuel and energy, transport and communications sectors. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of US support for the development of the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ transport corridors, as well as for the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Ties in the fields of science, education and culture were also discussed. The National Leader of the Turkmen people reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding long-term and multi-faceted cooperation with the US. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties wished each other success in their work and peace and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The President of Turkmenistan received US Senator Steve Daines
10.07.2026On 9 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Senator Steve Daines of Montana, a member of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, who had arrived in the country on a visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The US Senator conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to the Head of State. Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his own best wishes to the American leader in return and congratulated the guest and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmen-American relations are developing on the basis of mutual respect, trust and cooperation in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the intensification of political dialogue between the two countries, noting his working visit to Washington last November to attend the ‘Central Asia + U.S.’ Summit, as well as his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The role of the visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the state of Florida in February this year was also highlighted. The parties discussed cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries and exchanged views on topical international issues. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of US support for Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The Head of State noted the experience of working with American companies and the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council in developing business ties. The President of Turkmenistan confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the US in the fields of energy, transport, finance, banking, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. In the energy sector, the importance of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline project was highlighted. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the implementation of the project would contribute to economic development and the strengthening of regional cooperation. The parties also discussed cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. The President highlighted the development of joint programmes, the training of Turkmen youth in the US and the expansion of contacts between higher education institutions in both countries. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in the further development of long-term, multi-faceted cooperation with the US and wished Senator Steve Daines every success in his work.
Turkmenistan and ‘TRANSHOLD’ discussed cooperation opportunities in Islamabad
10.07.2026On 8 July, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with Babar Badat, Chairman of the transport and logistics company ‘TRANSHOLD’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. At the start of the discussion, the guest spoke highly of the country’s policy of neutrality and its active role in international partnerships. The main topic of discussion was the development of the transport and logistics sector. The parties paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical position as a key hub between Europe and Asia, as well as the large-scale infrastructure projects currently being implemented in the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors emphasised the importance of modernising transit corridors and introducing advanced logistics solutions, and expressed their mutual interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan is expanding its international freight transport capacity
10.07.2026A large-scale modernisation of border infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies have enabled Turkmenistan to significantly increase the volume of international freight transport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Total freight traffic through border checkpoints exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s figures, whilst the volume of export and import operations rose by 6 per cent. Transit shipments through the country’s territory covered more than 90 countries worldwide, increasing by 15 per cent to over 3.5 million tonnes. The main driver of this growth was the complete modernisation of the State Customs Service’s posts. The installation of modern screening systems and the launch of end-to-end digital systems have enabled the automation of transport clearance procedures from the moment vehicles enter the customs zone. This has drastically reduced processing times and increased the throughput capacity of international transport corridors, whilst the planned modernisation of key routes continues as part of government programmes.
Applications for the "Chevening" scholarship programme will be accepted in Ashgabat
10.07.2026The British Embassy in Ashgabat has announced that applications are now open for the Chevening Scholarship Programme for the 2027–2028 academic year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme offers the opportunity to study at British universities and to be part of an international community of future leaders. Candidates who share the values of Chevening and have plans to carry out projects aimed at bringing about positive change in areas of importance to both Turkmenistan and the UK are eligible to apply. The application period runs from 4 August to 6 October.
Ashgabat discussed water resource management issues
10.07.2026An inter-ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the UNECE Water Convention. Participants discussed the development of water diplomacy, the modernisation of irrigation systems, the digitalisation of water management and the protection of ecosystems. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of international organisations noted Turkmenistan’s contribution to strengthening cooperation in the field of water resources. Particular attention was paid to the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, the improvement of legislation and compliance with agreements on the use of the Amu Darya’s waters. Experts from Central Asian countries exchanged experiences in the areas of wastewater treatment, ensuring the supply of drinking water to the population, and improving the efficiency of water management. Participants emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable development.
Students from Turkmenistan are undertaking summer work placements in Italy
09.07.2026International cooperation in the field of education is opening up new opportunities for students in Turkmenistan to study and undertake work placements abroad. This has been reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. One example is the Memorandum of Understanding between the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) and the Kent State University. Under the agreement, IUHD students undertake a summer placement at the Kent State University branch in Florence (Italy). The programme allows them to combine theoretical training with the development of practical skills in an international educational environment. During their studies, students are introduced to modern professional approaches, attend lectures given by international lecturers, improve their foreign language skills and exchange experiences with peers from different countries.
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