Policy
Turkmenistan to host UN Special Programme for Central Asian Economies Week
17.01.2026Turkmenistan will host the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week, which will include an economic forum, meetings of relevant working groups and bilateral meetings, according to the state news agency TDH. This was announced on 16 January during a government meeting by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov. During the events, participants will discuss expanding cooperation in the fields of economics, energy, water resources and environmental protection. Particular attention will be paid to improving the efficiency of energy and transport connectivity in the region. In addition, the programme includes discussions on improving digital trade and economic corridors using UN standards. SPECA brings together five Central Asian countries and operates under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Turkmenistan and Armenia discussed the development of business cooperation in Yerevan
17.01.2026On 15 January, a business meeting was held in Yerevan with the participation of representatives of government agencies and business circles of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Armenia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by companies operating in the textile and food industries, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, jewellery and tourism. Speeches were made by N. Karamanukyan, Vice-President of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Armenia, B. Arazov, member of the board of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, and Edgar Zakaryan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. They touched upon issues of bilateral trade, business conditions and investment attraction. Participants were also given presentations on business and investment opportunities in Turkmenistan and Armenia. During the meeting, bilateral negotiations were held between company representatives on expanding cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Ambassador of India
15.01.2026On 14 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev met with Indian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed ways to intensify trade and economic cooperation and expand mutual trade. The priorities of the negotiations were the textile industry, logistics, the digital economy, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Particular attention was paid to new joint projects that could open up additional opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries. The Indian Ambassador confirmed his readiness for deeper cooperation and emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan for India's foreign policy. The Turkmen side noted the high level of trust between the countries and expressed confidence that the agreements reached would strengthen bilateral industrial dialogue.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for upcoming visits
15.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Beata Peksa, the European Union's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, was held on 14 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for upcoming visits at the high levels. In addition, an exchange of views was held on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The meeting also discussed the implementation of current and future joint projects in the fields of high technology, transport, economics, energy, environmental protection and vocational education.
Turkmen services rescued the crew of a dry cargo ship in the Caspian Sea
15.01.2026On 14 January 2026, the coast guard of Turkmenistan received an SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was in distress in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In accordance with international maritime regulations, the Turkmenistan state authorities involved in responding to emergencies took measures to rescue the crew. As a result of the operation, all 14 people on board were rescued. According to preliminary data, they are citizens of Iran and India. The Turkmen side is currently carrying out the procedures required by international rules.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received a congratulatory letter from the President of Ireland
14.01.2026President of the Republic of Ireland Catherine Connolly sent a congratulatory letter to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In her message, the President of Ireland wished the President of Turkmenistan happiness and joy, and expressed her hope that the Christmas and New Year holidays would bring peace and prosperity to the peoples.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed issues of bilateral cooperation
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest. They also considered specific topics on the regional and international agenda. Particular attention was paid to further steps to implement the agreements in 2026. In addition, issues of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran were discussed.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed cooperation plans for 2026
13.01.2026On 12 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan Gismet Gozalov. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of high-level visits, as well as meetings between the leaders and representatives of the two countries. Preparations for events planned for the current year were discussed. These include the next meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Ashgabat. The prospects for the development of cultural and humanitarian ties were also discussed. It was noted that Azerbaijan Culture Days are planned to be held in Turkmenistan in 2026. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports, taking into account the thematic focus of the current year.
Ashgabat discusses cooperation with the United Nations Regional Centre
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Nations, including within the framework of the implementation of UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in 2025 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The participants of the meeting summed up the results of cooperation over the past year and discussed plans for 2026. They considered issues related to the implementation of regional programmes and projects involving all five Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN. The initiative was announced on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat at the International Forum and enshrined in the Ashgabat Declaration, distributed as an official document of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties agreed to continue joint work in the areas outlined.
Turkmenistan and Turkey strengthen cooperation on migration
12.01.2026On 8 January, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmen-Turkish relations have acquired a new quality in recent years, and bilateral cooperation is developing on an ongoing basis. The parties discussed the prospects and opportunities for cooperation in the field of migration, identifying key areas for further cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the countries in the field of migration and wished for success in the continuation of work in this direction.
Turkmenistan approves the foreign policy work plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026
12.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov presented the draft Work Plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plan was prepared in accordance with the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028 and the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, announced at an expanded government meeting on 6 December 2025. The document provides for measures to strengthen political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with foreign countries, implement the international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, including at sessions of the UN General Assembly, and cooperate with international financial and economic structures. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with economic organisations such as the WTO, OECD, IEA, IRENA, as well as joint projects with UNCTAD, ESCAP and UNECE. After hearing the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality and is aimed at ensuring universal well-being. The Head of State approved the Foreign Affairs Ministry's plan for 2026 and instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to implement it.
India is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of IT and education
11.01.2026India considers Turkmenistan a close partner in its wider neighbourhood and is ready to share its experience in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and education. This was stated by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking World Hindi Day in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. The Diplomat noted that Turkmenistan and India are linked by historical relations and common regional interests, including their proximity to Afghanistan. He recalled that India recognised Turkmenistan's independence in 1991 and was one of the first countries to open an embassy in Ashgabat. According to him, active political dialogue is maintained between the countries. Among the significant contacts mentioned were the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to India in 2010, the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Turkmenistan in 2015 and the visit of the President of India in 2022. In 2026, the parties plan to continue high-level exchanges. The Ambassador emphasised India's readiness to share its expertise as one of the world's largest and most dynamically developing economies. He named IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, training and sustainable use of natural resources as promising areas for cooperation. Bandaru Wilsonbabu also thanked the Government of Turkmenistan and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages for their support for the study of Hindi. He noted the interest in Indian culture, including music, dance, yoga, Ayurveda and cinema. The event, timed to coincide with World Hindi Day, which is celebrated on 10 January, brought together representatives of the Indian community, the Turkmen media and guests. The programme featured performances by students of the Institute of World Languages, as well as musical numbers, elements of yoga and Indian cuisine.
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