Policy
Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN expands in the humanitarian sphere
24.12.2025Turkmenistan considers its strategic partnership with the United Nations to be one of its foreign policy priorities. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, cooperation has been further developed, according to TDH. In October 2025, the fourth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan - UN’ Strategic Advisory Council was held in Ashgabat. Joint projects in the socio-economic and humanitarian spheres are being implemented, and a number of long-term documents have been signed. On 23 October 2025, a Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for 2026-2030 was signed. UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA country programmes for Turkmenistan for this period were also approved. Cooperation with UNICEF continues. Work plans for 2026–2027 have been signed with the Mejlis, the Ombudsman's Office, and relevant ministries and agencies. The documents cover issues of child rights protection, education, social support, statistics, and information work. Turkmenistan is a member of the UNICEF Executive Board for 2024–2026. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship plays an active role in humanitarian cooperation. The Foundation implements medical and social programmes, cooperates with UNICEF and other international partners, and provides humanitarian assistance, including abroad. International contacts and visits were held in November and December 2025, including events in St. Petersburg and Doha, where issues of health protection, inclusive development, and child protection were discussed. Memoranda of Cooperation with foreign foundations and organisations were signed. A partnership with UNFPA is being developed. The Country Programme for 2026-2030 and the Work Plans for the implementation of the national gender policy have been adopted. Turkmenistan is a member of the UN Commission on Population and Development for 2024-2028. Cooperation with UNESCO covers the fields of education, science and culture. In 2025, the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ashgabat is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and a number of schools and universities participate in the Organisation's relevant programmes. Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to expanding cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies on issues of sustainable development, humanitarian cooperation and international dialogue.
For the 30th anniversary of neutrality, lists of awarded citizens of Turkmenistan have been published
23.12.2025On 22 December, the online newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ published extended lists of citizens awarded the jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality’) and commemorative badges ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’ (‘30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality’). The lists were published in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on awarding the jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ and commemorative badges ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’. The documents note the contribution of citizens to strengthening state independence and permanent neutrality, developing the economy, enhancing defence capabilities, ensuring security and law and order, as well as implementing state programmes in the fields of science, education, culture, healthcare and other sectors. The awards are timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality status.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an informal CIS summit
23.12.2025During his working visit to the Russian Federation, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an informal summit meeting of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported by TDH. The event took place in St. Petersburg, at the State Hermitage Museum. The Head of Turkmenistan was met by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit was preceded by a joint tour of the museum halls by the leaders of the CIS countries. During the meeting, Heads of State summed up the work of the Commonwealth for the current year and discussed plans for the future. Positive dynamics in economic cooperation were noted. The exchange of views on current regional and international issues was also discussed. The Russian President congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan's upcoming chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and wished him success. The commitment of the Commonwealth countries to the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust was emphasised. As an associate member of the CIS, Turkmenistan is consistently developing cooperation in the fields of economy, transport and logistics. Particular attention is paid to the development of international North-South and East-West transport corridors, as well as cooperation in the energy sector. Humanitarian and environmental issues also remain on Turkmenistan's agenda, including participation in addressing the problems of the Aral region and promoting initiatives in the field of sustainable development and ‘green’ diplomacy. Special attention is paid to Turkmen-Russian relations. The parties are developing a strategic partnership in the trade, economic, transport and humanitarian spheres. At the end of the visit programme, an informal lunch and concert were held for the Heads of State. After that, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for Ashgabat, where he was met by officials. The participation of the Head of Turkmenistan in the informal CIS summit confirmed the country's readiness for open dialogue and practical cooperation within the Commonwealth.
The President of Turkmenistan participates in the CIS Heads of State Summit in Russia
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov is participating in an informal summit of CIS leaders, which is being held in the St. George Hall of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting is attended by the Heads of State of the CIS, and was opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders are discussing the development of cooperation within the Commonwealth, noting its strengthening on the international arena. The participants confirm their commitment to the formation of a multipolar world with the coordinating role of the UN, as well as their intention to jointly strengthen stability and security. The importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and the growth of economic integration is emphasised: the share of national currencies in mutual settlements between CIS countries exceeds 96%.
The President of Turkmenistan has left for Russia to participate in an informal CIS summit
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for a working visit to the Russian Federation to participate in an informal high-level summit of Heads of State of CIS member states. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State was seen off by officials at the capital's international airport. The informal CIS summit has no fixed agenda and serves as a platform for exchanging views on regional stability, the economy and humanitarian cooperation, as well as summarising the year and discussing plans for the future. Turkmenistan, which has permanent neutrality status and is an associate member of the CIS, participates in the activities of the Commonwealth, focusing on the development of economic cooperation, transport and logistics links, energy diplomacy and environmental security. A few hours later, the President of Turkmenistan's plane arrived at St. Petersburg International Airport, where the Head of State was met by officials. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's working visit to the Russian Federation continues.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the First ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which was held in Tokyo as part of his working visit to Japan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The summit was dedicated to the development of regional cooperation and the strengthening of ties between Central Asian countries and Japan. Turkmenistan considers this format to be a practical tool for diversifying international relations and promoting equal partnership, taking into account the principle of permanent neutrality. Before the start of the summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. After the official photo session, a plenary meeting of the summit was held. Speaking at the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan thanked the Government of Japan for the reception and noted that the summit is seen as a stage in the renewal of relations between Central Asia and Japan, taking into account global geo-economic and political changes. The need for regular summits and Turkmenistan's readiness to work actively within the framework of the dialogue were emphasised. The Head of State confirmed the priority of economic and investment cooperation, noting the successful implementation of joint projects with ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’, ‘Toyo’, ‘Sojitz’, ‘Komatsu’, ‘Toyota’ and other companies. Separate mention was made of ‘green’ energy, including hydrogen energy, and cooperation with Tsukuba University. The summit participants discussed energy security, the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, the introduction of digital technologies, investment in hydrogen energy, and cultural and academic exchanges. Following the meeting, the Tokyo Declaration of the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit and the Joint Statement of Ministers on Economic and Energy Issues were adopted. On the same day, a plenary meeting of the Dialogue Business Council was held and a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents took place. After the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for Ashgabat.
