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‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ has become one of Turkmenistan’s initiatives for the region
11.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has proposed developing economic and technological cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The initiative was announced on 8 October at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region and Azerbaijan in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State identified technological development as one of the priority areas for cooperation. He proposed involving leading foreign high-tech companies in joint regional projects based at local hi-tech centres and creating favourable conditions for this. The President of Turkmenistan also cited ‘smart cities diplomacy’ as another tool for innovative cooperation. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the participation of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in this initiative will contribute to the region’s technological development.
Discussions on developing cooperation with the IOM took place in Ashgabat
10.10.2026On 8 October, a meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with Dragan Aleksoski, Deputy Director of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed joint measures in the field of migration, the incorporation of international standards into national legislation, and the practical application of migration legislation. They also considered prospects for cooperation on programmes relating to security and sustainable development. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue working together and to organise joint events to further develop cooperation in the field of international migration.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a festive event in Washington
10.10.2026On 7 October, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States organised an event at the ‘Anderson House’ museum in Washington to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the US Presidential Administration, Congress, the State Department and other government bodies, Heads of diplomatic missions and diplomats accredited to the US, as well as representatives of the media, the Turkmen diaspora and students. Opening the reception, Meret Orazov, Counsellor at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the US and Ambassador, highlighted the country’s achievements since gaining independence and emphasised the importance of developing international cooperation and friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the US. Mark Cameron, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the US, delivered a congratulatory address to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The cultural programme included a fashion show featuring collections by the Turkmen fashion houses ‘Binayim’, ‘Well-yakalar’, ‘Seyran Style’ and ‘Aynur’, organised with the support of the American company ‘Royal East’, an exhibition of works by Ishanguly Ishangulyev, People’s Artist of Turkmenistan, as well as a piano recital featuring works by Turkmen composers Nury Halmamedov, Suhan Tuyliev and others. The event concluded with a reception, during which the participants continued their discussions.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of documents
10.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed Resolutions on the establishment of new healthcare facilities and the reorganisation of the country’s cancer care services. This was reported by the news agency TDH. According to the documents, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry has been instructed to establish a 80-bed Dental Centre, operating on a self-financing basis, and to approve its Articles of Association. Provision has also been made for the closure of the Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and the establishment, on its premises, of an International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre with a capacity of 500 beds. A charter will be approved for the new facility. Furthermore, an International Paediatric Centre with a capacity of 160 beds, operating on a self-financing basis, will be established within the structure of the Directorate of International Medical Centres. The regulations governing the centre are also subject to approval.
Turkmenistan has proposed five areas for developing partnerships in Central Asia
10.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, outlined five key areas of regional cooperation at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The summit took place on 8 October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State identified the strengthening of the six-party format, solidarity and mutual support as the top priority. Ensuring peace, security and stability in the region, as well as developing political and diplomatic dialogue on pressing international issues, were also identified as important objectives. In the economic sphere, the President of Turkmenistan called for the intensification of trade and investment cooperation. The Head of State emphasised the need to join forces to develop Central Asia and Azerbaijan as transport, logistics, energy and industrial hubs along the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ routes. Another area of focus was the acceleration of technological development and the introduction of artificial intelligence to enhance the region’s competitiveness. Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the expansion of cultural, humanitarian, educational and civilisational ties between the six states and with other countries around the world as the fifth priority. ‘I believe that the nature of relations between the six states, and the level of mutual trust, openness and understanding amongst their leaders, are now so high and so strong that we are fully capable of tackling all the tasks set before us,’ concluded the President of Turkmenistan.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights
10.10.2026On 9 October, a meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with Ennio Boati, Acting Regional Representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness and mutually beneficial cooperation. They also reviewed UN General Assembly resolutions adopted on Turkmenistan’s initiative in the areas of energy security, sustainable transport, and the strengthening of peace and trust. Particular attention was paid to improving legislation, the rule of law and the protection of human rights and freedoms. The participants discussed the role of the Ombudsman in developing the national human rights protection system and applying international best practice. During the negotiations, issues of gender equality, the protection of women’s rights, support for families and social protection for people with disabilities were also raised. In conclusion, the parties emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan’s parliamentary cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. They expressed an interest in further cooperation to improve national legislation in line with universally recognised international standards.
