Policy
New areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO discussed in Ashgabat
18.10.2025On 17 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chynar Rustemova, as well as representatives of relevant ministries and departments. Opening the meeting, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stressed that cooperation with UNESCO is an important direction of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the expansion of cooperation in the areas of climate change, water resources and digital technologies. Participants discussed the commission's report for January-September 2025 and proposals for its improvement. Reports were presented on the implementation of UNESCO's International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the activities of UNESCO clubs in the country. Initiatives to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and prepare Turkmenistan's candidacy for the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2026-2030 were also considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks for the rest of the year were identified and steps were outlined to further strengthen the partnership with UNESCO.
Turkmenistan discussed cooperation in maritime infrastructure with ‘Van Oord’
18.10.2025Saparmyrat Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Paul Voortmeijer, Director of ‘Van Oord’. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of maritime infrastructure, including projects related to the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. Paul Voortmeijer expressed interest in visiting Turkmenistan to participate in the International Oil and Gas Conference and explore opportunities for joint projects.
Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur discussed developing cooperation
18.10.2025On 17 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The interlocutors discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within regional and international organisations. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held in Turkmenistan in December this year.
Turkmenistan and Uganda discussed strengthening their partnership in a multilateral format
17.10.2025A phone conversation between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jeje Odongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, was held on 17 October. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, noting the positive dynamics of political dialogue between the countries. In this context, they recalled the meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held in August 2025 in Avaza. The parties paid special attention to strengthening cooperation in a multilateral format, in particular within the framework of the UN. The Turkmen side also invited the Ugandan delegation to participate in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled for December 2025 in Ashgabat.
New agreements on ecology and security in the Caspian Sea discussed in Ashgabat
17.10.2025From 13 to 17 October, meetings of experts from the Caspian littoral states were held in Ashgabat to discuss draft five-party documents. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. These included a draft agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Marine Scientific Research and a draft protocol on Cooperation in Combating Illegal Fishing of Aquatic Biological Resources in the Caspian Sea, which supplements the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Security in the Caspian Sea of 18 November 2010. Representatives of relevant ministries and scientific institutions of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Russia participated in the negotiations. The parties noted the progress achieved and agreed to continue joint work. Turkmenistan pays particular attention to strengthening regional cooperation and preserving the Caspian ecosystem. In 2025–2026, the country will chair the Commission on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources in the Caspian Sea. At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan confirmed its intention to actively promote the Caspian Environmental Initiative. Foreign experts expressed their gratitude for the organisation of the meetings and hospitality.
Turkmenistan appoints Ambassador to Ethiopia
17.10.2025On 14 October, a ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa to present the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Ethiopia, Myrat Ishangulyev (residing in Ankara), to the President of Ethiopia, Taye Atske Selassie. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to the Ethiopian head from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The parties confirmed their desire to strengthen political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. The President of Ethiopia, in turn, sent words of gratitude and good wishes to the Turkmen leadership. On the same day, M. Ishangulyev met with Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhane Tsegaye, who congratulated him on his appointment and expressed his readiness to promote the development of bilateral cooperation. The meeting discussed prospects for cooperation in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres. During his visit, the Ambassador also held negotiations with representatives of the African Union, where they discussed areas for expanding cooperation.
Turkmenistan delegation learns about UAE's experience in IT sector
17.10.2025From 13 to 16 October 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Communications Berdi Berdiyev visited Dubai (UAE) at the invitation of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) to participate in the ‘GITEX Global 2025’ international exhibition and conference, according to the news agency Orient. During the event, the parties discussed their experience and opportunities for cooperation in the areas of digital transformation, telecommunications, cybersecurity and data management. The delegation visited key pavilions, including the Main State Pavilion and the TDRA and Digital Dubai stands, where the government's latest digital initiatives were presented. On 15 October, official meetings were held with Younus Al Nasser, Director General of the Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, and Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA. They discussed opportunities for cooperation in data management, digital government services, cloud technologies, cybersecurity and ICT specialist training. The Turkmen side invited UAE representatives to participate in the ‘Turkmentel-2025’ exhibition in Ashgabat (12–14 November 2025) and proposed holding bilateral negotiations on digital government and cybersecurity. The UAE expressed its readiness for practical cooperation and further coordination of joint work. Participation in ‘GITEX Global 2025’ confirmed the desire of Turkmenistan and the UAE to strengthen their partnership and exchange best practices in the field of digital technologies.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan in Turkey presented a Consular Patent
17.10.2025On 16 October, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, Consul General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey (Istanbul), presented a Consular Patent to Gulsun Erkul, Director of the General Directorate of the Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey, expressing satisfaction with the dynamic development of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. The diplomats confirmed their readiness to continue efforts to strengthen and expand partnership relations between the two friendly countries.
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed further prospects for cooperation
17.10.2025The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the OSCE, Hemra Amannazarov, held a meeting with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria. The parties discussed Turkmenistan's cooperation with the OSCE Secretariat and institutions. It was noted that Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, based on trust and mutual respect, contributes to strengthening stability and developing international cooperation. In this context, the country's initiatives to promote neutrality were mentioned, including the International Forum on Neutrality, scheduled for 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat. OSCE regional programmes in Central Asia aimed at strengthening security cooperation and combating transnational threats were also discussed. The importance of regular meetings between the heads of border services of the countries in the region and the OSCE Secretary General was emphasised.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan considered new areas of cooperation with the UN
17.10.2025On 16 October, the fourth meeting of the Turkmenistan-UN Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the country's government and the UN system, including the Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy and permanent agencies of the Organisation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the draft Framework Programme for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN for 2026-2030, the implementation of initiatives presented at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and the implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). In his speech, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov noted the strategic nature of the partnership with the UN and the organisation's contribution to achieving national goals and Sustainable Development Goals. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives in the areas of peace and security, sustainable transport, ecology, digital integration, water resources and humanitarian cooperation. Following the meeting, UN representatives confirmed their readiness for further cooperation to implement Turkmenistan's international and regional initiatives.
Key aspects of Turkmenistan's policy discussed in Beijing
17.10.2025On 16 October, a scientific and practical conference was held at the ‘Marriott’ Hotel in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, the results of the Halk Maslahaty meeting and issues of cooperation with China. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministries of Education and Culture of the PRC, as well as public organisations, universities and the media. Parahat Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the PRC, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of neutrality and friendship between the countries. Speeches by participants, including Yu Chunli, advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Professor Dai Guizhu and leaders of Chinese associations, noted the significance of the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and positive neutrality for strengthening peace and sustainable development in the region. The conference confirmed that neutrality, enshrined in three UN resolutions, remains the basis of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The results of the Halk Maslahaty meeting, information about the upcoming International Forum in Ashgabat, and books by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov were also presented. The programme included a photo exhibition, an exhibition of cultural artefacts and video materials demonstrating Turkmenistan's achievements during the years of independence.
Turkmenistan completes construction of Ashgabat–Turkmenabat motorway
17.10.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has announced the final stage of construction of a key section of the Ashgabat–Turkmenabat–Mary–Turkmenabat motorway, according to the news website Asmannews. The 600-kilometre project, which is part of the restoration of the Great Silk Road, is nearing completion, with two of the three stages already finished. The completion of the motorway will provide a direct high-speed link between the capital and the east of the country, as well as opening up new transit routes to Uzbekistan and further afield in the region. The highway will be equipped with modern traffic management and maintenance systems that meet international standards. In parallel with infrastructure development, Turkmenistan is investing in social, educational and industrial projects, confirming its commitment to industrialisation and improving living standards.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
