Policy
Ashgabat will host the World Forum on International Law in 2028
04.08.2026In 2028, Ashgabat will host the High-Level World Forum on International Law, at the conclusion of which it is planned to adopt the Ashgabat Declaration. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry R. Meredov reported on preparations for the event, presenting to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov plans for the Year of International Law, proclaimed by the UN. The forum will take place with the support and participation of the United Nations. It will be attended by state representatives, diplomats and legal experts. Participants will consider the draft Ashgabat Declaration, which aims to reaffirm the role of international law in ensuring peace, security and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan and Thailand are expanding their political and diplomatic cooperation
04.08.2026On 31 July, during a working visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, held a meeting with Ms Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle Eastern and African Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Thailand. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The parties discussed the development of political and diplomatic cooperation, the preparation of high-level visits, the holding of political consultations, as well as cooperation in the fields of trade and economics, transport and logistics, investment, culture and humanitarian affairs, education and tourism. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their readiness for further cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international organisations.
The text of the UN resolution on the International Year of Law 2028 has been published
04.08.2026The website of the State Information Agency TDH has published the text of the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, adopted at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The document emphasises the role of international law, including the UN Charter, in maintaining peace, security and fostering cooperation between states. The Resolution proclaims 2028 as the Year of International Law and calls on UN Member States to organise activities aimed at promoting legal education, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in this field. It also highlights the need to expand access to information on international law through digital platforms and multilingual resources, as well as to engage young people and women in relevant initiatives. The document reflects Turkmenistan’s initiative to host the High-Level World Forum on International Law in Ashgabat in 2028. It is planned that the Ashgabat Declaration will be adopted following the forum.
The EU and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership
04.08.2026Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, and Nazar Agahanov, the Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, discussed the development of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties noted the positive momentum and mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between the EU and Turkmenistan, particularly in the areas of trade, economic development and business relations. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for cooperation. It was previously reported that Beata Peksa is concluding her tenure as EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
A delegation from Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Governor of Limburg
03.08.2026In Maastricht, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held a meeting with the King’s Commissioner and Governor of the Province of Limburg, Emile Roemer. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the Turkmen side presented the concept and the stages of preparation for an international event to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties discussed organisational matters relating to the event dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses, as well as issues concerning cooperation with local authorities and relevant provincial bodies. T. Atahallyev invited Emile Roemer and representatives of the Limburg administration to attend the event as guests of honour. The governor confirmed his willingness to assist with its organisation. Particular attention was paid to the development of inter-regional cooperation between the province of Limburg and one of Turkmenistan’s velayats. Potential areas for cooperation included trade, the economy and investment, industry, agriculture, science, education, culture and tourism. The parties expressed their interest in further strengthening ties between Turkmenistan and the province of Limburg, as well as in implementing joint projects and exchanging expertise.
A conference on the UN General Assembly resolution was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
03.08.2026On 2 August, a conference was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to mark the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, which was initiated by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by senior officials and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, representatives of the academic community and higher education institutions – including the Turkmenistan Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – as well as students. Participants noted that the resolution was adopted by consensus on 24 July at the 106th plenary meeting of the current session of the UN General Assembly. The document was co-sponsored by 78 states. The initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law had previously been put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, emphasised in his address the significance of the adopted resolution and called for the implementation of the measures it envisages. It was reported that the relevant proposals had been submitted to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and had been approved. As part of the implementation of the resolution, it is planned to draw up a draft National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and a National Concept on ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’. Speakers highlighted Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of international law, permanent neutrality, peaceful coexistence and good-neighbourliness, as well as its contribution to strengthening regional and global stability. During the conference, congratulations were also extended to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’.