The winner of ‘Tatar Kyzy – 2026’ was presented with the keys to a ‘ZEEKR X9’ car
10.10.2026As part of a festive concert at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, the winner of the ‘Tatar Kyzy – 2026’ international competition – A. Mahmudova, representing Uzbekistan – was honoured and presented with the keys to a ‘ZEEKR X9’ car on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The winner thanked the President of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the people of the country for their hospitality and for organising the competition. She noted that taking part in the event on the Caspian Sea coast had been a great honour for her and would remain in her memory for a long time to come.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov called for the strengthening of the region’s transport links
10.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has called on the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan to set out specific joint measures to develop transport and logistics links across the continent. The Head of State made this statement on 8 October at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region and Azerbaijan in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the countries of the region have rapidly developing economies and a favourable geo-economic position. He identified the “Central Asia – Caspian Sea – South Caucasus – Europe” route, linking the “East–West” and “North–South” axes, as one of the key areas of cooperation. According to the President of Turkmenistan, cooperation between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will ensure the participation of Central Asian countries and other interested states in international transport projects. In this regard, the Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to provide port and logistics infrastructure on the Caspian Sea. ‘Turkmenistan has repeatedly stated its readiness to make its infrastructure on the Caspian Sea available in the common interest and on a mutually beneficial basis,’ noted Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan has proposed pooling the agri-industrial potential of the countries in the region
10.10.2026The countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan could expand industrial cooperation and establish joint export-oriented complexes in the agro-industrial sector. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, put forward this initiative on 8 October at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State proposed utilising the region’s climatic and geographical advantages to implement joint projects in agriculture and the processing industry. This involves establishing large-scale enterprises producing goods that are competitive in terms of both price and quality for the global market. To promote trade, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov called for the removal of transport, customs and tariff barriers. He also proposed the introduction of more flexible mechanisms for cooperation and electronic management systems.
CIS countries will join forces in the fight against cybercrime
10.10.2026The CIS countries have agreed to expand the exchange of digital data to combat cybercrime. The relevant Concept for the Development of Information Exchange in the Field of Combating Cybercrime was signed at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in the ‘Awaza’ tourist resort in Turkmenistan, according to IIC. The document was drawn up as part of the Inter-State Programme to Combat Crime for 2024–2028 and the Plan of the Council of Ministers of Internal Affairs to Combat Cyber Threats. The Concept provides for the improvement of the regulatory framework, the holding of expert consultations and joint research, as well as the exchange of experience between the law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth countries. Practical measures include the creation of an inter-state database of digital evidence of crimes, the introduction of automated channels for its transmission, and the establishment of a common repository of materials and best practices for the prevention of high-tech offences.
Ashgabat has proposed that 2029 be designated the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS
10.10.2026At a meeting in Turkmenistan, the Council of Heads of State of the CIS declared 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life, and 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The theme for 2028 was proposed by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the CIS Sectoral Advisory Council. The programme provides for the development of cooperation in the social sphere, the modernisation of social and labour legislation, the exchange of experience in supporting the population, and the organisation of international forums on demographic and socio-economic policy. The initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity comes from Turkmenistan. It is aimed at developing the region’s transit and logistics potential. The programme provides for the modernisation of transport infrastructure, the coordination of various modes of transport, the digitalisation of logistics and the improvement of transport safety. Particular attention is to be paid to the development of sustainable transport corridors, including for landlocked countries, and to strengthening cooperation in the Caspian region. These objectives are in line with the UN initiative declaring 2026–2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport.
A new complex of buildings at the ‘Arçman’ health resort has opened in Turkmenistan
10.10.2026On 9 October, the opening of the new complex of buildings at the ‘Arçman’ sanatorium took place, attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Construction of medical and health resort facilities continues in Turkmenistan. These facilities are equipped with modern equipment, and the services provided meet international standards. The ‘Arçman’ sanatorium is one of the country’s health centres. Its healing waters and wellness services attract visitors seeking treatment and relaxation. A large-scale modernisation of the sanatorium began on the initiative of the Hero Arkadag. In 2009, a new 400-bed wing was built here, a supply of drinking water was organised from a spring located seven kilometres away, and the grounds were landscaped. A health trail was also laid out, allowing visitors to combine treatment with physical activity.
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