Policy
The results of the Seventh Round of MICS7 have been published in Turkmenistan
05.02.2026The State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with UNICEF, presented the results of the Seventh Round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), providing the most comprehensive data on the situation of children and women in the country. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The MICS programme, developed by UNICEF, allows for the collection of comparable international data on the health, education, protection and well-being of children and women, as well as the assessment of progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Turkmenistan has participated in MICS since 1995, and MICS7 was a continuation of the five previous rounds. The study, which began in 2022, included training of specialists, nationwide data collection in 2024 and analysis of the results in 2024–2025. The results provide a comprehensive picture of children's health, nutrition, education and protection, serve as a basis for decision-making at national and local levels, and help identify policy priorities in the interests of every child.
Bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE reach a new level
05.02.2026On 4 February, in Abu Dhabi, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of joint large-scale projects in the energy and transport and logistics sectors, as well as the preparation of the Economic Cooperation Programme between Turkmenistan and the UAE. The parties also exchanged views on a number of issues on the regional and international agenda.
In January, Turkmenistan intensified bilateral and multilateral contacts
05.02.2026In January 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments of Turkmenistan held a series of international meetings and forums in bilateral and multilateral formats. The negotiations covered issues of politics, economics, humanitarian cooperation, sustainable development and regional security, according to TDH. On 7 January, the Foreign Affairs Ministry held meetings with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. The prospects for expanding bilateral relations were discussed. On 8 January, negotiations were held with Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. The results of the Framework Cooperation Programme for 2021-2025 were summarised and preparations for a new programme for 2026-2030 were begun. On the same day, a meeting was held with Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India. On 10 January, a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues was held. The Work Plan for 2026 was approved. On 12 January, the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kakha Imnadze. On the same day, meetings were held with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Gismet Gozalov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On 14 January, negotiations were held with Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union. On 16 January, a meeting was held with Rana Abu Hijleh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine. On 19 January, negotiations were held via videoconference with Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria. On 21 January, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, as well as political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of India. As part of the visit, a meeting was held with the Secretary for Western Affairs of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sibi George. On the same day, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations on the establishment of a FAO Representative Office in Turkmenistan. On 21–22 January, the SPECA Economic Forum was held in Ashgabat. Representatives of Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, India, the EU, the UN and the World Bank took part. On 22 January, an international conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ was held. Regional documents were signed following the conference. On 22 January, the first event within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS was held in Moscow – a meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council. On 29 January, meetings were held with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia, Konstantin Sabiashvili, and Turkmen-Russian political consultations. As part of these consultations, a meeting was held with Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation. On 30 January, a video meeting was held with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. On the same day, a meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Inter-governmental Commission on Water Management Issues was held in Khiva. On 23 January, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor. On 24 January, a meeting was held in Arkadag between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, and Jalpa Ratna, representative of UNICEF. The January programme of foreign policy contacts covered more than 15 countries and international organisations and was aimed at developing political dialogue, economic partnership and humanitarian cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia discussed key aspects of cooperation
05.02.2026On 4 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to Turkmenistan Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to interaction in international organisations, including support for the candidacies and initiatives of the two countries in multilateral forums.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the city of Arkadag
05.02.2026On 4 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag visited the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, where he met with students of the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre and members of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group, according to the state news agency TDH. At the Academy, Hero Arkadag was welcomed by Rector P. Bayramdurdyev and Vice-President of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs B. Rejepov. He then visited the indoor riding arena and talked with the students of the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre. The centre's management said that they teach horse riding, national equestrian games and the basics of horse breeding. The programme also includes English and Russian languages, mathematics, chemistry and computer literacy. Training is conducted seasonally, with more than 40 students in each stream. Hero Arkadag presented the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre with 1.5 million manats on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The funds will be used to strengthen the material and technical base and develop a digital learning system. At the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, the President of Turkmenistan announced his decision to award the ‘Galkynysh’ group 3 million manats for its contribution to the development of national equestrian circus art. The members of the group were also presented with horse saddles. In addition, Hero Arkadag presented the ‘Galkynysh’ group with an Ahal-Teke horse named Garashsyz (‘Independent’). The ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre operates within the structure of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Here, students are taught horse riding, national equestrian games, the basics of horse breeding, as well as general education subjects and foreign languages. Training is conducted seasonally, with more than 40 students in each stream. The ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group was established in 2007. It regularly performs at international festivals and competitions. In 2025, the group received the Golden Cup and special awards at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, as well as medals at the Ethnosport Festival in Istanbul. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag held a working meeting with the Rector of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, P. Bayramdurdyev, and the Vice-President of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, B. Rejepov. The parties discussed current projects and plans for the development of horse breeding. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag wished the participants success and left the venue.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan met with the newly appointed Ambassador of Spain
05.02.2026On 2 February, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan between Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Islamabad, and Carlos Aragon, the newly appointed Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in trade, transit, energy and other areas. The Spanish diplomat shared his country's experience in combating desertification and sustainable management of natural resources. Particular attention was paid to the economic efficiency of the trade route through Afghanistan and Pakistan. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation and maintain regular diplomatic dialogue.
