Policy
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the development of cooperation with Iran
28.07.2026On 27 July 2026, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the co-chairs of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation — Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations, primarily the UN. During the meeting, the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect, which form the basis of relations between the two countries, were emphasised. The Iranian side congratulated Turkmenistan on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan. Iran was one of the co-sponsors of the document. Issues relating to trade and economic cooperation were also discussed, as was the further strengthening of the role of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed prospects for cooperation
28.07.2026On 27 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in the further development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. The Minister conveyed greetings and best wishes from Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The Head of State sent his own greetings to the President of Iran and expressed his confidence that Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd’s visit would contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran are developing cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. Particular attention is being paid to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, the fuel and energy sector, transport, construction and agriculture, as well as to expanding contacts between representatives of the private sector. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of the Joint Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as a key mechanism for developing the partnership and implementing the agreements reached at the highest level. Following the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Iranian relations and exchanged best wishes.
Ashgabat emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability in the Caspian Sea
27.07.2026On 25 July, reports appeared in the foreign media concerning an attack on a vessel in the waters of the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this regard, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan stated that such actions were unacceptable, emphasising the need to uphold the principles of security and stability in the region. Turkmenistan, as one of the Caspian littoral states and a country with a status of permanent neutrality recognised by the United Nations, reiterated that the Caspian Sea must remain an area of peace, mutual respect, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations.
The results of the week’s developments and new diplomatic initiatives have been summarised
27.07.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a number of events relating to domestic development, international cooperation and the implementation of state programmes. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 20 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting on the digital system, during which he reviewed the progress of agricultural work. The focus was on preparations for sowing wheat, the cultivation of cotton and rice fields in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, sugar beet crops in the Mary velayat, as well as preparations for the autumn planting of potatoes, vegetables and melons. Issues relating to adherence to construction deadlines for facilities scheduled for commissioning in the velayats as part of socio-economic programmes were also discussed. On the same day, the Head of State received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. The parties noted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN, including collaboration in the fields of sustainable development, the strengthening of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, energy, transport and environmental protection. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continued implementation of programmes under the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030. The UN Resident Coordinator expressed her readiness to facilitate the further development of the partnership. On 24 July, Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via the digital platform. Participants discussed issues relating to the improvement of legislation, preparations for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in Ashgabat, cooperation with foreign companies in the fields of subsoil use, seasonal agricultural work, energy supply and the construction of railway infrastructure. It was also announced at the meeting that, from 1 August, school supplies would go on sale in cities and districts across the country ahead of the new academic year. In addition, a programme of events for August was approved, dedicated to the 2026 motto and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. As part of efforts to promote sport, joint training camps are planned in Ashgabat for cyclists from the Turkmenistan national team and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s priority positions for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document includes initiatives to strengthen peace and security, develop preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, energy, the climate agenda and international cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States within the UN, and to hold consultations on the Strategy for Universal Peace. In addition, the country will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, launch the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, and develop an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. There are also plans to continue work on supporting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, developing the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, and establishing new transport links across the Caspian Sea. Other areas of focus include the development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue, support for youth initiatives, the organisation of an international forum in connection with the proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the work of the UN Economic and Social Council for the period 2026–2028. On 24 July, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the conversation, the high level of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the prospects for its further expansion were highlighted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed exploring joint projects, including the creation of an ‘Industrial and Technological Belt’, a transport and logistics centre on the border between the two countries, and a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. At a meeting of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO, issues relating to further cooperation with the organisation were discussed. Materials have been submitted to UNESCO for the inclusion of three elements of national heritage on international and regional lists. In particular, it was proposed to include, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the traditions of folk medicine associated with endemic medicinal plants, and the art of making and wearing the ‘tahya’. Manuscripts devoted to the life and philosophy of Ibrahim Edhem have been nominated for the ‘Memory of the World’ programme. A meeting was also held of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and set out further tasks. Admissions to the country’s higher and secondary vocational education institutions are currently underway. In 2026, more than 18,000 people will enrol as first-year students at universities. Compared with last year, the number of places has increased by 1,239 due to the introduction of new study programmes. Representatives of Turkmenistan were also awarded commemorative medals for their participation in the ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ song and music festival, held as part of the International Days of Friendship in the Republic of Korea. The week’s key events reflect Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to develop international cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties and implement national development programmes.
