Policy
Halk Maslahaty is carrying on the traditions of national unity
10.08.2026This year, under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, the country continues to pursue its socio-economic development objectives. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The unity of the people remains one of the key principles of Turkmen society. The traditions of harmony, peace and mutual understanding are regarded as an important part of the national heritage. The Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan plays a special role in this process. At a meeting of its Presidium, the main focus was on preparations for the national forum, which is to take place on 23 September at the ‘Maslahat Köşgi’ Palace in Ashgabat. Participants will review the country’s socio-economic development and set out objectives for the future. The activities of the Halk Maslahaty are aimed at strengthening the unity, cohesion and well-being of the people, as well as the country’s further development. The tradition of collegial discussion of issues of importance to the family, society and the state has its roots in the history of the Turkmen people. Today, this tradition is being further developed through the work of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan as a modern platform for strengthening national unity. Peacefulness, good neighbourliness and open dialogue remain key pillars of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy. At the same time, the preservation of national values and social harmony is regarded as the foundation for the country’s further development.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation and social projects
10.08.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by international engagements, the development of cooperation with foreign partners, and initiatives in the field of maternal and child health. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 5 August, at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and Switzerland. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding international dialogue in the interests of peace and sustainable development. Among the promising areas for cooperation mentioned were energy, transport, economic growth, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. On the same day, a high-level national round table entitled ‘Strengthening Systems to Support Exclusive Breastfeeding’ took place in Ashgabat. It was organised by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Office in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, relevant institutions, higher education establishments, civil society organisations, international bodies and diplomatic missions. Participants discussed maternal and child health, support for breastfeeding and the further development of relevant national programmes. The event took place as part of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from 1 to 7 August. It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing the National Programme for Maternal and Child Health for 2026–2030, entitled ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’. The Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding’ is also in force. As part of cooperation with UNICEF, programmes are being implemented on immunisation, proper nutrition for children, improving legislation in the field of child rights protection, and enhancing the professional skills of healthcare workers and teachers. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship funds the treatment of children, including complex operations, and supports medical institutions by equipping them with modern equipment and ambulances. On 7 August, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, whilst on annual leave, went for a cycle ride along the coast of the Caspian Sea in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone continues to develop as a tourist and health resort. The area is home to sanatoriums, hotels with medical and rehabilitation departments, children’s health centres and sports complexes. Work is also being carried out in ‘Awaza’ to maintain cleanliness and preserve a favourable environmental situation. The tree-lined avenues and parks that have been created complement the tourist infrastructure of the Caspian coast. The development of the physical culture and health movement remains one of the priorities of state policy. Mass sporting events, including cycle races, are held regularly throughout the country. On the initiative of Turkmenistan, World Bicycle Day, established by a UN General Assembly resolution, is celebrated annually on 3 June.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the dialogue between the US and the countries of Central Asia
09.08.2026On 7 August, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the US, Esen Aydogdyev, took part in a meeting between US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and the ambassadors of Central Asian countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of business, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. They also exchanged views on upcoming bilateral and regional contacts and key issues on the shared agenda. Following the meeting, the importance of continued dialogue and practical cooperation between the US and the countries of Central Asia was emphasised.
Turkmenistan and the US discussed prospects for cooperation
08.08.2026On 7 August, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Kristin Hawkins, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-American cooperation, prospects for further collaboration and issues of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of international organisations, primarily the UN. Priority areas of humanitarian cooperation were also considered, including educational and sporting exchanges, as well as the implementation of joint projects and programmes. In addition, the participants discussed preparations for upcoming joint events and reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue on issues relating to the bilateral and multilateral agenda.
The President of Turkmenistan went for a cycle ride along the Caspian coast
08.08.2026On 7 August, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is currently on working holiday, went for a morning cycle ride along the Caspian Sea coast in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the trip, the Head of State familiarised himself with the natural landscapes and infrastructure of the resort area. In recent years, ‘Awaza’ has been transformed into a major tourist, sports and international conference centre. Work is continuing in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone to preserve its environmental well-being. Green spaces are being expanded, and forest strips and parks are being created. In Turkmenistan, particular attention is paid to the development of the physical culture and health movement and mass sport. Cycling is regarded as one of the ways to maintain physical activity and improve health. The tradition of mass cycle rides has become widespread across the country. Turkmenistan also initiated the establishment of World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated annually on 3 June in accordance with a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The infrastructure of ‘Awaza’ includes sanatoriums, hotels with medical and rehabilitation facilities, children’s health centres, holiday cottage complexes, sports grounds and multi-purpose sports centres. The development of sports and tourism infrastructure, as well as environmental conservation measures, are aimed at improving public health and enhancing the tourist appeal of the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.
