On 8 April, consultations on consular matters were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo. During the meeting, topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation between consular services and emphasised the importance of regular consultations for studying best practices and further intensifying cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving and updating the legal framework. The participants confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening their partnership across the full spectrum of consular matters.
On 5 April, the first meeting of the ‘Afghanistan – Central Asia’ Consultative Dialogue took place in Kabul. The Turkmen delegation was led by Hoja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed opportunities and challenges in Afghanistan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia, the expansion of economic and transit cooperation, and the development of a roadmap for regional integration. H. Ovezov outlined Turkmenistan’s practical steps to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy. The parties supported the continuation of the Consultative Dialogue and expressed interest in joint projects aimed at the country’s reconstruction and its integration into global economic ties.
On 6 April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Hakan Fidan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues relating to bilateral partnership, as well as regional and international matters. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within international organisations and participation in major international forums and meetings.
On 6 April, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, R. Meredov, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea, Lee Won-jae. The diplomat presented copies of his credentials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his work to develop bilateral relations. It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches importance to its partnership with the Republic of Korea. The role of high-level contacts in developing political dialogue was emphasised. The parties confirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation on international platforms and to intensify inter-parliamentary ties. Opportunities for expanding trade and economic cooperation and developing contacts between business communities were discussed. Prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the fields of education and sport, were also considered. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to support the Ambassador’s activities.
On 6 April, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation. The discussion covered political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian contacts. It was noted separately that the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ashgabat in March creates additional opportunities for the development of cooperation. The participants also exchanged views on the regional agenda.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the nation on World Health Day, highlighting the importance of the occasion in strengthening social cohesion and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The address emphasised that the country’s development is linked to improving the quality of life for the population, as well as to strengthening the healthcare, education, sport and culture sectors. It was noted that programmes to develop mass physical culture and sport are being implemented in Turkmenistan, and modern infrastructure is being created. Sports facilities, medical centres and sanatoriums have been commissioned across the country. The Head of State highlighted Turkmenistan’s participation in the international sports movement and the development of cooperation with international organisations. He emphasised the country’s contribution to promoting initiatives within the framework of the UN, including resolutions in the field of sport and sustainable development. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the citizens health, well-being and success.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of World Health Day, according to the online news portal Asmannews. The message highlights the significance of the occasion for promoting mass sport and reinforcing the principles of a healthy lifestyle. It emphasises the role of sporting events held in the country and the achievements made in the field of healthcare. It highlights the implementation of the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme and the ongoing modernisation of the healthcare system. Construction of medical and health facilities continues across the regions, the range of services is expanding, and primary healthcare is being improved. The document also highlights the adoption of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy for 2026–2052. It reports on the construction in Ashgabat of the International Paediatric, Oncology and Dental Centres, as well as the new ‘Arçman’ sanatorium complex. Particular attention is paid to the development of international cooperation with relevant UN bodies and the implementation of joint projects in the field of healthcare. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the President good health, a long life and further success in his public service.
On 4 April, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag, where he inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of development. This was reported by IIC. The inspection began at the headquarters of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. There, plans for the modernisation of children’s facilities were presented. Plans are in place to create an observatory and install a telescope at the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. The ‘Jahan’ Creative Centre will be expanded and transformed into a creative and sports centre featuring fitness rooms, Pilates and yoga studios, language labs and marketing studios. It was also reported that doctors from China are planning a visit to exchange expertise. At the State Medical University, following the recommendation of Hero Arkadag, a department of alternative medicine will be established. Particular attention was paid to the construction of the city’s main mosque, designed to accommodate 30,000 people. Issues regarding the design and selection of interior elements were discussed, taking into account the city’s architectural character. In addition, the construction of the city administration building was inspected. It will be equipped with digital systems and a press centre for media operations.
On 3 April, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in key areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and implementing joint infrastructure and energy projects. In addition, the parties explored opportunities to boost interaction between the business communities of the two countries, including the holding of industrial and agricultural exhibitions in Turkmenistan and Pakistan in 2026.
The first quarter of 2026 was a period of intense activity for Turkmen diplomacy. At a government meeting on 3 April, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on key developments. This was reported by TDH. In February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the United States of America, and in March, the People’s Republic of China. Ashgabat has confirmed its status as an international hub: over the past three months, the country has been visited by nearly 160 foreign delegations. The presence of Middle Eastern countries is expanding – the Iraqi Embassy has opened in the capital of Turkmenistan. Inter-parliamentary ties are also being strengthened. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan held meetings with colleagues from Pakistan and Mongolia, and, in conjunction with a UN fund, organised a conference on gender equality. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further developing equal cooperation with all international organisations.
Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, has highlighted Ashgabat’s positive role in ensuring stability in the region. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, in the current situation, cooperation between neighbouring countries, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus, remains crucial. He noted that the provision of humanitarian aid by Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reflects strong regional ties. The diplomat emphasised the special role of Turkmenistan, which shares a border of around 1,200 kilometres with Iran. According to him, Turkmenistan, adhering to the principle of ‘permanent and positive neutrality’, has from the outset advocated a peaceful settlement through dialogue and has taken steps to facilitate the movement of citizens and the reunification of families. He also noted that the cultural and historical proximity of the two nations contributes to the attention paid by Turkmen society to events in Iran and confirms the development of good-neighbourly relations.ф
On 3 April, a meeting took place at the I. Kutateladze Institute of Pharmacochemistry between D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, and M. Sarjveladze, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was also attended by I. Natroshvili, Rector of Tbilisi State University, and M. Getia, Director of the Institute of Pharmacochemistry. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, medical research and the introduction of technologies in healthcare. Particular attention was paid to the study of medicinal plants and the development of phytotherapy. The role of scientific research into plant components in the creation of safe and effective medicines was emphasised. In this context, mention was made of the 17-volume publication by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’, dedicated to the properties and use of plants in medicine. The participants confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation between relevant institutions. Following the meeting, the Ambassador was given a tour of the institute. He was shown the equipment and current research projects.