Policy
Turkmenistan and Turkey strengthen cooperation on migration
12.01.2026On 8 January, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmen-Turkish relations have acquired a new quality in recent years, and bilateral cooperation is developing on an ongoing basis. The parties discussed the prospects and opportunities for cooperation in the field of migration, identifying key areas for further cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the countries in the field of migration and wished for success in the continuation of work in this direction.
Turkmenistan approves the foreign policy work plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026
12.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov presented the draft Work Plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plan was prepared in accordance with the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028 and the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, announced at an expanded government meeting on 6 December 2025. The document provides for measures to strengthen political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with foreign countries, implement the international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, including at sessions of the UN General Assembly, and cooperate with international financial and economic structures. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with economic organisations such as the WTO, OECD, IEA, IRENA, as well as joint projects with UNCTAD, ESCAP and UNECE. After hearing the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality and is aimed at ensuring universal well-being. The Head of State approved the Foreign Affairs Ministry's plan for 2026 and instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to implement it.
India is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of IT and education
11.01.2026India considers Turkmenistan a close partner in its wider neighbourhood and is ready to share its experience in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and education. This was stated by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking World Hindi Day in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. The Diplomat noted that Turkmenistan and India are linked by historical relations and common regional interests, including their proximity to Afghanistan. He recalled that India recognised Turkmenistan's independence in 1991 and was one of the first countries to open an embassy in Ashgabat. According to him, active political dialogue is maintained between the countries. Among the significant contacts mentioned were the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to India in 2010, the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Turkmenistan in 2015 and the visit of the President of India in 2022. In 2026, the parties plan to continue high-level exchanges. The Ambassador emphasised India's readiness to share its expertise as one of the world's largest and most dynamically developing economies. He named IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, training and sustainable use of natural resources as promising areas for cooperation. Bandaru Wilsonbabu also thanked the Government of Turkmenistan and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages for their support for the study of Hindi. He noted the interest in Indian culture, including music, dance, yoga, Ayurveda and cinema. The event, timed to coincide with World Hindi Day, which is celebrated on 10 January, brought together representatives of the Indian community, the Turkmen media and guests. The programme featured performances by students of the Institute of World Languages, as well as musical numbers, elements of yoga and Indian cuisine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Commission on Caspian issues
11.01.2026On 10 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 64th meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the country. The meeting presented the results of the Commission's activities for 2025 in accordance with the approved Work Plan. The Action Plan of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues for 2026 was also approved. Special attention was paid to the tasks planned for implementation in the first half of the year. The participants noted that Turkmenistan has been consistently involved in the development of coordinated decisions on Caspian issues for many years and continues to cooperate with the Caspian states within the framework of international law.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan approved key plans in education and healthcare
11.01.2026Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva presented draft work plans for the areas under her supervision for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They provide for the continuation of reforms in education, healthcare and sport: improving educational programmes, strengthening the material and technical base, introducing modern methods of disease prevention and treatment, as well as developing science, innovative industry and attracting talented young people to high technology. In addition, measures are planned to promote national culture and strengthen the country's international authority. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating a knowledgeable generation, improving the education infrastructure and monitoring reforms in healthcare and sports. The Head of State approved the work plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement them.
Foreign leaders sent New Year greetings to the President of Turkmenistan
10.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife wished the Head of State good health, happiness and prosperity, expressing their hope that 2026 would be a year of positive change. President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu also sent a congratulatory message, extending her best wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year.
Turkmenistan and India discussed the development of bilateral relations
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Indian relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the organisation of visits and meetings at the highest state level in the current year. The interlocutors considered the possibility of mutual visits by the heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries. In this context, they discussed the preliminary agenda for political consultations planned at the level of Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers. In addition, the role of the Inter-Governmental Turkmen-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was emphasised. The expediency of holding its next meeting in the near future was noted. Draft documents to be signed during the upcoming visits and meetings were also considered.