Turkmenistan has continued to pursue a policy of strengthening international partnerships
07.08.2026In July, Turkmenistan continued to develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation with states and international organisations as part of its foreign policy. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Meetings were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, who presented their letters of credence. Negotiations were also held with representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran and New Zealand. Following a series of meetings, documents aimed at developing bilateral cooperation were signed. In July, a delegation from Turkmenistan visited the Republic of Indonesia, where the first political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries took place. The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the development of the ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ format. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with the Republic of Korea. A meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with a delegation led by Choi Hyung Du, Head of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. In addition, the Turkmen delegation took part in the third meeting of senior officials of the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Cooperation Forum. The 9th meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan took place in Ashgabat. Participants discussed the implementation of previously reached agreements and further joint projects. Cooperation with the United Nations and its specialised agencies continued. Meetings were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with representatives of the International Labour Organisation, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, and the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. A delegation from Turkmenistan also took part in the High-Level Political Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, where it presented the country’s experience in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At a meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the results of work for the first half of the year and plans for further cooperation with UNESCO and ICESCO were reviewed. On 22 July, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN addressed the open debate of the UN Security Council on issues of international peace and security. On 24 July, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 78 states. In July, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 13th meeting of the High-Level Dialogue ‘European Union–Central Asia’ in Brussels. Negotiations were also held with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Following the meeting with the EBRD, cooperation agreements were signed. The Foreign Affairs Ministry hosted the 65th meeting of Turkmenistan’s Interdepartmental Commission on Caspian Sea Issues, at which preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit, scheduled for October in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, were discussed. Over the course of the month, negotiations were held with representatives of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as a Turkmen-Chinese dialogue in Beijing dedicated to the further development of bilateral relations. The meetings, negotiations and international events held in July confirmed the continuation of Turkmenistan’s active cooperation with foreign partners in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
The OSCE Head highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening dialogue and stability
07.08.2026The current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, described Turkmenistan as a valuable partner for the organisation in strengthening dialogue, stability and cooperation. He made this statement following an official visit to the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During his visit, Ignazio Cassis held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. The parties discussed cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation across the organisation’s three security pillars. The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the role of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in fostering constructive dialogue with Turkmenistan. He met with staff at the centre and expressed his appreciation for their work in implementing the organisation’s mandate and developing engagement with state institutions and civil society. The visit to Turkmenistan formed part of Ignazio Cassis’s regional tour. He had previously visited Azerbaijan and plans to visit Armenia and Georgia in the autumn.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to developing its partnership with the OSCE
07.08.2026During a meeting with the Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, which currently holds the Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the visit marked an important stage in the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed issues of international cooperation, the maintenance of peace, stability and sustainable development. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to bilateral relations. The Head of State reaffirmed his interest in the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Switzerland in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
‘Awaza’ will host a meeting between the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan
06.08.2026At the end of July, the leaders of the six Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration in Cholpon-Ata, reaffirming the high level of trust between the states of the ‘CA-6’ format. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting served as preparation for the 8th official Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which is due to take place on 8 October 2026 in Turkmenistan’s ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea. This regional integration framework has taken shape over the past eight years. The first step was a meeting of Central Asian leaders in Astana, which laid the foundations for the ‘CA-5’ framework and aimed to strengthen trust between states, coordinate foreign policy and remove bureaucratic barriers. Over the course of the seven subsequent meetings, the countries resolved issues relating to the delimitation and demarcation of borders, established mechanisms for managing water and energy resources, increased trade, and established joint transport corridors. The second step was Azerbaijan’s accession to the platform. Baku was granted guest-of-honour status, and its full membership was subsequently announced at the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent — thus establishing the ‘CA-6’ format. This gave the countries of the region access to Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and European markets. The third step was an informal meeting of the leaders of the six countries in Cholpon-Ata. In addition to a joint declaration, the participants discussed issues relating to security, logistics, water management and energy. At the forthcoming meeting in Awaza, the leaders plan to discuss regional security, trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport logistics, the environment, water resources, as well as humanitarian and youth cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Vice-President of Switzerland
06.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and Switzerland. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Ignazio Cassis’s visit represents an important step towards further strengthening cooperation. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the OSCE on issues relating to the maintenance of peace, sustainable development and the implementation of joint programmes, which are drawn up annually by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The willingness to continue the partnership in the field of human rights and the study of international experience was also reaffirmed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that there were opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to Turkmen-Swiss relations. The Head of State reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in developing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as its readiness to consider proposals from the Swiss side. Ignazio Cassis confirmed the interest of the OSCE and Switzerland in further developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed prospects for cooperation
06.08.2026On 5 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the activities of the OSCE and the prospects for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Organisation, as well as with the Swiss Confederation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE takes place on a systematic basis within the framework of the annual Project Plan of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, covering all three areas of the Organisation’s activities. The participants emphasised the importance of holding high-level regional events in Ashgabat with the participation of the OSCE leadership. They also discussed preparations for upcoming joint events aimed at developing regional cooperation and exchanging experience. Particular attention was paid to the further development of cooperation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE, the Organisation’s Secretariat, its institutions and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador took part in the celebrations in California
05.08.2026Celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence took place in the San Diego area (California, USA). The event was organised by Fit International and attended by representatives of the local authorities, the public, the media and friends of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the US, Esen Aydogdyev, took part in the celebrations. He congratulated those present on the 250th anniversary of US independence and noted that celebrating the independence anniversaries of the two countries underscores the importance of sovereignty, national identity, peaceful development and mutual respect between states. The highlight of the programme was the presentation of a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’. The event was also attended by Kirt Edwards, Head of Fit International, who congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on Independence Day and wished them peace, well-being and prosperity. According to the embassy, the event once again demonstrated the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between Turkmenistan and the US.
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