In October, Turkmenistan actively continued its policy of openness and expansion of international cooperation under the leadership of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. A wide range of events took place in the country and abroad, including working meetings, political consultations, business negotiations and forums aimed at strengthening partnerships and developing trade, investment, energy, transport, ecology and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with international organisations such as the UN, UNICEF, ADB, OSCE and the EU. These contacts included discussions on the UNICEF Country Programme for 2026–2030, the Framework Programme for Cooperation with the UN, projects in the field of biodiversity protection in the Caspian Sea, as well as initiatives for the transition to a ‘green’ economy and digital transformation. Turkmen delegations held meetings with representatives of Croatia, Japan, Malaysia, India, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Uganda, Eswatini, as well as with the leaders of Central Asian countries, Russia, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Serbia, Lithuania and Germany. Bilateral and multilateral agreements, cooperation programmes and protocols were signed, including in the trade, economic, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Of particular importance were the preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, the promotion of joint infrastructure and energy projects, including the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline, and the strengthening of strategic cooperation in the Caspian region. These events demonstrate Turkmenistan's systematic approach to implementing a constructive foreign policy and developing multilateral cooperation in the international arena.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of the Advisory Council on Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the CIS States, held in Tashkent, according to the news website Asmannews. Representatives of the Commonwealth countries, relevant committees and international organisations participated in the discussions. The meeting addressed issues of cooperation in the social and labour spheres, the digitalisation of employment, the improvement of labour market statistics and the project to form a common labour market in the CIS. In addition, the delegations visited local employment and vocational training centres to learn about practical mechanisms for supporting the population.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stated at a meeting of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship that the Foundation's activities will continue to be improved. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Hero Arkadag emphasised that, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening the social sphere and improving the living conditions of the population. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the Fund is doing important work on the comprehensive development of children in need of care, expanding international cooperation and strengthening humanitarian initiatives. According to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, caring for children left without parental care is a long-standing national tradition, and the state strives to ensure their full participation in society. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that support for the younger generation remains a priority and will continue, as the country's prosperous future depends on it.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Arkadag, where he held a meeting of the Board of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During his trip, Hero Arkadag also familiarised himself with the progress of the second phase of construction of the new city. The meeting discussed issues related to the development of the Fund: the results of its work, amendments to the charter, the expansion of international cooperation and the procedure for spending funds. It was noted that over the past period, the Fund had organised charity events, financed medical operations and rehabilitation treatment for children, and held conferences and creative competitions. The meeting participants emphasised the importance of further strengthening international ties and improving the Fund's legal framework. A decision was made to amend the charter and introduce the status of Founder's Fund. In addition, an initiative to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which was affected by the recent earthquake, was approved. At the end of the meeting, Berdimuhamedov familiarised himself with the project to install sculptures in the city park and gave recommendations on their artistic design.
On 5 November, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Governor of North Khorasan Province of the Islamic Republic of Iran Bahman Nouri. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran. During the conversation, it was noted that bilateral relations are at a high level, which is facilitated by the systematic and dynamic nature of contacts at the highest level. Particular attention was paid to the intensification of interregional cooperation, including the implementation of the provisions of the previously signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ahal velayat and the North Khorasan Province. In addition, opportunities for expanding cooperation between the Ahal velayat and North Khorasan in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. Proposals were put forward aimed at developing promising and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. During the visit, the delegation headed by the governor of North Khorasan Province is scheduled to meet with the leadership of the Ahal velayat and relevant ministries and departments.
On 4 November, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Indonesia, a meeting was held between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Indonesia (residing in Kuala Lumpur) Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov with the Director-General for Protocol and Consular Affairs Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia, Andy Rachmianto, during which the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Indonesian side congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and expressed its readiness to assist in his activities. The parties emphasised the importance of high-level contacts and discussed the prospects for organising visits by the leaders of the two countries. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain regular dialogue between the foreign ministries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, Vafo Niyatbekzoda, visited the State Library of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. He was welcomed by the head of the library, Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, according to the online news resource TerraNews. During the visit, they discussed current and future areas of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as ways to intensify the exchange of experience and book collections between libraries. The Ambassador familiarised himself with the library's work on preserving rare and antique publications and took part in the transfer of books on the history and modern development of Tajikistan. The exchange of literature strengthens the library collection of Turkmenistan and confirms the cultural ties between Ashgabat and Dushanbe, becoming a significant step in cooperation in the field of book publishing.
The Second UN World Summit for Social Development is being held in Doha (Qatar) from 4 to 6 November 2025. A Turkmen delegation headed by Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Muhammetseyit Sylapov is participating in the event, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The summit agenda includes discussions on combating poverty, ensuring equality and social justice, protecting human rights, gender equality, decent work and social protection. Participants are also considering the impact of demographic, technological and environmental changes, as well as ways to strengthen international cooperation and interaction with the private sector.
On 4 November, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan in Turkmenistan Fazal Muhammad Sabir. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. A. Gurbanov expressed his condolences and support to the Afghan side in connection with the devastating earthquake in the north of the country, which caused human casualties and injuries. He also announced Turkmenistan's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected population. Turkmenistan traditionally supports those in need in difficult times, strengthening friendly and neighbourly relations. One example is the systematic humanitarian aid provided by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship to children and populations in countries, including Afghanistan, affected by natural disasters.
On 4 October, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov flew to the United States on a working visit to participate in the ‘Central Asia + US’ summit. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. He was seen off at Ashgabat International Airport by officials of the country. The Head of State's participation in the summit reflects the consistent development of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of positive neutrality.
At the international conference on the ‘Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical and Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan’ (CIET 2025), the city of Arkadag was recognised as Turkmenistan's first ‘smart city’ and received a certificate and award, according to the online news resource TerraNews. The city of Arkadag, located in the Ahal velayat, demonstrates modern approaches to urban planning with digital technologies, environmentally friendly solutions and convenient infrastructure. The city has intelligent systems for managing transport, energy, utilities and security, with priority given to sustainable development and a comfortable environment for residents. The CIET 2025 awards confirm the success of state policy in the field of innovative economy and improving quality of life.
The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone is hosting the international conference on the ‘Development of the Construction, Industrial, Chemical and Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan’ (CIET 2025), according to the online news resource TerraNews. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Baymyrat Annamammedov outlined the priorities for economic development, emphasising the importance of long-term and socially significant investments. In the coming years, it is planned to invest over 40 billion manats, of which more than 26 billion will be directed to the manufacturing sector and about 13 billion to social and cultural facilities, including housing, schools and medical institutions. Turkmenistan continues its ‘open door’ policy, developing partnerships with foreign companies. Current projects include the production of urea in the Balkan velayat with the participation of Japan's ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’ and Turkey's ‘Gap Inşaat’, the modernisation of the S.A. Niyazov plant in Turkmenabat, and the construction of a gas-steam power plant in the Turkmenbashy etrap by ‘Çalık Enerji’. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, all projects comply with environmental and innovation standards, and their implementation is aimed at sustainable economic development and strengthening the country's international image.