Policy
Ashgabat prepares to host the International Forum on Peace and Trust
20.11.2025Turkmenistan is preparing to host an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This was reported by IIC. Heads of State of UN member states, leaders of international organisations and political representatives are expected to attend the forum. Participants will discuss the results of the International Year of Peace and Trust and further steps to strengthen stability and security. The programme includes plenary sessions, high-level meetings and cultural events. The main session, entitled ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Purpose for a Sustainable Future,’ will focus on the role of trust, dialogue and preventive diplomacy in addressing contemporary challenges. The forum will be part of a series of events organised throughout the year in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust. A State Organising Committee has been set up to prepare for the forum. A special website has also been launched with all the necessary information for participants and guests.
Turkmenistan and ILO discuss further steps in the field of labour standards
20.11.2025On 18 November, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by Head of the National Centre of Trade Unions Oguljennet Berdiliyeva held a series of meetings with ILO representatives in Geneva. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Negotiations were held with Assistant Director-General and ILO Regional Director Beata Andres, Director of the ILO Workers' Bureau Oliver Röpke, Director of the ILO International Labour Standards Department Corinne Vargha and other experts. They discussed cooperation, the implementation of the joint Action Plan and further steps in the field of decent work, social dialogue and the modernisation of labour legislation. ILO technical experts held consultations on the ratification and application of international labour standards. ILO representatives positively assessed Turkmenistan's efforts to strengthen the protection of labour rights and combat forced and child labour. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue working together.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Slovenia held a telephone conversation
20.11.2025A phone conversation was held on 19 November between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Slovenia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations. They talked about political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic contacts, and humanitarian ties. It was noted that Turkmenistan and Slovenia cooperate in international organisations, including the UN, and provide mutual support for each other's initiatives. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and Kenya discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
20.11.2025On 18 November, the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Kenya held telephone negotiations. Rashid Meredov and Musalia Mudavadi discussed the development of political dialogue and the expansion of cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the importance of cooperation within international organisations, primarily the UN. The Ministers also exchanged views on preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the new Ambassador of the State of Qatar
20.11.2025On 18 November, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan, Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher. The Diplomat presented his credentials, according to TDH. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and noted the friendly nature of relations between the countries. He also congratulated the Head of Turkmenistan on the recent award of the ‘Oliý Darajali Dustlik’ order in Uzbekistan. The President congratulated Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher on his appointment and expressed his readiness to develop cooperation. He emphasised the importance of partnership with Qatar and conveyed his best wishes to the Emir of Qatar. The parties noted the stable nature of Turkmen-Qatari relations and the growth of cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The meeting discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic contacts. Possible areas include the fuel and energy complex, investment, transport, communications, the chemical and textile industries, agriculture, healthcare and high technology. Cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere was also touched upon, including the study of the historical and cultural heritage of the two peoples.
A meeting with a Turkish delegation was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium
20.11.2025A meeting with a Turkish delegation, comprising parliamentarians and public figures, was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium. The event was attended by Barış Tantekin, Turkey's Ambassador to Belgium, according to Orient. The meeting was a continuation of the Embassy's cooperation with the Eurovia VZW organisation. Guests were offered traditional Turkmen dishes. An exhibition of Turkmen applied art was also presented, featuring carpets, jewellery, national costumes and musical instruments. Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov held a briefing on the country's permanent neutrality status. He emphasised that neutrality has become an instrument of preventive diplomacy at the international level. Turkmenistan's initiatives at the UN, including the International Year of Peace and Trust, were highlighted separately. The parties discussed the Turkmen-Turkish partnership. They highlighted the common approaches of the two countries, based on historical and cultural ties, as well as areas of cooperation in the transport, energy and cultural spheres.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Algeria discussed preparations for the forum in Ashgabat
18.11.2025On 17 November, a telephone conversation was held between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. During the conversation, they noted the fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and Algeria within international organisations, including the UN. In addition, the diplomats discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which is scheduled for 12 December in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia discussed new perspectives for cooperation
18.11.2025On 17 November, at the initiative of the Turkmen side, a meeting was held in the Malaysian Parliament between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development of Malaysia, Dr Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on the current state of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation and discussed opportunities for its further development in the political, trade, economic, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the successful long-term partnership between Turkmenistan and ‘Petronas’, which serves as a basis for deepening cooperation in the energy sector. The Malaysian side expressed interest in strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries, especially in the field of halal production and certification. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue at the level of foreign ministries in order to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Latvia on its Independence Day
18.11.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs on the occasion of Latvia's Independence Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his address, the Head of State wished the Latvian leader good health and success, and the people of Latvia peace, prosperity and further development.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on receiving Uzbekistan's highest award
18.11.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on receiving Uzbekistan's highest state award, the Order of ‘Ýokary derejeli dostluk’ (‘Oliý Darajali Dustlik’). Hero Arkadag noted that the award was recognition of the Head of State's contribution to the development of international relations and the strengthening of cooperation with Uzbekistan, AsmanNews reports. The congratulatory message emphasises that Turkmenistan is strengthening its position in world politics by following the principles of permanent neutrality and developing cooperation based on good neighbourliness. The President's state visit to Uzbekistan and participation in the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia are highlighted as significant steps in strengthening the partnership. Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation is named as an important factor for peace and stability in the region. The launch of the Turkmen-Uzbek border trade zone has confirmed the successful economic ties between the two countries. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed confidence in the further strengthening of relations and wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and new successes.
The President of Turkmenistan held official negotiations in Uzbekistan
18.11.2025On the second day of the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Uzbekistan, high-level negotiations were held with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This was reported by TDH. During the meeting, the Heads of State discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, energy, transport, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. The high dynamics of trade and economic relations were noted: mutual trade between the countries has doubled in recent years. The parties expressed their intention to expand industrial cooperation and intensify business participation in joint projects. Particular attention was paid to transport integration issues. With a view to developing international corridors, Turkmenistan proposed considering the creation of a Farab-Alat logistics hub on the border between the two countries and stressed the importance of developing routes between China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with access to the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. The parties also noted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector: Turkmenistan already exports electricity to Uzbekistan, and further development of the partnership on gas projects is being discussed. Prospects for joint work in agriculture, medicine, ecology and other areas were considered. After the negotiations, the Heads of State took part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek border trade zone. The facility was opened via video link at the request of residents of the border regions of the two countries. This centre will become a new driver of regional trade and cooperation. In the presence of the leaders, bilateral agreements were signed on cooperation in the fields of agriculture, healthcare, transport, culture, justice, environmental protection and emergency situations. A joint expert council was also established and a Roadmap for cooperation in the field of forestry for 2026-2030 was signed. Following the meeting, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made statements to the press, emphasising the importance of the visit for further strengthening the friendship and strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
New trade hub on the border: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan expand mutual trade
17.11.2025The President of Turkmenistan and President of Uzbekistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took part in the opening ceremony of the Turkmen-Uzbek border trade centre via video link. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The ceremony was held after the conclusion of negotiations between the leaders of the two countries in Tashkent. The ceremony was attended by aksakals from Dashoguz velayat and Khorezm region, representatives of the public and local residents. The project aims to stimulate the growth of mutual trade, attract investment and create conditions for the exchange of experience between the business communities of the two countries. After the teleconference, the delegations of the two countries familiarised themselves with the infrastructure of the centre and the goods presented on the Turkmen and Uzbek sides. As part of the event, cars were also handed over to the centre on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.
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