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Turkmenistan is represented at the Asian Women’s Forum in Bukhara
14.05.2026The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, is taking part in the Second Asian Women’s Forum and the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, which are being held in Bukhara and organized with the support of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the forum, participants discussed issues of women’s leadership in science, the digital economy, and international cooperation. In her speech, Gulmanova highlighted Turkmenistan’s measures to develop legislation, expand women’s participation in education, and improve their digital literacy. The role of women scientists and the importance of the dialogue platform for integrating women of the region into the global economy and knowledge system were also emphasized. Turkmenistan’s plans to hold a series of international events were separately announced, along with an invitation for participants to take part in them.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
14.05.2026On May 13, the Chair of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting in Bukhara with the Chair of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbaeva. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the field of international law for strengthening bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to issues of expanding the role of women in transport, transit, cross-border cooperation, and digital technologies. The participants of the meeting also noted the importance of exchanging legislative experience, intensifying interparliamentary friendship groups, and strengthening contacts between young parliamentarians and women parliamentarians. Gulmanova invited the Uzbek side to take part in international and interparliamentary events to be held in Avaza, Turkmenistan, as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Ashgabat is hosting the 84th meeting of the CIS Railway Council
14.05.2026The 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the CIS member states has opened in Ashgabat. The forum is taking place in the conference hall of the Ýyldyz Hotel. It brings together representatives of relevant agencies from the Commonwealth countries, TDH reports. The agenda focuses on coordinating railway operations, developing the international network, and ensuring its technological integrity. Participants are also reviewing the Council’s performance and outlining future areas of cooperation. The participation of Turkmenistan in shaping regional transport policy was highlighted. Since 1992, the country has been a member of the Council and has been involved in expanding transit routes. The participants considered issues related to increasing freight volumes and developing transport and transit corridors. Emphasis was placed on infrastructure modernization and its role in expanding international cooperation. Special attention was given to Turkmenistan’s initiatives in sustainable transport, including UN resolutions and corridor development projects. In the second half of the day, the 2nd “Young Railway Workers” forum was held, focusing on personnel training and sector development. The meeting is ongoing.
Turkmenistan will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS
14.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan signed a Decree on the preparation of a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States. According to the document, the meeting will take place on May 22, 2026, in Ashgabat. This was reported by the online resource AsmanNews. The organization of the event has been assigned to the Administrative Department of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, together with the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The decision was made as part of the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Concept of Chairmanship in the CIS for 2026.
The President of Turkmenistan welcomed the participants of the CIS meeting
14.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to participants of the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. This was reported by TDH. The address emphasised the role of the railway sector as a key element of economic cooperation and sustainable development among states. The importance of expanding cooperation between relevant agencies of CIS countries was highlighted. It also noted the adoption of the resolution “United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035,” as well as the establishment of World Sustainable Transport Day, observed on 26 November. The message drew attention to the development of Turkmenistan’s transport infrastructure. International railway lines have been commissioned, including Tejen–Sarahs–Mashhad, Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran, and Kerki–Imamnazar–Aqina, as well as domestic routes and bridges. Efforts to expand transit corridors along the East–West and North–South directions were emphasised. The country’s participation in projects such as the Lapis Lazuli route and the TRACECA corridor was also noted. The development of international multimodal routes involving Asian and European countries, aimed at increasing freight flows, was also mentioned. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the participants of the meeting successful work.
Turkmenistan and Russia Discussed the Development of Cooperation
14.05.2026On May 13, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a telephone conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. This was reported by the AsmanNews online outlet. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Russian cooperation, noting its development in the political, trade-economic, and humanitarian spheres. Vladimir Putin thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and conveyed his greetings to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the priority of the strategic partnership with Russia and extended reciprocal wishes. The interlocutors emphasized the importance of further interstate dialogue and cooperation in multilateral formats, including within the framework of the CIS. They also highlighted the significance of international events during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Particular attention was given to cooperation in the trade-economic, scientific-educational, and cultural-humanitarian fields. The sides underlined the development of contacts in education, including the training of Turkmen students at Russian universities. They also noted Vladimir Putin’s upcoming participation in the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, scheduled to be held in October 2026. Following the conversation, the sides confirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation. The telephone conversation concluded with an exchange of mutual good wishes.
