Policy
Turkmenistan will present a national pavilion at the World Expo in Belgrade
15.03.2026On 13 March, during a government meeting, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on preparations for Turkmenistan’s participation in the ‘EXPO-2027’ World Specialised Exhibition in Belgrade (Serbia). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the preparations, construction work and the design of the national pavilion are underway; it will be presented under the motto ‘Turkmenistan – the Melody of Peace, the Land of Health’. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the relevant proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Having heard the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of the country’s participation in major international events for the development of foreign economic relations and instructed that preparations for the exhibition continue.
Beijing discussed the prospects for the Turkmen-Chinese Investment Forum
15.03.2026On 13 March, a presentation was held in Beijing for the Turkmen-Chinese Investment Forum, which is due to take place on 28–30 April in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the China Overseas Development Association (CODA) with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the PRC and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to China, Parahat Durdyev, spoke about the country’s investment opportunities, highlighting the stable macroeconomic situation and incentives for foreign investors. Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan presented projects in the fields of raw materials processing, transport and logistics, as well as the development of transit corridors involving China. The event concluded with a session of direct negotiations between Chinese entrepreneurs and the Turkmen side.
Turkmenistan and the ICRC discussed the development of humanitarian cooperation
15.03.2026On 13 March, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Biljana Milošević, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s regional office for Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues of humanitarian cooperation and prospects for further interaction. The Turkmen side emphasised the country’s commitment to its status of permanent neutrality, the strengthening of peace and the development of constructive international cooperation, paying particular attention to the humanitarian aspects of regional security and the protection of the civilian population. It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently adheres to the norms of international humanitarian law and upholds the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in humanitarian activities. Ashgabat also highly commended the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in providing assistance to people in difficult humanitarian situations and promoting international humanitarian law. The parties exchanged views on the implementation of the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and also discussed monitoring the humanitarian situation in the region and opportunities for expanding cooperation, including the exchange of experience, expert consultations and joint training activities. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the capacity of national bodies involved in humanitarian response.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the ‘C5+1’ meeting in New Delhi
14.03.2026The Turkmen Ambassador to India, Shalar Geldinazarov, attended a diplomatic dinner at the US Embassy in New Delhi. The meeting took place in the ‘C5+1’ format and brought together the ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited to India. This was reported by Infoportal. The event was hosted by Sergio Gor, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. It was also attended by the ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Following the meeting, Sergio Gor posted on social media platform X that the negotiations had been productive. He noted the regular engagement between the US and the countries of Central Asia within the ‘C5+1’ framework. The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the US. In January 2026, Sergio Gor paid a visit to Turkmenistan. On 23 January, he met with the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. On the same day, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the American diplomat alongside US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. The parties discussed trade and economic cooperation, regional security issues and bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan will send humanitarian aid to Iran
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree on the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by TDH. The Decree was issued to mark the month of Ramadan and the sacred Night of Power – Laylat al-Qadr – as well as in keeping with the traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness. According to the Decree, a humanitarian consignment will be sent to the people of Iran, primarily to children, on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. It will include medicines, medical supplies and other products.
Large-scale tree planting will take place in Turkmenistan on 21 March
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Resolution on the organisation of a nationwide tree-planting campaign. According to the document, the mass planting of saplings will take place on 21 March 2026. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The decision was taken with the aim of expanding forest areas, maintaining green spaces and implementing the Resolution ‘On the planting of saplings in Turkmenistan in 2026’. Ministries, sectoral departments and the governorships of the velayats, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, have been instructed to ensure a high level of organisation for the campaign.
The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the development of ‘Türkmennebit’
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Resolution aimed at developing the country’s oil and gas industry. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the document, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ has been tasked with taking steps to further strengthen the enterprise’s material and technical base.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a Decree granting pardons to convicted citizens
14.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree ‘On the pardon of convicted persons in honour of the sacred Night of Power’. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The document was adopted in accordance with the principles of mercy and humanism, and with a view to strengthening the cohesion of Turkmen society and family values. Under the Decree, the pardoned citizens are released from further serving their main sentence of imprisonment.
