Policy
Key priorities for Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS have been defined
12.03.2026The official website of the CIS Executive Committee has published the Concept of Turkmenistan's Chairmanship of the CIS for 2026 and the plan for its implementation, according to the news website Asmannews. The document defines five key priorities: strengthening peace and security, developing the economy and transport connectivity, digitalisation, the environmental agenda and humanitarian cooperation. In the political sphere, the emphasis is on maintaining regional stability and expanding diplomatic dialogue between the CIS countries. The economic section provides for the development of the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ transport corridors, deepening energy cooperation, and stimulating trade and investment. The environmental section includes joint projects in the field of renewable energy and adaptation to climate change. The plan for 2026 provides for 25 events, seven of which will take place in Turkmenistan. These include meetings of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in May, the Economic Council in September, the Council of Foreign Ministers and the CIS Council of Heads of State on 9 October in Awaza, as well as a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat and Ankara strengthen cooperation in the field of migration
12.03.2026A working meeting between representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the Main Directorate of the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Turkey was held in the format of a video conference. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the talks, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation in the field of migration and exchanged views on key areas of interaction. The participants also noted the importance of joint work within international organisations and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries in the field of migration.
Turkmenistan strengthens its position in world equestrian sport through the FEI
12.03.2026A meeting was held in Lausanne between Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ingmar De Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the Federation, according to IIC. The main topic of the talks was the expansion of strategic partnership in the field of equestrian sports and the inclusion of Turkmenistan in the calendar of major international competitions. The Turkmen side emphasised the significance of 2026, which has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in the country, and expressed interest in hosting prestigious show jumping tournaments under the auspices of the FEI. Special attention was paid to the development of the International Equestrian Academy: the parties discussed attracting experts from the federation to train professional staff and teachers. The prospect of holding one of the future FEI General Assemblies in Turkmenistan was also considered. The Turkmen delegation confirmed its participation in the next assembly, scheduled for December 2026 in Guangzhou. Strengthening cooperation with the FEI opens up new opportunities for the professional growth of Turkmen riders and the promotion of national cultural heritage on the international stage.
CIS Secretary General meets with Turkmen Ambassador in Moscow
12.03.2026An official meeting between CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Esen Aydogdyev took place in Moscow. The negotiations took place at the Commonwealth Executive Committee and were timed to coincide with the end of Aydogdyev's diplomatic mission in Russia and his appointment to a new government position, according to IIC. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of multilateral cooperation within the CIS, preparations for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers and key aspects of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the organisation. Ashgabat's significant contribution to strengthening integration ties and constructive dialogue between the Commonwealth countries was noted. The Secretary General thanked Esen Aydogdyev for his effective work and wished him success in his future professional activities. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree transferring Aydogdyev to the post of Head of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States of America. The appointment to such a responsible position underscores the recognition of the diplomat's merits and the importance of the new tasks of the country's foreign policy department.
Turkmenistan and ILO discuss cooperation in the field of labour legislation
12.03.2026The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with Peter van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported on the website of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, as well as interaction with the International Labour Organisation on a multilateral basis. The participants reviewed the results of the implementation of the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2024-2025 and plans for joint work in 2026. The Turkmen side provided information on measures to modernise labour legislation, as well as laws in the field of human rights and social protection of children and the population, taking into account international standards and accumulated experience. Peter van Rooij noted the results of the work being done and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of the Portuguese Republic
12.03.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to António José Seguro on the occasion of his inauguration as President of the Portuguese Republic. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the President of Portugal good health, prosperity and success in his public activities for the development and prosperity of the country.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan met with the Governor of Istanbul
12.03.2026On 11 March, a meeting was held at the Istanbul Governorate between the Consul General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They noted the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, medical and sports spheres. The parties emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and mutual benefit. They also discussed preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Special attention was paid to events held under the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan's initiatives are aimed at strengthening international dialogue
11.03.2026Turkmenistan continues to promote initiatives aimed at developing regional and global cooperation. One of these is a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law.’ The initiative was announced by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the United Nations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Head of State, the country's foreign policy steps are consistent with the UN Charter and its founding documents. Turkmenistan advocates strengthening the central role of the organisation in international affairs and developing the international legal framework. In preparation for the ‘Year of International Law,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with relevant agencies, has developed a plan of events for 2026. It includes scientific and practical conferences, educational programmes for young people, the preparation of training materials, and informational work in the media. Particular attention is paid to revealing the potential of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as an instrument for strengthening peace and cooperation. Issues related to the implementation of the initiative were discussed at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan's International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants also considered the preparation of new national action plans on human rights and gender equality for 2026-2030. In 2026, Turkmenistan will carry out a number of international missions. The country will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. As part of its CIS chairmanship, special attention will be paid to regional security, economic cooperation, and the development of transport and energy projects. Turkmenistan has also proposed declaring 2027 the ‘Year of CIS Transport Connectivity’. Humanitarian cooperation remains a priority, including cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, tourism, sports and youth exchanges. Particular importance is attached to regional dialogue in Central Asia. In 2026, Turkmenistan will chair a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The initiative to include Azerbaijan in this format was proposed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Transport, energy, trade and industrial cooperation are among the key areas of regional cooperation. Issues of rational use of water resources, the environmental agenda and the development of humanitarian ties are also being discussed. According to the country's leadership, the promotion of such initiatives contributes to the strengthening of international dialogue, the expansion of economic partnership and the development of multilateral cooperation.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan congratulated the Supreme Leader of Iran
11.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on his election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his address, the Hero Arkadag expressed his sincere wishes for good health and success in state activities aimed at ensuring peace, stability and prosperity for the Iranian people.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the inauguration ceremony of the President of Portugal
10.03.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to France and Portugal, Maksat Charyev, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The inauguration took place on 9 March at the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon. António José Seguro became the first representative of the Socialist Party to hold the post of Head of State in the last two decades. In the first round of the presidential election, held on 18 January 2026, Seguro received the most support from voters, with about 31% of the vote. Since none of the candidates received more than 50% of the vote, a second round was scheduled. In the second round, his opponent was the leader of the far-right Chega party, André Ventura. In the second round, held on 8 February, Seguro won a landslide victory, receiving 66.7% of the vote. André Ventura secured the support of 33.3% of voters. With this result, Seguro set a record for the number of votes received by a candidate in a presidential election in the history of Portugal.
Hero Arkadag noted the contribution of Turkmen women to strengthening the Motherland
10.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the women of the country on International Women's Day. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his address, he noted that in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State, the dignity, moral purity and creative talent of Turkmen women are honoured at the state level. Hero Arkadag emphasised the continuity of traditions and the contribution of women to the development of the country. Particular attention is paid to respect for mothers, loyalty to the family hearth and social support for large families, including the improvement of their living conditions. ‘A prosperous life, self-realisation and creative work of women in Turkmenistan are a priority of state policy,’ emphasised the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. He assured that all conditions for a comfortable and productive life for women would be created in the country.
Turkmenistan and Iraq expand diplomatic and economic ties
10.03.2026On 9 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serdar Muhammetdurdyev met with Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen side warmly welcomed Iraq's decision to open an embassy in Ashgabat and confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary support for its full-fledged operation. Both sides noted that the opening of a diplomatic mission would strengthen bilateral relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the development of high-level contacts and political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, the latest of which took place in October 2025 in Baghdad. The prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation and cultural and humanitarian ties, including science, education, sports and tourism, were also discussed. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2009, contacts between Turkmenistan and Iraq have been actively developing, especially in the international arena.
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