Policy
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed key areas of cooperation
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the main areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE, including regional security, economic, environmental and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to environmental protection and ensuring environmental security in the Caspian region.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his condolences to the President of Colombia
13.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his condolences to the President of the Republic of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, following the earthquake in the west of the country, which has resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent a message of congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan
13.08.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, wishing him good health and success in his public duties. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted the high level of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Armenia, emphasising that they are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence in the further development and deepening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of the peoples of both countries.
Rashid Meredov met with the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Xiaojun Grace Wang, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the main areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, as well as further coordination and practical collaboration. Particular attention was paid to upcoming joint events, the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the UN, and issues relating to environmental sustainability and the conservation of the Caspian Sea.
Discussions were held in Turkmenistan on developing cooperation with the European Union
13.08.2026On 12 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for Turkmen-European cooperation, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda. Particular attention was paid to political dialogue, cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their close historical ties
13.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held bilateral negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the Afghan side emphasised that the good-neighbourly relations between the two states are based on shared cultural and spiritual values, as well as the close historical ties between the Turkmen and Afghan peoples. Abdul Ghani Baradar noted that Turkmenistan’s peaceful foreign policy contributes to sustainable development in the region, and expressed his gratitude for the regular humanitarian aid provided to Afghanistan by the Turkmen side.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed the conference participants on Caspian Day
12.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the scientific and practical conference ‘Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’, held to mark Caspian Sea Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Head of State noted the importance of the Caspian Sea for the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the littoral states. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening regional cooperation and developing international partnerships in the field of marine environmental protection. The message highlighted the First Caspian Summit in Ashgabat in 2002, the First Caspian Environmental Forum in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in 2012, the First Caspian Economic Forum in 2019 and the Sixth Caspian Summit on 29 June 2022. The President of Turkmenistan also emphasised the importance of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport for the development of international transport routes. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need to join forces in combating climate change, protecting water resources and preventing marine pollution. In this context, he highlighted Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative as an important area of cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the conference would contribute to the protection and study of the Caspian Sea’s natural resources, the improvement of the environment and the further development of cooperation between the Caspian states.
Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed the development of bilateral relations
12.08.2026On 11 August, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the state of and prospects for Turkmen-Saudi relations, as well as issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to political and diplomatic dialogue and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. The participants also discussed cooperation within the framework of international organisations and current issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular contacts and joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hero Arkadag proposed setting up a Turkmen-Afghan commission
12.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has proposed the establishment of a Turkmen-Afghan commission on economic cooperation. This was reported by TDH. The proposal was put forward during negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs, as part of a working visit to Afghanistan. The parties discussed joint projects and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, including the TAPI gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission line and the fibre-optic communication link. The Afghan side expressed its willingness to consider the proposal.
Turkmenistan is promoting initiatives at the UN
11.08.2026Turkmenistan continues to promote initiatives within the United Nations in the fields of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, international law, transport, energy, the environment and sustainable development. The UN General Assembly has already adopted more than 30 resolutions proposed by Turkmenistan, according to the news agency TDH. The promotion of the principles of neutrality remains one of the key priorities of the country’s foreign policy. In September 2025, at the high-level plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of neutrality in maintaining international peace, security and sustainable development. On 20 May 2026, the 82nd plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution ‘The role and importance of a policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development’, initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 47 states. The document became the first UN resolution adopted under a separate agenda item of the General Assembly devoted to issues of neutrality. Turkmenistan also advocates strengthening the central role of the UN and the primacy of international law. In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. On 24 July 2026, the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. It was co-sponsored by 78 states. The document provides for the promotion of international law as the foundation of peace, security and sustainable development. