On 19 September, the ‘Maslahat Köşgi’ Palace in Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the key representative body of the government. The event is timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the country's independence and reflects a new stage in the development of democratic processes, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The agenda of the meeting includes summarising the work done over the past period, setting priorities for the near and long-term future, and approving proposals to strengthen the foundations of democracy. Preparations are being supervised by the Presidium, with an Organising Committee set up to ensure the high standard of the forum. The meeting emphasises the principle of national unity, which is the basis of the modern political system of Turkmenistan, and the motto ‘The State is for People!’. The forum serves as a platform for synchronising the work of the government and society, reflecting the strategic course of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The meeting is of particular importance as it is being held in the International Year of Peace and Trust and in the year of the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The decisions taken will contribute to strengthening Turkmenistan's foreign policy course, based on peace and cooperation, and will ensure the sustainable development of the state.
On 22 August, a trilateral meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in politics, economics, energy, transport, and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector, including the export of electricity and gas, as well as the development of transport and logistics corridors along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route. Projects in the field of industrial cooperation, cross-border trade and digitalisation were discussed. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, education, science, sports and tourism. A joint statement was adopted, defining key areas of partnership, including in the field of ecology and climate initiatives. The meeting in Avaza was called a historic event, confirming the desire of the three countries to give new impetus to strategic cooperation and take it to a higher level.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the entire Moldovan people on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Maia Sandu good health and prosperity, and the people of Moldova peace, consistent development and prosperity.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Prince Albert II of Monaco and the people of Monaco on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that cooperation is based on mutual respect and trust, expressing interest in further strengthening ties. The President of Turkmenistan noted his confidence that the partnership will develop successfully in the interests of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Albert II good health and well-being, and the people of Monaco peace, progress and prosperity.
On 25 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Pakistan's Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan, Syed Ali Asad Gillani. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The negotiation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including in international and regional formats. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties, the development of cooperation between foreign ministries, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian contacts. The parties agreed to continue working on projects for the transport and energy integration of Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and neighbouring countries.
On 4 August, a Parliamentary Forum was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum served as a platform for exchanging experiences, developing joint solutions and drawing the attention of the international community to the challenges faced by such states. Following the meeting, a Parliamentary Appeal was adopted and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034 was approved, which became a strategic plan to support LLDCs. The document highlights the key problems of landlocked countries. It emphasises the need for reforms, the development of transport corridors, the digital economy and human capital. Particular attention is paid to the role of parliaments, which must ensure transparency, accountability and the involvement of civil society in the implementation of the programme. The Awaza Programme is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aims to expand the participation of the LLDCs in the global economy, increase sustainability and improve the standard of living of the population. Its successful implementation will require concerted efforts by the countries themselves, development partners, international organisations and the private sector. The choice of Turkmenistan as the venue for the forum underscores its role in transport diplomacy and regional cooperation. The conference in Avaza was an important step in strengthening international dialogue and developing solutions that can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable development of the world.
Political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took place on 25 August. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Pakistani side was headed by Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the interlocutors conducted a comprehensive review of the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in various spheres of political, economic and cultural life. The diplomats of both countries reaffirmed the importance of regular dialogue at the highest level as a key factor in the development of inter-state relations. Special attention was paid to the significance of the activities of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, with a view to holding its next meeting in the near future. With a view to expanding trade and economic cooperation, the parties expressed their support for establishing direct contacts between representatives of the business communities of the two countries. During the negotiation, issues related to improving the legal framework and promoting joint projects in the energy and transport sectors, including the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, were also addressed.
On 25 August, a telephone conversation took place between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov. During the conversation, the diplomats discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and emphasised the importance of interaction in the international political arena. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this context, the Heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries agreed to continue active political dialogue, including regular negotiation and maintaining contacts at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers. This work will be carried out in accordance with the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation for 2025-2026, which was signed in Ashgabat this year. The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing constructive dialogue on key issues of the regional and international agenda.
On 25 August, an important bilateral document was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China concluded a Cooperation Agreement aimed at promoting greater interaction in the economic and scientific-technical spheres. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The document was signed by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan. The agreement aims to exchange accumulated experience and discuss issues related to the practical implementation of advanced innovative solutions in leading sectors of the economy. The agreement provides for the intensification of partnership between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China in the field of technical and economic cooperation, which will contribute to the further development of mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a series of significant events in the country's domestic and foreign policy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. From 19 to 20 August, Ashgabat hosted meetings of the Council of Elders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, where organisational issues were discussed and new members were approved. A meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was also held, at which preparations for the celebration of the 34th anniversary of independence and events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality were discussed. On 21 August, the international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ opened in Ashgabat with the participation of companies from Turkmenistan and foreign countries. Children's goods, educational materials, food and medical products were presented. On 22 August, a trilateral meeting in the format ‘Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan’ was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the political, economic, transport and humanitarian spheres. During the trilateral summit, the parties signed a number of agreements and memoranda, as well as adopted a joint statement on expanding partnership. The week ended with cultural events, including the ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ competition and performances as part of the trilateral meeting in Avaza. The events of the week demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and developing good-neighbourly relations.
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of air transport, business contacts and tourism. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Following the trilateral meeting held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a joint statement was signed. The document was signed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The parties emphasised that deepening cooperation in these areas will contribute to an increase in passenger and freight traffic between the three countries.
Turkmenistan will build a mosque in the city of Fizuli (Azerbaijan) as a gift. This was announced by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at a press conference following a trilateral meeting between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. According to the President of Azerbaijan, the initiative to build a mosque as a symbol of friendship was proposed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. At present, the architectural design of the mosque is ready, and construction will begin in the near future. The meeting in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone concluded with the signing of memoranda of cooperation in aviation, shipbuilding and transport.