Policy
The Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia signed a Cooperation Programme
25.06.2025During his official visit, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The talks focused on prospects for the development of bilateral relations, including preparations for upcoming high-level contacts and the expansion of cooperation in trade, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres. This was reported by IIC. Sergey Lavrov noted the steady development of Russian-Turkmen partnership, emphasising the special nature of relations between the two countries. An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Cooperation Programme between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries for 2025-2026. This document establishes mechanisms for regular interaction and creates a legal basis for the further development of multifaceted cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan. The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening their strategic partnership, which is in the long-term interests of both countries.
Turkmenistan sends official invitation to Bangladesh President to attend UN LLDC3 conference
25.06.2025On 24 June 2025, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Islamabad between Ambassador of Turkmenistan A. Movlamov and Ambassador of Bangladesh Iqbal Hussain Khan. During the talks, the Turkmen side conveyed an official invitation on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed to the President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin, to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). This information was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The high-level event is scheduled for August this year and will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador of Bangladesh gratefully accepted the invitation, emphasising his country's interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan, including on issues of sustainable development and regional integration. The meeting confirmed the mutual readiness of the two countries to strengthen partnership relations and constructive dialogue in international forums. The LLDC3 conference will be an important event for discussing key issues related to the development of landlocked countries.
The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister honors memory at the People's Memory Memorial Complex in Ashgabat
25.06.2025During Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Turkmenistan, flowers were laid at the People's Memory Memorial Complex. Representatives of the diplomatic corps and the media attended the ceremony alongside the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head, according to the Turkmenistan IIC. According to the source, the event was part of the visit programme, which includes high-level meetings and discussions on current aspects of Turkmen-Russian cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia
25.06.2025On 25 June, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Welcoming the Head of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the visit and upcoming talks would contribute to further strengthening Turkmen-Russian relations. Conveying warm greetings and best wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Head of State emphasised that Russia is a strategic partner of Turkmenistan. Cooperation between the countries is long-standing and based on the principles of equality, trust and mutual respect. During the meeting, the parties held an interested exchange of views on the current state and prospects of bilateral partnership. It was noted that inter-state relations are based on rich historical experience, strong ties of friendship and good-neighbourliness. Political dialogue is actively developing, including multifaceted contacts between ministries and departments. Inter-parliamentary cooperation is supported and consultations between foreign policy structures are held regularly.
Turkmenistan and France consider strengthening inter-parliamentary ties
25.06.2025On 24 June, the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held a meeting with a delegation headed by Senator Samantha Cazebonne of the French Republic. During the talks, the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the development of bilateral relations was emphasised, according to the press service of the national parliament. According to the source, the parties noted that the document signed during the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to France, concerning the improvement of the national education system, will be an important step in strengthening multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Priority areas for cooperation were also identified, including energy, water management, agriculture, infrastructure, archaeology and French language teaching. It was noted that Turkmen youth study at universities in France, and French is actively studied in a number of higher and secondary educational institutions in Turkmenistan. The parties expressed confidence in the further development of friendly ties and the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Turkmenistan activates international ties and develops economy
25.06.2025Last week, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the second ‘Central Asia – China’ summit held in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, issues related to strengthening regional cooperation were discussed, including in the fields of transport, energy, innovation and culture. The Turkmen side proposed to discuss an initiative to develop a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN, according to the state news agency TDH. During the visit to Kazakhstan, bilateral talks were also held between the President of Turkmenistan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at which the development of trade, economic and humanitarian ties, as well as transport projects, were discussed. Following the summit, a number of documents were signed, including the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighbourliness and the Astana Declaration. In addition, sister city relations were established between the Ahal velayat and the Chinese province of Shaanxi. The domestic political agenda for the week included meetings and sessions devoted to agricultural policy, the development of science and education, the improvement of legislation, the modernisation of the customs system and the digitalisation of public administration. Cooperation with the IAEA and nuclear safety issues were also discussed. An important milestone was reached in agriculture, with more than 1 million tonnes of wheat harvested. Meetings were held with the newly appointed ambassadors of Palestine and Slovenia, during which the prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to healthcare issues. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, familiarised himself with the progress of construction of the Dental Centre in Ashgabat, which is being equipped with modern equipment. Cultural events included an international chess tournament in Ashgabat, where young Turkmen athletes took first place, as well as the opening of Culture Week in the Ahal velayat, dedicated to the Day of Workers of Culture and Art and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The week demonstrated active foreign policy, steady economic development and a commitment to modernising key areas of the country's life.
