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Representatives of Turkmenistan participated in the OSCE PA meeting on Central Asia
22.02.2026On 20 February, members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis took part in a meeting in Vienna organised by Angelos Syrigos, Special Representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Central Asia, with parliamentary delegations from Central Asian countries. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen delegation emphasised the importance of the country's initiative, announced at the UN General Assembly, to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law,’ and noted that the plan of events for 2026 includes international conferences and forums in Ashgabat dedicated to strengthening the legal foundations of global security and preventive diplomacy. It was noted that Turkmenistan is currently paying special attention to cooperation with the OSCE in areas such as ensuring peace, security and sustainable development, including the achievement of environmental well-being, the development of civil society, democratic institutions, media freedom, ensuring gender equality, increasing youth participation and realising their right to education. During the meeting, participants also exchanged views on the work being done in their countries to combat climate change. They shared their experiences and practices in strengthening the legislative and legal framework for efforts to ensure environmental well-being, environmental protection and conservation, as well as in supporting government policy in this area through parliamentary diplomacy.
Young people from Turkmenistan will go to study at universities in Romania
22.02.2026On 20 February, Deputy Prime Minister B. Mammedov presented a report on sending young citizens of Turkmenistan to study at higher education institutions in Romania in the 2026–2027 academic year during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the advisability of training specialists in priority areas: information technology, healthcare and medical sciences, education and pedagogy, agriculture, engineering, technology and technical sciences, as well as mathematics and natural sciences. The relevant proposal was submitted for consideration to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Approving the proposal, the Head of State gave the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers the relevant instructions on organising the dispatch of young people for training.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a round table with Azerbaijani parliamentarians
22.02.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted a round table with the participation of deputies of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a representative of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the event, issues related to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, widely celebrated in 2025, as well as its significance for strengthening international peace, trust and sustainable development were discussed. The participants emphasised that the legal status of permanent neutrality, recognised by relevant United Nations resolutions, is an effective tool for implementing Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy. Special attention was paid to the proclamation of 2026 in Turkmenistan as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, which reflects the continuity of the country's historical traditions and national values, as well as its peaceful and sustainable development. The special role of the Turkmen horse as a symbol of statehood, continuity of traditions and spiritual values was emphasised. The round table also considered Turkmenistan's initiatives put forward at the UN aimed at strengthening international cooperation, maintaining peace and ensuring sustainable development. In this context, Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 as the Year of International Law, put forward by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, was noted as an important contribution to strengthening the legal foundations of international relations. During the lively exchange of views, the participants confirmed the importance of further developing Turkmen-Azerbaijani interparliamentary and scientific-expert dialogue.
The IIR of the MFA of Turkmenistan has become a platform for an international diplomatic forum
22.02.2026On 20 February, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference dedicated to the Day of Diplomatic Workers of the country. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. A thematic exhibition dedicated to the professional holiday was set up in the foyer of the institute. The exhibition was designed in an equestrian style, in keeping with the motto for 2026 in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by leaders, employees and veterans of the diplomatic service, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in the country, professors, teachers and students of universities, as well as representatives of public associations and the media. The conference participants listened with particular attention to the Address of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the professional holiday. The document reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the principles of permanent neutrality, equality and good-neighbourliness. It noted that the threefold recognition of neutrality by UN General Assembly resolutions, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat, and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust testify to Turkmenistan's high international authority and its contribution to strengthening global peace and cooperation. During the conference, speeches were made by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia; Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan; Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Turkmenistan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan Stephen Conlon, and Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Office in Turkmenistan Eric Livny. In his speech, Rashid Meredov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality, is aimed at forming a sustainable and fair system of international cooperation. The country's active role in promoting the agenda of energy and transport interconnectivity, environmental diplomacy and strengthening international law with the support of the central role of the UN was noted. The forum participants noted the growing importance of Turkmen diplomacy in the context of globalisation, emphasising its contribution to strengthening peace, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. It was noted that, with the support of the Head of State, the material and technical base of the diplomatic service is being consistently improved, its infrastructure is being modernised and its human resources are being expanded. Following the conference, an appeal was made to the President of Turkmenistan, expressing gratitude for his constant attention to the development of the diplomatic service and confirming the readiness to conscientiously fulfil the tasks of protecting national interests and strengthening the country's international authority. In a solemn atmosphere, young employees of the diplomatic service and graduating students of the IMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan were awarded diplomas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their active participation in the implementation of the state's foreign policy strategy.
Turkmen students and teachers strengthen their Persian language skills
21.02.2026Teachers and students from Turkmen universities are taking advanced courses in Persian language and literature organised by the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The training began on 16 February at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and will last for 10 days. Classes are taught by experienced teachers and professors of Persian language and literature from the Saadi Foundation (Iran). Representatives of the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan are participating in the courses. The course programme is aimed at introducing modern teaching methods, studying the specifics of teaching Persian as a foreign language, exchanging pedagogical experience, improving the quality of language education, expanding the professional competencies of teachers, and improving the linguistic knowledge and communication skills of students.
