News
Turkmenistan and the EU held the 18th Human Rights Dialogue
23.06.2026The 18th Human Rights Dialogue between Turkmenistan and the European Union took place on June 22 at the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan took part in the event. The Dialogue was opened with welcoming remarks by the co-chairs — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and Head of the Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service of the European Union Dietmar Krissler. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of human rights, including the improvement of national legislation, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring gender equality, and protecting human rights and freedoms. The Turkmen side presented information on the implementation of national programs and action plans in the field of human rights, the development of the legal system and democratic institutions. Representatives of the European Union informed participants about the provisions of the EU Gender Equality Strategy presented on March 5, 2026. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and prospects for further collaboration. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in continuing the dialogue and developing partnership in areas of mutual interest.
A “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow” event was held in Ashgabat
23.06.2026A “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow” event took place in Ashgabat at the “Memory Alley,” which was inaugurated in May last year as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The commemorative event was organized by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, media outlets, schoolchildren from Ashgabat, their teachers and parents, as well as volunteers from the public organization “Ýeňme.” The Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, delivered a welcoming speech. As part of the event, a memorial service was held for fallen soldiers, after which participants observed a minute of silence in their memory. Students of the Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School named after A.S. Pushkin recited poems from the wartime period. The event concluded with a flower-laying ceremony.
27 deals concluded on the Turkmenistan Commodity Exchange over the week
23.06.2026A total of 27 transactions were registered on the trading floor of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan over the past week, according to the news agency TDH. For foreign currency, entrepreneurs from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan purchased liquefied gas, hydrotreated diesel fuel produced by the State Concern “Türkmennebit,” as well as liquefied gas, desulfurized diesel fraction from the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa,” and motor oil. In addition, denim and knitwear products, plain-dyed and jacquard terry textiles, wheat flour, cotton fiber, and cotton yarn were sold for export. Buyers included companies from Turkey and Ukraine. The total value of foreign trade transactions exceeded 62 million 520 thousand US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased cottonseed oil, cotton yarn, and cotton fiber for more than 56.454 million manats.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea Expand Business Partnership
23.06.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, Begench Durdyev, held a meeting in Seoul with Lee Sang-jun, Vice President of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). The main focus of the talks was the preparation of joint economic events within the framework of the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, which will take place in September, according to the IIC. During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic cooperation with the Republic of Korea. According to him, KITA’s participation will contribute to the effective preparation of upcoming business forums and meetings. Lee Sang-jun confirmed the South Korean business community’s interest in expanding cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. He noted that the Republic of Korea views Turkmenistan as a strategic partner with significant economic and resource potential. The parties also discussed promising areas of cooperation, including energy, the petrochemical industry, modernization of transport infrastructure, urban development, and the advancement of smart city technologies. It was noted that the technological capabilities of the Republic of Korea and the economic potential of Turkmenistan create favorable conditions for the implementation of joint projects. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordination in preparation for the events related to the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit.
Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Strengthens Bilateral Relations
23.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan on a state visit on June 22. At Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the head of state was welcomed by Azerbaijani officials, according to the State News Agency TDH. Subsequently, negotiations between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, were held at the Zagulba Palace in both narrow and expanded formats. The heads of state discussed the development of cooperation in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, energy, transport and logistics, and cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within international organizations and platforms. Welcoming the Turkmen delegation, Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the current visit of the President of Turkmenistan and expects further strengthening of bilateral ties. The Azerbaijani President also emphasized the significance of the documents being signed and cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan views Azerbaijan as an important strategic partner and is interested in further expanding cooperation. The head of state thanked the Azerbaijani side for supporting Turkmenistan’s international initiatives and confirmed readiness to deepen cooperation in all key areas. Particular attention during the talks was paid to the development of transport and transit routes. The importance of the Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye corridor was highlighted, as well as the initiative to establish a Caspian Sea–Black Sea transport corridor along the Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania route. The President of Turkmenistan proposed holding a high-level meeting of the Caspian littoral states on Caspian Sea issues in October 2026 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in the electric power sector, the oil and gas and chemical industries, the textile sector, and agriculture. The role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was highlighted separately. During the visit, a ceremony was held to transfer the oil tanker “Dostluk” from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan as a gift. Following the symbolic commissioning of the vessel, Ilham Aliyev presented the relevant certificate to the President of Turkmenistan. Following the talks, the heads of state signed a Joint Statement. In addition, a package of bilateral documents was signed covering cooperation in the fields of energy, industry, transport, agriculture, healthcare, sports, social protection, customs affairs, and foreign policy coordination. Speaking to the media, the President of Azerbaijan stated that the parties had discussed a broad range of issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their intention to develop cooperation in strategically important areas. The President of Turkmenistan noted that important agreements had been reached on the development of trade and economic ties, energy cooperation, and transport and transit corridors. “We agreed to work closely together on the creation of East–West transport and transit corridors through the territories of our countries,” the President of Turkmenistan emphasized. As part of the visit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the Victory Memorial Complex, laid a wreath in memory of Azerbaijan’s national heroes, and paid tribute to the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan continues.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Sign New Agreements
23.06.2026Following high-level talks held in Baku, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan signed a package of bilateral documents aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation. This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a Joint Statement. In the presence of the heads of state, the parties exchanged intergovernmental and interagency agreements providing for cooperation in customs information exchange and customs statistics. Memorandums of Understanding were also signed in the fields of sports, labor and social protection, healthcare, and agriculture. The package of documents included agreements on cooperation in food security, energy, and economic interaction. In addition, the parties approved a Cooperation Program in the industrial sector for 2026–2028, a memorandum between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, as well as a Cooperation Program between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2026–2029.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov Laid Flowers at Memorials in Baku
23.06.2026As part of his state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the Alley of Martyrs memorial complex and the Alley of Honor in Baku. This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper Turkmenistan. The head of state laid a wreath at the memorial dedicated to the national heroes of Azerbaijan who gave their lives for the country's freedom and independence. The history of the memorial complex was presented to the President of Turkmenistan by the Head of the Executive Power of Baku City, E. Azizov. Serdar Berdimuhamedov then laid flowers at the grave of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. The state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan continues.
