Policy
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrives in the United Kingdom on a visit.
17.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has departed on a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the family of Charles III. This was reported by the TDH news agency. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Hero-Arkadag was seen off by the leaders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Apparatus of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. After taking off from Ashgabat, the aircraft of the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived in the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom were established in January 1992. In December 1995, the United Kingdom also supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Romania agree to develop consular cooperation
16.05.2026Consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Romania were held at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the level of heads of consular services. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Döwletmurat Muratov. The Romanian side was represented by the Director General of the Consular Department of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oana Darie. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular and migration spheres. These included the development of visa cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legal interests, as well as the improvement of the legal and contractual framework. Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of consular services and the exchange of experience in training personnel for consular work. Following the consultations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania in the consular field.
Turkmenistan initiates experience exchange in the field of “smart” cities
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum in Kazan. The Hero-Arkadag proposed the creation of mechanisms for professional exchange between countries in the fields of urban development and high technologies. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The key initiative was the development of “smart city” diplomacy in the Islamic world. According to him, such cities combine technology, architecture, culture, and science, creating a foundation for cooperation within ICESCO. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to establish the exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices between Islamic countries in this area. He also noted that Turkmenistan is developing the concept of “smart” cities at the state level and is ready to share its accumulated experience.
Turkmenistan delegation participates in FAO conference in Dushanbe
16.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev, took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The forum was held on May 11–12 in Dushanbe with participation of representatives from regional countries, international organizations, and relevant agencies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed issues of food security, sustainable agricultural development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the efficient use of water and land resources. Special attention was given to expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were held to consider prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the fields of agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
Turkmenistan has been granted observer status in ICESCO
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in a forum of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during his visit to Kazan. The event was held in connection with the city being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Hero-Arkadag noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to develop multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, and promote a culture of peace. It was also emphasized that during the 15th session of the General Conference of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the Organization dedicated to education, science, and culture across the Islamic world. ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik stated that the possibility of declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration. Work in this direction has already begun.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed support to India’s leadership
16.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has extended condolences to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the casualties and destruction caused by severe storms and heavy rainfall in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, the head of state expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Turkmenistan and Nepal discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC
15.05.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Nepal and President of the 2026 ECOSOC session, Lok Bahadur Thapa, according to the IIC. During the talks, the sides discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC, focusing on key areas of sustainable development, the development of transport connectivity, strengthening energy security, as well as support for countries facing intersecting energy and governance challenges. Separately, they addressed the implementation of the “Avaza” programme initiated by Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035. In addition, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum, including a planned side event dedicated to sustainable transport development, which Turkmenistan intends to organize.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan
15.05.2026During a visit to Bukhara, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Speaker of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The sides noted the importance of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are connected by shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values, and that the partnership—based on mutual respect and trust—is actively developing across various areas. The parties also discussed cooperation in the international legal sphere, the exchange of experience in legislative activity, and further work of interparliamentary friendship groups. The Turkmen side invited Azerbaijani colleagues to take part in international events in Avaza within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission in Malta
15.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Federal Republic of Germany and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to UN Tourism, Turizm B. Rejepov, is taking part in the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, held from 12 to 14 May 2026 in St. Julian’s (Malta). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event is organized by the UN Tourism Secretariat in cooperation with the Government of Malta. It is attended by member states of the Commission, as well as representatives of international organizations and relevant institutions. During the session, participants are discussing global and regional approaches in the field of tourism, the activities of UN Tourism, and the implementation of the Europe work programme for 2025–2026. Cooperation with affiliated members of the organization is also being considered. Special emphasis is placed on preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, the development of international cooperation, and current challenges facing the tourism industry. Turkmenistan is participating in the work of the Commission and is developing cooperation with the UN Tourism Secretariat in the field of tourism. The country notes growing interest in its tourism potential, based on natural sites, cultural and historical heritage, and modern infrastructure.
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the inauguration ceremony in Uganda
15.05.2026From May 10 to 15, 2026, a Turkmenistan delegation led by the Chairman of the Democratic Party Ata Serdarov visited Kampala to take part in the inauguration of the re-elected President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony took place at Cololo Square in the capital. After the inauguration, the Turkmen delegation was received by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the presidential palace in Entebbe. The Turkmen side conveyed congratulations to President Museveni on his re-election and assumption of office on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. A letter of thanks from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the invitation to the ceremony was also presented. Yoweri Museveni thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for the congratulations and for the participation of the delegation. The parties noted the potential for developing political and economic ties between the two countries. During the visit, a meeting took place between Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, and Richard Todwong, the General Secretary of the ruling party of Uganda. The Ugandan side was informed about the activities, goals, and the role of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan in strengthening public unity and patriotic upbringing of youth. The parties expressed their willingness to develop inter-party and inter-parliamentary contacts and to exchange experience. Meetings also took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda at the level of heads of structural divisions. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian areas. Specific attention was given to issues related to political consultations between the foreign affairs agencies, as well as the organization of business forums and cultural events. In addition, the Turkmen delegation was received by Henry Oryem Okello, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The sides exchanged views on key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Prospects for Turkmen–Korean cooperation were discussed in Ashgabat
15.05.2026On May 14, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov met with His Excellency Li Won-je, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of political-diplomatic cooperation, including regular inter-ministerial consultations, inter-parliamentary contacts, and cooperation within international organizations—primarily the United Nations. Mutual support for initiatives at international platforms was noted, and the importance of contacts at the highest and senior levels was emphasized for developing Turkmen-Korean relations. Cooperation in the format “Central Asia — Republic of Korea” was also considered. The parties noted the stable nature of trade and economic cooperation. The contribution of Korean companies to projects in the gas-chemical sector, transport infrastructure, and shipbuilding was highlighted. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, cooperation in education, science, sports, and the study of the Korean language in Turkmenistan was emphasized. According to both sides, such contacts help strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Turkmenistan presented initiatives at a women’s forum in Uzbekistan
15.05.2026On May 14, 2026, a delegation led by the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, took part in the Second Asian Women’s Forum in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis. The forum was dedicated to expanding the economic, social, and political opportunities for women and strengthening their role in public administration and civic life. Speaking at the opening ceremony, D. Gulmanova emphasized the importance of international cooperation in protecting women’s rights and enhancing their social security. It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing policies to increase women’s participation in socio-political and economic spheres in line with its international human rights commitments. Attention was also drawn to the participation of Turkmen women in government bodies and various sectors of the economy, as well as their contribution to the country’s development. Information was separately presented on Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the United Nations, including a proposal to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law.” In conclusion, D. Gulmanova invited forum participants to attend international events to be held in Turkmenistan in 2026 as part of the country’s chairmanship of the CIS.
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