Policy
President of Turkmenistan held talks with Ilham Aliyev
22.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the “Zagulba” Palace during a state visit to Baku. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Following the meeting, the sides signed a package of bilateral agreements. The talks were held in both narrow and expanded formats and focused on the development of political, economic,\ and humanitarian cooperation, as well as discussions on regional and international issues. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in energy, transport, and environmental protection, as well as strengthening trade and economic ties, including the work of the intergovernmental commission and the growth of mutual trade turnover. The meeting concluded with a ceremony for the transfer of the oil tanker “Dostluk” via video link, after which the final documents were signed.
President of Turkmenistan arrives on a state visit to Azerbaijan
22.06.2026On June 22, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, arrived on a state visit to Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The head of state was seen off by official representatives at Ashgabat International Airport, and the presidential aircraft landed in Baku at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the President of Turkmenistan was met by representatives of the Azerbaijani side and the Turkmen delegation. An honorary guard of honor was lined up in tribute to the visit. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan maintain diplomatic relations and are developing cooperation in the political, trade-economic, cultural, and scientific-educational spheres. The two countries have signed 124 bilateral documents, and 16 reciprocal high-level visits have taken place. Cooperation is also carried out in multilateral formats involving Turkey and Uzbekistan, as well as within consultative meetings of the states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The parties are consistently expanding trade and economic ties, including in energy, transport, communications, agriculture, industry, and light manufacturing. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is also actively developing. The visit is expected to provide additional momentum for the further development of bilateral relations.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov Congratulates Oleg Kononenko on His Birthday
22.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has congratulated Oleg Kononenko, Hero of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, Head of the Yuri A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center, and Commander of the Cosmonaut Corps, on his birthday. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his congratulatory message, the head of state wished Oleg Kononenko good health, a long life, happiness, family well-being, and continued success in his work on the exploration of outer space.
President of Turkmenistan to Pay a State Visit to Azerbaijan
21.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will pay a state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Preparations for the visit were reported on June 20 at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, according to the State News Agency TDH. It was noted that strengthening good-neighborly relations and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries remain among the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, including cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, cooperation has developed in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, and other fields. The legal framework currently includes 124 interstate, intergovernmental, and interagency agreements and documents. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan cooperate within international organizations, including the United Nations, as well as through multilateral formats such as Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Turkey, Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan, and the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. In the sphere of trade and economic cooperation, growth in bilateral trade turnover has been noted. A key role in coordinating cooperation is played by the Joint Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Cooperation covers energy, transport, communications, agriculture, industry, and the textile and food sectors. Cultural and humanitarian ties are also developing steadily. Joint events in the fields of culture, science, education, and sports are held on a regular basis. It was emphasized that the upcoming visit will contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. After hearing the report, the head of state noted that the Republic of Azerbaijan is one of Turkmenistan’s close partners. In order to further develop bilateral cooperation, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to undertake the necessary preparations for the forthcoming state visit to Azerbaijan.
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.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