Issues of cooperation with the UN discussed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The main focus was on summarising the results of the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development for 2021-2025. The role of the Steering Committee in coordinating joint work was noted. Issues related to the preparation and launch of a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 were also discussed. During the meeting, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding the presence of specialised UN agencies, structures and programmes in the country. The progress of UN programme and project activities in Turkmenistan was discussed separately. It was noted that a number of bilateral and regional projects are continuing to be implemented under existing agreements. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the preparation of joint events, including a conference with the participation of the FAO, courses for young diplomats and other initiatives.
Turkmenistan's foreign policy: key international events of 2025
09.01.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan consistently developed foreign policy relations in bilateral and multilateral formats. The year was marked by the International Year of Peace and Trust and coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, which was reflected in active work on international platforms. This was reported by TDH. Cooperation with the United Nations remained one of the key areas of foreign policy. On 21 March, at the plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ initiated by Turkmenistan was unanimously adopted. In September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he reaffirmed the country's commitment to the UN Charter and announced a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening international dialogue. During the visit, meetings were held with the UN Secretary-General and Heads of State. Regional dialogue in Central Asia has been actively developing. In November, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his speech, he outlined the priorities for cooperation, including transport and logistics, energy, trade, industrial cooperation, water and environmental issues, as well as the humanitarian sphere. It was confirmed that in 2026 the chairmanship in this format will pass to Turkmenistan, and the next summit will be held in an expanded format, ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. Throughout the year, Turkmenistan also actively participated in the ‘Central Asia+’ dialogue. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States of America, Japan and Italy. The main focus was on security, economic cooperation, investment, energy, transport, and the environmental and climate agenda. Cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States played a significant role in foreign policy. In October, the President of Turkmenistan participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in the Republic of Tajikistan, and in December, he participated in an informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg. Speeches emphasised the need to develop trade and economic ties, transport and logistics projects, and humanitarian cooperation. Turkmenistan also continued its cooperation with other international organisations. In September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin in the ‘SCO+’ format, where he confirmed his interest in expanding cooperation in the economy, transport, energy and humanitarian spheres. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, participated in the International Economic Forum ‘Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025’ and in the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, where Turkmenistan has observer status. An important part of the foreign policy agenda was the holding of international events in the country. In 2025, a number of international conferences and forums were held in Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, including events under the auspices of the UN and meetings dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and Neutrality Day. Bilateral negotiations with foreign partners were held on the sidelines of these events. Overall, Turkmenistan's foreign policy activities in 2025 focused on developing multilateral dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the principles of permanent neutrality in the international arena.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from German leaders
09.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from the leadership of the Federal Republic of Germany. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, sent his congratulations to the Head of State. In his message, he wished the President of Turkmenistan and the people of the country peace and happiness in the new year. A separate congratulatory letter was sent by Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz. He wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his family health and prosperity, and expressed hope for continued joint work on solving pressing issues in the name of a safe and peaceful future.
The symbolism of the 2026 motto: the role of Ahal-Teke horses
08.01.2026The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has approved the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The decision coincides with the start of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The symbolism of the motto is linked to national values and objectives defined by state programmes. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse traditionally occupies a special place in the culture of Turkmenistan and is considered an element of historical heritage and national identity. The country pays attention to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the training of specialists in this field and the expansion of international cooperation in this area. The activities of the International Association of Breeding of Ahal-Teke Horses, headquartered in Ashgabat, are aimed at preserving the breed's gene pool and implementing scientific projects with foreign partners. An important milestone was the inclusion of the nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made in December 2023 at a session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee. The city of Arkadag is home to the Scientific and Production Laboratory of Horse Breeding and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Their activities are focused on scientific research, educational programmes and the training of a new generation of specialists. The motto for 2026 reflects the priorities of Turkmenistan's internal development and foreign humanitarian policy, combining a reference to historical traditions with the tasks of modern development.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026
08.01.2026On 7 January, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further implementation of joint measures to develop bilateral cooperation in the new year were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for the sixth meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, political consultations at the level of foreign ministers, and the Turkmen-Pakistani Business Forum. In addition, they discussed the organisation of visits at the highest state level scheduled for the current year. They also reviewed a list of bilateral documents planned for signing in 2026.
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