Turkmenistan will propose holding a forum on international law
27.07.2026Turkmenistan set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on 24 July at a government meeting chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The report was presented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Rashid Meredov. According to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’, international law has traditionally been one of the key areas of cooperation between Ashgabat and the UN. As part of its efforts in this area, the country is consistently promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of international law. These include a proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. At the forthcoming session, Turkmenistan will also put forward an initiative to host an International Forum on its territory, where experts will discuss issues relating to international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan has drawn up its priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly
26.07.2026Turkmenistan has finalised the document entitled ‘The Country’s Priority Positions for the Upcoming 81st Session of the UN General Assembly’. This was announced on 24 July at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, according to the news agency TDH. The document has been drawn up taking into account the international initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Following its publication, it will be submitted to the UN Secretariat and circulated amongst the organisation’s member states. Among the key priorities of the foreign policy agenda are the strengthening of peace and security, and the development of preventive diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to hold consultations on the creation of a Strategy for Universal Peace, to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, and to put forward an initiative to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. There are also plans to continue work on establishing an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. In the digital sphere, Turkmenistan will propose the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. In the environmental sphere, plans include the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and support for regions facing water scarcity and drought. In the transport sector, the country will continue work on compiling the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as a ‘South Asia–Central Asia–Europe’ trans-regional corridor via the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and to host a global forum in Ashgabat. These measures are also linked to preparations for the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032.
Ashgabat and Tashkent discussed the creation of an industrial and technological corridor
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a telephone conversation with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, put forward initiatives to expand bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The parties discussed the prospects for implementing new joint projects based on their accumulated experience of cooperation, including facilities promoting friendship and economic cooperation — the ‘Ashgabat’ and ‘Tashkent’ parks, bridges across the Amu Darya and a border trade centre. One of the proposals was the creation of an Industrial and Technological Corridor between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The project aims to develop high-tech manufacturing and the production of export-oriented goods. An initiative was also put forward to establish a transport and logistics centre on the Turkmen-Uzbek border, which would form part of the ‘East–West’ route and help to strengthen ties between Asia and Europe. To coordinate joint initiatives, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the advisability of establishing a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. It is anticipated that this new mechanism will enable the systematisation of cooperation and the implementation of long-term projects.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the fulfilment of human rights obligations
26.07.2026On 25 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Inter-ministerial Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the Commission’s work for the first half of 2026 and identified priority tasks for the coming period. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law for 2024–2026, and also discussed the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, aimed at further developing the national system for the protection of human rights and freedoms, taking into account the country’s international obligations. Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, emphasised Turkmenistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in the field of human rights and to developing international cooperation. Following the meeting, further areas of work were identified for the Interdepartmental Commission on Enhancing the Effectiveness of Turkmenistan’s Implementation of its International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Turkmenistan and the Maldives discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
26.07.2026On 23 July in Malé, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of the Maldives (resident in New Delhi), Sh. Geldinazarov, met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of the Maldives, Iruthisham Adam. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in the transport, communications and tourism sectors, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of the Maldives with a view to further developing bilateral cooperation.
The UN General Assembly has backed Turkmenistan’s initiative for an International Year of International Law
26.07.2026On 24 July 2026, at the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution entitled ‘International Year of Law, 2028’ was adopted by consensus. The document was initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 78 states, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the presentation of the draft, the Turkmen side stated that strengthening the primacy of international law is essential for maintaining global peace and security, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering multilateral cooperation. The adoption of the document confirms the international community’s support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to promote the principles of international law and build trust within the framework of the UN.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan is expanding its legislative and international activities
25.07.2026On 24 July, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve national legislation during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Draft laws are currently being drawn up concerning the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, the state registration of property rights, and Turkmenistan’s accession to international instruments. At the same time, amendments are being made to existing legislation. Inter-parliamentary cooperation is also continuing to develop. In particular, a meeting was held with a delegation led by the Head of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, at which the expansion of bilateral relations was discussed. Representatives of the Mejlis also took part in events organised by the UNDP and the International Organisation for Migration. Summing up, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further strengthen the legislative framework and improve legal acts.
Turkmenistan presented its approaches to resource management to the UN Security Council
25.07.2026On 22 July 2026, Vepa Hajiyev, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the open debate of the UN Security Council on ‘Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Managing Natural Resources for Peace, Security and Prosperity’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The diplomat affirmed his country’s commitment to the equitable and mutually beneficial use of resources to strengthen global security. Vepa Hajiyev also noted that Ashgabat’s international initiatives in the fields of preventive diplomacy, the environment, energy and transport are enshrined in 32 UN General Assembly resolutions. Furthermore, the country’s representative reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to international cooperation in the context of its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032. This commitment had previously been endorsed by the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
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