Policy
The Turkmen Ambassador discussed initiatives with the Japanese side
02.04.2026On 1 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with the newly elected Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Friendship Parliamentary League, Shinpei Matsushita. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador congratulated Shinpei Matsushita on his appointment. The parties discussed the implementation of previously reached agreements and key areas of cooperation. The focus was on the initiative to hold an inter-parliamentary forum in the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ format in Ashgabat. They also discussed the development of inter-parliamentary ties, cooperation between political parties, and the strengthening of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of greeting to the exhibition participants
02.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Exhibition. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State highlighted the importance of exhibitions and business forums in promoting the country’s economic potential, developing partnerships and facilitating the exchange of technologies. It was emphasised that state programmes are being implemented in Turkmenistan to modernise and diversify the economy, introduce digital solutions and attract investment. These measures, it was noted, create conditions for expanding foreign economic ties. The President expressed confidence that the exhibition would serve as a platform for establishing new business contacts and developing international cooperation. It was specifically noted that the country is developing cooperation with companies from more than 100 countries, expanding investment and trade partnerships. It is reported that the exhibition provides opportunities for discussing projects and exploring new areas of cooperation. The Head of State emphasised the role of international cooperation in modernising the economy and introducing technologies, as well as in strengthening long-term ties with foreign partners. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the participants good health and success in developing cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are actively developing parliamentary ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, as part of the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, a meeting took place between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Sodiq Safoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen delegation expressed its gratitude for the invitation to participate in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, taking place in the city of Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, and conveyed its best wishes for the forum’s success. The parties noted that, due to the efforts of the Heads of State, relations between the two countries are effective across various spheres, and, building on the centuries-old experience of Turkmen-Uzbek ties, significant successes have been achieved in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and parliamentary cooperation. It was emphasised that good-neighbourly cooperation between the countries is steadily developing and strengthening both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations on the basis of mutually beneficial relations. During the meeting, the parties also noted that parliamentary dialogue has become an important part of expanding cooperation between the two countries, and that the establishment of bilateral parliamentary friendship groups and the holding of meetings between young and female parliamentarians are of great importance for the exchange of experience in legislative work.
Turkmenistan and Belarus are strengthening their transport and aviation partnership
01.04.2026On 31 March, Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus. The parties reaffirmed their intention to develop business cooperation, according to the Orient news agency. The discussion focused on expanding air links to boost business contacts and tourism. The possibilities for deepening transport and logistics cooperation were also discussed, including new transit schemes and route optimisation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the next meeting of the Belarusian-Turkmen Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, where it is planned to sign new agreements to add to the existing body of more than 100 documents.
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–EU’ Forum in Samarkand
01.04.2026From 30 to 31 March, members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, held in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the forum, participants discussed current international issues, sustainable development and the prospects for strategic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the EU. In his speech, the representative of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the country’s neutral status, its peacekeeping initiatives and the support it receives from UN member states. Turkmenistan’s proposal to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law was also noted. Particular attention was paid at the forum to the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between states. Participants also noted the importance of developing the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ format, which opens up new opportunities for regional cooperation and the revival of the Great Silk Road. Following the plenary session, the forum continued with breakout sessions.
The role of women in modern society was discussed in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026A conference on the role of women in modern society was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by MPs, representatives of the UN, UNESCO and foreign diplomatic missions, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Participants discussed issues relating to support for mothers and children, the state’s humanitarian policy, and the development of international cooperation in the field of women’s rights. Following the meeting, the importance of expanding educational, medical and economic opportunities for women, as well as strengthening their role in society, was emphasised.
Negotiations were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan with the Turkish Ambassador
01.04.2026On 31 March, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. The high level of political and diplomatic relations was noted. The positive experience of cooperation on international platforms and the readiness to support each other’s initiatives were emphasised. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the energy and transport sectors. The prospects for cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed, including the organisation of joint events and participation in international forums. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership.
A meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Council was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026The fifth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan on 31 March. This was reported by AsmanNews. The meeting was attended by members of the government, representatives of ministries and departments, as well as UN agencies in the country. Issues relating to the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. The document is being drafted on a systematic basis with the participation of relevant bodies. Turkmenistan previously submitted reviews in 2019 and 2023. Cooperation projects with UN agencies were also discussed, including a programme to reduce methane emissions and initiatives in the field of youth policy. It was noted that Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions. Particular attention was paid to the draft ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ programme for 2026–2028, aimed at expanding youth participation in the international agenda. Following the meeting, a number of documents for 2026 were signed, including work plans with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund in the fields of the economy, health and education.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the holding of competitions to mark the Horse Festival
01.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on organising events to mark the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. According to the document, an international beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses will take place in Ashgabat on 25 April 2026, reports TDH. Creative competitions are also planned for artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, jewellers, photographers, designers, cameramen and publishing professionals. They will present works dedicated to the image of Ahal-Teke horses in fine and decorative arts, print media, photography and television. The document also approves the composition of the competition jury.
Turkmenistan and the EU are moving towards a deeper partnership
31.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held meetings with Iulia Matei, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU, and Petros Mavrikios, Ambassador of Cyprus to the EU Political Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The diplomats discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations, reaffirming their interest in strengthening them. Particular attention was paid to the role of Turkmenistan and Central Asia as a consistent bridge between Europe and Asia and to the development of intercontinental ties. The parties emphasised the importance of intensifying cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, as well as improving the legal and institutional framework for more effective interaction. Following the meetings, the diplomats agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen contacts at ambassadorial level to further develop a mutually beneficial partnership.
Turkmenistan and the Philippines are strengthening their diplomatic ties
31.03.2026On 27 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), held a meeting with Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including the preparation of high-level visits, the expansion of the legal framework, and cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to issues of energy security and cooperation on international platforms. The diplomats also agreed to jointly work on Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format in connection with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Turkmenistan and Mongolia held an online meeting of their parliamentary friendship groups
31.03.2026On 30 March, the first online meeting was held between the parliamentary friendship groups established under the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Great State Khural of Mongolia. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the development of bilateral relations, including in the inter-parliamentary sphere, due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of the country’s foreign policy, the structure of the national parliament and legislative work to ensure socio-economic reforms. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for expanding cooperation, exchanging experience in legislative activities and strengthening contacts between relevant committees, young and female parliamentarians, as well as business representatives. The Turkmen side also outlined upcoming events during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, including a women’s dialogue, a session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, and meetings on demographic issues.
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