Policy
Malaysian Prime Minister Presented with a Silk Carpet in Ashgabat
21.06.2026Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was presented with a handmade silk carpet while touring an exhibition at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During a visit to the stand of a woman entrepreneur, information was provided about the national carpet-weaving tradition, the distinctive features of Turkmen carpets, as well as the types and technologies used in carpet production. She asked the head of state to present the handmade carpet to the distinguished guest. Handmade carpet khorjuns (traditional woven bags) were also presented to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The exhibition was organized as part of an international conference marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the oil and gas sector. A pavilion dedicated to the 30th anniversary of partnership with Petronas was also featured at the exhibition, showcasing the results of cooperation, technological solutions, and promising projects in the field of deep hydrocarbon processing. Separate displays were presented by the state concerns Türkmengaz, Türkmennebit, Türkmengeologiýa, oil-refining enterprises, and relevant ministries.
President of Turkmenistan Highlights the Importance of Cooperation with Malaysia
21.06.2026During talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of developing partnership relations between the two countries. According to the head of state, cooperation with Malaysia, one of the founding states and respected members of ASEAN, occupies an important place in Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy, the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age” reported. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda. In particular, they highly praised Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Special attention was given to protecting the interests of developing countries and ensuring their participation in global decision-making processes. Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s support for Malaysia’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the position of the Global South and promoting a culture of dialogue. The President of Turkmenistan also stated his readiness to work jointly with Malaysia to advance initiatives in the field of international security and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia Expand Cooperation in Key Areas
21.06.2026During talks in Ashgabat between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, agreements were reached to expand cooperation in the economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. This was reported by the “Turkmenistan: Golden Age” news agency. The parties confirmed their intention to continue strategic cooperation with Petronas in the oil and gas sector. Prospects for further partnership development in industry, agriculture, and the textile sector were also outlined. Among the priority areas identified were high technologies, engineering and technical cooperation, banking and finance, and urban development. Special attention was given to the transport and logistics sector. Turkmenistan and Malaysia intend to strengthen cooperation in the development of the East–West international transport corridor. The sides also discussed issues related to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed the continuation of the practice of educating Turkmen students at Malaysian universities and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for supporting this initiative.
President of Turkmenistan Meets with Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
21.06.2026On June 20, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the regular meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. At the beginning of the meeting, Jamshid Khodjaev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted the high regard in Uzbekistan for Turkmenistan’s achievements across all sectors, as well as its authority on the international stage. The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State conveyed his best wishes in return to the leadership of Uzbekistan and emphasized the significance of the delegation’s participation in the 19th meeting of the joint commission. Confidence was expressed that the exchange of views would contribute to the further development of interstate cooperation. The parties underscored the priority of strengthening friendly and good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and trust. The steady development of trade and economic ties was noted. Energy, transport, agriculture, and trade were identified as promising areas of cooperation, along with the implementation of major infrastructure and investment projects. Special attention was paid to the role of the Intergovernmental Commission in coordinating cooperation and developing joint decisions. It was emphasized that the opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Border Trade Zone in November last year provided an additional impetus to the growth of bilateral trade. The importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as organizing joint events and meetings of cultural figures from both countries, was also highlighted. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan participated in the CIS Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting in Astana
20.06.2026A delegation from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan took part in a regular meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states, which was held in Astana. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Before the start of the event, participants laid flowers at the “Defenders of the Fatherland” monument in the capital of Kazakhstan. In addition to the Turkmen delegation, representatives of the General Staffs of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan also took part in the meeting. During the meeting, the sides discussed the military-political situation, issues of regional and Eurasian security, as well as prospects for further military cooperation within the CIS framework.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Laid Flowers at the Independence Monument of Turkmenistan
20.06.2026As part of his visit to Turkmenistan, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the Independence Monument. The distinguished guest was welcomed by Ashgabat Mayor Rahym Gandymov, according to the TDH. Anwar Ibrahim laid flowers at the monument and took part in a tree-planting ceremony at the Alley of Honored Guests. The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan is aimed at strengthening bilateral dialogue, which gained momentum following the visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia in 2024. Turkmenistan and Malaysia regularly support each other’s initiatives in the international arena, including within the framework of the United Nations.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar Ibrahim Addressed a Conference in Ashgabat