Hero-Arkadag began visit to the Republic of Tatarstan
14.05.2026On May 13, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, arrived in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation on a visit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. At Kazan International Airport named after Gabdulla Tukay, he was welcomed by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. The parties held talks in both narrow and expanded formats. They discussed the development of Turkmen-Russian cooperation with a focus on interregional ties. Particular attention was given to industrial cooperation, the fuel and energy sector, transport, and digital technologies. The sides noted the activities of KamAZ and Tatneft in Turkmenistan, as well as joint projects in the oil and gas sector. They also emphasized the role of regular Ashgabat–Kazan flights in promoting business and humanitarian contacts. Issues related to education and culture were discussed as well. Turkmen students are studying at universities in Tatarstan. The parties also considered a proposal to hold the final of the “Tatar Kyzy – 2026” contest in Ashgabat. Special note was made of Turkmenistan’s participation in the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum–2026.” Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in key areas. The visit is ongoing.
Turkmenistan participates in the CIS international legal forum
14.05.2026On May 13, the Second International Legal Forum "International Legal Dialogue in the CIS: Traditions of Cooperation and Responding to the Challenges of the Time" opened at the CIS headquarters in Minsk. This was reported by the IIC. The organizers were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and the CIS Executive Committee. Around 70 delegates from Commonwealth countries, including Turkmenistan, are taking part in the forum. Among them are representatives of government bodies, the academic community, and international organizations. At the opening ceremony, First Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Igor Petrishenko noted that the Commonwealth's treaty and legal framework includes over 7,000 documents. According to him, the CIS adheres to the principles of international law and opposes unilateral measures and sanctions. The role of the Interparliamentary Assembly and the CIS Economic Court was also highlighted. The forum's program includes a plenary session and thematic sections. Participants are discussing issues of international legal policy, regional integration, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The dialogue is aimed at strengthening cooperation and ensuring the implementation of interstate obligations.
A French diplomat is exploring the potential of regional projects in Turkmenistan
13.05.2026A meeting was held at the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with French diplomat, ambassador, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and Director of the Secretariat of the European Information and Analytical College based in Paris, Yasmine Guédar. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. During her visit to Ashgabat, she also plans to visit several scientific and cultural institutions, as well as hold talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of the country. The discussions with the university experts were conducted in a businesslike and informative atmosphere. They focused on developments in Central Asia, including regional cooperation and major infrastructure and energy projects of interest to European analysts. Representatives of the center presented their work and research areas, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with international partners.
Turkmenistan and Uganda are strengthening their economic partnership
13.05.2026Turkmenistan and Uganda held high-level talks in Kampala, confirming their intention to develop relations toward practical economic cooperation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Turkmen delegation was led by Yagshuli Mammedov, Head of the Middle East and Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Ugandan side was represented by Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa, with organizational support from Ugandan diplomatic representatives. The two sides outlined key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, energy, textiles, agriculture, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Turkmenistan proposed exporting natural gas and textile products, while Uganda offered coffee and poultry products, as well as cooperation in food processing development. Education programs, academic exchanges, and training in the field of international relations were also discussed, along with the organization of business forums and trade exhibitions. In addition, the parties considered simplifying travel for diplomats by introducing a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic and official passports. They also touched upon cooperation within the United Nations and prospects for reciprocal visits. Following the meeting, both sides noted an intensification of bilateral dialogue, with further agreements and contacts expected through 2027.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed trade and logistics cooperation
13.05.2026On May 11, a meeting took place in Islamabad between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atajan Movlamov, and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. The main focus was on the development of regional trade routes and improving transport and logistics connectivity, according to the news agency Orient. The sides discussed expanding trade corridors to ensure the stable transit of goods and closer cooperation between business entities. The key role of infrastructure in strengthening Pakistan’s trade relations with Central Asian countries was emphasized. The Pakistani side highlighted its strategic position as a transport hub between Central Asia and global markets, as well as the growing importance of the country’s logistics potential. The Turkmen side, in turn, expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation and developing trade and transport links. Energy and infrastructure projects were also discussed separately. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through chambers of commerce, business forums, and exhibitions.
A meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of CIS countries has opened in Ashgabat
13.05.2026In the capital of Turkmenistan, the 84th Council on Railway Transport of the CIS member states has begun its work in the conference hall of the Yyldyz Hotel. The meeting will last until May 14, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Heads of railway administrations from the Commonwealth countries have arrived in Ashgabat to take part in the event. Within the framework of the forum, participants are expected to discuss key issues related to expanding cooperation and developing the railway sector across the CIS, as well as hold bilateral and multilateral meetings and a briefing for media representatives. A cultural program has been prepared for participants, including visits to the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex, the State Museum of Turkmenistan, and the Magtymguly Fragi cultural and park complex.
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