Turkmenistan has set out the agenda for the Central Asian and Azerbaijan summit in Awaza
03.08.2026At an informal consultative meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in Cholpon-Ata, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, outlined the main points of the agenda for the forthcoming summit, which is to be held on 8 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, Ashgabat has already sent a draft agenda to its partners. The document includes five main areas of cooperation. The first concerns regional and international security, political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and the economy, energy and transport. The second area relates to the environment. Discussions are planned on environmental protection, adaptation to climate change, the rational use of the waters of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, and the restoration of the Aral Sea. A separate section will be devoted to humanitarian cooperation. This will cover cultural, educational and scientific ties, as well as youth and student exchanges. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the relevance of the proposed topics for all participating states. The summit at ‘Awaza’ is also set to be accompanied by international forums and cultural events.
‘Awaza’ will host a summit of leaders from Central Asia and Azerbaijan
03.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in an informal consultative meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, which took place in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyz Republic). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the Head of State announced that the next summit in this format would take place on 8 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan was ready to ensure the necessary organisational standards for the upcoming event. Appropriate measures are already being taken in the country to prepare for it. The summit in Awaza will aim to further strengthen cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, develop political dialogue and expand economic ties.
Rashid Meredov presented a report on the work of the MFA of Turkmenistan for January–July
03.08.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, presented a report on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for January–July 2026. This was reported by TDH. Over the course of seven months, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook visits to the United States, China, Austria, the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as Iran. The President of Turkmenistan paid visits to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. As part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, meetings of the Commonwealth’s relevant bodies were held in the country, including a meeting of the heads of government of the CIS states on 22 May in Ashgabat. During the reporting period, 428 foreign delegations arrived in Turkmenistan, whilst 761 delegations were sent abroad. A total of 287 meetings at various levels were held via video conferencing, and 1,376 official negotiations and meetings involving foreign states and international organisations were organised. The international legal framework was expanded with the addition of 137 documents. Work also continued on holding political consultations with the foreign ministries of other countries. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held talks with the heads of the UN, the FAO, the EBRD, the International Maritime Organisation and the Organisation for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Between January and July 2026, Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of new Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from a number of states, as well as those of the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Diplomatic representatives of Turkmenistan also took up their duties following the presentation of their credentials in foreign states and international organisations. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further developing Turkmenistan’s cooperation with countries around the world and international organisations. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been instructed to continue work on expanding external relations and to ensure preparations for upcoming international events.
Turkmenistan will draw up a plan to implement the UN resolution on international law
03.08.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, reported on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, proposed by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The resolution was adopted unanimously on 24 July during the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the importance of the adopted document and congratulated those present at the meeting on this occasion. During the meeting, Rashid Meredov presented proposals for implementing the initiative. In particular, it is proposed to draw up a National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and to establish an Interdepartmental Working Commission to coordinate the preparation of events. The plan provides for the organisation of political, diplomatic, scientific, educational, cultural and informational events in Turkmenistan and abroad. It is also proposed to draw up a National Concept on ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ for distribution amongst UN member states. Between 2026 and 2028, it is planned to hold regional and international forums on issues of international law, with the participation of national and foreign experts. Educational programmes, the development of teaching materials and digital resources, as well as competitions for young people and awareness-raising events, are also envisaged. It is proposed to establish the Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Furthermore, a high-level World Forum on International Law is planned to be held in Ashgabat in 2028 under the auspices of the UN. The Head of State approved the proposals put forward and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the necessary work.
The President of Turkmenistan has received a congratulatory message from Hero Arkadag
02.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The message of congratulations noted that the adoption of the document served as confirmation of international support for Turkmenistan’s initiatives to strengthen peace, security and the role of international law. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan regards cooperation with the UN as one of the priorities of its foreign policy. Over the years of its membership in the Organisation, the country has sponsored more than 30 resolutions aimed at developing international cooperation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It was also noted that the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law received the support of 78 states, which co-sponsored the resolution. The message of congratulations states that Turkmenistan will continue its work to strengthen the international legal system and implement measures in preparation for the Year of International Law. Hero Arkadag wished President Serdar Berdimuhamedov every success in his efforts to strengthen peace and trust and international cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his condolences to the Prime Minister of Japan
02.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his condolences to the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, which resulted in loss of life and injuries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, and on his own behalf, the Head of State expressed his support for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished those affected a speedy recovery.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