20.06.2026On June 19, an international scientific and practical conference titled "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry" and an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen-Malaysian partnership were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. The events brought together executives of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector and representatives of international energy companies. Speaking at the plenary session, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. According to him, the Malaysian company Petronas has invested approximately USD 12 billion in the country’s oil and gas industry over the years. The head of state emphasized that joint projects on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast have resulted in the construction of a gas processing plant, an onshore gas terminal, and a marine structures fabrication yard. During the years of cooperation, more than 44 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 16 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons have been produced. The President of Turkmenistan also announced the continuation of development activities at the Magtymguly, Diyarbekir, and Garagöl Deňiz fields, as well as plans for the industrial development of the Öwez and Maşrykow fields. Additional momentum is expected from operations on offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and the implementation of 2D seismic surveys on Blocks 11–14 in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently highlighted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Malaysia’s interest in further expanding cooperation. In addition to the oil and gas sector, the two countries intend to strengthen collaboration in education, workforce training, and high technologies. Following the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia toured the exhibition, which featured displays from ministries, government agencies, higher educational institutions, and specialized companies from both countries. The forum concluded with a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents. These included a Production Sharing Agreement between the State Concern Türkmennebit, Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd., and the state enterprise Hazarnebit; a Cooperation Agreement on conducting 2D seismic surveys between Türkmennebit and Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.; an agreement between the State Concern Türkmengaz and Petronas Carigali International Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; and a Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources. The forum was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Petronas and served as a platform for discussing future areas of collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
President of Turkmenistan Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia
20.06.2026On June 19, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in the country on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector, where Petronas remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners. During the talks, it was noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain an active political dialogue and cooperate within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international organizations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on issues related to international security, sustainable development, energy, and transport. Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to expand cooperation in high technologies, the financial and banking sector, transport, communications, agriculture, education, and tourism. The parties also discussed projects for the development of new hydrocarbon fields in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of Petronas. “We are ready to work closely with Malaysia in promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening international security and jointly support programs to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the President of Turkmenistan stated. Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Malaysia’s interest in further developing its partnership with Turkmenistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation in energy, education, investment activities, and professional training. Following the talks, a ceremony was held for the signing of bilateral documents. These included memorandums of cooperation between scientific institutions of the two countries, as well as agreements in the fields of transport, civil aviation, diplomatic training, and student academic mobility. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also signed a Joint Statement following the official visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Turkmenistan. After the negotiations, the leaders addressed the media, reaffirming their intention to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, transport, education, and humanitarian affairs. As part of his visit, Anwar Ibrahim visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in the village of Kipchak, where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the visit program, the Prime Minister of Malaysia departed for his homeland.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia granted additional accreditation in Brunei
19.06.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a decree expanding the diplomatic responsibilities of Mukhammetnyyaz Mashalov, who serves as Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia. This was reported by the IIC. The diplomat has now also been appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Brunei Darussalam. He will combine his duties in Brunei with his primary residence in Kuala Lumpur.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Slovakia
19.06.2026On June 18, 2026, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmed Gurbanov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Šimonjak, and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Turkmenistan Viktor Boretsky. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and reviewed the results of the first meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation, which took place the previous day in Ashgabat. It was noted that the commission’s work expands opportunities for trade and economic cooperation and strengthens the partnership. Both sides confirmed mutual interest in developing political dialogue and intensifying high-level contacts, including reciprocal visits between the institutions of the two countries. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in the fields of transport, energy, information technologies, and agriculture. Special attention was given to strengthening ties between business communities, organizing business missions, and encouraging the participation of Slovak companies in exhibitions and forums in Turkmenistan. The meeting also considered opportunities to expand cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including education and culture.
Turkmen Foreign Minister meets with EBRD representative
19.06.2026On 18 June 2026, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Representative Office in Turkmenistan, Eric Livny. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD. The role of regular consultations in expanding practical engagement and advancing joint initiatives was highlighted. Mutual interest in developing the partnership was reaffirmed. The cooperation is aimed at supporting economic reforms, attracting investment, and implementing projects in strategically important sectors.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations outlined sustainable development priorities
19.06.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, speaking at a specialized conference in New York, stated that ensuring peace, justice, and effective institutions is a key condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This was reported by the IIC. According to him, stability and capable state institutions create the foundation for implementing the global agenda. Vepa Hajiyev noted that, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan promotes preventive diplomacy mechanisms and cooperates with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN also emphasized the importance of transparent governance institutions in strengthening public trust and ensuring a fair distribution of the outcomes of economic development. In this context, he recalled the UN General Assembly resolution affirming the role of neutrality policy in strengthening international security. In conclusion, the diplomat noted that Turkmenistan intends to further develop dialogue with international partners within the framework of preparations for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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