Policy
Turkmenistan announces partnership plan with OSCE for 2026
22.02.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the Working Plan for Partnership between Turkmenistan and the OSCE for 2026 during a government meeting on 20 February. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Foreign Minister stressed that one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy remains active cooperation with international organisations, including the OSCE, in the political, economic, humanitarian and environmental spheres. The plan provides for measures to strengthen peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian cooperation and preventive diplomacy. It also includes projects on customs, border and cyber security, economic and regional cooperation, energy efficiency, environmental protection and combating climate change. Particular attention is paid to science, education, human rights protection, the development of democratic institutions, gender equality and media improvement. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov supported the plan and instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to implement its provisions.
Turkmenistan accelerates access to pre-school education with support from the UN and UNICEF
22.02.2026On 20 February, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan hosted a ‘Direct Talk’ meeting on ‘Accelerating Access to Preschool Education,’ organised jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations and UNICEF. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, relevant departments, the National Institute of Education, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna and international experts who joined online. In their speeches, they emphasised the importance of investing in early childhood development, expanding access to quality pre-school education and inter-agency cooperation. Three key areas were discussed: the results of the pilot programme to support parents, preparations for the launch of a free one-year half-day pre-school programme from September 2026, and the development of a roadmap for the phased expansion of the programme from September 2027, taking into account the effectiveness of investments and monitoring mechanisms. Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to continue working together to develop early education, support parents and expand access to quality pre-school education.
Business ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE reach a new level
22.02.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, Bayram Bayramov, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, and Hamid Mohammed bin Salem, Secretary General of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the UAE. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of trade and economic ties and investment opportunities between the two countries. It was noted that improving the investment climate contributes to the growth of trade turnover and the launch of joint projects. B. Bayramov emphasised the interest of Turkmenistan's business circles in deepening cooperation with the UAE and invited Emirati businesses to invest in priority sectors of the country's economy, assuring them of his readiness to provide comprehensive support to investors.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a round table with Azerbaijani parliamentarians
22.02.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted a round table with the participation of deputies of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a representative of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the event, issues related to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, widely celebrated in 2025, as well as its significance for strengthening international peace, trust and sustainable development were discussed. The participants emphasised that the legal status of permanent neutrality, recognised by relevant United Nations resolutions, is an effective tool for implementing Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy. Special attention was paid to the proclamation of 2026 in Turkmenistan as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, which reflects the continuity of the country's historical traditions and national values, as well as its peaceful and sustainable development. The special role of the Turkmen horse as a symbol of statehood, continuity of traditions and spiritual values was emphasised. The round table also considered Turkmenistan's initiatives put forward at the UN aimed at strengthening international cooperation, maintaining peace and ensuring sustainable development. In this context, Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law, put forward by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, was noted as an important contribution to strengthening the legal foundations of international relations. During the lively exchange of views, the participants confirmed the importance of further developing Turkmen-Azerbaijani interparliamentary and scientific-expert dialogue.
Women in Turkmenistan will receive cash gifts on International Women's Day
21.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on the presentation of monetary gifts to women and girls in the country on the occasion of International Women's Day. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. According to the document, between 2 and 6 March 2026, payments will be made on behalf of the Head of State in a solemn ceremony. Cash gifts will be given to women working in enterprises, institutions and organisations regardless of their form of ownership, as well as those receiving pensions and state benefits. Recipients also include postgraduate students, doctoral students and clinical residents on leave from work, students of the Academy of Public Service under the President of Turkmenistan with a term of study of at least two years, female students, schoolgirls and pupils of preschool institutions.
Turkmenistan and India discussed cooperation in horse breeding
21.02.2026On 19 February, Shalar Geldinazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to India, met with Sarpartap Singh, Vice President of the Indigenous Horse Society of India. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in horse breeding. The Ambassador spoke about state programmes for breeding Ahal-Teke horses and noted that 2026 is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Among the planned events is the annual National Turkmen Horse Festival in April. Sarpartap Singh emphasised the potential for strengthening bilateral ties in the industry.
