On 15 August, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a ceremony to mark the 79th anniversary of India's Independence Day. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The ceremony was opened by Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, who raised the national flag and addressed those present. The programme also featured the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ (‘Flag in Every Home’) initiative, aimed at strengthening respect for state symbols. The ceremony was attended by diplomatic mission staff, representatives of the Indian diaspora and residents of Turkmenistan, who expressed their solidarity with the Indian people. Independence Day, celebrated annually on 15 August, is one of India's main public holidays and symbolises its liberation from British colonial rule in 1947.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Batyr Rejepov, held a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Astana, Sarango Radna. This was reported by the online publication Arzuw News. The parties discussed the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), held on 5-8 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN and the role of the forum, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. During the conference, key issues of the global economy and prospects for their resolution were discussed. Following the meeting, the diplomats exchanged views on possible joint initiatives, emphasising that the results of the forum create new opportunities for the development of international transport links.
From 5 to 8 August, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The conference included a Youth Forum, which discussed issues of sustainable development, digitalisation and the fight against climate change, according to the state news agency TDH. The forum became a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, confirming the significant role of the younger generation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants adopted the Declaration ‘Building Bridges for LLDC Futures,’ which provides for the expansion of youth rights, the development of dialogue platforms, science, education and innovation. The document pays special attention to supporting youth entrepreneurship, digital trade, green technologies and the modernisation of transport infrastructure. It emphasises the importance of inclusion, human rights and youth participation in decision-making. Turkmenistan is actively developing youth initiatives, including the creation of the ‘Youth Dialogue of Central Asian States’ and support for start-ups. The country is implementing programmes in the fields of education, digitalisation, ecology and sport. Young people are involved in projects to develop entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental protection, contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
On 15 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan Hamad bin Rashid bin Hamad Al-Azbi. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the interlocutors reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, paying particular attention to cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The diplomats of the two countries noted the constructive nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar and expressed mutual interest in further strengthening their partnership.
Today, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held negotiations with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan Ahmed Al-Hai Hamad Khamis Al-Hameli. This was reported on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the diplomats discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue. At the end of the meeting, mutual interest was expressed in further developing partnership relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The VIII Central Asian Expert Forum ‘Central Asia – a common space of trust, security and sustainable development’ is being held in Tashkent on 14-15 August. Turkmenistan is represented at the event by experts from the Scientific Centre for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the forum, Bekdurdy Amansaryev, an expert at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, delivered a substantive report, highlighting Turkmenistan's significant contribution to the development of regional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the country's role in ensuring stability and security, developing transport and logistics infrastructure, resolving water and energy issues, and implementing environmental initiatives. B. Amansaryev noted that Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality serves as a reliable basis for constructive dialogue and peacekeeping initiatives in Central Asia. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to continue actively participating in regional integration processes, offering concrete solutions to strengthen cooperation between the countries of Central Asia. The forum became an important platform for exchanging views and developing joint approaches to addressing pressing issues of regional development. The participation of the Turkmen delegation demonstrated the country's commitment to the principles of good-neighbourliness and mutually beneficial partnership.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday – Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development and strengthening of Turkmen-Indian relations, expressing readiness to further expand bilateral cooperation and achieve new milestones in this direction. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President and Prime Minister of India good health and success, and the people of the country peace, well-being and prosperity.
On 14 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Hiroshi Sasaki, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the importance of high-level visits, which contribute to the strengthening of inter-state relations. In this context, the diplomats reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings in both bilateral and multilateral formats, confirming their intention to develop constructive dialogue between Turkmenistan and Japan.
On 14 August, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the participants expressed satisfaction with the high level of Turkmen-Chinese relations, which are developing in various promising areas. Particular attention was paid to the importance of regular high-level contacts, which play a key role in deepening the partnership between the two countries. In addition, the diplomats discussed the organisation of upcoming visits and events to be held in bilateral and multilateral formats.
On 13 August, a meeting was held at the Permanent Mission of the United Nations in Tajikistan between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, Aymyrat Gochmyradov, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Ramaswamy Parvati. This was reported by the online publication ArzuwNews. The interlocutors noted Turkmenistan's active participation in the work of the UN and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of neutrality, peaceful coexistence and preventive diplomacy. They discussed joint activities within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In addition, the parties discussed the organisation of an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the participation of young people, the diplomatic corps and international organisations, where the role of neutrality and preventive diplomacy in ensuring peace and sustainable development will be emphasised.
The Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, approved by the UN General Assembly, is an updated plan to support 32 landlocked developing countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme builds on the experience of the Vienna Programme of Action for 2014–2024 and aims to accelerate development by simplifying trade, strengthening transport connectivity, introducing technological innovations, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening international cooperation. The document covers the structural transformation of economies, the development of science and technology, the reduction of trade and transit costs, the modernisation of transport infrastructure and improved access to the sea, as well as adaptation to climate change and the mobilisation of financial and institutional resources. The programme provides for productivity growth, industrial and service development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, investment in quality education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and gender equality. Particular attention is paid to international partnerships, including ‘North-South’ and ‘South-South’ formats, as well as digital transformation as a tool for integration into the global economy. Its successful implementation requires concerted efforts by governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society to remove structural constraints, enhance the competitiveness of these countries and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the entire people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday – Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to friendly relations with Pakistan and is confident of their further steady development for the benefit of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the high level of inter-state cooperation, which is being consistently strengthened and improved, expressing confidence in its further successful and mutually beneficial development. Taking the opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan wished the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability and prosperity.