The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, emphasising that the escalation has occurred during a period of active diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation in the region. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The ministry recalled that Turkmenistan, which has permanent neutrality status enshrined in the UN, consistently advocates for the settlement of international disputes exclusively on the basis of the norms of the UN Charter and the principles of international law.
Turkmenistan plans to hold celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The initiative was announced at a working meeting in Arkadag, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Gulshat Mammedova, mayor of Arkadag, proposed celebrating the Fund's anniversary on behalf of the city administration. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov supported the idea and instructed to develop a detailed plan for the celebration with the participation of representatives of culture and art, as well as to take a comprehensive approach to the selection of the venue and preparation of the programme. The meeting also discussed the implementation of the second phase of the Arkadag city development project, including medical facilities and a new park. Special attention was paid to preparations for International Women's Day, in particular the ceremony to honour mothers with many children and the presentation of keys to new homes. The events are to be organised at a high organisational level.
Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Juraj Nociar, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the European Union. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. During the talks, the importance of regular political dialogue and high-level contacts for the sustainable development of relations was noted. The participants of the meeting also emphasised the need to further strengthen the legal framework and improve the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for interaction. Particular attention was paid to expanding areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU and developing interregional ties between the EU and Central Asia, which are becoming strategically important. The meeting concluded by emphasising that the deepening of the partnership between the EU and Central Asia opens up additional opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Ashgabat and Brussels.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurnoy. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the press service of the Belarusian diplomatic mission. During the talks, the parties discussed a number of issues related to the development of air traffic between the two countries. In addition, the participants reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including the participation of the business community in congress and exhibition events, as well as opportunities for expanding cultural and humanitarian contacts, interparliamentary cooperation and interaction between foreign ministries.
The national legal framework in the field of road transport is being brought into line with international requirements. This was announced on 27 February during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Deputy Prime Minister B. Annayev, according to TDH. According to him, the relevant ministry is consistently implementing state policy in the field of road safety and ensuring compliance with international conventions ratified by Turkmenistan. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the modernisation of legislation is aimed at improving the efficiency of the transport industry and strengthening transport safety. The Head of State approved the initiative to improve control over compliance with the work and rest regime for drivers engaged in international road transport and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue the relevant work.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the progress of construction of the second phase of the city of Arkadag. The focus was on medical cluster facilities and industrial zones, according to IIC. During the inspection, standards for furnishing residential premises and interior design solutions for the new city mosque were approved. Particular emphasis was placed on road safety issues: adaptive traffic light systems and modern road markings that meet international requirements are being introduced. In addition, a plan was presented for the modernisation of the ‘Polatly’ monument and the improvement of ‘Ahalteke atlary’ Avenue. At a working meeting in the city administration, it was noted that 2026 will mark the fifth anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. In this regard, instructions were given to prepare a comprehensive programme of anniversary events with the participation of creative groups. Cultural events are planned in Ashgabat and Arkadag, aimed at demonstrating the results of the Fund's work in the field of child health and social support. During his visit to the equestrian complex, Hero Arkadag also discussed the implementation of the action plan for 2026. The strategy provides for the holding of an international competition ‘The Most Beautiful Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’ and a series of scientific conferences with the participation of foreign experts. It is planned to actively involve students from relevant universities in the organisation of events to exchange experience with foreign specialists. The key task is to further strengthen Turkmenistan's status as one of the world centres of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and to integrate national horse training standards into the international system.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE, Bayram Bayramov, met with the Executive Director for International Relations at ‘Etihad Rail’, Tariq Al Falahi. This was reported by the IIC. The discussion focused on joint infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening transport links between Central and South Asia. The parties discussed the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the railway authorities of the two countries, signed in October 2025 at the ‘Global Rail’ exhibition in Abu Dhabi, and agreed on steps for technical coordination. Strategic aspects of the partnership and the preparation of roadmaps for further integration of transport systems were also discussed. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue regular expert consultations.
On 27 February, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented a report on preparations for an exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the International Forum ‘Investments in the Future of Turkmenistan’ during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, about 70 foreign companies and international organisations have confirmed their participation, and registration is ongoing. The Turkmen side will be represented at the forum by representatives of ministries, industry departments and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing the private sector and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high level of organisation for the exhibition and forum.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on the progress of scientific and medical diplomacy in the country during a government meeting on 27 February. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Under the leadership of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, experience is being introduced in the field of health care, construction of modern medical facilities, development of science and international cooperation, which contributes to improving the health of the population and strengthening the country's international authority. The Deputy Prime Minister presented a proposal to the President of Turkmenistan in this regard. After hearing the report, the Head of State instructed to prepare a National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2052.
On 27 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties noted the high level of bilateral relations. It was emphasised that due to the consistent efforts of the leadership of the two states, the friendly and fraternal ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have reached a qualitatively new level. The interlocutors pointed to the significant role of regular high-level contacts in maintaining a sustainable political dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding on key issues of the regional and international agenda, as well as in mutual support for initiatives in international structures. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation, which is identified as one of the priority areas of partnership. In this context, issues related to strengthening transport and logistics links, expanding multimodal corridors and simplifying cross-border procedures were discussed, which should contribute to the growth of mutual trade. The importance of cooperation in the fields of culture, science, education and sport was noted separately. The diplomats emphasised the significance of joint events, creative exchanges and educational programmes for further strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples.
On 27 February, inter-ministerial consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Baku. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan A. Gurbanov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan S. Sharifov. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and topical issues on the regional and international agenda. Particular attention was paid to the development of political and diplomatic dialogue, the expansion of trade and economic ties, cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian contacts. It was noted that high-level negotiations remain a key factor in strengthening the partnership. In this context, issues related to the preparation of upcoming meetings were discussed. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of interparliamentary cooperation and the role of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as a mechanism for promoting joint initiatives. The strategic potential of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as transit hubs between Asia and Europe for the implementation of international transport corridors was highlighted.
In Turkmenistan, preparations are underway for International Women's Day in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag. In particular, work is underway to organise high-level ceremonies to honour mothers who have given birth to and raised eight or more children and have been awarded the honorary title of Turkmenistan ‘Ene mähri’, as well as to present them with the keys to new flats, reports TDH. This information was announced by the Chair of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, on 27 February during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, it was reported that draft laws are currently being prepared covering the political, economic and cultural spheres, as well as aimed at further improving the living standards of the population. At the same time, work is continuing on amendments and additions to the current legislation. The Head of Parliament also presented information on the results of the visit of the Turkmenistan delegation to Georgia, which took place on 23–24 February this year.