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Turkmenistan has set its priorities for human rights work for 2026
24.02.2026On 23 February, under the chairmanship of Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, a regular meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Implementation of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law was held. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments, the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and public organisations. The participants summarised the Commission's work for 2025 and set priorities for 2026. They noted the strengthening of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, the development of dialogue with the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the International Labour Organisation and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The implementation of the Roadmap for cooperation with the International Labour Organisation was considered separately. It was decided to extend its validity until the end of 2026. The completion of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2021-2025 was also reported. Drafts of new plans for 2026–2030 have been prepared, taking into account the recommendations of UN treaty bodies, the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and the Sustainable Development Goals. During the meeting, issues related to improving the work of the Commission, enhancing the quality of national reports and further developing cooperation with international partners were discussed.
Turkmenistan strengthens cooperation with ESCAP in key areas
24.02.2026Turkmenistan and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) discussed prospects for cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Cooperation issues were discussed at a meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and ESCAP Deputy Executive Secretary Shombi Sharp. In addition, the meeting discussed sustainable development issues in the context of implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Earlier, Sharp noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and ESCAP is entering a new phase of targeted implementation in key areas, including trade, transport and energy connectivity, energy transition and digitalisation.
The British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception
24.02.2026On 20 February, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception in honour of the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's state authorities, diplomats and international organisations. The official part of the event was opened by British Ambassador Stephen Conlon and Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov. In their welcoming speeches, they noted the active development of bilateral cooperation in politics, economics and culture, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between nations. The evening included a reading of Robert Burns' poetry, Scottish ‘Ceili’ dancing and a presentation of the national dish ‘Haggis’, symbolising the Scottish spirit. The event demonstrated the role of the embassy in promoting British culture and strengthening trust between the countries.
Young tennis player from Turkmenistan becomes ITF Asia champion
23.02.2026The ITF Asia 14&U Development Championships, the Western and Central Asia tennis championship, took place in the capital of Bahrain. Turkmenistan was represented at the tournament by young athletes Nazli Hudaykuliyeva and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva, according to IIC. The competition lasted two weeks and served as a qualifying stage for this year's Asian Championship finals. The winners earned the right to compete in the main continental tournament. Nazli Hudaykuliyeva, trained by Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky, won two gold medals in the singles. In the doubles competition, she and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva (‘Jahan’ Creativity Centre, coaches Jennet Hallyeva and Yuri Rogussky) won four gold medals. As a result of the tournament, N. Hudaykuliyeva became the absolute champion of the two-week cycle and secured her place in the final of the Asian Championship. Currently, the 13-year-old athlete ranks 9th in the Asian rankings. The tennis player intends to represent Turkmenistan in the junior Grand Slam tournaments — the Wimbledon Championships and the Australian Open — in the under-14 age category.
Turkmenistan outlined its foreign policy priorities at an international conference
23.02.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference dedicated to the professional holiday of diplomats. The forum brought together representatives of foreign ministries and experts to discuss the key vectors of the country's diplomacy. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. One of the central speeches was delivered by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan. He outlined the priorities of modern Turkmen diplomacy and emphasised the importance of permanent neutrality as the basis for foreign policy. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that in the context of global change, Turkmenistan is forming its positions based on the historical experience, culture and ethical norms of its people. He highlighted new challenges and opportunities, including issues of global governance and international alliances, and noted that the country's foreign policy takes these realities into account. The forum paid particular attention to respect for the national characteristics of states, non-interference in internal affairs and the prevention of the imposition of external development models. In this context, R. Meredov emphasised the role of the United Nations, expressing support for the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General – the ‘Pact for the Future’ and ‘UN-80’. ‘The UN must remain the basis for equal dialogue between peoples and states,’ the Minister said. He also noted the importance of international law as a key condition for global security and announced that Turkmenistan had proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. The conference confirmed that Turkmenistan's foreign policy combines loyalty to traditions and a readiness for renewal. The country's principled position, aimed at humanising international relations, remains an important factor for stability in the world.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting on Ahal-Teke horses in Germany
23.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stopped in Germany on his way from the United States to Turkmenistan and held a working meeting on the participation of Ahal-Teke horses in international competitions, according to TDH. The event was held in accordance with a Resolution signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 13 February 2026 at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, in connection with the declaration of the current year as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Participants discussed the organisation of competitions in Turkmenistan and abroad. Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Germany, B. Rejepov, reported on the state of Turkmen-German relations and the promotion of the Ahal-Teke breed in Europe. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need for Turkmen horses to perform well at the FEI World Equestrian Championships 2026 in Aachen (11–23 August), the beauty contest in the Netherlands in September, and events in France and the United Kingdom. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the high level of competition will strengthen the international authority of Turkmenistan, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary of independence in 2026, and increase the popularity of the Ahal-Teke breed. Following the meeting, specific instructions were given to the participants. After the negotiations, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov flew to Ashgabat. The airliner of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty landed at the capital's International Airport.
