Policy
The MFA of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the UNESCO Commission
22.02.2026On 21 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. It was chaired by Rashid Meredov, Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, according to the press service of the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry. The meeting was attended by relevant Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission, as well as representatives of scientific institutions and public associations. The participants summarised the commission's work for 2025, heard reports on culture and science, and discussed the work plan for 2026. Special attention was paid to the further development of Turkmenistan's cooperation with UNESCO. It was noted that cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation remains one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy. In 2025, the commission's activities were carried out systematically within the framework of the approved plan. In the field of heritage preservation, it was reported that the ‘art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ had been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The preparation of multilateral nominations and work under the ‘Memory of the World’ programme continued. In the field of science and education, the city of Ashgabat was included in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, a ‘Digital Science’ department was established at the Technology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan as part of the UNITWIN programme, and a UNESCO club was opened at the International University for the Humanities and Development. In the field of ecology and climate change, regional initiatives continued to be implemented, international consultations were held in Ashgabat, and opportunities for including Turkmenistan's natural sites in UNESCO programmes were explored. The issue of expanding the country's participation in UNESCO's governing bodies was also considered, including the nomination of Turkmenistan to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2026-2030. The participants confirmed their intention to further strengthen cooperation with UNESCO in the fields of education, science, culture and sustainable development.
Hero Arkadag gave an interview to ‘Al Arabiya’ TV channel during his visit to the United States
22.02.2026During his visit to the United States, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to ‘Al Arabiya’ TV presenter Rizwan Khan. During the conversation, the Hero Arkadag outlined the key objectives of the visit, assessed the current state of Turkmen-American relations and discussed in detail the priorities of the country's domestic and foreign policy, reports AsmanNews. Responding to a question about the objectives of the visit, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted the sustained positive dynamics of traditionally friendly cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. According to him, bilateral ties cover a wide range of areas, from politics and economics to science, education, culture and sports. The Turkmen side, he stressed, attaches great importance to further strengthening constructive dialogue and expanding practical cooperation. It was particularly noted that the United States was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan's independence and establish diplomatic relations, consistently showing respect for the country's permanent neutrality status. Today, the United States remains an important trade and economic partner of Turkmenistan, and mutual trade turnover is showing steady growth. Considerable attention was paid in the interview to Turkmenistan's energy strategy. Hero Arkadag emphasised that the country has some of the world's largest natural gas reserves and is building its policy in this area on the basis of diversification of export routes, reliability of supplies and balance of interests of all market participants. In this context, the role of Turkmenistan's initiatives within the United Nations to promote global dialogue on energy security was noted. Separately, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty focused on the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project, emphasising its economic and stabilising significance for the South Asian region and the openness of the project to international partners, including American companies. Speaking about the prospects for the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, the Hero Arkadag noted Turkmenistan's constructive approach to this issue, given the need to resolve international legal issues, including the delimitation of the Caspian Sea seabed. A separate part of the conversation was devoted to trade and economic cooperation with the United States. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, with the participation of American businesses, hundreds of projects with a total value of about $45 billion have been and are being implemented in Turkmenistan. Among the key partners are ‘John Deere’, ‘General Electric’, ‘CASE’, ‘Boeing’, ‘Coca-Cola’, ‘Sikorsky’ and ‘Caterpillar’. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Turkmen-American Business Council, which over the years has established itself as an effective platform for developing contacts between business structures in the two countries and promoting joint initiatives. Among the promising areas of cooperation are the introduction of high technologies, the development of electric power, logistics, digital services, education and training. The interview also focused on humanitarian cooperation. Hero Arkadag noted the sustained interest in Turkmenistan in learning English, which is taught in all general education schools in the country, as well as the development of English-language higher education. Plans to open a specialised English-language school in the city of Arkadag were announced. In the cultural sphere, the importance of cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum in New York was emphasised, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programmes with the support of the US State Department, including projects of the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation. Responding to a question about Turkmenistan's geostrategic position, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that the country sees itself as a bridge between Europe and Asia. According to him, the status of permanent neutrality serves as the foundation for a foreign policy focused on strengthening peace, trust and regional stability. Speaking about the programme of his stay in Florida, the Hero Arkadag expressed his intention to intensify direct contacts between the region and Turkmenistan, primarily in the areas of investment, trade, sports and tourism. Particular interest was shown in the American experience in developing golf infrastructure and horse breeding. At the end of the interview, the National Leader of the Turkmen people confirmed that Turkmenistan considers the United States of America a reliable partner and is committed to further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. Following the conversation, Rizwan Khan noted the substantive and constructive nature of the interview and thanked the Hero Arkadag for his detailed answers. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, in turn, invited the presenter and the team of ‘Al Arabiya’ TV channel to take part in the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses.
