Policy
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan strengthen cooperation in equestrian sports
06.03.2026On 4 March, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in equestrian sports and horse breeding was signed in Baku between the State Association ‘Türkmen Atlary’ and the Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The document was signed as part of a cultural programme held at the ‘Bina’ Equestrian Centre, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The agreement aims to develop bilateral cooperation in equestrian sports, exchange experience in horse breeding and strengthen professional contacts between relevant organisations in the two countries. The event was accompanied by a performance by the legendary National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’ from Turkmenistan. The renowned troupe, which was awarded the highest prize at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2025, presented its programme to the Azerbaijani public for the first time. The artists demonstrated complex elements of horse riding, acrobatic tricks and synchronised performances reflecting the traditions of the Turkmen school of horsemanship and the skill of the riders. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of riders carrying the national flags of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, symbolically emphasising the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The signing of the Memorandum was an important step in strengthening partnership in the field of equestrian sports and promoting national horse breeding traditions.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Bulgaria discussed expanding bilateral cooperation
05.03.2026In early March 2026, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Bulgaria, residing in Moscow, visited Sofia to participate in events marking Bulgaria's national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, E. Aydogdyev met with Petko Doykov, Director General of the Directorate General for Bilateral Relations of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, including trade and economic relations, transport, healthcare, tourism and other sectors. The Ambassador also informed about the planned celebration of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse in 2026 and invited the Bulgarian side to participate in the events. The interlocutors emphasised the potential of the Turkmen-Bulgarian partnership and confirmed the need to intensify it both at the intergovernmental level and through international organisations, including the UN and the ‘Turkmenistan-EU’ dialogue. In addition, they discussed the timing of bilateral consultations and the organisation of the next meeting of the Turkmen-Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Particular attention was paid to joint work in the fields of science, education and culture, as well as to continuing the practice of holding joint events in these areas.
MFA of Turkmenistan reports on the safety of transit across the border with Iran
05.03.2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has announced that the country is allowing foreign citizens, road transport and rolling stock to cross the Turkmen-Iranian border. The decision was made in connection with the current situation in the Middle East, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. All international checkpoints on the border are operating as usual. As of 4 March, more than 200 people from 16 countries, including Central Asian states, China, Russia, the United States, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have entered Turkmenistan.
Turkmen-Korean dialogue covers politics, economics and humanitarian spheres
05.03.2026On 4 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the high dynamics of development of Turkmen-Korean relations in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to preparations for upcoming visits and events at the highest level, as well as the importance of political and consular consultations as a tool for systematic discussion of the bilateral agenda. The diplomats exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace, security and stability. Lim Sang-woo thanked the Turkmen side for its assistance in the transit of citizens of the Republic of Korea travelling from Iran. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue expanding the multifaceted dialogue between the countries.
Turkmenistan and China have confirmed the strategic nature of their relations
05.03.2026On 4 March, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the People's Republic of China, P. Durdyev, held a meeting with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Liu Bin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. They emphasised the importance of further developing cooperation and maintaining close dialogue at the highest level. It was noted that Turkmen-Chinese cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, peacefulness and humanism, as well as shared cultural values. In this regard, the parties pointed to opportunities for expanding cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of coordination within international organisations. The strategic nature of the relations and mutual interest in their further strengthening were confirmed.
Turkmenistan and OHCHR agree to strengthen human rights dialogue
05.03.2026On 4 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Matilda Bogner, Regional Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of human rights. It was noted that Turkmenistan advocates constructive dialogue on human rights based on mutual respect, trust and consideration of national development characteristics. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation with the UN for 2026-2030. It was emphasised that the human rights agenda cuts across all areas of the programme, from social policy and gender equality to issues of the rule of law. The role of the Interdepartmental Commission for Ensuring the Implementation of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law as a key mechanism for coordination and interaction with international partners was noted. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the appointment of an international expert as Human Rights Adviser to the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan. This is expected to strengthen the basis for joint initiatives and dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation in the field of human rights based on the principles of dignity, inclusiveness and depoliticisation of international interaction.
Turkmenistan's dialogue with the European Parliament reaches a new level
04.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a briefing in Brussels for members of the European Parliament and the European Parliament delegation for relations with Central Asia and Mongolia, chaired by MEP Giuseppina Princi. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The meeting discussed the need to strengthen and modernise the contractual basis for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU, as well as to build a more structured dialogue with each country in the region. Particular attention was paid to regular high-level contacts and inter-institutional cooperation. S. Palvanov announced an upcoming interparliamentary dialogue on 5 March in Brussels with the participation of members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis, where economic cooperation, transport, humanitarian initiatives and the development of parliamentary ties are planned to be discussed. The Ambassador emphasised the potential for cooperation in the economy, climate agenda, sustainable development and humanitarian sphere, noting the importance of deepening it in the context of global challenges. The briefing confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to constructive dialogue with the European Parliament and its intention to develop a partnership with the EU based on mutual respect and common interests.
Turkmenistan and Romania outline further steps for cooperation
04.03.2026On 3 March, Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, met with Teodor Ioan Trasca, Vice-Rector of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Romanian cooperation in education and science, including interaction between the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest within the framework of the existing agreement. The parties discussed expanding practical partnership and holding joint academic and expert events. It was emphasised that 2026 has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan, and the possibility of holding thematic events with the participation of the Turkmen side was considered. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to strengthen dialogue and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held negotiations with a representative of the MFA of Saudi Arabia
04.03.2026On 2 March, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, held a meeting with Khalid Bakhsh, Director of the Department of Reciprocity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest to both countries. It should be recalled that on 16 February, M. Ayazov took office as Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), presenting his credentials to OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha.
Turkmenistan and Greece discussed expanding cooperation
03.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Ioannis Vrailas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. They noted the positive dynamics of trade turnover and the development of political dialogue, which is becoming more stable and substantive. Cooperation in the ‘European Union-Turkmenistan’ format was considered separately. The need to intensify cooperation, strengthen the legal framework and further institutionalise relations was emphasised. Following the meeting, mutual interest in expanding the partnership and taking it to a qualitatively new level was confirmed.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
03.03.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Yotova on the occasion of the country's national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State wished President Yotova good health and happiness, and the people of Bulgaria peace, stable development and prosperity.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people sent his condolences to the President of Iran
03.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian and the entire Iranian people on the passing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. This was reported by the online news resource Asmannews. Hero Arkadag expressed his sincere words of support to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased, wishing that the soul of the departed may find eternal peace and that the earth rest lightly upon him.
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