News
The President of Turkmenistan confirmed the course towards strategic partnership with Japan
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the First ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which took place in Tokyo. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State said that the summit is seen as a starting point for renewing and deepening relations between Central Asian countries and Japan, taking into account current geo-economic and political realities and Asia's growing role in the world. It was noted that the format of the high-level dialogue confirms the parties' readiness for long-term and sustainable partnership. Turkmenistan advocated holding the summit on a regular basis and expressed its readiness to work actively within the framework of the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to economic and investment cooperation. Turkmenistan's interest in expanding the participation of Japanese business in the development of the region was emphasised. The experience of joint work with ‘Itochu’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’, ‘Toyo’, ‘Sojitz’, ‘Komatsu’, ‘Toyota’ and other companies in the gas, chemical, energy, transport and water management sectors was noted. ‘Green’ transformation was named among the priority areas. Turkmenistan confirmed its commitment to energy conservation, methane emission reduction and the development of renewable energy sources, including hydrogen energy. The importance of cooperation on the climate agenda, including the initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Central Asia, as well as the development of ‘green diplomacy,’ was highlighted separately. The Head of State emphasised the priority of transport and transit connectivity. He noted the implementation, using Turkmenistan's own funds, of projects such as the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, the construction of airports, railways and motorways connecting Turkmenistan with neighbouring countries. The humanitarian agenda was also touched upon. Turkmenistan proposed establishing a ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum and creating a permanent platform for dialogue between women in Central Asia and Japan. The President reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of neutrality, peaceful settlement and the UN Charter, and put forward an initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. In conclusion, it was emphasised that the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ dialogue is seen as a long-term and practice-oriented mechanism for cooperation that meets the interests of the participating countries.
Turkmenistan initiated the creation of the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit, where he proposed the creation of a ‘Central Asia – Japan’ youth forum and a permanent platform for ‘Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Japan’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, human capacity development is a key area of cooperation. Forum participants discussed strengthening energy supply chains, developing the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, introducing AI into industry, investing in hydrogen energy, and cultural and academic exchanges. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration and a Joint Ministerial Statement on Economic and Energy Issues.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has concluded his visit to Japan and returned to Ashgabat
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has completed his working visit to Japan and returned to Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the information programme ‘Watan’. On the last day of his visit, the Head of State took part in the first ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit and held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A joint press statement was published following the meeting. The President of Turkmenistan's plane landed at Ashgabat International Airport, where Serdar Berdimuhamedov was met by officials.
Turkmenistan invites Japanese companies to investment partnership
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has announced his country's readiness to offer Japanese businesses favourable conditions for long-term investment. He made the announcement in Tokyo during a meeting with the heads of leading Japanese companies, according to TDH. The Head of State outlined the priority areas for cooperation. These include energy, including renewable sources, transport and logistics, high-tech and environmentally-oriented production, water resource management, infrastructure modernisation and personnel training. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted Turkmenistan's readiness to promote Japanese technologies and products in the domestic market. The key areas include mechanical engineering, electronics and the chemical industry. At the end of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan confirmed his intention to expand partnership with Japan and provide long-term support to Japanese businesses. Following the negotiations, a number of bilateral documents on the development of economic and technological cooperation were signed.
Turkmenistan has proposed waste processing projects to Japan
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with representatives of the Japanese business community in Tokyo. During the negotiations, he proposed developing a project to build a plant for processing household and construction waste, according to TDH. The Head of State noted that the project aims to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills through sorting, recycling, and reuse. The President emphasised that Turkmenistan is focused on updating its economic model. Among the priorities are industrialisation, ‘green’ transition, energy diversification and the development of transport and logistics links. It was noted that there are opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in these areas. During the meeting, the role of Japanese business in the implementation of major projects in Turkmenistan was noted. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also proposed considering projects to improve wastewater treatment and build mini-plants for recycling PET bottles and household appliances.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined priorities at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov named the ‘green’ transition, hydrogen energy and transport connectivity as priorities for multilateral cooperation at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit in Tokyo. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the electronic newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The summit was attended by the leaders of five Central Asian states. In his speech, the Head of State focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation. He noted the experience of cooperation with Japanese companies ITOCHU, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Sumitomo, Toyo, Sojitz, Komatsu and Toyota. Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed to the resource potential of the countries in the region for deepening partnership with Japan. Other priorities include human capital development, cooperation in education, and teaching Japanese to young people. The summit participants discussed the further development of the six-party format, including political dialogue, interregional cooperation, business ties, and humanitarian exchanges.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Prime Minister of Japan in Tokyo
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. The negotiations were held within the framework of the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the electronic newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of bilateral relations and further cooperation in the political, diplomatic and economic spheres. The Head of State noted the participation of Japanese businesses, financial institutions and relevant agencies in the economy of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to accelerating the implementation of joint projects to create new production facilities. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to expand cooperation in the field of ‘green’ transition, including renewable energy sources and hydrogen technologies. Interest in developing ties in science, education, culture, youth policy and sport was also confirmed.
