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Consultations between Turkmenistan and Belarus held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
22.05.2026On May 21, consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Belarus were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were led by Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Pavel Utyupin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the development of political and diplomatic dialogue and the importance of regular contacts between the foreign ministries. Special attention was given to strengthening the legal and contractual framework of cooperation. The diplomats noted effective interaction within the United Nations and the CIS, and confirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives in the areas of peace, stability, and sustainable development. Trade and economic relations and opportunities for expanding economic partnership, including with the participation of the private sector, were also discussed. Cultural and humanitarian areas — education, science, and culture — were likewise addressed. At the conclusion, the sides confirmed their readiness to further develop friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Belarus.
Adylbek Kasymaliev will visit Turkmenistan on a working visit
22.05.2026Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev will visit Turkmenistan on a working visit on May 21–22. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the press service of the Kyrgyz government. During the visit, Kasymaliev will take part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which will be held in Ashgabat on May 22. Talks with the leadership of Turkmenistan are also planned. The parties will discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to ensure the meeting is organized at a high level.
Turkmenistan and Belarus foreign ministries discussed cultural and humanitarian projects
22.05.2026On May 21, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Pavel Utyupin. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The parties discussed cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The high level of interaction between the two countries within the framework of the United Nations was noted. The importance of cooperation within the CIS was also emphasized. The participants of the meeting discussed issues related to expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, including the organization of joint events in 2026.
In Beijing, the outcomes of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum were discussed
21.05.2026On May 20 in Beijing, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China held a presentation dedicated to the results of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum and exhibition held in April in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by diplomats from the embassy, representatives of the trade mission, the China Overseas Development Association, the China–Turkmen Cultural Center, as well as government bodies and business representatives from both countries. Ambassador P. Durdyev presented key investment projects of Turkmenistan, products of national manufacturers, and the outcomes of negotiations held within the framework of the forum. He called on the Chinese side to become more actively involved in investment and trade projects and to expand export-import cooperation. Information was also provided on upcoming events of Turkmen ministries and agencies. From the Chinese side, representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the administration of Jiaozhou City, the China Overseas Development Association, and the China–Turkmen Cultural Center spoke. They noted the high level of organization of the forum in Ashgabat and discussed new areas of cooperation. The parties emphasized that the business meetings featured projects on production modernization and digitalization, and a number of cooperation memorandums were signed. The China Overseas Development Association stated its readiness to support the regular holding of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum and exhibition in order to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Turkmenistan and the United States expand business dialogue through Business Council
21.05.2026Turkmenistan and the United States are preparing a visit by a U.S. business delegation to Ashgabat. The issue was discussed during a meeting between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Washington, Esen Aydogdyev, and the Executive Director of the U.S.–Turkmenistan Business Council, Eric Stewart, as well as representatives of member companies of the Council. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States. The parties reviewed prospects for expanding cooperation in the trade, economic, investment, transport, agricultural, energy, and industrial sectors, as well as in the private business sector. The ambassador presented Turkmenistan’s economic priorities, taking into account the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. Participants of the meeting noted the role of the U.S.–Turkmenistan Business Council in developing direct business dialogue between the two countries.
Turkmenistan presented approaches to digital financial security
21.05.2026Azerbaijan hosted the 5th Forum of Parliamentarians of the member states of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). The main focus was placed on strengthening interagency cooperation and improving the effectiveness of control mechanisms, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis on Legislation and its Norms, Batyr Baylyev, delivered a report at the forum. He highlighted the role of cooperation with the EAG in strengthening the national financial system amid the development of digital technologies. According to him, Turkmenistan continues to implement FATF standards into national legislation and studies international experience in combating money laundering, financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Special attention is given to the digital agenda. In particular, the Law of Turkmenistan “On Virtual Assets” has been adopted. It regulates the procedure for the creation and circulation of virtual assets and forms the legal framework for this sector. Batyr Baylyev noted that the document represents a step forward in the development of the digital economy. According to him, the regulation of virtual assets is gaining strategic importance in the context of the transition to digital finance. The Law of Turkmenistan “On Cybersecurity” is also in force. It is aimed at protecting national interests in cyberspace and developing international cooperation in combating cyber threats. The country has approved the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. It provides for the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, cloud solutions, financial technologies, and the development of an e-government system. The forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to participation in the international financial monitoring system and the development of a digital economy with an emphasis on security and technology.
