Policy
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the President of Bangladesh
26.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the country’s independence. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State wished Mohammed Shahabuddin good health, happiness and prosperity. He also extended his wishes for peace, further progress and prosperity to the people of Bangladesh.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda
26.03.2026On 25 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, held a meeting with Kunimitsu Ayano, Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen diplomat thanked the Japanese side for its assistance in organising the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Japan, which took place in December 2025. He also confirmed Ashgabat’s readiness to host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Turkmenistan at a time convenient for the Japanese side. The interlocutors reviewed the implementation of agreements reached following high-level contacts and discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation. The focus was on political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian contacts, inter-parliamentary cooperation, energy security issues and coordination in multilateral international forums. In addition, Kunimitsu Ayano expressed her gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their assistance in establishing a humanitarian corridor, which ensured the safe evacuation of Japanese citizens from Iran against the backdrop of the current situation in the country.
India intends to strengthen educational cooperation with Turkmenistan
26.03.2026India’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, spoke of the steady development of Turkmen-Indian relations and highlighted their historical foundations. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is based on centuries-old cultural and trade ties, reports the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The diplomat noted that, despite having gained independence relatively recently, India and Turkmenistan have deep historical roots of cooperation. Contacts between the peoples, he said, existed as far back as several millennia ago. Particular attention was paid to humanitarian cooperation. Interest in Indian culture, including cinema, music, yoga and Ayurveda, is growing in Turkmenistan. A Centre for Yoga and Traditional Medicine operates in Ashgabat, a Hindi Corner has been opened at the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and an Ayurveda clinic is in operation at the Turkmen State Medical University named after M. Garryev. Plans include inviting specialists from India to teach Hindi and traditional medicine. This will help to expand academic cooperation. The two sides are developing cooperation in the field of education. Every year, Turkmen students enrol in Indian universities. Consideration is being given to expanding study programmes to meet the needs of the economy, including the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, digital technologies and education. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for supporting bilateral cooperation and confirmed India’s readiness to further develop it.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan met with the Governor of Istanbul
25.03.2026On 24 March, a meeting took place at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey between Consul General O. Jumanazarov and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by IIC. The parties noted the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations based on the principles of friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. Following the meeting, the Governor of Istanbul was presented with a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’.
The visit to China has strengthened cooperation between Ashgabat and Beijing
25.03.2026The friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has given new impetus to bilateral cooperation. The negotiations confirmed the parties’ commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination on the international stage, reports TDH. The parties noted the development of political dialogue and the convergence of approaches to issues of sustainable development, security and international cooperation. The importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ format was emphasised. Key attention was paid to the fuel and energy sector. Projects with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) were discussed, including the further development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field and preparations for new phases of its development. The 20th anniversary of cooperation in the energy sector was marked, including the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline. Prospects for expanding economic ties were considered, including the establishment of joint ventures and the development of trade. Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was highlighted separately, utilising the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the ‘East–West’ corridors. On the humanitarian agenda, discussions covered plans to open the ‘Lu Ban Workshops’ and the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the expansion of educational programmes and academic exchanges. Issues of cooperation in agriculture and ‘green’ energy were addressed, including the introduction of water-saving technologies and modern equipment. Following the negotiations, mutual support for key foreign policy principles was reaffirmed, including the ‘One China’ policy and Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality. An invitation to visit Turkmenistan was extended to the Chinese side, which was accepted. The parties expressed their readiness to further expand their partnership across all areas.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the organisers of ‘Green EXPO 2027’
25.03.2026On 23 March, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with Komura Masato, Secretary-General of the ‘Green EXPO 2027 Yokohama’ International Horticultural Exhibition Association. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s participation in the exhibition, which will take place in Yokohama from 19 March to 26 September 2027. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan has been appointed as the main commission to coordinate the country’s participation in the event. The Japanese side thanked Turkmenistan for its intention to participate and assured that it would provide all necessary support for the country’s successful representation at the exhibition.
Ashgabat and Kampala are preparing for political consultations
25.03.2026On 24 March, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the development of bilateral relations and high-level contacts. They emphasised the significance of the participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August 2025 at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, as well as the Ugandan delegation’s participation in other international events in Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in holding the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministries in the second half of 2026 in Ashgabat. Separately, issues of cooperation within international organisations, including the UN, were discussed, with a focus on peace, security and sustainable development. Prospects for expanding trade and economic ties were considered, including in agriculture and the oil and gas sector. Cooperation in education, science, culture, sport and tourism was also touched upon. Following the meeting, the commitment to further developing the partnership across all areas was reaffirmed.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the President of Greece
25.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, on the occasion of the Hellenic Republic’s Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State wished Konstantinos Tasoulas good health, happiness and prosperity. He extended his wishes for peace, further progress and prosperity to the people of the Hellenic Republic.
Pakistan Day was marked in Ashgabat with a formal ceremony
24.03.2026On 23 March, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Turkmenistan to mark Pakistan Day. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was attended by members of the Pakistani diaspora, Turkmen businesspeople, as well as embassy staff and officials. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The National Flag of Pakistan was raised by the country’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Faryal Leghari, to the strains of the National Anthem. As part of the celebrations, she also read out messages from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Iran held a telephone conversation
24.03.2026On 23 March, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged greetings on the occasion of Nowruz and expressed their best wishes for the well-being of the peoples of both countries. The Iranian Foreign Minister thanked the Turkmen side for the humanitarian aid sent on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation to children in Iran, noting its significance as a gesture of support.
The Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and the United States discussed bilateral cooperation
24.03.2026On 23 March, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to the outcome of the visit to the US in February this year by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and China discussed the implementation of the agreements reached
23.03.2026On 23 March, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation. The main focus was on the results of the recent visit to the People’s Republic of China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during which a meeting took place with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The diplomats also exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached.
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