Women in Turkmenistan will receive cash gifts on International Women's Day
21.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on the presentation of monetary gifts to women and girls in the country on the occasion of International Women's Day. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. According to the document, between 2 and 6 March 2026, payments will be made on behalf of the Head of State in a solemn ceremony. Cash gifts will be given to women working in enterprises, institutions and organisations regardless of their form of ownership, as well as those receiving pensions and state benefits. Recipients also include postgraduate students, doctoral students and clinical residents on leave from work, students of the Academy of Public Service under the President of Turkmenistan with a term of study of at least two years, female students, schoolgirls and pupils of preschool institutions.
Turkmenistan and India discussed cooperation in horse breeding
21.02.2026On 19 February, Shalar Geldinazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to India, met with Sarpartap Singh, Vice President of the Indigenous Horse Society of India. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in horse breeding. The Ambassador spoke about state programmes for breeding Ahal-Teke horses and noted that 2026 is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Among the planned events is the annual National Turkmen Horse Festival in April. Sarpartap Singh emphasised the potential for strengthening bilateral ties in the industry.
Turkmenistan presented its energy potential at international forums in London
21.02.2026Representatives of the Turkmen Energy Forum (TEF) took part in International Energy Week and the ‘London Energy Forum’ in London. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forums brought together global energy companies, financial institutions and technology organisations to discuss market sustainability, investment priorities and the role of energy resources in the context of the global energy transition. Participants presented Turkmenistan's investment opportunities, discussed formats for cooperation with international companies and presented upcoming conferences and exhibitions in Ashgabat. At the events, experts emphasised that the energy transition will go hand in hand with ensuring energy security, and that natural gas remains a key transition fuel due to its low carbon intensity and ability to maintain the stability of energy systems as the share of renewable energy grows. Countries with large gas reserves, including Turkmenistan, are seen as important partners in decarbonisation and energy security, opening up opportunities for long-term cooperation in both traditional supplies and low-carbon projects. Investors are attracted to projects with a transparent implementation structure, reliable partners and developed infrastructure. Projects with technological partnerships, EPC models, accessible sources of financing and effective product marketing mechanisms are of particular interest.
The ‘TürkmenÄlem 52°E’ satellite expands the scope of international communications
21.02.2026The coverage area of Turkmenistan's first national satellite, ‘TürkmenÄlem 52°E’, encompasses Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, the CIS countries and certain regions of Asia with a population of over 1.2 billion people. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Its launch in 2015 was a key step in the development of the country's telecommunications infrastructure and the expansion of international ties. Turkmenistan actively participates in the work of relevant international organisations in the field of communications. The implementation of these projects contributes to the development of transit routes between Europe and Asia, the growth of network capacity and the strengthening of Turkmenistan's status as an important regional communications hub.
Turkmenistan has increased the volume of transit cargo transportation
21.02.2026Turkmenistan has seen steady growth in transit freight traffic. According to the news website Turkmenportal, last year transit flows passed through routes covering 108 countries, with a total volume exceeding 7 million tonnes. The volume in 2025 increased by 28% compared to 2024. Road transport leads the overall structure of foreign trade and transit transport, accounting for 43%. The share of rail transport was 27%, sea transport 28%, and air transport 2%. The State Customs Service is constantly implementing measures to optimise customs procedures, introduce digital solutions and modernise the infrastructure of checkpoints, which ensures efficient and transparent customs clearance in accordance with international standards.
Turkmenistan and FAO emphasised the priorities of sustainable agricultural development
21.02.2026The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Toyly Komekov met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place on 18 February at the organisation's headquarters in Rome. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Government of Turkmenistan and confirmed his interest in developing cooperation with the FAO and introducing international practices in the field of sustainable agriculture and food security. The parties discussed the results of the FAO Head's visit to Ashgabat in January this year, including the signing of an agreement on the opening of a full-fledged FAO office in Turkmenistan, as well as the importance of the international conference on food security and climate change. Qu Dongyu highly appreciated the results of the visit and the meeting with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In addition, the Director-General of the FAO noted Turkmenistan's potential, its sustainable development and active role in the environmental and food agenda. During the meeting, the FAO confirmed its readiness to support the country's initiatives and the implementation of the Country Framework Programme for 2026-2030, which focuses on climate adaptation, water resources and innovation.
Turkmenistan took part in the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna
20.02.2026On 19 February, members of the Turkmenistan Mejlis took part in the 25th winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the session, a wide range of issues were discussed, including political and security issues, the development of democracy, the protection of human rights and humanitarian issues, as well as topics related to the economy, science, technology and the environment. Special attention was paid to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and preparatory activities for the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, scheduled for July 2026. The meeting participants exchanged views on the importance of the OSCE in the context of contemporary global challenges, ways to strengthen trust and cooperation between states, ensure economic sustainability and equality, protect human dignity, rights and freedoms, provide humanitarian assistance, combat climate change, and the role of dialogue in strengthening peace and stability.
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