Policy
Turkmenistan is strengthening international cooperation
17.08.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by events in the fields of international cooperation, environmental diplomacy, regional development and sport. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 12 August, events dedicated to Caspian Sea Day took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The main event was the scientific and practical conference ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’. The forum was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, scientific institutions, diplomatic missions, and international and regional organisations. Participants discussed issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of rare species of flora and fauna, the establishment of a Caspian scientific partnership, and the development of trade, economic and transport links between the Caspian states. Particular attention was paid to the role of young people in combating climate change and ensuring environmental security. As part of the events, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, held meetings with representatives of the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The parties discussed the sustainable development of the Caspian region, environmental protection and environmental diplomacy. Sports competitions were also held at ‘Awaza’, involving heads and representatives of diplomatic missions from foreign countries and international organisations. Another significant event was the working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Mary velayat and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, the Hero Arkadag held negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic ties, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline project, transport and electricity infrastructure, as well as digital cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ fibre-optic communication line project and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor. The parties also discussed the training of specialists for the gas sector, increasing the number of Afghan students in Turkmenistan, the development of industrial infrastructure in Herat Province, and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. Following the meeting, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document provides for joint work to establish infrastructure in Herat Province to supply industrial enterprises, power stations and the population with Turkmen natural gas. On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the city of Arkadag. He familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting with the heads of the relevant agencies. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor, presented plans for a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex. Issues relating to the development of football were considered separately. D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Hero Arkadag asked that the athletes be wished every success in their upcoming competitions. During the meeting, the pace of construction of the second phase of the project, as well as the quality and timing of their commissioning, were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of the specialised school’s operations, its curriculum, and the provision of digital updates to parents regarding pupils’ academic progress and discipline. In addition, it was announced that the name of the 30,000-seat mosque currently under construction in the city – ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ – had been registered. A proposal to grant the madrasah being built next to the mosque the status of a higher education institution was also considered. On 14 August, a festive sadaqah was held in the town of Arkadag to mark the registration of the ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ mosque. Those attending the event also visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers.
Turkmenistan will present new initiatives at the UN General Assembly session
17.08.2026At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan will present initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and security, and promoting preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, and climate and humanitarian cooperation. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Among the proposals is the holding of intergovernmental consultations on the preparation of a Universal Peace Strategy based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan will also propose declaring 2027–2037 ‘The United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy’ and establishing, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Work will continue on implementing President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality. In particular, there are plans to discuss the creation of an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy within the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention will be paid to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Turkmenistan will advocate for the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. A dialogue among international experts on issues of digital trust and the responsible use of AI is also planned to take place in Ashgabat. In the field of preventive diplomacy, Turkmenistan will propose that the UN General Assembly consider a draft resolution on ‘The Role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia’. Transport and trade logistics will feature prominently on the agenda. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035’, as well as work on the creation of the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. A proposal will be put forward to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. In addition, the country will propose the creation, under the patronage of the UN, of a trans-regional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. The environmental and climate agenda will also remain a priority. Turkmenistan will propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and put forward initiatives to strengthen climate resilience in regions affected by drought and water scarcity. There are also plans to hold consultations on the preparation of the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. In the humanitarian sphere, Turkmenistan will continue to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and cooperate with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women within the framework of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. At the same time, youth participation in international and regional initiatives under the ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ agenda will be expanded. In the field of international law, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. As part of the preparations for this, it is proposed to hold an International Forum in Turkmenistan on the interrelationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development. Turkmenistan will also continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and its participation in the activities of other bodies within the UN system. As part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, preparations are under way to put forward Turkmenistan’s candidacy for election to the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032, as well as to other elected bodies of the United Nations.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Indonesia on its Independence Day
17.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, on the Republic of Indonesia’s national holiday — Independence Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State wished Prabowo Subianto good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Indonesia peace, progress and prosperity.
The Head of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the country’s participation in EXPO 2027
17.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the country’s participation in the EXPO-2027 World Specialised Exhibition, which is to be held in 2027 in Belgrade (Serbia). This was reported by the news agency TDH. According to the document, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs has been authorised to construct and assemble Turkmenistan’s national pavilion, as well as to carry out other necessary work in preparation for participation in the exhibition. The decision is aimed at showcasing the country’s socio-economic achievements and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign states.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Bangladesh
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues relating to political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the further development of inter-agency and intergovernmental contacts. Following the political consultations held in Ashgabat, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation and implement the agreements reached. The effectiveness of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh within the framework of international and regional organisations was also noted. The parties reaffirmed the importance of mutual support for initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Head of the MFA of Turkmenistan met with the outgoing Turkish Ambassador
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of Turkmen-Turkish relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the role of mutual visits at the highest and senior levels in strengthening bilateral ties. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The parties noted the development of trade relations and their interest in increasing trade turnover. They also reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation within international and regional organisations, primarily the UN, and to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties. Ahmet Demirok expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their support during his diplomatic tenure. Rashid Meredov highlighted the Ambassador’s personal contribution to the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations and wished him every success in his future endeavours.