Hero Arkadag held a series of business meetings in the United States of America
22.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the United States of America. The programme included talks with business circles, visits to relevant facilities and discussions of new joint projects, reports TDH. During the visit, a meeting was held with John Reese, President of ‘Nicklaus Companies’, and members of its management. The current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted Turkmenistan's priority focus on the development of high-performance sports, tourism and modern sports infrastructure. In this regard, plans to build golf courses in the city of Arkadag and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone were considered. John Reese confirmed the company's interest in preparing and implementing relevant projects. It was reported that a golf complex with two courses, including a competition and training ground, is planned to be built on the Caspian Sea coast. Separate negotiations were held with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmenistan-US Business Council. The parties noted the steady dynamics of Turkmen-American relations and the interest of US businesses in expanding cooperation. Among the priorities are the development of investment dialogue and regular contacts between business circles. The contribution of American companies — ‘Boeing’, ‘General Electric’, ‘John Deere’, ‘CASE’ and ‘Nicklaus Companies’ – in the implementation of projects in Turkmenistan was emphasized. As part of the programme, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the ‘Panther’ Golf Club, where he familiarised himself with the features of the construction and operation of the courses. He also visited the ‘Sandhill Crane Golf Club’ training centre, which has been operating since 1992. Here, he was shown the digital solutions used in the training process, as well as an exhibition of textile products, including sports uniforms marked ‘Made in Turkmenistan’. The Turkmen side expressed interest in exchanging experience and holding joint tournaments. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the ‘La Victoria’ equestrian complex. He familiarised himself with the conditions for keeping and training horses, the infrastructure of the complex and the possibilities for holding international show jumping competitions. The prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmen and American specialists in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports were noted. During the visit, meetings were held with entrepreneurs Steve Wynn, Isaac Perlmutter and William Koch, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ‘Oxbow Group’. The prospects for further development of bilateral business partnership were discussed. Negotiations were also held with Csaba Lejko, CEO and President of ‘John Deere Walldorf International GmbH’ for the CIS and Central Asia. The strategic role of agriculture in the economy of Turkmenistan and the long-term nature of cooperation with ‘John Deere’, whose equipment has been used in the country for over 30 years, were emphasised. Special attention was paid to the training of specialised personnel and the modernisation of the agro-industrial complex. After completing the programme in the United States, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov travelled to the Federal Republic of Germany, where he held a working meeting with relevant leaders. They discussed preparations for events in 2026, which has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Ahal-Teke horses in the FEI World Championship 2026 in Aachen, as well as in relevant events in the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Germany, B. Rejepov, reported on the state of Turkmen-German relations and the work to promote the Ahal-Teke breed. After completing his trip abroad, the National Leader of the Turkmen people returned to Ashgabat. The visit to the United States was conducted in a working format and was aimed at expanding investment, sports and agricultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States of America.
Turkmenistan announces partnership plan with OSCE for 2026
22.02.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the Working Plan for Partnership between Turkmenistan and the OSCE for 2026 during a government meeting on 20 February. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Foreign Minister stressed that one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy remains active cooperation with international organisations, including the OSCE, in the political, economic, humanitarian and environmental spheres. The plan provides for measures to strengthen peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian cooperation and preventive diplomacy. It also includes projects on customs, border and cyber security, economic and regional cooperation, energy efficiency, environmental protection and combating climate change. Particular attention is paid to science, education, human rights protection, the development of democratic institutions, gender equality and media improvement. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov supported the plan and instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to implement its provisions.
Turkmenistan accelerates access to pre-school education with support from the UN and UNICEF
22.02.2026On 20 February, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan hosted a ‘Direct Talk’ meeting on ‘Accelerating Access to Preschool Education,’ organised jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations and UNICEF. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, relevant departments, the National Institute of Education, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, UNICEF representative Jalpa Ratna and international experts who joined online. In their speeches, they emphasised the importance of investing in early childhood development, expanding access to quality pre-school education and inter-agency cooperation. Three key areas were discussed: the results of the pilot programme to support parents, preparations for the launch of a free one-year half-day pre-school programme from September 2026, and the development of a roadmap for the phased expansion of the programme from September 2027, taking into account the effectiveness of investments and monitoring mechanisms. Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to continue working together to develop early education, support parents and expand access to quality pre-school education.
