On 30 August, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the positive dynamics of Turkmen-Indian cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. M. Byashimova expressed her gratitude to the diplomat for her personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and wished her success in her future endeavours. In turn, the Ambassador thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for its support and assistance during her tenure in Ashgabat.
On 30 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a briefing on the priority areas of the country's participation in the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The event was attended by the leadership and employees of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in Ashgabat, as well as representatives of the media. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Speaking to the participants, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted the special significance of the upcoming anniversary session as an important event confirming the stability and relevance of multilateral diplomacy. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan considers a policy of positive neutrality, based on the principles of trust and mutual respect, to be an effective tool for strengthening stability, preventing conflicts and developing international cooperation. The participants in the event confirmed the importance of coordinating efforts to implement the tasks within the framework of the upcoming session. The significant role of Turkmenistan in promoting peacekeeping initiatives and sustainable development at the regional and global levels was noted.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, held a series of training sessions on digital transformation for representatives of government agencies and businesses from 25 to 29 August. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The training was part of the preparation of the Concept and State Programme on the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026-2028. Representatives of nearly 30 ministries and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups participated in the sessions. Topics included the digitisation of public administration, strategic planning, digital maturity assessment, cybersecurity, data management and international experience. The classes were led by UNDP international expert Aare Laponin. The training sessions are seen as an important step towards creating digital infrastructure, developing human capital and supporting innovation for the sustainable growth of Turkmenistan's economy.
On 29 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung. The parties discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, according to the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his election and wished him success in his new position. In turn, the President of the Republic of Korea expressed his readiness to strengthen the partnership and conveyed his greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Active cooperation between the countries was noted both at the bilateral level and in international organisations, including in the ‘Central Asia-Republic of Korea’ format. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation: projects involving ‘Hyundai’, ‘Daewoo’ and ‘LG’ in the fields of gas chemistry, energy and industry. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including the teaching of Korean in Turkmenistan's universities and the holding of joint events. Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Lee Jae-myung to an international forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, announced on the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality. In conclusion, the Heads of State expressed confidence in the further development of the partnership and exchanged best wishes.
The visit of a delegation from the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan to the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan was held on 28 August this year. The Turkmen delegation was led by the velayat's governor, Hojamyrat Ashyrmyradov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, talks were held with the governor of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, during which the parties identified the key vectors of cross-border partnership and approved a programme of strategic cooperation for the current and next two years. The governor of Balkan velayat emphasised that strengthening interregional ties is fully in line with the course set by the leaders of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and contributes significantly to the development of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation and expressed their intention to implement specific projects aimed at developing border regions.
On 27 August, an online meeting was held between the Regional Training Centre of the World Customs Organisation in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen customs service. The main topic was the WCO's ‘CLiKC!’ distance learning platform, which is used to improve the qualifications of customs officials. The parties discussed their experience of using it, opportunities for expanding educational programmes and access to modern resources. The participants noted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions for the exchange of practices and strengthening human resources. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that the active use of ‘CLiKC!’ will contribute to improving the training of specialists and developing cooperation between the parties.
Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, enshrined in the Constitution and recognised by the international community, has become the foundation of the country's foreign policy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Since 1995, when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution on the country's neutral status, this doctrine has been regarded as an effective instrument of peace, stability and development. The UN has confirmed Turkmenistan's neutrality three times, including in resolutions in 2015 and 2025, noting its contribution to peaceful coexistence, preventive diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation. On Ashgabat's initiative, 12 December became International Neutrality Day, and 2025 was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust. Neutrality strengthens the country's position in the international arena and contributes to its economic development. Turkmenistan is promoting projects on energy transit and the development of transport corridors (including the TAPI gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power line), becoming an important energy and logistics centre in the region. The policy of neutrality is particularly important in the humanitarian sphere: Turkmenistan actively participates in providing assistance in emergency situations, supports environmental initiatives and serves as a platform for international negotiations. Neutrality has become part of the national identity, reflecting traditions of peacefulness and dialogue. It strengthens international cooperation, develops cultural and scientific ties, and creates conditions for sustainable development. The Turkmen model is seen as an example of how neutral status can contribute to the security and prosperity not only of an individual state, but of the entire region.
A memorable event organised by the diplomatic mission of the People's Republic of China was held at the ‘Archabil’ Hotel in the capital of Turkmenistan. The event was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. This was reported by IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of political circles, members of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group, as well as delegates from the media and business circles of Turkmenistan. The highlight of the evening was the speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the value of the historical heritage of the war years. The Head of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan stressed that preserving the memory of those events serves as a foundation for strengthening friendly ties between nations, promotes inter-state dialogue and upholds the principles of justice. As part of the programme, guests were shown a documentary film chronicle of the war and a photo exhibition depicting the heroic pages of the Chinese people's history and the importance of their contribution to the overall victory over the enemy.
In Turkmenistan, the Ombudsman's report on the agency's activities for 2024 has been published. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The document examines the conditions for the realisation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, citizens' appeals and measures to eliminate violations. It notes that in 2024, which was held under the motto ‘Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy,’ steps were taken to improve the well-being of the population, including increases in salaries, pensions and scholarships. In addition, 1,146 stateless persons were granted citizenship, and the development of industry and construction contributed to job creation and improved housing conditions. Particular attention is paid to supporting young people and developing education and healthcare — new schools are being built, and an International Health and Rehabilitation Centre is being constructed in Ashgabat.
On 28 August, negotiations between the Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation were held in Moscow. The meeting between Rashid Meredov and Sergey Lavrov allowed the parties to analyse in detail the state of inter-state cooperation in the context of strategic partnership. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, its participants emphasized the special importance of regular contacts at the highest levels, which determine the dynamics of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to the symbolism of 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. During the meeting, attention was paid to the implementation of the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries for 2025-2026. The parties confirmed the priority of increasing trade and economic cooperation through the mechanism of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The diplomats also discussed the humanitarian component of bilateral relations. Educational, scientific and cultural projects were described as an important factor in bringing the peoples of the two countries closer together. In the context of multilateral diplomacy, successful coordination was noted at the UN, CIS and Caspian Five platforms. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to develop a comprehensive international approach to resolving Caspian issues, with the United Nations playing a leading role.
On 25-26 August 2025, Y. Seryayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Ireland (residing in London), paid a working visit to Dublin. During the visit, official meetings were held with representatives of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. On the first day of the visit, the Ambassador met with Ralph Victory, Deputy Head of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, to whom he presented copies of his credentials. The Irish side confirmed its readiness to assist in the implementation of the diplomatic mission. On 26 August, a meeting was held with Ms.Fiona Nic Dhonnacha, Deputy Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, and Mr. Colm Hayes, Director General of the Global Ireland and Economic Division. The talks focused on the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and energy spheres, as well as cooperation within international organisations. During the meetings, the Ambassador informed the Irish side about the main directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the country's economic development. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening intergovernmental relations.
On 26 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan hosted a round table discussion on the outcomes of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion. The diplomats noted the importance of the conference, emphasising the need to develop transport and energy links, expand transit potential and implement infrastructure projects. Particular attention was paid to regional integration, digitalisation and innovation. The participants stressed that the successful implementation of decisions is possible through close cooperation with transit countries and international financial institutions. Following the meeting, they confirmed their readiness for further cooperation and joint implementation of the tasks outlined at the UN conference.