Policy
A credential presentation ceremony by the Ambassador of Chad was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
22.01.2026Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, accepted the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chad to Turkmenistan, Mahamoud Adam Béchir. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the Head of State, she congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and expressed readiness to develop bilateral relations. The Ambassador thanked her for the reception and conveyed greetings from the leadership of the Republic of Chad to the President of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people. During the meeting, they discussed the structure and activities of the Mejlis, the country's domestic and foreign policy directions, as well as Turkmenistan's interest in cooperation with African states. The parties exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations. The Ambassador confirmed his readiness to promote the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Chad.
The cooperation programme between Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026–2030 was discussed
22.01.2026On 21 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in developing cooperation and their readiness to expand joint programmes and projects. The results of cooperation in 2025 and the importance of opening a FAO office in Turkmenistan for strengthening bilateral ties were noted. They discussed the role of joint regional conferences on food security, taking into account climate change, as a platform for coordination among countries in the region. Special attention was paid to issues of sustainable development, ecology and climate risks. Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries and a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia were highlighted. The development of a new Country Programming Framework for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026-2030 was also discussed. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO on the establishment of an FAO office and the provision of technical assistance.
Cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan reaches a new level
22.01.2026On January 20, a meeting was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the Rector of TSU, O. Ovezsahedov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, N. Nogayev, as well as A. Naimanbayev, Doctor of Philosophy and Director of the Department of Career Guidance and Development of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting was dedicated to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral interaction between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres. The meeting was devoted to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres, as well as potential joint projects. The participants emphasised the importance of strengthening academic ties and expressed their readiness to continue developing the partnership.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a reception on behalf of the President of Slovenia
22.01.2026On 19 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Slovenia, attended a New Year's reception hosted by Natasha Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Robert Golob, Prime Minister, for Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Slovenia on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. E. Aydogdyev conveyed congratulations from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasising the readiness to develop bilateral cooperation. In response, the Slovenian leadership sent New Year greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero Arkadag. As part of the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with Melita Gabrič, State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Political Issues and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The parties discussed topical issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, the organisation of mutual visits, the work of the Inter-governmental Commission and the improvement of the legal framework for relations. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation and the maintenance of regular working contacts. The parties also exchanged views on the regional and international agenda, emphasising constructive cooperation in UN forums.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Director-General of the FAO in Ashgabat
22.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu, according to the online news resource Asmannews. During the meeting, they discussed Turkmenistan's cooperation with the FAO, as well as food security issues in the context of climate change. Qu Dongyu emphasised the organisation's interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan, noting the reforms being carried out in the country's agricultural sector and international environmental initiatives. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the regional conference on food security being held in Turkmenistan, which serves as a platform for the exchange of experience and is supported by the FAO. The Head of State stressed that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy. Turkmenistan is actively involved in initiatives to strengthen global food security, rational management of natural resources and addressing climate and environmental issues. Digital technologies are being introduced in the agricultural sector and the land and water resource management system is being improved. The President said that, with the support of the FAO, projects are being implemented to modernise agriculture, increase productivity and protect crops. Work is also being carried out within the framework of the Green Climate Fund and the ‘One Health’ approach. The parties confirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation and concluded the meeting by exchanging best wishes.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry discussed cooperation with the EU during SPECA Week
22.01.2026On 21 January 2026, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, in Ashgabat. The visit was held as part of SPECA Week, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Particular attention was paid to expanding political and diplomatic dialogue and the legal framework. The possibility of holding high-level meetings and visits in 2026 was considered. Issues of cooperation in the field of transport and the development of partnerships in the field of vocational education were also discussed.
The UN has published documents on international events involving Turkmenistan
22.01.2026The final documents of two international events involving Turkmenistan have been published as official materials of the UN General Assembly and Security Council during the 80th session. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The first document summarises the results of the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development,’ addressing issues of gender equality, expanding international cooperation, and women's contribution to sustainable development. The second document contains the Ashgabat Declaration of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The declaration emphasises the importance of dialogue, trust and neutrality for strengthening peace and stability.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary General of the SCO
21.01.2026On 20 January, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People's Republic of China between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, Parahat Durdyev, and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the SCO. The Ambassador congratulated the Secretary General on the New Year and wished him success in implementing the Organisation's tasks. Parahat Durdyev noted the multifaceted nature of the SCO's work and the high level of interaction with Turkmenistan. He provided information on the events planned by the Turkmen side in 2026, as well as on the preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed his gratitude for the invitation and opportunity to participate in the Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. He also recalled his meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed the potential for developing cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, logistics and humanitarian spheres.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed the participants of the SPECA Economic Forum
21.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed participants at the Economic Forum, which is being held in Ashgabat as part of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum is being held in the capital of Turkmenistan as part of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week. The greeting noted that the event is aimed at developing cooperation between the states participating in the programme. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that the SPECA countries support the expansion of the programme's agenda. These include projects in the fields of e-commerce, digitalisation, ‘green’ growth, energy interconnectivity and transport integration in Eurasia. Turkmenistan, which will chair SPECA in 2025, proposed the creation of an effective regional market for goods, services, investment and innovation. Turkmenistan's international activities in the field of sustainable energy were noted separately. The UN General Assembly adopted three relevant resolutions on the country's initiative. It was also proposed to focus the work of the SPECA profile group on key issues of energy, water resources and ecology. Forum participants will be able to familiarise themselves with Turkmenistan's economic indicators, investment strategy, industrial and innovation policy and the introduction of modern technologies, as well as the country's potential over the years of independence. The address emphasises that during its chairmanship of SPECA, Turkmenistan has put forward initiatives for the sustainable development of the region, including issues relating to the Caspian Sea. The forum is seen as a platform for dialogue, joint decision-making and discussion of the SPECA Development Concept until 2030.
The Ahal-Teke horse complex is being prepared for the Turkmen horse festival
20.01.2026The Turkish company ‘GAP Inşaat’ is modernising the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The facility is being prepared as the main venue for spring events dedicated to the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. The progress of the work was inspected by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reports Infoportal. The project involves the renovation of stables and riding arenas, as well as the redevelopment of transport and engineering infrastructure. A high-speed motorway with reinforced bridges over mud channels and a lighting system is being built to the complex. Thousands of trees are being planted along the route. The buildings of the complex will house sculptures, paintings and screens for broadcasting competitions. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the need to comply with international standards at all stages of construction. After completion, the complex will be used as a multifunctional centre for horse breeding and equestrian sports.
Seasonal work continues in Turkmenistan's agricultural sector
20.01.2026On 19 January, at a working meeting on the development of the agro-industrial complex, Deputy Prime Minister T. Atahallyev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns. This was reported by TerraNews. It was reported that wheat fields are being tended in accordance with agricultural standards. In preparation for cotton sowing, ploughing, harrowing and ridging of the land are being carried out. Cotton ginning enterprises are processing and selecting seed material. Preparations for spring sowing are continuing in the velayats. Land plots are being cultivated, potato and vegetable seeds are being prepared, and agricultural machinery is being serviced. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of agriculture for the country's economy and instructed that measures be taken to further develop the industry, taking into account scientific approaches and best practices.
Turkmenistan and Austria discussed issues of bilateral cooperation
20.01.2026On 19 January, a video conference meeting was held between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The two ministers discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria within international structures, including the UN, EU and OSCE, was noted. The possibilities of organising high-level and senior-level meetings in the current year were considered. Exchanges of views on topical international issues of mutual interest were held as well.
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