Business ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE reach a new level
22.02.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, Bayram Bayramov, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, and Hamid Mohammed bin Salem, Secretary General of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the UAE. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of trade and economic ties and investment opportunities between the two countries. It was noted that improving the investment climate contributes to the growth of trade turnover and the launch of joint projects. B. Bayramov emphasised the interest of Turkmenistan's business circles in deepening cooperation with the UAE and invited Emirati businesses to invest in priority sectors of the country's economy, assuring them of his readiness to provide comprehensive support to investors.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a round table with Azerbaijani parliamentarians
22.02.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted a round table with the participation of deputies of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a representative of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the event, issues related to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, widely celebrated in 2025, as well as its significance for strengthening international peace, trust and sustainable development were discussed. The participants emphasised that the legal status of permanent neutrality, recognised by relevant United Nations resolutions, is an effective tool for implementing Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy. Special attention was paid to the proclamation of 2026 in Turkmenistan as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, which reflects the continuity of the country's historical traditions and national values, as well as its peaceful and sustainable development. The special role of the Turkmen horse as a symbol of statehood, continuity of traditions and spiritual values was emphasised. The round table also considered Turkmenistan's initiatives put forward at the UN aimed at strengthening international cooperation, maintaining peace and ensuring sustainable development. In this context, Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law, put forward by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, was noted as an important contribution to strengthening the legal foundations of international relations. During the lively exchange of views, the participants confirmed the importance of further developing Turkmen-Azerbaijani interparliamentary and scientific-expert dialogue.
Women in Turkmenistan will receive cash gifts on International Women's Day
21.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on the presentation of monetary gifts to women and girls in the country on the occasion of International Women's Day. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. According to the document, between 2 and 6 March 2026, payments will be made on behalf of the Head of State in a solemn ceremony. Cash gifts will be given to women working in enterprises, institutions and organisations regardless of their form of ownership, as well as those receiving pensions and state benefits. Recipients also include postgraduate students, doctoral students and clinical residents on leave from work, students of the Academy of Public Service under the President of Turkmenistan with a term of study of at least two years, female students, schoolgirls and pupils of preschool institutions.
Turkmenistan and India discussed cooperation in horse breeding
21.02.2026On 19 February, Shalar Geldinazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to India, met with Sarpartap Singh, Vice President of the Indigenous Horse Society of India. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in horse breeding. The Ambassador spoke about state programmes for breeding Ahal-Teke horses and noted that 2026 is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Among the planned events is the annual National Turkmen Horse Festival in April. Sarpartap Singh emphasised the potential for strengthening bilateral ties in the industry.
Turkmenistan and FAO emphasised the priorities of sustainable agricultural development
21.02.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Toyly Komekov met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 18 February at the organisation's headquarters in Rome. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Government of Turkmenistan and confirmed his interest in developing cooperation with the FAO and introducing international practices in the field of sustainable agriculture and food security. The parties discussed the results of the FAO Head's visit to Ashgabat in January this year, including the signing of an agreement on the opening of a full-fledged FAO office in Turkmenistan, as well as the importance of the international conference on food security and climate change. Qu Dongyu highly appreciated the results of the visit and the meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In addition, the Director-General of the FAO noted Turkmenistan's potential, its sustainable development and active role in the environmental and food agenda. During the meeting, the FAO confirmed its readiness to support the country's initiatives and the implementation of the Country Framework Programme for 2026-2030, which focuses on climate adaptation, water resources and innovation.
Turkmenistan took part in the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna
20.02.2026On 19 February, members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis took part in the 25th winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the session, a wide range of issues were discussed, including political and security issues, the development of democracy, the protection of human rights and humanitarian issues, as well as topics related to the economy, science, technology and the environment. Special attention was paid to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and preparatory activities for the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, scheduled for July 2026. The meeting participants exchanged views on the importance of the OSCE in the context of contemporary global challenges, ways to strengthen trust and cooperation between states, ensure economic sustainability and equality, protect human dignity, rights and freedoms, provide humanitarian assistance, combat climate change, and the role of dialogue in strengthening peace and stability.
Ashgabat and Brussels strengthen technological and humanitarian dialogue
20.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, held a series of meetings in Brussels with senior representatives of the European Commission on the prospects for long-term partnership. This was reported by IIC. During the negotiations with Director-General for Research and Innovation Marc Lemaitre, it was noted that the European Union is one of Turkmenistan's three key strategic partners for 2025-2026. The parties identified the introduction of high technologies, the development of artificial intelligence and the coordination of efforts on the climate agenda as priority areas for cooperation. The dialogue focused in particular on environmental issues in Central Asia. The meeting participants discussed the need for a scientifically based analysis of changes in the water balance and the shallowing of the Caspian Sea using modern monitoring systems. In this regard, the Turkmen side presented an initiative to create a Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology, which is intended to become a key platform for climate research in the region. Representatives of the European Commission expressed interest in developing joint technological solutions in the interests of sustainable development. The humanitarian aspect of cooperation was discussed at a meeting with Normunds Popens, Deputy Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The parties outlined practical steps to deepen cooperation in the field of education and implement joint youth programmes. The expansion of cultural exchange and sports cooperation is seen as an important element in further rapprochement between Turkmenistan and the European Union, complementing technological and economic partnership.
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