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A meeting with the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan
14.12.2025On 13 December, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, a meeting was held between Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Xing Qu, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Science and Culture. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Xing Qu arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. He congratulated the Turkmen side on the anniversary of its neutral status and noted the importance of the High-Level Forum for promoting the goals of peace, stability and sustainable development. During the meeting, the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO was noted. Particular attention was paid to the inclusion of the national nomination ‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was taken on 11 December at a meeting of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee in New Delhi. The parties discussed priority areas for further cooperation and practical issues related to the implementation of joint projects. The meeting confirmed the mutual readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as in the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage.
Chinese delegation discusses partnership development with Turkmenistan
14.12.2025Special Envoy of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Peng Qinghua, who is visiting Ashgabat, held a meeting with representatives of public organisations of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During his speech, he confirmed China's readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with Turkmenistan. Peng Qinghua noted that his first visit to the country left a positive impression, pointing to the economic development, social stability and improvement of Ashgabat, and also expressed his gratitude for the reception. It was emphasised that relations between China and Turkmenistan have long historical roots and have been developing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago. It is reported that more than 100 bilateral documents have been signed between the countries. Peng Qinghua said that China remains the largest importer of Turkmen natural gas. According to him, bilateral trade volumes are growing, and the structure of cooperation is becoming more stable and balanced. He also announced his participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, noting the importance of Turkmenistan's initiative to promote peace through trust. In this context, it was mentioned that the works of the Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy are widely known in China. Supporting Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, Peng Qinghua emphasised the coincidence of the two countries' positions on strengthening the role of the United Nations and promoting the universal values of peace, justice and cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Slovakia discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
14.12.2025On 11 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Peter Vilcak, Head of the Political and Protocol Department of the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the importance of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and International Neutrality Day. During the negotiations, the current level of Turkmen-Slovak cooperation was reviewed and priorities for cooperation in a bilateral format and within international organisations were identified. Proposals for the development of diplomatic and interparliamentary contacts were also discussed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Secretary General of the OSCE
14.12.2025On 11 December, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu. The OSCE Secretary General arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and International Neutrality Day, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting noted the importance of the International Forum in Ashgabat as a platform for discussing issues of Peace and Trust and sustainable development. The parties reviewed the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the political, economic, environmental and humanitarian fields. They noted the intensification of contacts with OSCE institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly, the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media. The progress of joint programmes and projects was discussed separately.
Oncologists in Turkmenistan are mastering new treatment methods with support from WHO and UNDP
13.12.2025A specialised training course for Turkmen oncologists was held in Ashgabat, organised by the WHO Country Office with the support of UNDP. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The training took place at the Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and focused on modern cancer treatment methods, including port systems and catheter chemotherapy. Experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Eurasian School of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, and leading Moscow clinics participated in the course. Among them were Dr Vitaly Smelov, Dr Kirill Kirgizov, Professor Timur Valiyev and Professor Nune Matinyan. The programme combined theory, video demonstrations from operating theatres and practical sessions covering the installation of port systems, the administration of chemotherapy and infection control measures. Updates to clinical protocols for adults and children were also discussed with a view to bringing national standards into line with WHO international recommendations as part of the GICC initiative. The course was part of a UNDP project to strengthen Turkmenistan's health system through the procurement of medicines and medical devices to combat non-communicable diseases.
Educational dialogue between Turkmenistan and Italy reaches new level
13.12.2025The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, held a meeting with the Head of the Asian Institute of Italy, Domenico Palmieri. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties noted that Turkmen-Italian relations are based on respect, equality and cultural commonality. Initiatives to develop educational cooperation were discussed: the introduction of the Bologna system, joint programmes with the University of Perugia, Italian language studies, summer schools in Italy, teacher and student exchanges, joint research and conferences. The Minister of Education proposed involving Italian archaeologists in teaching at relevant universities, given the results of joint excavations in Turkmenistan. D. Palmieri confirmed his readiness to support the expansion of cooperation with Italian universities. At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasised their intention to continue bilateral support and develop joint educational and humanitarian projects.
In Turkmenistan, the Latvian ambassador has been officially accredited
13.12.2025The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from H.E. Girts Jaunzems, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Turkmenistan, AsmanNews reports. D. Gulmanova congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in strengthening friendship between the two countries and in developing interstate cooperation. During the meeting, Jaunzems was briefed on the key directions of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, including socio-economic programs and measures aimed at improving the population’s standard of living. The parties exchanged views on cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit. The ambassador also familiarized himself with the structure and legislative activities of the Mejlis. At the conclusion of the meeting, Jaunzems confirmed his intention to continue working on strengthening bilateral relations.
The prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation were discussed
13.12.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Salim Al Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), TDH reports. The head of the Organization expressed his gratitude for the invitation to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. He noted the country’s efforts to preserve and promote its historical and cultural heritage. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of developing cooperation with international organizations in scientific, educational, cultural, and humanitarian fields. Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand interaction with the Islamic World Organization in specific areas was also highlighted. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged wishes for continued success.
Turkmenistan and the EEC discussed the development of economic cooperation
13.12.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Asad Majid Khan, AsmanNews reports. The ECO Secretary-General highlighted the significance of the International Forum, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. It was emphasized that holding the forum in Ashgabat reflects the country’s commitment to the principles of peace and trust. Arkadag Hero stated that Turkmenistan regards the forum as a high-level platform for discussing pressing issues on the global agenda. He noted that cooperation with the ECO is one of the key directions of the country’s foreign policy, as evidenced by the accumulated experience of joint work. Prospects for collaboration in trade and economic relations, energy, transport, environmental protection, as well as tourism and culture, were discussed. Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in the export of hydrocarbon resources and to participate in projects for the development of transport and transit corridors was confirmed. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged their best wishes.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow met with the Secretary-General of the SCO
13.12.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Nurlan Ermekbayev, TDH reports. The SCO Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet and noted his participation in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. During the conversation, it was emphasized that the SCO highly values the international-legal status of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, enshrined in UN General Assembly resolutions, and regards it as a factor contributing to peace and security in the region. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan consistently pursues a policy of permanent neutrality and develops cooperation with states and international organizations. Engagement with the SCO was highlighted as one of the directions of the country’s foreign policy. In this context, Turkmenistan’s regular participation in SCO summits as an honorary guest was recalled. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing dialogue based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and trust. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged cordial wishes.
The President of Turkmenistan received the President of Turkey on the sidelines of the international forum
13.12.2025The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, AsmanNews reports. The head of state thanked the Turkish leader for participating in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. It was noted that the participation of the President of Turkey reflects support for the country’s neutrality policy. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in turn, expressed gratitude for the reception and highly praised Turkmenistan’s peaceful foreign policy course. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that developing strategic partnership with the Republic of Turkey remains a priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. The sides highlighted the solid foundation of bilateral relations based on historical ties. They discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in trade and the economy, including the fuel and energy, transport and communications sectors, agriculture, and investment, as well as issues of cultural and humanitarian interaction. At the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders exchanged best wishes and confirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral relations.
Foreign citizens were awarded commemorative silver badges
13.12.2025In connection with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the President of Turkmenistan has signed a decree awarding foreign citizens with the commemorative silver badge «Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna», TDH reports. The awards were given in recognition of contributions to strengthening Turkmenistan’s independence and the international status of its neutrality, developing cooperation—including in the field of healthcare—and supporting policies of international peace and trust. Recipients of the commemorative badge include representatives from the United Nations system, international organizations, parliaments, business circles, and medical institutions.
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