Turkmenistan's chemical industry is increasing its production capacity
13.03.2026Turkmenistan continues to develop its chemical industry. Projects are being implemented in the sector to modernise production facilities, build new enterprises and expand output, according to TDH. The State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ is working to increase production capacity and introduce modern technologies. The development of the industry is being carried out within the framework of the programme ‘Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State: National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2052’ and other state programmes. One of the priority areas remains the production of mineral fertilisers. The country has increased its production of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers, which makes it possible to meet the needs of agriculture and expand export supplies. The Turkmenabat Chemical Plant named after S.A. Niyazov plays an important role in the industry. The enterprise produces phosphorus fertilisers, including ammonium superphosphate, as well as technical sulphuric acid. Part of the production is exported. The plant is regularly modernised. In 2016, a new sulphuric acid production facility was commissioned here. The enterprise is also introducing digital process control systems to monitor product quality and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 international standards. In October 2025, the foundation for a new mineral fertiliser production complex was laid on the plant's territory. The project envisages the production of 350,000 tonnes of superphosphate and 100,000 tonnes of ammonium sulphate per year. The enterprise plans to apply ‘Industry 4.0’ technologies, including industrial internet and data analysis systems. Particular attention is paid to environmental safety. Closed water circulation systems, modern filters and purification technologies are being introduced at the enterprises. This reduces the impact on the environment and ensures the rational use of natural resources. The enterprise also cooperates with scientific institutions in the country. Together with the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, research is being conducted on the creation of new types of fertilisers aimed at increasing crop yields and preserving soil fertility. In the near future, the plant plans to establish the production of liquid fertilisers, which are in demand in greenhouse farming. The development of the chemical industry remains one of the areas of diversification of the country's economy and expansion of industrial production.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed cooperation in equestrian sports
13.03.2026On 12 March, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with the leadership of the Japan Equestrian Federation and the Tokyo Equestrian Complex, Hiroshi Ito and Yoshikazu Matsuda, in Tokyo. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was also attended by Takuma Miyaji, a member of the Japanese-Turkmen Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and a member of the House of Representatives of the Japanese Parliament; Michiko Aoe, Director General of the Japanese Economic Society ‘Ahal-Teke Affinity Co. LTD,’ a member of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan; and Japanese horse breeders. The parties discussed events held in Turkmenistan and abroad as part of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and state policy in the field of horse breeding. Issues related to the development of cooperation with the Japan Equestrian Federation were also considered. After the meeting, the participants visited the monument to the Ahal-Teke horse, erected on the territory of the Tokyo Equestrian Complex.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Regional Director of the ILO
13.03.2026On 12 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova held a meeting with Peter Van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the country's foreign ministry. The Turkmen side congratulated Peter Van Rooij on his appointment and expressed its readiness to further develop cooperation with the International Labour Organisation. The interlocutors noted the steady development of Turkmenistan's interaction with the ILO within the framework of the country's cooperation with the UN system. It was emphasised that joint work is being carried out on the basis of roadmaps and ongoing projects. During the meeting, they discussed expanding the institutional presence of UN agencies in Turkmenistan and implementing projects aimed at promoting decent work principles and developing social dialogue. Special attention was paid to implementing the Roadmap for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2026. It was noted that Turkmenistan regularly submits reports on ILO conventions and participates in the work of the International Labour Conference. The next session of the conference will take place in June in Geneva. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership.
Turkmenistan and ILO outline areas of cooperation for 2026
13.03.2026On 12 March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a round table with representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). They discussed cooperation in the areas of labour, social protection and sustainable development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments, international organisations and social partners. The participants considered the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They discussed improving labour legislation, promoting the principles of decent work and implementing joint programmes in the social sphere. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted the importance of cooperation with the ILO. According to her, cooperation with the organization contributes to the introduction of international experience and the development of the national labor relations system. Special attention was paid to the results of joint work in 2025 and the discussion of priority areas of cooperation for 2026. The participants also stressed the importance of further exchange of experience and expansion of partnership initiatives.
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