Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May in Ashgabat. This was announced by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reports IIC. According to the diplomat, preparations for the visits are in full swing and reflect the high level of strategic partnership between Moscow and Ashgabat. Organisational work is nearing completion. Earlier, a protocol was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan regarding preparations for a meeting between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev and CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit on 9 October to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. In 2026, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS, heading the Council of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will act as co-chairs. Ashgabat’s active participation in the organisation’s work is seen as a factor in strengthening multilateral dialogue and stability in the region.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State expressed his best wishes and noted the significance of this event. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan wished To Lam good health, energy and success in his state duties for the benefit of the Vietnamese people.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 8 April for a visit to the Republic of Austria. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. He was seen off by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. A few hours later, the plane arrived in Vienna, where the delegation was met by representatives from both the Austrian and Turkmen sides. Turkmen-Austrian cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Contacts between the countries are maintained on a regular basis. Austria supports Turkmenistan’s international initiatives in the fields of security, energy and the development of transport corridors. Economic cooperation is developing within the framework of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission. Projects in industry, construction and the investment sector are being considered. Austrian companies are involved in the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects in Turkmenistan. Priorities include transport and logistics, including the development of transcontinental routes, as well as energy and the implementation of environmental solutions. The parties are also developing cooperation in education, science and culture.
On 8 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the ceremony marking the start of construction of a new settlement in the Ymambaba gengeshlik of the Yoloten etrap of Mary velayat. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that large-scale projects to build towns, villages and industrial facilities are continuing across the country. Particular attention is being paid to providing the population with modern and affordable housing. The President emphasised that, as part of national programmes, the construction of new settlements is being carried out consistently across all regions. According to him, this contributes to raising living standards and creating jobs. It was noted that the new settlement will cover more than 800 hectares. Plans are in place to build 4,500 residential buildings, designed to accommodate more than 22,500 residents. Schools, nurseries, a health centre, a community centre, administrative buildings and a mosque are also planned. The Head of State separately highlighted the importance of the socio-economic development of the Mary velayat and the implementation of major projects, including the forthcoming launch of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development. In conclusion, the President confirmed that regional development and improving the well-being of the population remain key objectives of state policy.
On 8 April, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the effectiveness of cooperation with the EU Delegation in Ashgabat. They discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation and a number of joint initiatives. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen their partnership.
On 8 April, consultations on consular matters were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo. During the meeting, topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation between consular services and emphasised the importance of regular consultations for studying best practices and further intensifying cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving and updating the legal framework. The participants confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening their partnership across the full spectrum of consular matters.
On 5 April, the first meeting of the ‘Afghanistan – Central Asia’ Consultative Dialogue took place in Kabul. The Turkmen delegation was led by Hoja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed opportunities and challenges in Afghanistan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia, the expansion of economic and transit cooperation, and the development of a roadmap for regional integration. H. Ovezov outlined Turkmenistan’s practical steps to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy. The parties supported the continuation of the Consultative Dialogue and expressed interest in joint projects aimed at the country’s reconstruction and its integration into global economic ties.
On 6 April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Hakan Fidan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues relating to bilateral partnership, as well as regional and international matters. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within international organisations and participation in major international forums and meetings.
On 6 April, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, R. Meredov, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea, Lee Won-jae. The diplomat presented copies of his credentials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his work to develop bilateral relations. It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches importance to its partnership with the Republic of Korea. The role of high-level contacts in developing political dialogue was emphasised. The parties confirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation on international platforms and to intensify inter-parliamentary ties. Opportunities for expanding trade and economic cooperation and developing contacts between business communities were discussed. Prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the fields of education and sport, were also considered. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to support the Ambassador’s activities.
On 6 April, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation. The discussion covered political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian contacts. It was noted separately that the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ashgabat in March creates additional opportunities for the development of cooperation. The participants also exchanged views on the regional agenda.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the nation on World Health Day, highlighting the importance of the occasion in strengthening social cohesion and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The address emphasised that the country’s development is linked to improving the quality of life for the population, as well as to strengthening the healthcare, education, sport and culture sectors. It was noted that programmes to develop mass physical culture and sport are being implemented in Turkmenistan, and modern infrastructure is being created. Sports facilities, medical centres and sanatoriums have been commissioned across the country. The Head of State highlighted Turkmenistan’s participation in the international sports movement and the development of cooperation with international organisations. He emphasised the country’s contribution to promoting initiatives within the framework of the UN, including resolutions in the field of sport and sustainable development. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the citizens health, well-being and success.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of World Health Day, according to the online news portal Asmannews. The message highlights the significance of the occasion for promoting mass sport and reinforcing the principles of a healthy lifestyle. It emphasises the role of sporting events held in the country and the achievements made in the field of healthcare. It highlights the implementation of the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme and the ongoing modernisation of the healthcare system. Construction of medical and health facilities continues across the regions, the range of services is expanding, and primary healthcare is being improved. The document also highlights the adoption of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy for 2026–2052. It reports on the construction in Ashgabat of the International Paediatric, Oncology and Dental Centres, as well as the new ‘Arçman’ sanatorium complex. Particular attention is paid to the development of international cooperation with relevant UN bodies and the implementation of joint projects in the field of healthcare. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the President good health, a long life and further success in his public service.