Policy
Turkmenistan's foreign policy: key international events of 2025
09.01.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan consistently developed foreign policy relations in bilateral and multilateral formats. The year was marked by the International Year of Peace and Trust and coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, which was reflected in active work on international platforms. This was reported by TDH. Cooperation with the United Nations remained one of the key areas of foreign policy. On 21 March, at the plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ initiated by Turkmenistan was unanimously adopted. In September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he reaffirmed the country's commitment to the UN Charter and announced a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening international dialogue. During the visit, meetings were held with the UN Secretary-General and Heads of State. Regional dialogue in Central Asia has been actively developing. In November, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his speech, he outlined the priorities for cooperation, including transport and logistics, energy, trade, industrial cooperation, water and environmental issues, as well as the humanitarian sphere. It was confirmed that in 2026 the chairmanship in this format will pass to Turkmenistan, and the next summit will be held in an expanded format, ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. Throughout the year, Turkmenistan also actively participated in the ‘Central Asia+’ dialogue. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in summits with the European Union, China, Russia, the United States of America, Japan and Italy. The main focus was on security, economic cooperation, investment, energy, transport, and the environmental and climate agenda. Cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States played a significant role in foreign policy. In October, the President of Turkmenistan participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in the Republic of Tajikistan, and in December, he participated in an informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg. Speeches emphasised the need to develop trade and economic ties, transport and logistics projects, and humanitarian cooperation. Turkmenistan also continued its cooperation with other international organisations. In September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin in the ‘SCO+’ format, where he confirmed his interest in expanding cooperation in the economy, transport, energy and humanitarian spheres. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, participated in the International Economic Forum ‘Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025’ and in the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, where Turkmenistan has observer status. An important part of the foreign policy agenda was the holding of international events in the country. In 2025, a number of international conferences and forums were held in Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, including events under the auspices of the UN and meetings dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and Neutrality Day. Bilateral negotiations with foreign partners were held on the sidelines of these events. Overall, Turkmenistan's foreign policy activities in 2025 focused on developing multilateral dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the principles of permanent neutrality in the international arena.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from German leaders
09.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from the leadership of the Federal Republic of Germany. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, sent his congratulations to the Head of State. In his message, he wished the President of Turkmenistan and the people of the country peace and happiness in the new year. A separate congratulatory letter was sent by Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz. He wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his family health and prosperity, and expressed hope for continued joint work on solving pressing issues in the name of a safe and peaceful future.
The symbolism of the 2026 motto: the role of Ahal-Teke horses
08.01.2026The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has approved the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The decision coincides with the start of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The symbolism of the motto is linked to national values and objectives defined by state programmes. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse traditionally occupies a special place in the culture of Turkmenistan and is considered an element of historical heritage and national identity. The country pays attention to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the training of specialists in this field and the expansion of international cooperation in this area. The activities of the International Association of Breeding of Ahal-Teke Horses, headquartered in Ashgabat, are aimed at preserving the breed's gene pool and implementing scientific projects with foreign partners. An important milestone was the inclusion of the nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made in December 2023 at a session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee. The city of Arkadag is home to the Scientific and Production Laboratory of Horse Breeding and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Their activities are focused on scientific research, educational programmes and the training of a new generation of specialists. The motto for 2026 reflects the priorities of Turkmenistan's internal development and foreign humanitarian policy, combining a reference to historical traditions with the tasks of modern development.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026
08.01.2026On 7 January, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further implementation of joint measures to develop bilateral cooperation in the new year were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for the sixth meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, political consultations at the level of foreign ministers, and the Turkmen-Pakistani Business Forum. In addition, they discussed the organisation of visits at the highest state level scheduled for the current year. They also reviewed a list of bilateral documents planned for signing in 2026.
Turkmenistan and the United States discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation
08.01.2026On 7 January, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of topical issues of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties noted the effectiveness of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including annual political consultations and meetings of the ‘Turkmenistan-US’ Business Council. Particular emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of the long-standing activities of American companies in Turkmenistan, as well as the implementation of joint projects and contracts in the fields of electric power, agriculture and transport with the participation of companies such as ‘John Deere’, ‘General Electric’ and ‘Boeing’. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. In this context, the Turkmen side put forward an initiative to establish a ‘Turkmen-American’ cultural dialogue. In addition, an exchange of views was held on the development of cooperation in the field of high technology and in the banking and financial sector.
Donald Trump congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year
08.01.2026The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the letter, Donald Trump congratulated the Head of Turkmenistan on Christmas and New Year. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United States of America were established on 10 April 1992.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages on the occasion of the New Year 2026 from foreign leaders. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq sent New Year's greetings to the Head of State. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his wishes. In addition, a congratulatory letter was received from Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Fahd Al-Said. In his message, he expressed his wishes for health and well-being to the President of Turkmenistan and for progress and prosperity to the Turkmen people, noting his intention to continue developing friendly relations between the countries.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his anniversary
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development of Turkmen-German relations and confirmed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier good health and success in his public service for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Switzerland
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to Guy Parmelin on his inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted this event and expressed his wishes for good health, personal well-being and success in his new position in the interests of the further development and prosperity of the Swiss Confederation.
Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States noted Turkmenistan's role in the region
03.01.2026The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, sent a New Year's message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, he noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation and strengthening of mutual understanding in the Turkic world, as well as the role of the President of Turkmenistan in promoting dialogue and expanding cooperation between Turkic states. Kubanychbek Omuraliyev emphasised the significance of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, which was celebrated in 2025, pointing to the country's role in promoting peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the region. The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation within the organisation and wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and the Turkmen people peace and prosperity.
The President of Palestine emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality
03.01.2026President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This is stated in a congratulatory message from the Head of the Palestinian State, reports TDH. In his address, Mahmoud Abbas noted Turkmenistan's achievements over the past year and emphasised the significance of the United Nations General Assembly's decision to declare 2025 the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’. According to him, this initiative reflects international recognition of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and the development of multilateral dialogue. The President of the State of Palestine also congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution on the country's permanent neutrality. He noted the special role of 12 December 1995 in strengthening Turkmenistan's international authority. In conclusion, Mahmoud Abbas wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and longevity, and the Turkmen people peace, well-being and prosperity.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international role of neutrality policy in 2025
03.01.2026In his New Year's address, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that in 2025, at the initiative of the country, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ The Head of State noted that this confirmed the consistency of the policy of neutrality, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As part of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, a number of international events were held in the country. The key event was the International Forum dedicated to International Neutrality Day. As a result, the Ashgabat Declaration was adopted. The President emphasised that in 2025, Turkmenistan became a platform for active political and diplomatic work, and the country's foreign policy course was practically enshrined in international documents. On the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted several resolutions. Of particular importance are the documents dated 15 December 2025 – ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)’. The first document focuses on the development of consistent energy networks, while the second focuses on strengthening regional and global transport connectivity. Both decisions form a long-term legal basis for economic development. The results of the International Year of Peace and Trust confirmed that neutrality remains a key element of Turkmenistan's internal development and its contribution to international dialogue.
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