Russian Foreign Affairs Minister arrives in Ashgabat
25.06.2025Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Ashgabat on 24 June for an official visit, according to the news agency Orient. During the visit, Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. On the eve of the trip, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement emphasising that Russian-Turkmen relations are developing consistently in the spirit of deep strategic cooperation based on the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect. The close ties between the peoples of the two countries were highlighted, through their shared historical memory, cultural, humanitarian and economic ties, as well as their commitment to traditional spiritual values. During the visit, the parties intend to discuss key issues of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on the current regional and international agenda. The foreign ministers are expected to sign a cooperation programme for 2025–2026, which will serve as a guideline for further coordination between the two countries' Foreign Affairs Ministries.
Turkmenistan takes part in new format of dialogue with EU
25.06.2025The first meeting between Central Asian ambassadors and representatives of the European Union in the Political and Security Committee (PSC) took place in Brussels. The dialogue was initiated by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EU Special Representative for Central Asia also participated in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. The main focus was on the implementation of the agreements reached at the ‘EU – Central Asia’ Summit and the Joint Roadmap for 2023. The participants emphasised the importance of Central Asia as a strategic region in ensuring stability, developing transport and logistics chains, and in matters of good neighbourliness. The key areas of cooperation were identified as transport, energy (including green technologies), water management, the climate agenda, digitalisation and security. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan announced that his country would provide its territory for the safe transit of citizens from Iran, which was seen as a sign of regional solidarity in times of crisis. The ambassadors of the Central Asian states expressed interest in further deepening partnership ties, including through visits by EU representatives to the region.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Slovenia on Statehood Day
25.06.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and the entire Slovenian people on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of Turkmenistan wished the President of Slovenia good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability, further development and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and the United States reviewed key areas of partnership
25.06.2025On 24 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The discussion covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides expressed their intention to hold a face-to-face meeting in the near future and to organise annual bilateral consultations. Particular attention was paid to pressing regional and international issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of neutrality and preventive diplomacy, as well as its conviction in the effectiveness of peaceful methods of settling international disputes. In addition, the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States were discussed during the talks.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom discussed bilateral cooperation and humanitarian issues
25.06.2025On 24 June 2025, a telephone conversation took place between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The British side expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for assisting in the evacuation of British citizens from Iran amid the escalating situation in the Middle East. This step was noted as a vivid manifestation of Turkmenistan's commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity. During the conversation, the interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to the participation of British companies in the IFT-2025 investment forum in Ashgabat and the development of trade and economic partnership. The diplomats also exchanged views on the regional agenda and outlined plans for joint events in the second half of 2025. The importance of maintaining regular dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries was emphasised. Concluding the conversation, the British minister once again thanked Turkmenistan for its prompt humanitarian assistance, confirming mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit Turkmenistan as part of an official trip
24.06.2025On 24–25 June, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. The programme includes high-level talks and discussions on topical aspects of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head is scheduled to meet with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. It is noteworthy that Lavrov will be accompanied by a representative delegation of Russian media outlets. Among those accredited are journalists and cameramen from leading federal television channels and news agencies, including Channel One, Russia 1, MIR 24, NTV, RT, TASS, RIA Novosti, Interfax, Kommersant, Izvestia, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia Today, Solovyov Live and Eurasia Daily. The scale of media coverage underscores the importance of the upcoming visit and the interest in strengthening strategic dialogue between the two countries. The visit is further significant given that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
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