Turkmenistan emphasised the role of neutrality at the OSCE meeting in Vienna
20.12.2025On 18 December 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan spoke at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, noting the significance of International Neutrality Day, which is celebrated annually on 12 December. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The speech emphasised that neutrality contributes to strengthening trust, preventing conflicts, dialogue and cooperation, which is particularly relevant in the current regional and global context. The Turkmen side reported on the results of the High-Level International Conference in Ashgabat on dialogue, preventive diplomacy and comprehensive security. The delegation also noted the recent visit of OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu to Ashgabat, who confirmed his readiness for further cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, regional interconnectedness and environmental security. Turkmenistan expressed its hope for continued attention to the ideas of neutrality and positive non-alignment in the future, including during the Swiss Chairmanship in 2026, and thanked the Finnish Chairmanship for its work in 2025. In conclusion, the delegation expressed its readiness to continue promoting the values of neutrality, Peace and Trust within the OSCE and beyond.
Turkmenistan expands partnerships with foreign companies
20.12.2025During the working visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Tokyo, the parties signed an extensive package of bilateral documents. The agreements were reached following negotiations between representatives of Turkmenistan and Japan, according to AsmanNews. Head of State held meetings with the Heads of ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Muroosystems Corporation’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Tokyo Boeki Eurasia Limited’, ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’, ‘ARGONAVT Corporation’, ‘Çalık Holding’ and ‘Gap Inşaat ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş.’ As a result of the negotiations, memoranda and agreements were signed in the fields of transport, energy, communications, finance, education, and industry. These included documents between the Ministry of Automobile Transport of Turkmenistan and ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited’, as well as between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and ‘Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery, Inc.’ on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Agreements were also signed between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and ‘Sony Middle East and Africa FZE’, an Agreement between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and ‘Mizuho Bank, Ltd.’ and several memoranda between the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and Tohoku and Hirosaki Universities. Some of the documents relate to industrial cooperation. Memoranda were signed between the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, LTD’ on the extension of technical maintenance of the plant in Ahal velayat, with ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’ and ‘Rönesans Endüstri Tesisleri Inşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.’ for the second phase of the polymer plant in Gyyanly, and with ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’ and ‘Gap Inşaat Yatirim ve Diş Ticaret Anonim Şirketi’ for the construction of a urea production complex in Balkan velayat.
A conference on Turkmenistan's neutrality was held in Italy
20.12.2025An international conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was held in Florence. The forum was organised by the International University for the Humanities and Development (Turkmenistan) and a branch of Kent State University (USA), according to IIC. Participants from academic and expert circles discussed the role of neutral states in ensuring global stability. Special attention was paid to the Turkmen model of neutrality, its significance for preventive diplomacy and adaptation to modern challenges. The role of humanitarian education in strengthening international trust was also considered. During the visit, the IUHD delegation held negotiations with the leadership of the Florence branch of Kent State University. The meeting was held in continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024. The parties discussed expanding their partnership. The agenda included the launch of joint educational programmes, including an MBA programme with double degrees, student and teacher exchanges, as well as summer schools and scientific seminars. The Turkmen delegation familiarised itself with the branch's infrastructure and digital platforms for interdisciplinary education. An agreement was also reached on joint research in the fields of international relations, digital technologies and sustainable development. Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Director of the Florence branch, noted the importance of systematic dialogue with the Turkmen university. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science emphasised that integration into the global educational space and the introduction of international standards remain key tasks for the development of higher education in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Japan strengthen inter-parliamentary ties based on trust
20.12.2025During his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Fukushiro Nukaga noted the importance of Turkmenistan as one of Japan's key partners in Central Asia and expressed confidence that the visit of the Head of Turkmenistan would contribute to the further development of bilateral relations. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the meeting for strengthening Turkmen-Japanese interparliamentary ties based on trust and mutual respect. During the conversation, it was noted that cooperation between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the House of Representatives of the Japanese Parliament has been developing steadily in recent years. The existing parliamentary friendship groups are seen as an effective mechanism for exchanging experience in the legislative and humanitarian spheres. Emphasis was placed on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the current international environment. Fukushiro Nukaga also recalled his meeting with the President of Turkmenistan in April this year and noted his interest in the Turkmenistan pavilion at the World Expo 2025. He congratulated the Head of State on the successful holding of the International Forum for Peace and Trust, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. In conclusion, the parties expressed confidence in the further expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation and exchanged good wishes.
Turkmen-Japanese economic cooperation enters a new phase
20.12.2025During his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the heads of leading Japanese companies. This was reported by TDH. The meeting was attended by representatives of ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Tokyo Boeki Eurasia Limited’, ‘Muroosystems Corporation’, ‘ARGONAVT Corporation’, as well as ‘Çalık Holding’ and ‘Gap Inşaat ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş.’ During the negotiations, the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese economic cooperation were discussed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan's interest in expanding its partnership with Japanese businesses and utilising Japan's advanced technologies. The Head of State noted that Japan is a benchmark in the field of high technology, industrial development and environmental responsibility. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector, including renewable sources, gas and petrochemicals, transport and logistics, the agro-industrial complex, mechanical engineering, electronics and the chemical industry. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Turkmenistan's readiness to promote Japanese technologies and products on the national market, as well as to draw on Japanese experience in the fields of ‘green’ and hydrogen energy, water resource management, water treatment, waste processing and the transition to a circular economy. Specific proposals included projects to build plants for processing household, construction and electronic waste, recycling plastic PET bottles, and reusing treated wastewater. Following the meeting, the signing of a number of bilateral documents was held between ministries, government agencies of Turkmenistan and Japanese companies and financial institutions. The documents cover cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, chemical industry, digital technologies, banking and education. Japanese business circles expressed their readiness for further cooperation and supported the initiatives announced.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
