Policy
Issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan were discussed
18.05.2026Chairman of the State Committee for Construction under the President of Turkmenistan, Derýageldi Orazov, met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 17. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Derýageldi Orazov conveyed greetings to Ilham Aliyev from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the holding of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. The sides discussed the construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli, being implemented on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the project and noted that the work is ongoing. They also addressed the reconstruction of the Karabakh region, where a large-scale reconstruction and development program is underway. Following the meeting, Orazov stated plans to visit Karabakh again and personally observe the progress of the works on site.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold meetings with CIS delegations
18.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from CIS countries during the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth. The event will take place on May 22 in Ashgabat. This was reported by TDH. The program includes negotiations between the delegations of participating countries and meetings within specialized CIS structures. A number of documents are expected to be signed following the event. Preparations for the summit are being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the CIS Executive Committee. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the progress of preparations during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. Turkmenistan is chairing the CIS this year. Since the beginning of the year, meetings of specialized councils and commissions have been taking place. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the development of cooperation with Commonwealth countries in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. He instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for the upcoming summit.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People paid a visit to the United Kingdom
18.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the royal family. This was reported by TDH. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, Hero-Arkadag proceeded to Windsor Castle, where he was welcomed by representatives of the organizing committee of the Royal Horse Show. During the visit, a meeting was held with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The sides exchanged greetings and emphasized the high level of bilateral cooperation. The King noted the significant contribution of Hero-Arkadag to the development of international cooperation and warmly recalled previous contacts, including their meeting in 2015. During the conversation, the importance of high-level dialogue in strengthening Turkmen-British relations was reaffirmed. Hero-Arkadag conveyed greetings to Charles III from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the British monarch sent his warm wishes to the head of state, noting the importance of his visit to the United Kingdom in 2023. Special attention was given to the development of equestrian sports and the promotion of Akhal-Teke horses. Charles III expressed interest in the participation of Turkmen horses in international competitions held in the United Kingdom. During the visit, Hero-Arkadag also met with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife. The parties discussed issues related to the development of cooperation, including in horse breeding and humanitarian initiatives. The British side showed particular interest in the practice of hippotherapy using Akhal-Teke horses. Hero-Arkadag highly praised the organization of international equestrian events attended by representatives of dozens of countries, including Turkmenistan. As part of the cultural program of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited an exhibition dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses, where national values and folk art items were presented. A meeting was also held with a representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which greetings from President Ilham Aliyev were conveyed. At the conclusion of the talks, Hero-Arkadag invited representatives of the British royal family to take part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and events dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. At the end of the visit, Hero-Arkadag attended equestrian performances and reviewed the program of the international event. Following the visit, it was emphasized that the talks and meetings held opened new prospects for the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in various fields.
Preparations Underway in Ashgabat for CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting
17.05.2026Turkmenistan, during its chairmanship in the CIS, is preparing a large-scale program of integration events in Ashgabat, the centerpiece of which will be the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on May 22 at the “Karakum” Hotel. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the preparations during a government meeting, the state news agency TDH reported. The summit agenda includes 12 issues, among them discussions on economic cooperation, a review of the geodesy and cartography program through 2026, as well as initiatives in digitalization, the mining and metallurgical sector, and transport. The approval of the CIS Youth Capitals for 2027–2028 is also planned separately. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of CIS delegations, following which a number of joint documents are expected to be signed. The summit will be preceded by expert-level events: on May 21, a meeting of CIS plenipotentiary representatives and a session of financial intelligence units will take place, while on May 22–23, the plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) will be held. After hearing the report, the head of state emphasized the importance of trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation within the CIS and instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for all events.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrives in the United Kingdom on a visit.
17.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has departed on a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the family of Charles III. This was reported by the TDH news agency. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Hero-Arkadag was seen off by the leaders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Apparatus of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. After taking off from Ashgabat, the aircraft of the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived in the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom were established in January 1992. In December 1995, the United Kingdom also supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Romania agree to develop consular cooperation
16.05.2026Consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Romania were held at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the level of heads of consular services. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Döwletmurat Muratov. The Romanian side was represented by the Director General of the Consular Department of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oana Darie. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular and migration spheres. These included the development of visa cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legal interests, as well as the improvement of the legal and contractual framework. Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of consular services and the exchange of experience in training personnel for consular work. Following the consultations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania in the consular field.
Turkmenistan initiates experience exchange in the field of “smart” cities
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum in Kazan. The Hero-Arkadag proposed the creation of mechanisms for professional exchange between countries in the fields of urban development and high technologies. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The key initiative was the development of “smart city” diplomacy in the Islamic world. According to him, such cities combine technology, architecture, culture, and science, creating a foundation for cooperation within ICESCO. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to establish the exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices between Islamic countries in this area. He also noted that Turkmenistan is developing the concept of “smart” cities at the state level and is ready to share its accumulated experience.
Turkmenistan delegation participates in FAO conference in Dushanbe
16.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev, took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The forum was held on May 11–12 in Dushanbe with participation of representatives from regional countries, international organizations, and relevant agencies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed issues of food security, sustainable agricultural development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the efficient use of water and land resources. Special attention was given to expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were held to consider prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the fields of agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
Turkmenistan has been granted observer status in ICESCO
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in a forum of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during his visit to Kazan. The event was held in connection with the city being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Hero-Arkadag noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to develop multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, and promote a culture of peace. It was also emphasized that during the 15th session of the General Conference of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the Organization dedicated to education, science, and culture across the Islamic world. ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik stated that the possibility of declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration. Work in this direction has already begun.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed support to India’s leadership
16.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has extended condolences to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the casualties and destruction caused by severe storms and heavy rainfall in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, the head of state expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Turkmenistan and Nepal discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC
15.05.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Nepal and President of the 2026 ECOSOC session, Lok Bahadur Thapa, according to the IIC. During the talks, the sides discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC, focusing on key areas of sustainable development, the development of transport connectivity, strengthening energy security, as well as support for countries facing intersecting energy and governance challenges. Separately, they addressed the implementation of the “Avaza” programme initiated by Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035. In addition, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum, including a planned side event dedicated to sustainable transport development, which Turkmenistan intends to organize.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan
15.05.2026During a visit to Bukhara, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Speaker of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The sides noted the importance of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are connected by shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values, and that the partnership—based on mutual respect and trust—is actively developing across various areas. The parties also discussed cooperation in the international legal sphere, the exchange of experience in legislative activity, and further work of interparliamentary friendship groups. The Turkmen side invited Azerbaijani colleagues to take part in international events in Avaza within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
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