In Ashgabat, an event was held on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga
22.06.2026Events dedicated to the International Day of Yoga took place at the “Bagtyýarlyk” sports complex in Ashgabat, organized by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan together with relevant national agencies and the Ashgabat city administration, according to the IIC. Under the slogan “Yoga for Healthy Longevity,” more than 300 participants took part, including residents of the capital, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations. Turkmenistan has supported the initiative since 2015, when a Yoga and Traditional Medicine Center was opened in Ashgabat. Today, these practices are integrated into the country’s healthcare and education systems. Elements of Ayurveda have been included in the curriculum of the State Medical University named after Myrat Garryyev, while yoga classes are regularly held in medical institutions of the capital. Preventive approaches are studied alongside research on medicinal plants of Turkmenistan. During the event, representatives of India and Turkmenistan delivered speeches, after which participants performed a joint set of exercises in an open-air venue. The Indian side noted the development of cooperation in humanitarian and medical fields. Free yoga classes continue to be held regularly at the “Bagtyýarlyk” sports complex center and at the Embassy of India.
Azerbaijan has transferred the oil tanker “Dostluk” to Turkmenistan
22.06.2026Azerbaijan has handed over the oil tanker “Dostluk” to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The transfer of the vessel took place within the framework of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, to Baku. It is noted that the ceremony was held after the conclusion of expanded-format Turkmen–Azerbaijani negotiations and was organized via video link. The tanker was built at the Baku Shipyard. It is 141 meters long, 16.9 meters wide, with a draft of 4.54 meters. The vessel’s deadweight capacity is 7,875 tons.
President of Turkmenistan held talks with Ilham Aliyev
22.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the “Zagulba” Palace during a state visit to Baku. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Following the meeting, the sides signed a package of bilateral agreements. The talks were held in both narrow and expanded formats and focused on the development of political, economic,\ and humanitarian cooperation, as well as discussions on regional and international issues. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in energy, transport, and environmental protection, as well as strengthening trade and economic ties, including the work of the intergovernmental commission and the growth of mutual trade turnover. The meeting concluded with a ceremony for the transfer of the oil tanker “Dostluk” via video link, after which the final documents were signed.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan took part in the “Sogd-2026” forum
22.06.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan, Aymyrat Goçmyradov, took part in the 12th International Trade Fair and Investment Forum “Sogd-2026” in Khujand. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the visit, he held a meeting with the Chairman of the Sughd Region, Rajab Ahmadzoda, where they discussed the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the regions of the two countries. Particular attention was given to the implementation of the 2023 agreements between the Sughd Region and the Balkan and Ahal velayats, as well as to the development of sister-city relations between Arkadag and Khujand, established in 2024. The sides reviewed the organization of mutual visits of business, education, and science delegations, the holding of joint exhibitions, and participation in events in both countries. It was also noted that the 11th International Cultural and Educational Forum “Children of the Commonwealth,” with the participation of Turkmen children, was held in the Sughd Region. The Tajik side expressed interest in expanding trade, transport, logistics, and humanitarian ties, as well as increasing trade turnover. Growth in business contacts and the use of Tajik construction materials in projects in Turkmenistan were also emphasized. The investment forum in Khujand brought together delegations from more than 20 countries, including representatives of government bodies, businesses, and diplomatic missions.
President of Turkmenistan arrives on a state visit to Azerbaijan
22.06.2026On June 22, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, arrived on a state visit to Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The head of state was seen off by official representatives at Ashgabat International Airport, and the presidential aircraft landed in Baku at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the President of Turkmenistan was met by representatives of the Azerbaijani side and the Turkmen delegation. An honorary guard of honor was lined up in tribute to the visit. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan maintain diplomatic relations and are developing cooperation in the political, trade-economic, cultural, and scientific-educational spheres. The two countries have signed 124 bilateral documents, and 16 reciprocal high-level visits have taken place. Cooperation is also carried out in multilateral formats involving Turkey and Uzbekistan, as well as within consultative meetings of the states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The parties are consistently expanding trade and economic ties, including in energy, transport, communications, agriculture, industry, and light manufacturing. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is also actively developing. The visit is expected to provide additional momentum for the further development of bilateral relations.
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