Policy
The Hero Arkadag's visit to the United States of America has begun
17.02.2026On 16 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, began his visit to the United States of America. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. Early in the morning, Hero Arkadag departed from Ashgabat, heading to the capital's International Airport, from where he flew to the United States. It is noted that Turkmen-American cooperation is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect and covers a wide range of areas. In recent years, bilateral relations have shown steady progress, including in the business sector. A number of large American companies involved in agriculture and industry are participating in joint projects in Turkmenistan. It is noted that interest from US business circles in investment projects in Turkmenistan continues to grow. This opens up new opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. The visit of the Hero Arkadag to the United States is seen as an important event of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is intended to contribute to the further development of constructive inter-state relations. The visit continues.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe
17.02.2026On 16 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organisation's Regional Office for Europe, who is in the country on a working visit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the meeting, the guest presented the Head of State with a special WHO award ‘For contribution to the promotion of peace, unity and diplomacy in health care.’ As noted, this award was given for Turkmenistan's consistent efforts to strengthen international solidarity, develop cooperation with the UN and WHO, and promote diplomacy in the field of global health. Hans Kluge also congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the country's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and on the declaration of this year as the Year of Health Protection in the Commonwealth. Expressing his gratitude for the high assessment, the Head of State noted that he considers the award to be recognition of the work carried out in the Turkmenistan healthcare system and the results achieved in this area. The President emphasised the importance of the upcoming international seminar ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’, in which Hans Kluge will participate. According to him, the forum will be an effective platform for exchanging views and discussing prospects for cooperation. During the meeting, it was confirmed that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to cooperation with authoritative international structures, primarily with the UN and its specialised agencies, including the WHO. Public health remains one of the priorities of the country's state policy. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further expand their partnership and exchanged best wishes.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand held a series of key meetings
17.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, held a meeting with Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the need to intensify high-level visits and create an inter-governmental mechanism for interaction. The organisation of consultations between Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers in Bangkok was considered. Particular attention was paid to the planned visit of the King of Thailand to Turkmenistan, for which the Turkmen side is ready to jointly work out organisational and protocol issues. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to maintain regular contacts between their foreign ministries. On 13 February, M. Mashalov held a meeting with the Vice-President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Supareck Chomchan. The Ambassador informed him about the activities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, noting the priorities: development of entrepreneurship, interaction with state bodies and promotion of products to foreign markets. During the negotiations, it was emphasised that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan actively supports national producers and organises international conferences and exhibitions. The Thai side expressed its readiness to contribute to the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation. On the same day, the Ambassador met with the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalug. They discussed issues of cooperation in the field of migration, including the fight against illegal migration, offences and the protection of persons in need of support. The parties agreed to maintain regular contact to further develop cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
16.02.2026On 15 February, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, held a meeting with Ahmad bin Hitmi AL-Hitmi, Chairman of the Turkmen-Qatari Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the Consultative Council of the State of Qatar. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the conversation, the Diplomat emphasised that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan, and also provided information about planned international events and scientific forums dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, issues of intensifying cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Lithuania on the national holiday
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and the people of the country on the occasion of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State wished the Lithuanian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Lithuania peace, stability and further development. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Lithuania were established in 1992. Both states are actively developing cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Serbia
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the Serbian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Serbia peace, stability and further development. It should be recalled that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Serbia established diplomatic relations in 1996.
Head of the MFA announces dynamic progress in Turkmen-Japanese partnership
15.02.2026Turkmen-Japanese relations are actively developing in the political, economic and cultural spheres, said Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov at a reception on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the countries have achieved significant success in strengthening their partnership based on trust and respect. The Minister emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue during the meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Emperor and Prime Minister in Tokyo in 2025. R. Meredov noted the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the opening of ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, where the Turkmenistan pavilion became one of the most visited, receiving more than two million guests. He also highly appreciated the contribution of Japanese companies, including ‘Hitachi’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’ and ‘Toyota’, to the country's economic development. Cultural cooperation is also actively developing: Japanese is taught at six universities and twelve schools in Turkmenistan, and more than 15,000 citizens of the country are studying it today.