Negotiations with UN agencies were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
21.05.2026On May 20, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Mekhri Byashimova held a meeting with representatives of United Nations agencies in Turkmenistan — the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation as well as preparations for a joint event dedicated to the International Children’s Day. Participants of the meeting noted the work being carried out in Turkmenistan in support of and for the protection of the younger generation.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed expanding economic cooperation
21.05.2026Within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, a meeting was held between the Chairman of the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, Deryageldy Orazov, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of economic cooperation, including investment, transport, logistics, and transit. Special attention was given to possible expansion of cooperation in trade, energy, and other areas. The Azerbaijani side noted the importance of the Turkmen delegation’s visit and confirmed its interest in further developing the partnership. The WUF13 forum is taking place in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, under the auspices of UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, and is dedicated to sustainable urban development.
Turkmen–Russian archaeological cooperation enters a new stage
21.05.2026Turkmenistan, through which the Great Silk Road once passed, has since ancient times served as a connecting link between East and West and was one of the cradles of early civilizations. For more than 50 years, its archaeological heritage has been actively studied by Soviet and Russian researchers, who have made a significant contribution to the formation of a scientific school and the training of local specialists, according to the IIC. Among the key sites is Gonur Depe, the largest settlement of ancient Margiana, where excavations have uncovered unique architectural complexes, the earliest mosaics, and early evidence of horse domestication, confirming the high level of this civilization. An equally important discovery was the settlement of Yylgynly Depe, where workshops for producing clay figurines were found, reshaping views on the development of crafts in the prehistoric period. Significant results were also obtained from the study of Old Nisa, the center of the Parthian Kingdom, where royal archives and ritual vessels were discovered. Today, cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan continues: restoration work is underway, findings are being systematized, and joint exhibition projects are being prepared aimed at popularizing the ancient heritage of the region.
“Daewoo E&C” confirms participation in the “White City Ashgabat – 2026” forum
21.05.2026The 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat – 2026” (WCA 2026), which will take place on May 24–25, 2026, in Ashgabat, is expanding international cooperation. The South Korean company Daewoo Engineering & Construction has joined the event as a gold sponsor, according to the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The forum, held under the motto “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development,” will bring together representatives of government bodies, developers, investors, and engineers to discuss sustainable urban development, industrial modernization, and next-generation infrastructure. Daewoo E&C’s participation further strengthens the international status of WCA 2026 as a platform for strategic dialogue and exchange of engineering solutions in construction, energy, and infrastructure. Founded in 1973, Daewoo E&C is a major EPC company of the Republic of Korea with experience in implementing infrastructure, industrial, and energy projects across various regions of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In Turkmenistan, the company is involved in a number of major projects, supporting industrial infrastructure modernization and development processes. As part of the forum’s business program, a company representative will speak in a panel session dedicated to industrial development and supply chains in construction. Participants will discuss the development of building materials production, industrial digitalization, the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, as well as issues of localization and the resilience of production chains. As of today, more than 650 delegates from 55 countries have confirmed their participation in WCA 2026. The forum continues to strengthen its position as one of the key regional platforms for investment and technological cooperation in the field of construction and infrastructure.
Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the EU holds meeting with Spain’s permanent representative
21.05.2026Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Sapar Palvanov, held a meeting with Spain’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Marcos Alonso. The parties discussed the implementation of the EU–Central Asia cooperation strategy, as well as strengthening interregional ties, according to the IIC. The sides outlined medium-term priorities, including the development of transport corridors, energy cooperation, collaboration in the field of critical raw materials, as well as climate and sustainability projects. A proposal was also made to establish an informal dialogue platform in Brussels for ambassadors of the EU and Central Asian countries to regularly discuss joint initiatives.
Turkmen artisans presented traditional crafts at a festival in Armenia
21.05.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 5th International Crafts Festival, held on May 16–17 in the city of Meghri, Republic of Armenia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmen artisans showcased traditional decorative and applied arts products. National jewelry, carpets, embroidery, and souvenir items attracted particular interest from visitors. As part of the festival, Turkmen bakhshi — performers of traditional folk music — also gave performances. The event was held under the slogan “Creative Community, Sustainable Future.” Craftsmen and artisans from Armenia, CIS countries, Georgia, and Iran participated in the festival.
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