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 August, comprehensive proposals for implementing this initiative were presented to the President of Turkmenistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed drawing up a National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and establishing an Interdepartmental Working Committee comprising representatives from ministries, departments, higher education institutions and research organisations. As part of the Year of International Law, there are plans to hold regional and international forums, educational courses and lectures; to prepare teaching and information materials; to create digital educational resources; and to organise ‘International Law Week’, model UN sessions and youth competitions. It is proposed to establish the Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. It is envisaged that this will serve as a platform for academic and diplomatic exchange and for hosting the annual ‘Ashgabat International Legal Dialogue’ and summer schools for young legal scholars. The proposals also provide for the active involvement of the media, the creation of a multilingual internet portal or a dedicated information section on the Year of International Law. Turkmenistan proposes, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat and specialised agencies, to draw up a calendar of international events for 2028. Ashgabat plans to host, under the auspices of the UN, a high-level World Forum on International Law and to consider the possibility of adopting the Ashgabat Declaration. In addition, it is proposed to draw up a National Concept entitled ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ and to circulate it among UN Member States as a United Nations document. It is proposed that the opening of the Year of International Law take place at UN Headquarters in New York, with high-level events also to be held in Geneva, Vienna and other international centres. A separate section is devoted to Turkmenistan’s priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document has been drawn up taking into account the initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In the field of peace and security, Turkmenistan intends to propose the holding, under the auspices of the UN, of inter-state consultations on the preparation of a Strategy for Universal Peace. An initiative is also being put forward to declare the years 2027–2037 the United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy and to establish, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Following on from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s initiative to establish the University of Peace and Neutrality, 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. In the digital sphere, Turkmenistan proposes to develop, under the auspices of the UN, an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. A dialogue among international experts on digital trust and the responsible use of artificial intelligence is also planned to be held in Ashgabat. In the field of transport, Turkmenistan will continue its work on creating a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity within the framework of the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035’. The country also intends to participate in the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration. Among the new initiatives are the establishment in Turkmenistan, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as the creation of a trans-regional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. In the environmental sphere, it is proposed to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue as a multilateral platform for climate change and international cooperation. Turkmenistan also intends to advocate for strengthening the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. In the energy sector, consultations are planned to prepare for the high-level forum ‘Stable Energy for All’, in accordance with the resolution ‘The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in driving sustainable development’. The humanitarian agenda includes the further development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and cooperation with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women within the framework of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. Work will also continue to expand youth participation in international and regional initiatives and to support the Central Asian Youth Dialogue. Turkmenistan will continue its cooperation with the UN in the field of international law and its activities as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028. At the same time, the country is preparing for elections to UN bodies. During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, it is planned to nominate Turkmenistan for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032, as well as to other elected UN bodies.
The Turkmenistan Embassy in Kazakhstan held discussions on the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan meeting
11.08.2026A meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Kazakhstan with Omurzak Ozganbayev, a member of the Council of Senators and an honourable elder (aksakal). The parties exchanged views on the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to be held on 23 September 2026 in Ashgabat, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Omurzak Ozganbayev recalled his visit to Ashgabat to take part in the 15th session of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), held from 11 to 13 March 2024 under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. He noted the high standard of organisation of the event and the Turkmen hospitality. The meeting also discussed the elections to the Kurultay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which are due to take place on 23 August 2026. The participants highlighted the historical and cultural common ground between the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the new state body, the Halyk Kengesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan), based on the traditions of the Turkic peoples. According to Omurzak Ozganbayev, the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan will mark an important stage in the implementation of strategic objectives, the strengthening of national unity and the further development of the country.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are strengthening their energy cooperation
11.08.2026On 10 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook a working visit to the Mary velayat and visited Afghanistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. From Ashgabat International Airport, Hero Arkadag travelled to Mary International Airport. The National Leader of the Turkmen people then arrived at the Islam-Cheshme border zone in the town of Serhetabat, Tagtabazar etrap, and travelled to Afghanistan. During the visit, negotiations were held with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in the fuel and energy, transport and logistics, electricity, education and other sectors. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project and its ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ section, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’. The project’s role in developing energy cooperation and expanding economic ties between the countries was highlighted. The parties also considered issues relating to the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ power transmission line and the fibre-optic communication line. Discussions centred on the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ transport corridor, the creation of logistics infrastructure and the simplification of freight transport procedures. In the field of education, attention was drawn to the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan students at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan and training specialists for the gas sector, including for the TAPI project. The National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed establishing a Turkmen-Afghan commission on economic cooperation to further promote joint projects and strengthen the legal framework for cooperation. During the visit, a signing ceremony was held for a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ of Afghanistan. The document provides for joint work on the creation of specialised infrastructure in Herat Province, as well as the supply of Turkmen gas to industrial enterprises, power stations and the general public. As part of the trip, video footage was presented showing the progress of construction on the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline. Around 300 units of modern specialised machinery are being used to carry out the work. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag returned to Mary International Airport, from where he flew to Ashgabat.
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