Japanese Ambassador notes dynamic development of relations with Turkmenistan
15.02.2026Two meetings between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Japanese Emperor Naruhito in 2025 testify to the high level of bilateral relations. This was stated by Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki at a formal reception on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor's birthday, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The President of Turkmenistan visited Japan twice during the year — in April to participate in the ‘EXPO 2025’ exhibition in Osaka and in December as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit. The Diplomat emphasised that Serdar Berdimuhamedov's two meetings with Emperor Naruhito in one year are extremely rare and reflect the special nature of relations between the two countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted significant progress in the implementation of joint projects and announced the Embassy's plans to intensify its work in 2026, including in the areas of business, Japanese language learning and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of the UNODC programme was discussed in Turkmenistan
15.02.2026A national coordination meeting organised within the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme and for the control of passenger and freight transport was held at the Central Office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The participants reviewed the progress of the programme's implementation in Turkmenistan in 2025, identified the key needs of the relevant structures, and agreed on areas of cooperation for the first half of 2026. During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of further developing interdepartmental cooperation in the field of passenger and freight transport control and exchanged views on practical issues related to the implementation of the initiative.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international ties in 2025
14.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has made 15 state, official, and working visits to countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov announced at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 13. This was reported by TDH. The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that during the year, the tasks of the Concept of Foreign Policy of a Neutral State for 2022-2028 were implemented, and partnerships with international organisations were strengthened. In 2025, the country held 573 online meetings and 2,794 official negotiations with foreign states and international structures, and the international legal framework was supplemented with 264 documents. Inter-ministerial consultations and meetings were held with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation. Letters of credence were presented to new ambassadors to Turkmenistan from 19 countries, and Turkmenistan sent 13 ambassadors and two consuls abroad. Fourteen meetings of bilateral inter-governmental commissions and major international events were organised, including the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Conference on the Role of Women in Modern Society. Particular attention was paid to the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.
The President of Turkmenistan summarised the economic results and outlined the objectives for 2026
14.02.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov summed up the country's performance in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. The Head of State noted that significant progress had been made due to the hard work of the people in the International Year of Peace and Trust, all planned targets had been met, and the pace of economic development remained high, reports AsmanNews. According to the President of Turkmenistan, GDP growth was 6.3%, with industry adding 1.8%, trade 9.6% and agriculture 7%. The volume of investment increased by 6%, and about 7,000 new jobs were created in large and medium-sized enterprises. Over the past year, 116 industrial and socio-cultural facilities and 645,000 square metres of housing were commissioned. Construction of the second phase of the Arkadag ‘smart’ city continued, and farmers ensured the country's food security. As part of international activities, a number of events were held to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's legal status of neutrality. On International Neutrality Day, a forum was held with the participation of Heads of State and leaders of international organisations, at which important resolutions and documents were adopted that strengthened the country's authority. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that 2026 has been declared ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This motto sets the direction for work and places responsibility on all members of the Cabinet of Ministers and participants in the meeting. It inspires us to enhance the country's authority and further prosperity of the Motherland, the Head of State emphasised. In accordance with the Socio-Economic Development and Investment Programme for 2026, it is planned to commission more than 900,000 square metres of housing, open general education institutions with 3,380 places and pre-school institutions with 1,080 places. Construction of new residential areas, shopping centres, public service buildings, as well as cultural and medical facilities will begin in the capital and velayats. Among them are the International Paediatrics Centre, the Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre, the Dental Centre, and the Archman sanatorium complex with 400 places. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that a number of international events related to the motto of the year will be held during the year. A State Organising Committee has been set up to ensure a high level of preparation and implementation of all planned events. The Head of State also noted that the programme for 2026 includes a huge amount of work. He expressed confidence that through united and selfless work, together with the people, all the planned milestones and goals will be achieved.
Turkmenistan and Romania aim to deepen inter-state relations
13.02.2026On 11 February, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Romania, A. Annayev, met with the State Secretary of the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ana Tinca, at the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Romanian relations, noting their steady development based on mutual respect and trust. They emphasised their mutual interest in further strengthening political dialogue. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the trade, economic and transport spheres, inter-parliamentary relations, as well as consular cooperation issues. The parties confirmed their readiness to make more active use of existing dialogue mechanisms. In addition, issues of multilateral cooperation and Turkmenistan's international initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security and sustainable development were discussed. Following the meeting, mutual openness to further expansion of cooperation and continuation of constructive dialogue was confirmed.
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