Turkmenistan and Bangladesh held their first political consultations
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, the first political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh took place in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, whilst the Bangladeshi delegation was led by Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The parties discussed the state of political and diplomatic relations and agreed to continue regular contacts. They noted the desirability of reciprocal visits at the highest and senior levels, as well as between the Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the expansion of the legal and treaty framework, and the development of inter-parliamentary ties. The negotiations also examined the prospects for trade and economic cooperation. In particular, discussions centred on establishing cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The oil and gas sector, transport, agriculture and the textile industry were identified as promising areas for cooperation. In addition, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of culture, education and tourism. The participants reaffirmed their interest in the further development of a mutually beneficial partnership.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag
14.08.2026On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting attended by the heads of relevant agencies, reports AsmanNews. During the site visit, D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor, provided information on the progress of construction work and the planned social facilities. These include a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex. The National Leader of the Turkmen people made suggestions regarding the architectural and design solutions for the facilities. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need to comply with modern requirements and international standards, as well as to ensure the quality and timely completion of the works. Particular attention was paid to the project for the specialised school. The need for modern equipment in classrooms, including language laboratories, the development of an up-to-date curriculum and the organisation of subject-based clubs was highlighted. Tasks were also set regarding the improvement of the site and the provision of digital updates to parents on pupils’ academic progress and behaviour. This was followed by a working meeting attended by D. Orazov, Chair of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor. During the meeting, D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ football team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. The National Leader of the Turkmen people wished the players every success and recommended visiting the team. The progress of the second phase of the city’s construction was also discussed. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the need for coordinated work by the organisations involved, high-quality facilities and adherence to the deadlines for their commissioning. Particular attention was paid to the mosque currently under construction, which will seat 30,000 people. At the suggestion of the local community, it has been named ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’, a name registered by the Ministry of Justice. A proposal to develop the adjacent madrasah, taking into account international experience and relevant educational standards, was also approved. In addition, a proposal was made to hold a festive sadaqah at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre to mark the registration of the new mosque. The proposal was approved. To conclude his working visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace. Against the backdrop of preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and International Neutrality Day, discussions are taking place on ensuring the readiness of conference centres and the beautification of the city for the upcoming events.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Pakistani leadership on Independence Day
14.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the people of Pakistan on Independence Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Head of State noted the solidarity and unity of the Pakistani people, emphasising their desire to determine their own future. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that relations between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are developing on the basis of mutual respect, equality and peace. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his readiness to further expand bilateral cooperation, taking into account the available opportunities. The Head of State wished the leadership of Pakistan good health and success in their work, and the people of the country peace, prosperity and progress.
The UN resolution initiated by Turkmenistan has been published in six languages
14.08.2026UN General Assembly Resolution 80/295, ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan, has been published in the six official languages of the UN. The document proclaims 2028 as the Year of International Law and highlights the key role of the UN Charter in maintaining peace and security, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Member States and UN bodies are invited to organise educational and awareness-raising events as part of the thematic year. The resolution also welcomes Turkmenistan’s intention to organise a Global Forum on International Law in December 2028. Funding for the events is to be provided through voluntary contributions. The UN Secretary-General has been tasked with circulating the resolution amongst states, international organisations, civil society and the academic community.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Benelux Union
14.08.2026A meeting took place in Brussels between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Sapar Palvanov, and the Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, Ariadne Petridis. The parties discussed the prospects for Turkmenistan’s engagement with the Benelux countries and the strengthening of cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, according to the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Particular attention was paid to the development of Turkmenistan’s relations with the European Union. In this regard, the possibility of working together to mutually exempt holders of diplomatic and service passports from visa requirements was considered. The representative of the Benelux Union provided information on current procedures and expressed her willingness to facilitate further dialogue. The parties also discussed the exchange of experience in the field of regional cooperation and institutional interaction. The Secretary-General expressed her willingness to share the Benelux’s experience in inter-state coordination and the functioning of regional mechanisms. During the meeting, Sapar Palvanov provided an update on the preparations for an international equestrian event to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. Representatives of the General Secretariat of the Benelux Union were invited to attend the event.
The Head of the MFA of Turkmenistan met with the IOM’s Regional Coordinator for Central Asia
14.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Serhan Aktoprak, Head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mission in Kazakhstan and IOM Regional Coordinator for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties identified priorities for cooperation in the areas of migration management, the protection of migrants’ rights and regional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to take into account environmental factors and the principles of sustainable development in the Caspian region within the framework of international and regional cooperation.
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