Policy
Turkmenistan and Tatarstan discussed ways to strengthen cooperation
16.04.2026On 15 April, negotiations were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Vasily Shaikhraziev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and its prospects, including in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Separate attention was given to preparations for the final stage of the ‘Tatar Kyzy’ International Competition, which will take place in Turkmenistan in October 2026. It was noted that the contest contributes to the preservation of national traditions and the development of intercultural dialogue. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to ensure a high standard of organisation for the event. Following the meeting, the intention to continue interaction and develop cooperation was confirmed.
A Chinese delegation visited the Medical University of Turkmenistan
16.04.2026A meeting was held at the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan with a delegation from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, with Rector Tang Zhishu as Head of the delegation. This was reported by TDH. The parties discussed current cooperation in the healthcare sector and prospects for its expansion. An increase in cooperation in medicine and education was noted. Following the negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the establishment of the Turkmen-Chinese Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine. As part of the visit, a ‘Centre for Alternative Medicine’ was opened at the university. The participants familiarised themselves with its facilities and areas of work. The delegation was shown an exhibition on the national healthcare system, including information on medicinal plants and medical infrastructure. Tang Zhishu, Rector of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their readiness to further develop cooperation in the fields of medicine and staff training.
A delegation from the People's Republic of China visited the Charitable Foundation in Arkadag
16.04.2026On 15 April, a delegation from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, led by Rector Tang Zhishu, visited the headquarters of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship in the city of Arkadag as part of their visit to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. A meeting was held with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Fund for Medical Activities. Issues relating to the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare, including paediatrics and rehabilitation, were discussed. The significance of the memorandum signed between the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine on the establishment of the Turkmen-Chinese Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine was noted. The parties emphasised the potential for expanding cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and healthcare. Special mention was made of the activities of the Charitable Foundation aimed at the treatment and support of children. The delegation visited the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, where they familiarised themselves with the medical services and equipment. The use of comprehensive treatment methods, including modern technologies and therapeutic physical education, was highlighted. The guests also visited the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, where they were introduced to the possibilities of hippotherapy and the activities of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group. Following the visit, the parties expressed their readiness to further develop cooperation and implement the agreements reached.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Italian Ambassador
16.04.2026On 15 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Martin Brook, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Turkmenistan, who presented his credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by TDH. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. The Head of State congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and reaffirmed his interest in developing cooperation. The parties noted the importance of cooperation with European Union member states, including Italy. They emphasised cooperation within the framework of the UN, the EU and the OSCE, as well as the significance of the ‘Central Asia–Italy’ format. Prospects for partnership in the trade, economic, energy, transport, logistics and agricultural sectors were discussed. Cooperation with the Italian company ENI, which is implementing projects in Turkmenistan, was noted. The transport and logistics sector was identified as a priority, including the development of the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ international corridors. Issues of cooperation in education, science and culture were also discussed, including collaboration in archaeology and interest in learning the Italian language. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
16.04.2026On 15 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Lee Won-jae, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, who presented his credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The diplomat conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, and noted the high level of bilateral relations. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and reaffirmed his interest in the further development of cooperation. The parties emphasised that cooperation takes place both at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. The significance of the upcoming ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Cooperation Forum was noted. The Republic of Korea was described as an important economic partner of Turkmenistan. Cooperation with Korean companies was highlighted, including with ‘Daewoo’, which is implementing projects in the chemical industry. Prospects for cooperation in industry, science and education were also discussed. The activities of the King Sejong Korean Language Education Centre in Ashgabat were highlighted. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Hero Arkadag held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China
16.04.2026On 15 April, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, who had arrived on a visit at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the high level of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation and discussed its current state and prospects. The role of high-level visits in strengthening the strategic partnership was emphasised. It was noted that the countries coordinate their positions on the international stage, including cooperation within the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ framework, and support each other’s initiatives. The focus is on developing cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, fuel-energy, transport-logistics and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The fuel and energy sector was highlighted separately. Projects to supply Turkmen gas to China are continuing, including the development of the next phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field in partnership with CNPC. The prospects for cooperation within the framework of linking the ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’ initiative with the ‘Belt and Road’ project were also discussed, as well as the development of cooperation in industry, agriculture and high technology. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to further expand the partnership. Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Chinese relations.
