A Turkmen delegation led by Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to Japan from 29 June to 1 July. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The main purpose of the trip was to take part in a meeting of international participants as part of the preparations for the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ international horticultural exhibition, which will take place from 19 March to 26 September 2027 in Yokohama. During the event, representatives from Turkmenistan took part in plenary and panel sessions, working meetings and fact-finding visits. Discussions centred on the organisation of the national pavilion, logistics, the staging of Turkmenistan’s National Day and other aspects of preparations for the exhibition. The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan also held meetings with T. Suzuki, Executive Vice-President of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and K. Hachiyama, Deputy Secretary-General of the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ International Horticultural Exhibition Association. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Japanese business cooperation, the organisation of the Turkmen-Japanese Business Forum in Tokyo in 2027 with the participation of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the ‘GREEN EXPO 2027’ exhibition.
On 1 July, a briefing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to discuss preparations for the World Horse Racing Championship and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest. The event is scheduled for 4–6 September 2026 and will take place at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg (the Netherlands). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The briefing was attended by Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of local and foreign media. Participants were provided with information on preparations for the event, which will be held in Europe for the first time. Separately, planned initiatives aimed at promoting Ahal-Teke horses as an important element of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage were outlined. It was noted that the forthcoming event is set to become a significant international occasion and to broaden the global audience’s understanding of the country’s heritage.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State congratulated the President of Croatia and the people of the country on this anniversary. The message highlighted Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Zoran Milanović good health, well-being and success, and wished the people of Croatia peace and prosperity.
Yazmyrat Seryayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Ireland, presented his credentials to the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The formal ceremony took place on 25 June at the Head of State’s official residence, ‘Áras an Uachtaráin’, in Dublin.
A delegation from the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, has arrived in Turkmenistan on a two-day official visit. The guests were met at Ashgabat International Airport by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The first day of the visit was devoted to a cultural programme. Upon arrival, the delegation proceeded to the capital’s ‘Laçyn’ Park, where Yermek Kosherbayev took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the Kazakh poet and thinker Abay Kunanbayev. The monument is regarded as a symbol of friendship and cultural affinity between the two nations. The Kazakhstani representatives then visited the Monument to Independence in Turkmenistan. The delegation paid tribute to the national heroes by laying a basket of flowers at the foot of the memorial. The final item on the programme was a visit to the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. A guided tour was organised for the guests, during which they were introduced to archaeological finds, ethnographic artefacts and the historical heritage of the Turkmen people. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan maintain a strategic partnership. The visit by Yermek Kosherbayev, whose delegation includes heads of key departments of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, confirms the priority given to the development of bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan will take part in the next summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) and the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), which will be held in Turkey this autumn. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during a telephone conversation with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing TDH. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that regular high-level meetings and negotiations contribute to the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. Hero Arkadag also expressed his gratitude to the Turkish side for its support of Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy and its initiatives within the UN and other international organisations. During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, transport and logistics, education and culture. They noted the desirability of continuing the practice of holding reciprocal Culture Days and Film Days.
On 30 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, who is concluding his mission in the country. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s current engagement with the UN system and the prospects for further cooperation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The Turkmen Foreign Affairs Minister noted Dmitry Shlapachenko’s contribution to the development of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN, as well as the implementation of joint programmes and projects. Rashid Meredov wished him every success in his future professional endeavours. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmenistan regards the UN as a key international partner on issues of peace, security and sustainable development. For his part, Dmitry Shlapachenko thanked the Turkmen leadership for the support provided during his mission in the country.
On 30 June, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, M. Byashimova, held a meeting with Pavlo Byalyk, Regional Adviser on the Universal Periodic Review at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as collaboration within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan regards the Universal Periodic Review as an important international mechanism for improving state policy in the field of human rights and attaches great importance to its partnership with the UN OHCHR. The participants also reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation, including the exchange of experience, expert support and the implementation of joint initiatives within the framework of cooperation with the UN.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has extended his congratulations to the Governor General of Canada, Louise Arbour, and the people of Canada on Canada Day. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State wished Louise Arbour good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Canada peace, continued progress and prosperity.
There are plans to erect a monument to the friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia in Ashgabat. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during a telephone conversation with Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, reports TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the Turkmen side’s readiness to implement a number of joint projects, including the expansion of the A.S. Pushkin Turkmen-Russian School, the establishment of a joint university, the construction of a new building for the Russian Drama Theatre, and the erection of a monument to friendship. During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue between the two countries and spoke highly of Matvienko’s contribution to strengthening international cooperation. The parties agreed to continue their joint work in the socio-political and humanitarian spheres.
At the end of June 2026, the diplomatic mission of Germany’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Bernd Heinze, comes to an end. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In a farewell statement, the diplomat and his wife thanked the people of the country for their warm welcome and noted that their years of work in Turkmenistan had been particularly meaningful and memorable. They also expressed their wishes for the continued development of the country’s potential and hope for a possible return in the future. Bernd Heinze has served as Germany’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan since July 2024, when he presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
On June 29, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The President of Türkiye congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow on his birthday and noted his contribution to the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations. He also conveyed his best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow thanked Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the congratulations and for his efforts to strengthen bilateral partnership. The sides emphasized the importance of high-level contacts for expanding political, trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted the visit of the President of Türkiye to Ashgabat in December last year, when he took part in celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. During the conversation, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue high-level political dialogue. The Turkmen side also confirmed participation in the upcoming Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and in the 31st session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), which will be held in Türkiye. The interlocutors discussed international issues, including strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow expressed gratitude to the Turkish side for its support of Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy and its initiatives at UN platforms. In the trade and economic sphere, it was noted that Türkiye remains one of Turkmenistan’s leading foreign trade partners. Special attention was given to the work of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation, whose ninth meeting was recently held in Ashgabat. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty highlighted the contribution of Turkish companies to major projects in Turkmenistan, including in the textile, energy, gas chemical, and industrial sectors. The sides also discussed cooperation in energy, transport, logistics, education, healthcare, sports, and media. It was noted that thousands of Turkmen students are studying at universities in Türkiye. At the end of the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow invited Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time. The sides exchanged wishes of health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.