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Ashgabat is discussing measures to implement CITES and the ‘Samarkand Declaration’
19.04.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted a working meeting with experts from ‘TRAFFIC International’ and a representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed strengthening regional cooperation within the framework of the ‘CITES Convention’, as well as the implementation of the ‘Samarkand Declaration’, signed by the countries of Central Asia in 2025. Particular attention was paid to the need to update Turkmenistan’s environmental legislation to bring it into line with international standards, which should simplify cooperation with foreign partners and enhance the level of biodiversity protection. The participants also outlined steps towards the introduction of modern monitoring systems, the development of databases and inter-agency cooperation. The possibility of organising training events for specialists is being considered. It should be recalled that in July 2024, Turkmenistan adopted a law on accession to CITES, after which it began establishing a system to monitor the trade in rare species based on international practices.
Turkmenistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership
19.04.2026On 18 April, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a brief meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed expanding cooperation in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April, negotiations were held in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Hakan Fidan, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the start of the meeting, Rashid Meredov congratulated the Turkish side on the successful hosting of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF-2026) and the high standard of its organisation. The parties noted the consistently high level of bilateral relations, which are developing due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. Issues of political and diplomatic cooperation, the expansion of economic cooperation and the strengthening of the legal framework were discussed. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the international agenda and reaffirmed their similar approaches to issues of regional stability and security.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have coordinated their positions on regional issues
19.04.2026On 18 April, a meeting took place in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations. Particular attention was paid to preparations for high-level meetings scheduled for this year in both countries. The Heads of the foreign ministries also exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Foreign ministers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the high level of bilateral cooperation, which is maintained through regular dialogue at the highest level. Key areas of political and diplomatic cooperation were discussed. Preparations for international events scheduled for the coming months were also touched upon. Separately, an exchange of views took place on the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilisations
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Diplomacy Forum, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in promoting a culture of peace, intercivilisational dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding between countries. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of peace and trust, good-neighbourliness and equal international cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality serves as a tool for developing constructive dialogue at the international level. Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue cooperation and participate in efforts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence was confirmed.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position within the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Adem Kula, Secretary General of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of trade and economic cooperation between the Turkic states. The significance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan joining the Union in March 2024 was noted. Prospects for further partnership were considered. Among the priorities is the formation of joint production chains. Following the meeting, interest in developing cooperation was reaffirmed.
Turkmenistan and the CTBTO discussed cooperation in the field of security
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for collaboration between Turkmenistan and the CTBTO. The importance of strengthening international efforts in the field of global security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament was noted. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was reaffirmed. The possibility of hosting regional events in the country to mark the 30th anniversary of the Treaty’s opening for signature was considered. Issues relating to international monitoring, as well as the development of scientific and technical capacity and the training of national specialists, were discussed separately. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding practical cooperation.
Turkmenistan and China discussed expanding cooperation in the field of education
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev and a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Education, comprising representatives from relevant departments and the Centre for Language Cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, noting its development on the basis of previously reached agreements, including the ‘Central Asia–China’ format. China expressed its readiness to expand cooperation: to develop language training, provide scholarships, and establish joint laboratories and educational platforms within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. Particular attention was paid to language cooperation – Chinese is already being taught in schools and universities in Turkmenistan, and work by teachers from the PRC continues. The Turkmen side advocated for deeper cooperation, including increasing the number of teachers, introducing the ‘language + profession’ format, developing the HSK exam, and the possible opening of a specialised centre. Interest was also expressed in China’s experience of administering the Gaokao exam. New areas were also discussed – artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and vocational education. Turkmenistan proposed implementing joint projects, including scientific research and the establishment of laboratories, with a focus on priority areas – from AI to ‘green’ energy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation and continue consultations. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere.
Magtymguly TSU discussed a partnership with Xinjiang Normal University
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the university’s management and students and representatives of Xinjiang Normal University in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation between the two universities, as well as possible avenues for its development in the field of education. Particular attention was paid to the modernisation of educational processes and the adoption of international best practice. It should be noted that from 15 to 16 April, Magtymguly Turkmen State University hosted the online International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Modern scientific research in the study of historical and cultural heritage: sustainable development of peoples and cultures’.
Turkmenistan and the Inter-Parliamentary Union discussed initiatives in the field of international law
19.04.2026On 17 April in Istanbul, as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a meeting took place between a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Zeina Hilal, the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Programme Director for Gender Cooperation and Youth Participation. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed expanding Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as part of the country’s foreign policy. Particular attention was paid to the initiative to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and the planned international events to mark the occasion. The IPU representative noted the importance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives for strengthening peace, stability and global development, and also emphasised the significance of developing cooperation between women leaders of parliaments from different countries.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of youth policy at a forum in Istanbul
19.04.2026On 16 April, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the Youth Forum held as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. In his speech, it was noted that the country is creating extensive opportunities for young people and supports their participation in law-making. The role of young parliamentarians and the significance of initiatives put forward at international forums in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in 2025 were also highlighted. Forum participants spoke highly of Turkmenistan’s state youth policy, the active involvement of young MPs and the dialogue with young people. Particular mention was made of the importance of support for initiatives from international organisations, including funding, access to education and technology, as well as youth participation in environmental and climate adaptation issues.
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