Policy
Turkmenistan officially assumed the chairmanship of the CIS
31.01.2026Turkmenistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The concept of the chairmanship and the plan for its implementation were presented by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, before the first meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS in Minsk in 2026. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador noted that Turkmenistan considers the CIS an important platform for cooperation between states with common economic and humanitarian interests. Work during the chairmanship will be carried out in accordance with the organisation's statutory documents and will be aimed at developing multilateral cooperation. As part of its mandate, Turkmenistan will head the activities of key CIS bodies, including the Councils of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. In 2026, meetings and forums are planned both in Turkmenistan and in other countries of the Commonwealth. The meeting in Minsk also approved the working plan of the Council of Permanent Representatives and the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the CIS. Separate consideration was given to the implementation of the CIS statistics development project, aimed at improving the effectiveness of integration processes.
A Resolution on the development of the digital economy has been signed in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution approving the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and its implementation plan, according to the news resource AsmanNews. The programme aims to introduce modern digital solutions and create a high-tech, competitive digital environment in the country. Ministries, departments and local authorities in the provinces, Ashgabat and Arkadag have been tasked with ensuring its implementation.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan reviewed plans for digitalisation and industry development
31.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held another meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. The discussion focused on issues of legislation, economics, digitalisation, industry, culture and foreign policy. This was reported by TDH. Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova said that the country continues to update its legal framework. Amendments are currently being prepared to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the Code of Administrative Offences, as well as the laws ‘On Migration’ and ‘On Fisheries and the Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources’. The work is being carried out taking into account the proposals of the ministries and an analysis of international practice. At the same time, she said, the Mejlis is expanding its international contacts. The credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Chad were accepted, a meeting was held with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and deputies took part in UN events. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the laws being adopted and instructed that the preparation of new drafts should continue. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the development of the banking system. He said that as part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028,’ information and communication technologies are being introduced and the technical base of the Central Bank, the State Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenistan’ and the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenbaşy’ is being updated. The proposal was approved. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov spoke about the work to ensure the consistent operation of the oil refineries of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. He reported on measures for oil processing, supplying the domestic market and exporting products abroad. The proposals presented were also supported. After that, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on plans to commission new facilities in 2026 in the velayats and Ashgabat. These were social and industrial buildings. The list of facilities was approved. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the preparation of an exhibition of export products from the Republic of Turkey, which will be held in Ashgabat. About 100 companies have registered to participate. The President of Turkmenistan instructed that the event be organised to a high standard. Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova then presented information about the festival ‘Dünýäde ýaňlanýar ajap dessanym, toý tutýar Garaşsyz Türkmenistanym’, which will take place in March in Dashoguz velayat. The programme includes concerts, master classes and a scientific and practical conference. Preparations for the festival were approved. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Orazdurdyeva reported on the establishment of the electronic journal ‘Scientific Research and Innovation’ at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The journal will be published in Turkmen, English and Russian. The President supported the initiative. Next, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law. The document provides for cooperation with the UN, the holding of international forums and educational programmes. The plan was approved. Concluding the main reports, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on measures to digitise the economy. He presented drafts of the State Programme and the Plan for its implementation. The President of Turkmenistan signed the relevant Resolution. During the meeting, other issues were also considered, on which decisions were taken.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed joint educational projects
31.01.2026On 30 January, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, Chairwoman of the National Vocational Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of experience, joint capacity-building programmes and the development of technical and vocational education. Following the meeting, it was agreed to continue the dialogue and explore opportunities for joint educational projects, including those related to the teaching of Urdu in Turkmenistan.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in negotiations with the Commissioner of Korean Customs
31.01.2026On 30 January, Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, attended an official dinner hosted by the Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service and the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, they talked about developing cooperation in customs, including sharing info, taking part in international projects and conferences, as well as training and professional development programmes. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the active interaction between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and their Korean colleagues, as well as the participation of Turkmen specialists in Korean training initiatives.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed plans for the TAPI and TAP projects in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are strengthening their strategic cooperation in 2026. Negotiations were held via videoconference between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to the news website Asmannews. The main focus was on cross-border projects — the TAPI gas pipeline, the TAP power line and rail links. The parties noted the progress made and stressed the need for coordination for visits by high-level delegations and new initiatives. In Herat province, a 91-kilometre section of the TAPI route has been prepared, along which work camps have already been set up. Construction of the Afghan segment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The project strengthens the region's energy infrastructure and creates new jobs.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed the development of their partnership and plans for the current year
31.01.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Gurbanmammet Elyasov held talks with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations, highly appreciated the results of 2025 and noted the active development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as mutual visits at the highest level. It was noted that the initiatives of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation in energy, transport (including through the Middle Corridor), trade and culture. In addition, upcoming international forums and events in 2026 were discussed, including the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where Azerbaijan will participate as a full member for the first time, which will strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Russia held another round of political consultations
30.01.2026On 29 January, Ashgabat hosted another round of Turkmen-Russian political consultations with the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mihail Galuzin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on key issues on the bilateral agenda and confirmed the strategic nature of their relations. During the talks, it was noted that cooperation is actively developing in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including interaction within the UN, the CIS and the ‘Central Asia-Russia’ format. The diplomats confirmed their interest in expanding dialogue between foreign ministries within the framework of the Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for 2025–2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Georgia
30.01.2026On 29 January, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Turkmenistan Konstantin Sabiashvili at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda and noted the high level of political and diplomatic relations. During the meeting, issues of expanding trade and economic cooperation and prospects for the development of interparliamentary ties were discussed.
