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Film about cultural dialogue involving Turkmenistan presented in Georgia
27.02.2026On 25 February, the premiere of the Georgian feature-length documentary film ‘Culture Will Save the Universe’ took place at the Cinema House in Tbilisi. The film is dedicated to the role of culture in the development of inter-state dialogue and the strengthening of mutual understanding and trust between nations. The film presents the cultural diversity of Turkmenistan, China and Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia Z.Quin, member of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Education, Science and Youth V. Bozhadze, film director T. Malania, as well as representatives of the country's scientific and creative intelligentsia. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the importance of high-level visits and cultural and humanitarian cooperation for the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations, emphasising the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education. Participants at the event expressed the opinion that the film would contribute to the development of cultural diplomacy and the strengthening of humanitarian ties. The role of culture as a tool for promoting peaceful cooperation between states was also emphasised.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador discussed AI and cybersecurity with European partners
26.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in the first session of the expert series ‘The Talk,’ organised by the ‘Norm’ platform in conjunction with ‘Diplomatic World’ and supported by ‘Cardo Brussels.’ This was reported by the IIC. Diplomats, representatives of European institutions and the business community took part in the discussion. The discussion focused on digitalisation, the development of artificial intelligence and the adaptation of national legislation to new technologies, with an emphasis on data protection and cybersecurity. The Turkmen side emphasised the modernisation of the legal framework, the development of electronic public services and the readiness to implement international practices. The Ambassador expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Europe in the field of digital transformation. On the same day, S. Palvanov, together with the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia, met with Belgian MEP Pascal Arimont.
Turkmenistan launches regional project to combat marine litter in the Caspian Sea
26.02.2026The UNDP, together with UNEP, the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, held a kick-off workshop to launch the regional project ‘Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea’. This was reported by IIC. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, academia and NGOs. The project was officially launched in Turkmenistan and aims to prevent and reduce pollution of the Caspian Sea, primarily from plastic waste. Participants were presented with the key objectives of the initiative: improving waste management legislation, developing monitoring, preventing pollution and expanding cooperation within the framework of the Tehran Convention. As noted by the UNDP representative, the project provides for a comprehensive approach — from analysing sources of marine litter and updating the regulatory framework to promoting the principles of the circular economy, attracting investment and involving local communities. The initiative is being implemented with financial support from Russia in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and is scheduled to run until October 2027. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing land-based sources of pollution and coordinating the actions of the Caspian countries within the framework of existing agreements.
Turkmenistan promotes joint trade zones at ECO meeting
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) was held in Tehran. Measures to stimulate cross-border and regional trade in order to increase trade turnover between participating countries were discussed, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the creation of joint trade zones, initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Turkmenistan's successes were presented, including a joint trade zone with Uzbekistan. The Council supported the technical and economic feasibility study of this initiative. The ECO Secretariat will begin preparing a corresponding project to implement Turkmenistan's proposal.
Turkmenistan strengthens its role in international parliamentary dialogue
26.02.2026On 25 February, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, held a meeting with Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, messages from the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, were conveyed. The summit in the capital of Turkmenistan is seen as a continuation of the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to promote the International Year of Law. Martin Chungong supported Ashgabat's initiative, noting the importance of the legal agenda and the rule of law for global stability. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between Central Asian countries, which creates a synergistic effect in international discussions. The main outcome of the meeting was the confirmation of Ashgabat's readiness to host the 16th Summit of Women Parliamentarians of the IPU. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing gender equality in politics and strengthening inter-state relations based on the principles of inclusive development and institutional sustainability. Preparations for the event are already well underway.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul met with the Rector of Medipol University
26.02.2026A meeting between Consul General Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov and Rector of Medipol University Bahadir Kurshat Gunturk was held at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of higher education, science and medicine, focusing on the development of academic contacts and the exchange of experience. The interlocutors also discussed the creation of favourable conditions for Turkmen students to study in Turkey, the expansion of scholarship programmes, academic mobility and joint scientific projects. The importance of concluding relevant agreements for the long-term and systematic development of the partnership was noted.
Interparliamentary relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom receive new impetus
26.02.2026On 25 February, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries with Speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Turkmen side noted the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts in this direction. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding and the active work of parliamentary friendship groups. In addition, a meeting was held in the House of Commons of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, chaired by Pam Cox.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom strengthen parliamentary cooperation
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the consistent efforts to strengthen interparliamentary ties. In this context, the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding, as well as the active work of parliamentary friendship groups, were highlighted. In addition, a meeting was held in the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, headed by Pam Cox.
Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting with the British Defence Secretary
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Rodney Coaker. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, issues of regional security, strengthening mutual understanding and developing dialogue between the states of Central Asia and the United Kingdom were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience in the field of professional training, as well as to improving mechanisms for responding to modern challenges and threats. The participants emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive and trusting cooperation aimed at strengthening stability and security at both the regional and international levels.
The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan met with Prince Edward
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, took place at Lancaster House. The parties exchanged views on further strengthening Turkmen-British ties, noting their steady development, including in the fields of culture and education, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On the same day, during a joint working lunch of the Heads of Foreign Ministries of Central Asian countries with the participation of the Duke of Edinburgh, the importance of the upcoming first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format was emphasised as an important step towards deepening multilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome and noted its respect for the United Kingdom as a country with a rich cultural and diplomatic heritage. The significant potential for expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, along with the development of political and economic interaction, was emphasised. Particular mention was made of the high level of interest in Turkmenistan in learning English and British culture, as well as the importance of educational and academic exchanges, including the Chevening Scholarships programme. Examples of the intensification of cultural dialogue include the Scottish dance evening ‘Ceilidh’ held in Ashgabat, the installation of a monument to William Shakespeare in the capital of Turkmenistan, and the release of a BBC documentary about the leopards of Kopetdag.
New cooperation projects between Turkmenistan and the EBRD discussed in London
26.02.2026On the afternoon of 25 February, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed issues related to expanding financial and investment cooperation and implementing joint projects. The minister noted that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to strengthening international partnerships, including intensifying cooperation with authoritative financial institutions. In this regard, the effective nature of the country's long-standing cooperation with the EBRD was emphasised. The Head of the bank confirmed her institution's interest in further expanding mutually beneficial contacts. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of projects to create an ‘East-West’ international transport corridor. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to consider specific proposals from the EBRD on participation in initiatives in this area. Increased cooperation in the energy sector was also identified as a priority. Broad opportunities for EBRD participation in sustainable energy projects were noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further steady development of cooperation.
Priorities for partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN defined
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a hybrid meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and sectoral agencies of the country, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, as well as heads and staff of structural units of the UN system. The meeting was devoted to summarising the results of joint work for 2025 and discussing priority areas of cooperation and work plans for 2026. Participants reviewed the key results of the Framework Programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with the findings of the Common Country Analysis, which is used in planning programme activities and monitoring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova noted that the Framework Programme remains the main strategic document defining the priorities for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system. It was emphasised that the document forms the long-term basis for partnership with the UN and its agencies. In this regard, it was recalled that in October 2025, as part of the events dedicated to UN Day, a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 was signed. The Turkmen side also noted the importance of the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that further cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN and its member states will be developed taking into account the national priorities announced at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Among the key areas identified are peace, the environmental agenda, social development and the strengthening of international cooperation.
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