The TAPI project remains a priority in Turkmenistan's energy strategy
23.02.2026During his visit to the United States, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to ‘Al Arabiya’ TV presenter Rizwan Khan. The main topic of the conversation was Turkmenistan's energy strategy and the promotion of major cross-border projects. It was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As noted by the Hero Arkadag, Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of proven natural gas reserves, which, according to him, imposes a special responsibility on the country in the current geo-economic conditions. He stressed that the priority is to diversify energy flows, ensure their balance, security and reliability of supply. Cooperation in the energy sector, according to him, is being built at the political and international legal levels, taking into account the requirements of global development and the principle of mutual benefit. The interview paid special attention to the construction of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the project remains one of the country's largest international energy initiatives. It is reported that the construction of the first stage of TAPI, ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’, is continuing in Afghanistan. The project enjoys international support, including from the United States, and is seen as an important factor in meeting the growing demand for energy in South Asian countries, as well as expanding access to markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the Near and Middle East. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted TAPI's potential in strengthening political stability and economic development. He emphasised that the project is open to interested companies, expressing hope for active interest from American partners.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Sultan of Brunei on Independence Day
23.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State wished the Sultan good health, happiness and prosperity, and the people of Brunei Darussalam peace, progress and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and Seychelles discuss tourism and cultural development
22.02.2026On 16 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UAE hosted a meeting between Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Gervais Moumou, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the UAE. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to tourism, visa procedures and tourist exchange. Representatives of the Seychelles emphasised the favourable conditions for Turkmen citizens, and both sides expressed their readiness to develop cooperation between tourist organisations. In addition, issues of cultural cooperation were discussed, including the organisation of events and the arrival of creative groups, with Turkmenistan confirming its readiness to hold cultural days abroad. The interlocutors also considered diplomatic relations, cooperation in the field of education, student programmes and the establishment of contacts between chambers of commerce and industry.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan proposed a platform for cooperation with a Belgian university
22.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Bart Hendrickx, Head of Academic Diplomacy at the KU Leuven. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. They discussed the university's international and research profile, its participation in European programmes, including ‘Horizon Europe’, as well as opportunities for cooperation with universities in Central Asia. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the region's role in the international agenda, Turkmenistan's historical and cultural heritage, and the country's initiatives to strengthen peace and trust. The opening of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was noted as an example of a practice-oriented approach. The Turkmen side proposed creating a sustainable platform for cooperation with the University of Leuven, including possible formal agreements. Hendrickx supported the idea and stressed the importance of defining common areas of cooperation for a structured assessment of opportunities for joint work. The parties also positively noted the Ambassador's lecture on Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, delivered to university students, which contributed to the strengthening of humanitarian ties and academic dialogue.
An English-language school aimed at admission to Harvard will open in Turkmenistan
22.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced the opening of a new English-language school in the city of Arkadag. The school will teach according to modern standards with the aim of preparing graduates for admission to leading US universities, including Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag announced the above information in an interview with ‘Al Arabiya’ TV channel. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that culture, science, education and sports remain promising areas of Turkmen-American cooperation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled the US State Department's Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) programme, which has been operating in Turkmenistan since 2001, as well as the fact that English is taught in all schools and four of the country's universities operate entirely in English. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised active cultural interaction with the United States, including cooperation with the Metropolitan Museum in New York, interest in American literature, music and cinema, concerts and archaeological expeditions. Hero Arkadag expressed his readiness to expand bilateral cooperation and represent Turkmen culture in the United States in a broader format.
Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed regional cooperation at the parliamentary level
22.02.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the OSCE, Hemra Amannazarov, met with the Special Representative of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for Central Asia, Angelos Syrigos, at the OSCE PA Winter Meeting in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria. The parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, focusing on parliamentary dialogue, confidence-building and the development of regional ties in Central Asia. H. Amannazarov emphasised Turkmenistan's support for constructive interaction and the importance of a consensus-based approach. During the discussion, practical steps for cooperation were considered: exchange of views on regional issues, development of contacts between parliamentarians of Central Asian countries and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in ensuring stability and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiative to hold regional parliamentary meetings in Ashgabat. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the OSCE PA's support in organising the third conference, noting its importance for dialogue and the exchange of experience. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation, strengthening regional parliamentary networks and seeking solutions through dialogue.
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