Representatives of the Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held talks in Ashgabat
30.01.2026On 29 January, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mihail Galuzin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their commitment to deepening the Turkmen-Russian strategic partnership and noted the role of regular high-level contacts in the development of bilateral relations. During the talks, issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to cooperation in international forums, including within the UN and the CIS, which is chaired by Turkmenistan this year. The parties also exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda.
Social and housing projects have become a priority for Turkmenistan in 2026
30.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to implement programmes for the development of social and residential infrastructure. The working plans for 2026 were approved on 9 January at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. They cover all sectors of the economy and social sphere, according to the state news agency TDH. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov previously reported that GDP growth since the beginning of the year has remained at 6.3 per cent. New modern villages and settlements have been put into operation in the country. Dovletli Mekan and Bagtly Zamana were opened in the Ahal velayat, and the settlement of Bitaraplyk in the Dashoguz velayat. Construction was carried out as part of long-term state programmes for socio-economic development. In the svillage of Bitaraplyk in the Koneurgench etrap, 400 residential buildings, social and administrative facilities, schools and kindergartens have been built. All buildings are connected to utility networks, and the territories have been landscaped. Similar infrastructure has been created in Dovletli Mekan in the Ak Bugday etrap and in Bagtly Zamana in the Kaka etrap. The projects include housing, educational and medical facilities, as well as utility networks. At the same time, new residential areas are being built throughout the country. The system of preferential mortgage lending is being expanded, including for young families. The rapid pace of construction continues in the city of Arkadag, where the second phase of the project is being implemented. On 10 January 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city to familiarise himself with the progress of the work. During a meeting with representatives of foreign companies, the construction of a medical cluster and quality control of materials were discussed. The construction of large medical facilities is also continuing in the country. New international centres are being built in Ashgabat, and modern hospitals and clinics are being built in the regions. In 2025, a number of medical facilities were commissioned and foundations were laid. The development of social infrastructure also affects the field of education. New university buildings, dormitories and educational complexes are being commissioned in the country, and the construction of buildings for specialised institutes is continuing. According to data announced at a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, in 2025, 65.6 per cent of investments were directed to production facilities and 34.4 per cent to social and cultural facilities. These funds were used to develop construction, healthcare, education and infrastructure. The implementation of projects is seen as one of the key instruments of the country's socio-economic policy.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation
30.01.2026Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan Gismet Gozalov met with Davut Orazsahedov, Director of the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties emphasised that relations between the countries had reached a new level in 2025 due to the political support of the leadership. They noted the intensification of mutual visits and high-level contacts, as well as the expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the framework of the joint inter-governmental commission. Particular attention was paid to science and education as key areas of bilateral cooperation. The importance of joint research on the heritage of the poet Magtymguly Pyragy, translations of his works into Azerbaijani, the work of the Centre for Turkmen Literature in Azerbaijan and the presentation of the collection ‘Fell in Love’ in Ashgabat were noted. Joint scientific programmes, conferences, exchanges of young scientists and publications were discussed, as well as cooperation between the Institute of Manuscripts named after Muhammad Fuzuli of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Turkmen institute. In the future, the parties plan to develop projects within the framework of UNESCO, TURKSOY, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Turkic Academy.
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