Turkmenistan and ICMPD discussed the development of migration policy
15.04.2026During its visit to Vienna, a delegation from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Susanne Raab, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of integrated border management, the digitalisation of migration processes and the improvement of migration policy. They also discussed Turkmenistan’s participation in the BOMCA programme and regional platforms, including the Prague and Budapest processes. The importance of expanding cooperation through training, data exchange and pilot projects was also emphasised. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to promote safe and orderly migration and to continue working together on specific initiatives.
A Turkmen delegation is taking part in a border security conference in Vienna
15.04.2026A delegation led by the Deputy Head of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan is taking part in the World Congress on Border Security, which began on 14 April in Vienna. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum highlights systematic efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the field of border security, improve border management within the framework of regional initiatives, and introduce modern technological solutions and innovative approaches into the border control system. The congress will run until 17 April.
Turkmenistan and Lithuania are strengthening their cooperation with the European Union
15.04.2026A meeting took place in Brussels between Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, and Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the EU. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the European Union and expressed an interest in expanding it, according to IIC. The interlocutors noted the need to intensify political contacts, expand practical cooperation and improve the legal framework. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the ‘Global Gateway’ initiative. The priority areas identified were the development of transport connectivity, ensuring energy security, creating sustainable infrastructure and addressing climate issues. It was noted that cooperation in these areas contributes to the region’s economic development. The state of Turkmen-Lithuanian relations was also discussed. The parties confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation at the bilateral level and with European Union institutions.
Turkmenistan has called for the depoliticisation of the energy sector and global security
15.04.2026The escalating tensions in the Middle East are heightening the risks to global and regional stability. Turkmenistan’s position on these issues was outlined by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in an interview during his visit to Austria. This was reported by Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, the visit to Austria confirmed the development of bilateral cooperation. The countries are cooperating in the fields of energy, transport, healthcare and the promotion of ‘green’ technologies. The role of cultural exchange was also highlighted. During the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, proposals were put forward to strengthen energy security. These included the interdependence of state security, the depoliticisation of the energy sector and the expansion of international cooperation. The interview paid particular attention to the situation in the Middle East. The Turkmen side expressed concern over a possible escalation and the risks of the use of weapons of mass destruction, which could affect the environment and the socio-economic situation in the region. Turkmenistan’s position on the Caspian region was also highlighted. The inadmissibility of military activity contrary to the provisions of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which establishes it as a zone of peace and cooperation, was emphasised. Turkmenistan consistently advocates the resolution of conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means and participates in international arms control initiatives.
The Italian Ambassador presented copies of his credentials in Ashgabat
15.04.2026On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Martin Brook, the new Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan. The diplomat presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him every success in his work. He noted the importance of developing Turkmen-Italian cooperation. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the reception and stated his readiness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries. The parties reaffirmed the consistent nature of their relations and emphasised the importance of regular contacts at various levels. In this context, the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic in October 2025 was noted. Areas of cooperation in the trade, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. Particular mention was made of cooperation within the UN framework and the significance of the archaeological exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’, which took place last year in Rome. The parties also expressed their support for the continuation of business forums involving the business communities of both countries.
Turkmenistan and the WHO discussed the development of their partnership in the health sector
15.04.2026On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Egor Zaitsev, Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. They discussed the current cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WHO and its development in key areas. They also reviewed the outcomes of the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, which took place in Ashgabat in February. It was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan and the WHO. The parties also discussed joint activities planned for this year. At the conclusion of the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation and implementing joint projects in the field of public health.
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