Policy
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received a congratulatory letter from the President of Ireland
14.01.2026President of the Republic of Ireland Catherine Connolly sent a congratulatory letter to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In her message, the President of Ireland wished the President of Turkmenistan happiness and joy, and expressed her hope that the Christmas and New Year holidays would bring peace and prosperity to the peoples.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed issues of bilateral cooperation
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest. They also considered specific topics on the regional and international agenda. Particular attention was paid to further steps to implement the agreements in 2026. In addition, issues of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran were discussed.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed cooperation plans for 2026
13.01.2026On 12 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan Gismet Gozalov. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of high-level visits, as well as meetings between the leaders and representatives of the two countries. Preparations for events planned for the current year were discussed. These include the next meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Ashgabat. The prospects for the development of cultural and humanitarian ties were also discussed. It was noted that Azerbaijan Culture Days are planned to be held in Turkmenistan in 2026. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports, taking into account the thematic focus of the current year.
Ashgabat discusses cooperation with the United Nations Regional Centre
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Nations, including within the framework of the implementation of UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in 2025 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The participants of the meeting summed up the results of cooperation over the past year and discussed plans for 2026. They considered issues related to the implementation of regional programmes and projects involving all five Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN. The initiative was announced on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat at the International Forum and enshrined in the Ashgabat Declaration, distributed as an official document of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties agreed to continue joint work in the areas outlined.
Turkmenistan and Turkey strengthen cooperation on migration
12.01.2026On 8 January, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmen-Turkish relations have acquired a new quality in recent years, and bilateral cooperation is developing on an ongoing basis. The parties discussed the prospects and opportunities for cooperation in the field of migration, identifying key areas for further cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the countries in the field of migration and wished for success in the continuation of work in this direction.
Turkmenistan approves the foreign policy work plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026
12.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov presented the draft Work Plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plan was prepared in accordance with the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028 and the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, announced at an expanded government meeting on 6 December 2025. The document provides for measures to strengthen political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with foreign countries, implement the international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, including at sessions of the UN General Assembly, and cooperate with international financial and economic structures. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with economic organisations such as the WTO, OECD, IEA, IRENA, as well as joint projects with UNCTAD, ESCAP and UNECE. After hearing the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality and is aimed at ensuring universal well-being. The Head of State approved the Foreign Affairs Ministry's plan for 2026 and instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to implement it.
India is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of IT and education
11.01.2026India considers Turkmenistan a close partner in its wider neighbourhood and is ready to share its experience in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and education. This was stated by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking World Hindi Day in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. The Diplomat noted that Turkmenistan and India are linked by historical relations and common regional interests, including their proximity to Afghanistan. He recalled that India recognised Turkmenistan's independence in 1991 and was one of the first countries to open an embassy in Ashgabat. According to him, active political dialogue is maintained between the countries. Among the significant contacts mentioned were the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to India in 2010, the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Turkmenistan in 2015 and the visit of the President of India in 2022. In 2026, the parties plan to continue high-level exchanges. The Ambassador emphasised India's readiness to share its expertise as one of the world's largest and most dynamically developing economies. He named IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, training and sustainable use of natural resources as promising areas for cooperation. Bandaru Wilsonbabu also thanked the Government of Turkmenistan and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages for their support for the study of Hindi. He noted the interest in Indian culture, including music, dance, yoga, Ayurveda and cinema. The event, timed to coincide with World Hindi Day, which is celebrated on 10 January, brought together representatives of the Indian community, the Turkmen media and guests. The programme featured performances by students of the Institute of World Languages, as well as musical numbers, elements of yoga and Indian cuisine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Commission on Caspian issues
11.01.2026On 10 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 64th meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the country. The meeting presented the results of the Commission's activities for 2025 in accordance with the approved Work Plan. The Action Plan of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues for 2026 was also approved. Special attention was paid to the tasks planned for implementation in the first half of the year. The participants noted that Turkmenistan has been consistently involved in the development of coordinated decisions on Caspian issues for many years and continues to cooperate with the Caspian states within the framework of international law.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan approved key plans in education and healthcare
11.01.2026Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva presented draft work plans for the areas under her supervision for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They provide for the continuation of reforms in education, healthcare and sport: improving educational programmes, strengthening the material and technical base, introducing modern methods of disease prevention and treatment, as well as developing science, innovative industry and attracting talented young people to high technology. In addition, measures are planned to promote national culture and strengthen the country's international authority. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating a knowledgeable generation, improving the education infrastructure and monitoring reforms in healthcare and sports. The Head of State approved the work plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement them.
Foreign leaders sent New Year greetings to the President of Turkmenistan
10.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife wished the Head of State good health, happiness and prosperity, expressing their hope that 2026 would be a year of positive change. President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu also sent a congratulatory message, extending her best wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year.
Turkmenistan and India discussed the development of bilateral relations
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Indian relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the organisation of visits and meetings at the highest state level in the current year. The interlocutors considered the possibility of mutual visits by the heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries. In this context, they discussed the preliminary agenda for political consultations planned at the level of Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers. In addition, the role of the Inter-Governmental Turkmen-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was emphasised. The expediency of holding its next meeting in the near future was noted. Draft documents to be signed during the upcoming visits and meetings were also considered.
Issues of cooperation with the UN discussed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan
09.01.2026On 8 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The main focus was on summarising the results of the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development for 2021-2025. The role of the Steering Committee in coordinating joint work was noted. Issues related to the preparation and launch of a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 were also discussed. During the meeting, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding the presence of specialised UN agencies, structures and programmes in the country. The progress of UN programme and project activities in Turkmenistan was discussed separately. It was noted that a number of bilateral and regional projects are continuing to be implemented under existing agreements. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the preparation of joint events, including a conference with the participation of the FAO, courses for young diplomats and other initiatives.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
