Within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova held a meeting with Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Rayev. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed topical issues of cooperation in the field of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of joint projects and initiatives contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to strengthening cultural ties between Turkmenistan and TURKSOY. During the meeting, S. Rayev presented B. Seyidova with a special edition prepared for the 85th anniversary of the birth of the Hero of Turkmenistan, the famous poetess Gozel Shagulyeva. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked him for the gift and said that the presentation of the book would take place in a solemn atmosphere in Ashgabat. The Secretary General of TURKSOY expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for its active participation in the work of the organisation and joint cultural initiatives implemented in 2024. In turn, B. Seyidova noted the significant role of TURKSOY in strengthening fraternal relations between the Turkic peoples and emphasised her readiness to further expand cooperation. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world in the international arena.
Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a meeting of Deputy Heads of government of the Caspian littoral states was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news website Turkmeportal. During the meeting, key areas of joint work to reduce the negative impact of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea were discussed. An initiative was proposed to launch a multilateral mechanism for cooperation that would allow the development of common standards and approaches to studying changes in the Caspian Sea. It was noted that the Coordination Committee for Hydrometeorology of the Caspian sea could serve as a platform for joint information exchange. In this context, the parties expressed hope for the intensification of regional negotiations on the issue of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea within the framework of the Tehran Convention.
During the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a meeting was held between the Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, Oguljahan Atabayeva, and the Minister of State for International Affairs of Qatar, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed expanding humanitarian cooperation and emphasised the importance of cooperation between charitable organisations in the two countries. The representative of Qatar highly praised the level of organisation of the forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The symbolic nature of the conference in the International Year of Peace and Trust was also noted. The interlocutors expressed confidence in the further strengthening of relations between Turkmenistan and Qatar.
On the first day of the Third United Nations Conference on the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), an exhibition showcasing the cultural values of the participating countries was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event allowed delegates to learn about the traditions and achievements of different peoples in an informal setting. This was reported by the IIC. The busy day ended with a festive concert that brought together artists from Turkmenistan and other countries participating in the conference on one stage. The programme of the event reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region and emphasised the importance of international cooperation. The guests were particularly impressed by the performance of Turkmen artists, who demonstrated their national musical and dance traditions. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Caspian Sea coast. These events not only created a festive atmosphere, but also clearly demonstrated the role of culture as an important tool for strengthening international ties and mutual understanding between peoples.
Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev. This was reported by the online news outlet TerraNews. The discussion focused on trade and economic cooperation and joint efforts to preserve the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea. Dmitry Patrushev emphasised the importance of the agricultural sector as a key element of bilateral trade, noting positive trends in this area. According to him, Russia is ready to increase exports of food and mineral fertilisers to Turkmenistan. The Deputy Chairman of the Government named ecology and environmental protection as one of the priority areas for developing cooperation. According to him, special attention is being paid to issues related to preserving the natural balance of the Caspian region. In addition, Russia is interested in expanding its partnership with Turkmenistan in the field of geological exploration and the rational use of natural resources.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a working visit at the head of a Russian delegation. This was reported by the news website TerraNews. During the conversation, Dmitry Patrushev emphasised that Turkmenistan and Russia are linked by strong historical ties based on trust, similar cultural traditions and common values. The Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation noted the high level of bilateral cooperation, which is strategic in nature and contributes to the active development of trade and economic ties. According to Dmitry Patrushev, this year the volume of trade between the two countries has grown by almost a third. ‘We look forward to further developing our relations in the spirit of mutual respect in order to strengthen fruitful cooperation’ said the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliyev within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Adylbek Kasymaliyev conveyed greetings from Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov to Serdar Berdimuhamedov and noted the high level of organisation of the international forum, which, in his words, testifies to Turkmenistan's growing authority on the world stage. The parties discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, emphasising the positive dynamics of trade turnover. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of international freight transport, logistics and transit. In addition, issues related to the development of both bilateral and multilateral partnerships were discussed during the meeting.
A meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the successful organisation of the international forum and expressed gratitude for the presentation of Turkmenistan's highest state award, the Order ‘For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation’. During the negotiations, the parties discussed topical issues of strengthening bilateral cooperation based on friendship, good neighbourliness and strategic partnership. The sides noted the positive growth in trade between the countries, as well as the development of cooperation in industry, energy, transport, agriculture and water management. They highlighted the active development of interregional and humanitarian contacts. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of effectively holding meetings of intergovernmental commissions, the business council, the interregional forum and cultural events this year. In addition, topical regional issues were discussed and the agenda for upcoming bilateral high-level meetings was agreed upon.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and key topics on the forum's agenda. Emomali Rahmon emphasised the importance of strengthening relations with Turkmenistan. Special attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, agriculture, industry, transport, petrochemicals and investment. It was proposed to create a Roadmap for 2026–2028 to increase mutual trade. The importance of intensifying the work of the intergovernmental commission and launching regular flights between the capitals was noted. Prospects for cooperation in the fields of healthcare, education, culture, youth policy and sports were discussed. The parties confirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation at international and regional platforms, including within the UN, the CIS and the Central Asian Leaders' Consultative Format.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, including prospects for expanding trade and economic ties. Particular attention was paid to energy and the possibilities of using the Southern Gas Corridor to supply Turkmen gas to Europe. The importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region was also emphasised. I. Kobakhidze invited the Head of State to pay an official visit to Georgia.
A friendly chess tournament was held at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), marking the start of the international initiative ‘UN Friendship Games.’ Turkmenistan, as the initiator of the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, took an active part in this significant event. This was reported by the online publication Orient. The tournament was organised by the Russian Association for Assistance of the UN with the support of MGIMO, the UN Information Centre and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Russia, E.M. Aydogdyev, who emphasised the importance of sports diplomacy for strengthening international cooperation. In his speech, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the special significance of 2025 for the country, which marks three important dates: the 80th anniversary of Victory, the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. These events underscore the country's contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the international arena. The chess tournament brought together more than 30 participants, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, students and students of sports schools. Turkmenistan's participation in this project once again demonstrated the country's role as an active supporter of UN peace initiatives.
At a press conference in Avaza UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan for their warm welcome and noted the importance of holding the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) as evidence of the country's active foreign policy position. This was reported by the news agency Orient. António Guterres also said that the conference in Avaza reflects a new phase of regional cooperation in Central Asia based on trust and solidarity. Speaking about the challenges facing the 32 developing LLDCs, the UN Secretary-General stressed that these countries need justice, not charity – equal access to finance, technology and investment. Within the framework of the Awaza Action Programme for 2024-2034, António Guterres identified four priorities: human capital and technology development, transport connectivity, climate resilience and reform of the global financial system. Plans were also announced to establish a High-Level Group on Freedom of Transit to implement the conference's decisions.