Turkmenistan promotes neutrality as an instrument of peace at the OIC session
05.02.2026From 31 January to 2 February 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan participated in the 52nd session of the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was the third and key preparatory stage for the upcoming meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) scheduled for 11–12 April 2026 in Baghdad. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the session, the Turkmen side presented a draft resolution entitled ‘Тhе role of а policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development in the OIC area and globally,’ intended for further consideration at the 52nd session of the CFM OIC. In addition, the participants discussed and adopted strategic decisions in the political, legal, information and humanitarian spheres, and completed the formation of the programme of work of the Foreign Affairs Ministers in preparation for its approval.
Turkmenistan proposed new approaches to global governance at the summit in Dubai
04.02.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking on 3 February at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, said that global governance and leadership are being shaped by a profound transformation of the system of international partnerships against the backdrop of a combination of geopolitical, economic, climate and technological crises. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Foreign Minister emphasised that the effectiveness of international cooperation today is determined by the ability of states to act proactively, prevent risks and build trust, rather than just responding to crises. In this regard, R. Meredov advocated a transition to preventive state management and proposed considering the creation of a multilateral platform for the exchange of early warning mechanisms and preventive management decisions. The Minister noted the importance of a solid international legal basis for global governance and recalled Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 as the ‘Year of International Law’ within the framework of the UN, aimed at strengthening respect for international norms and developing preventive diplomacy. R. Meredov paid special attention to the role of reliable data in management decision-making, advocating the introduction of universal principles of reliability and mechanisms for their verification, including the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. As an example of the practical implementation of international initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister cited the UN General Assembly's proclamation of the Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026-2035, emphasising that cooperation based on trust and clear goals can bring concrete global results. In conclusion, R. Meredov noted that modern leadership is built on foresight, trust and compliance with common rules, and expressed his gratitude to the UAE for hosting the summit.
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed cooperation plans for 2026
04.02.2026On 3 February, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Emirati relations in the political-diplomatic and trade-economic spheres. Rashid Meredov noted the importance of the World Governments Summit as a platform for strengthening international cooperation. The effectiveness of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries and their mutual support within international and regional organisations was also emphasised. Special attention was paid to the events planned for 2026 in the context of expanding bilateral political ties.
Turkmenistan strengthens ties with UAE in gas industry
04.02.2026On 3 February, in Dubai, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, Director General of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current projects and promising areas of cooperation in the gas industry. An agreement was reached on regular meetings and consultations to strengthen the partnership and ensure consistent interaction in priority areas.
Turkmenistan delegation represented at World Governments Summit
04.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, is participating in the World Governments Summit, which is being held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event involves more than 30 Heads of State and Government, about 150 government delegations and about 6,000 participants, including representatives of international companies, financial organisations and educational institutions. The agenda includes global governance, the development of artificial intelligence, climate change and the coordination of economic policy. Speaking at the session ‘The Future of Global Alliances,’ Rashid Meredov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to solving key international problems. He noted that the country advocates coordinated cooperation based on international law, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all states. It is reported that Turkmenistan has initiated a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and supports multilateral formats of interaction. Among the proposed mechanisms are strengthening public administration, exchanging expert knowledge and developing economic interconnectivity. The summit continues.
Turkmenistan strengthened its healthcare and sports systems in 2025
04.02.2026The year 2025, declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ and marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, was marked by the implementation of state programmes in the fields of healthcare and sport. This was reported by TDH. As President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated in his New Year's Address, caring for the health of citizens remains a priority of state policy. This work covers disease prevention, the development of medical infrastructure and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The basis of the healthcare system remains the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In July, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry held a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘The “Saglyk” (Health) State Programme in Action’. Similar events were held in all regions of the country. As part of the programme, the material and technical base is being modernised, legislation is being updated, and World Health Organisation recommendations are being implemented. In recent years, a network of modern medical, diagnostic, scientific and clinical centres has been created. In 2025, the International Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Physiology received the ‘German Design Award Winner 2025’ certificates from the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung). In January 2025, the President signed a Decree on the construction of the first phase of the ‘Arkadag’ medical cluster as part of the National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022-2052. To train personnel, specialists are sent on internships abroad and participate in video conferences with foreign clinics. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continued to finance operations and purchase equipment. On 9 December 2025, a branch of the Fund was opened in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare. In 2025, the 12th Turkmen-German Healthcare Forum was held. An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ was also held, which included congresses of cardiologists, physiologists and oncologists. At the same time, work was carried out to develop sport and mass physical culture. Sports grounds are provided in educational and residential complexes. Every year, a mass bike ride is held to mark World Bicycle Day, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan. In 2025, the national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’ won the Grand Prize at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Turkmen athletes won 28 medals at the International Goresh (national wrestling) and Alysh (belt wrestling) Wrestling Tournament in Ashgabat. In May 2025, the ‘Arkadag’ football team became the champion of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. On 15 December, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an award ceremony for young athletes and winners of international Olympiads. The results of 2025 showed the expansion of infrastructure, growth in international contacts and the development of mass sports and healthcare in the country.
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