The President of Turkmenistan confirmed the course towards strategic partnership with Japan
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the First ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which took place in Tokyo. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State said that the summit is seen as a starting point for renewing and deepening relations between Central Asian countries and Japan, taking into account current geo-economic and political realities and Asia's growing role in the world. It was noted that the format of the high-level dialogue confirms the parties' readiness for long-term and sustainable partnership. Turkmenistan advocated holding the summit on a regular basis and expressed its readiness to work actively within the framework of the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to economic and investment cooperation. Turkmenistan's interest in expanding the participation of Japanese business in the development of the region was emphasised. The experience of joint work with ‘Itochu’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’, ‘Toyo’, ‘Sojitz’, ‘Komatsu’, ‘Toyota’ and other companies in the gas, chemical, energy, transport and water management sectors was noted. ‘Green’ transformation was named among the priority areas. Turkmenistan confirmed its commitment to energy conservation, methane emission reduction and the development of renewable energy sources, including hydrogen energy. The importance of cooperation on the climate agenda, including the initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Central Asia, as well as the development of ‘green diplomacy,’ was highlighted separately. The Head of State emphasised the priority of transport and transit connectivity. He noted the implementation, using Turkmenistan's own funds, of projects such as the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, the construction of airports, railways and motorways connecting Turkmenistan with neighbouring countries. The humanitarian agenda was also touched upon. Turkmenistan proposed establishing a ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum and creating a permanent platform for dialogue between women in Central Asia and Japan. The President reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of neutrality, peaceful settlement and the UN Charter, and put forward an initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. In conclusion, it was emphasised that the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ dialogue is seen as a long-term and practice-oriented mechanism for cooperation that meets the interests of the participating countries.
Turkmenistan initiated the creation of the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit, where he proposed the creation of a ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum and a permanent platform for ‘Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Japan’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, human capacity development is a key area of cooperation. Forum participants discussed strengthening energy supply chains, developing the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, introducing AI into industry, investing in hydrogen energy, and cultural and academic exchanges. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration and a Joint Ministerial Statement on Economic and Energy Issues.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has concluded his visit to Japan and returned to Ashgabat
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has completed his working visit to Japan and returned to Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the information programme ‘Watan’. On the last day of his visit, the Head of State took part in the first ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit and held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A joint press statement was published following the meeting. The President of Turkmenistan's plane landed at Ashgabat International Airport, where Serdar Berdimuhamedov was met by officials.
Turkmenistan invites Japanese companies to investment partnership
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has announced his country's readiness to offer Japanese businesses favourable conditions for long-term investment. He made the announcement in Tokyo during a meeting with the heads of leading Japanese companies, according to TDH. The Head of State outlined the priority areas for cooperation. These include energy, including renewable sources, transport and logistics, high-tech and environmentally-oriented production, water resource management, infrastructure modernisation and personnel training. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted Turkmenistan's readiness to promote Japanese technologies and products in the domestic market. The key areas include mechanical engineering, electronics and the chemical industry. At the end of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan confirmed his intention to expand partnership with Japan and provide long-term support to Japanese businesses. Following the negotiations, a number of bilateral documents on the development of economic and technological cooperation were signed.
Turkmenistan has proposed waste processing projects to Japan
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with representatives of the Japanese business community in Tokyo. During the negotiations, he proposed developing a project to build a plant for processing household and construction waste, according to TDH. The Head of State noted that the project aims to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills through sorting, recycling, and reuse. The President emphasised that Turkmenistan is focused on updating its economic model. Among the priorities are industrialisation, ‘green’ transition, energy diversification and the development of transport and logistics links. It was noted that there are opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in these areas. During the meeting, the role of Japanese business in the implementation of major projects in Turkmenistan was noted. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also proposed considering projects to improve wastewater treatment and build mini-plants for recycling PET bottles and household appliances.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined priorities at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov named the ‘green’ transition, hydrogen energy and transport connectivity as priorities for multilateral cooperation at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit in Tokyo. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the electronic newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The summit was attended by the leaders of five Central Asian states. In his speech, the Head of State focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation. He noted the experience of cooperation with Japanese companies ITOCHU, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Sumitomo, Toyo, Sojitz, Komatsu and Toyota. Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed to the resource potential of the countries in the region for deepening partnership with Japan. Other priorities include human capital development, cooperation in education, and teaching Japanese to young people. The summit participants discussed the further development of the six-party format, including political dialogue, interregional cooperation, business ties, and humanitarian exchanges.
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