Turkmenistan and FAO emphasised the priorities of sustainable agricultural development
21.02.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Toyly Komekov met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 18 February at the organisation's headquarters in Rome. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Government of Turkmenistan and confirmed his interest in developing cooperation with the FAO and introducing international practices in the field of sustainable agriculture and food security. The parties discussed the results of the FAO Head's visit to Ashgabat in January this year, including the signing of an agreement on the opening of a full-fledged FAO office in Turkmenistan, as well as the importance of the international conference on food security and climate change. Qu Dongyu highly appreciated the results of the visit and the meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In addition, the Director-General of the FAO noted Turkmenistan's potential, its sustainable development and active role in the environmental and food agenda. During the meeting, the FAO confirmed its readiness to support the country's initiatives and the implementation of the Country Framework Programme for 2026-2030, which focuses on climate adaptation, water resources and innovation.
Turkmenistan took part in the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna
20.02.2026On 19 February, members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis took part in the 25th winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the session, a wide range of issues were discussed, including political and security issues, the development of democracy, the protection of human rights and humanitarian issues, as well as topics related to the economy, science, technology and the environment. Special attention was paid to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and preparatory activities for the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, scheduled for July 2026. The meeting participants exchanged views on the importance of the OSCE in the context of contemporary global challenges, ways to strengthen trust and cooperation between states, ensure economic sustainability and equality, protect human dignity, rights and freedoms, provide humanitarian assistance, combat climate change, and the role of dialogue in strengthening peace and stability.
Ashgabat and Brussels strengthen technological and humanitarian dialogue
20.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, held a series of meetings in Brussels with senior representatives of the European Commission on the prospects for long-term partnership. This was reported by IIC. During the negotiations with Director-General for Research and Innovation Marc Lemaitre, it was noted that the European Union is one of Turkmenistan's three key strategic partners for 2025-2026. The parties identified the introduction of high technologies, the development of artificial intelligence and the coordination of efforts on the climate agenda as priority areas for cooperation. The dialogue focused in particular on environmental issues in Central Asia. The meeting participants discussed the need for a scientifically based analysis of changes in the water balance and the shallowing of the Caspian Sea using modern monitoring systems. In this regard, the Turkmen side presented an initiative to create a Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology, which is intended to become a key platform for climate research in the region. Representatives of the European Commission expressed interest in developing joint technological solutions in the interests of sustainable development. The humanitarian aspect of cooperation was discussed at a meeting with Normunds Popens, Deputy Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The parties outlined practical steps to deepen cooperation in the field of education and implement joint youth programmes. The expansion of cultural exchange and sports cooperation is seen as an important element in further rapprochement between Turkmenistan and the European Union, complementing technological and economic partnership.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Prime Minister of Japan
20.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her re-election to high office, according to the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted that he warmly remembers the meeting that took place in Tokyo as part of the first ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit. He emphasised the readiness of the Turkmen side to effectively use the broad potential of bilateral cooperation based on trusting and constructive dialogue. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan wished the Prime Minister good health, prosperity and new successes in his state activities for the prosperity of the friendly people of Japan.
Turkmenistan outlined its priorities for transport digitalisation at the UNECE session
20.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Annayev, is participating in the 88th session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, which is being held in Geneva. This was reported by the IIC. The session is being held under the theme of developing innovations in the future of inland transport and is dedicated to issues of digitalisation, automation, infrastructure modernisation and the sustainability of international transport systems. As part of the high-level segment, ministerial discussions were held on the implementation of intelligent transport solutions and the strengthening of international transport connectivity. The Head of the Turkmen delegation noted that the digital transformation of transport is a strategic priority for the country, emphasising the development of electronic document management, intergovernmental data exchange and the formation of the ‘North-South’ and ‘West-East’ digital corridors. Cooperation with the UNECE in the field of multimodal transport and automated data exchange was also highlighted. The session is attended by representatives of transport agencies, international organisations, business and the expert community. The forum will continue until 20 February 2026.
The US Ambassador described Turkmen diplomats as exemplary professionals
19.02.2026The Ambassador of the United States of America to Turkmenistan, Elizabeth Rood, congratulated Turkmen diplomats on their professional holiday, noting their contribution to strengthening peace and developing friendly relations with other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Diplomat emphasised that the skills and abilities of diplomatic workers help build bridges and overcome borders. E. Rood also highly appreciated the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States, emphasising the joint work of diplomats on economic projects and regional security issues. In conclusion, the Ambassador thanked her Turkmen colleagues and the staff of the American Embassy in Ashgabat for their daily contribution to the development of international relations.
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