Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the results of foreign policy activities for the first half of 2025, according to the state news agency TDH. According to R. Meredov, Turkmenistan continues to adhere to a policy of neutrality and peaceful interaction, actively developing international ties. In January–June, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan and Mongolia. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, also made a number of foreign visits, including trips to Monaco, France, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tatarstan. Over the past six months, more than 1,800 official events were held in the country, resulting in the signing of 97 international agreements. Turkmenistan also received delegations from international organisations and strengthened inter-ministerial contacts through its diplomatic missions abroad. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan called for continued systematic work to expand cooperation in politics, economics, culture, science and with international structures.
Today in Beijing, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to China P. Durdyev met with Jin Liqun, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the Head of the AIIB confirmed the bank's interest in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan and announced plans to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in August 2025 in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. The bank plans to organise its own exhibition pavilion at the event. The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the implementation of infrastructure projects. The Turkmen delegation presented information on the country's current foreign policy priorities and international initiatives. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan presented the President of the AIIB and the bank's library with a book of selected poems by Magtymguly Pyragy in Chinese, emphasising the importance of the cultural aspect in bilateral relations. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, confirming mutual interest in developing the partnership.
On 14 July 2025, a ceremony was held at Incheon Airport (Republic of Korea) to mark the launch of regular flights between Turkmenistan and South Korea. The event was attended by representatives of the two countries' leadership, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Lee Hak-yong and representatives of the Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ N. Kakabayev. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In their speeches, the participants emphasised that the launch of direct air service reflects the dynamic development of Turkmen-Korean cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea B. Durdyev presented a programme of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon-cutting and a commemorative photo, symbolising the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries. Direct flights between Ashgabat and Seoul will contribute to strengthening business and tourist ties, as well as the development of cultural exchanges.
A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark France's National Day, Bastille Day, organised by the Embassy of the French Republic in Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of diplomatic circles, ministries, as well as figures from the worlds of culture and science, according to the news website TerraNews. In his speech, French Ambassador Philippe Merlin noted Turkmenistan's support for international law and global initiatives, including the fight against climate change. He highlighted the contribution of French companies to projects in Turkmenistan, ranging from telecommunications to sustainable urban development. Special attention was paid to educational cooperation: French is taught in 25 schools and several universities in the country, and interest in the language is growing. In his response, Turkmenistan's Minister of Education Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian partnership and thanked France for its contribution to the preservation of Turkmen heritage. The festive part of the event included a fashion show by Govher Gouvernet, who combined Eastern motifs and French style in her collection. The evening continued with video presentations on archaeological expeditions and a musical programme featuring Turkmen and French performers. The event highlighted the close cultural ties and the development of Turkmen-French dialogue at all levels, from diplomacy to fashion and education.
Today, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova met with Ahmed Al-Hai Hamad Khamis Al-Hameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the diplomats discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UAE, paying special attention to preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The possibilities of jointly organising events within the framework of the conference and ensuring the active participation of delegations from both countries were considered. The meeting confirmed mutual interest in strengthening partnership relations and developing cooperation in multilateral international forums.
On 14 July this year, a historic ceremony was held in New York to sign a document establishing diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Rwanda. At the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, the permanent representatives of the two countries, Aksoltan Atayeva and Martin K. Ngoga, signed a Joint Communiqué. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Before the official ceremony, the diplomats held substantive talks, during which they discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation within the UN framework. The Turkmen side took the opportunity to once again invite Rwanda to participate in the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This landmark event opens a new page in relations between the two countries, creating a solid foundation for the development of political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, and interaction in international organisations. The parties expressed confidence that the establishment of diplomatic relations will serve as an impetus for strengthening mutual understanding and partnership between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Rwanda.
In the first half of 2025, school and university students from Turkmenistan won 748 medals at international subject Olympiads and intellectual competitions. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The achievements were recorded in such disciplines as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, foreign languages and others. Participation in the competitions took place both in person and online. Among the competitions were prestigious international Olympiads organised by leading educational institutions in Europe, Asia and other regions. These results were made possible by the state's efforts to modernise the education system. Priorities include improving the infrastructure of educational institutions, actively introducing digital technologies, improving teacher qualifications and developing international cooperation with foreign educational organisations.
Teachers from Xi'an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University in China have arrived in Turkmenistan on a working visit to establish the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the visit, Chinese specialists will conduct a week-long training course for young teachers on the application of new technologies in informatics and applied geology, as well as exchange experience with Turkmen universities. Earlier, on 18 October 2024, a Memorandum of Cooperation on the launch of the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ was signed in Xi'an between the Turkmen university, Chinese universities and educational organisations.
An international trade deal was signed with Afghan businesspeople at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Afghan representatives purchased Portland cement of the brand ‘CEM I 42.5 H’ from Turkmen suppliers. The total amount of the deal was 215 thousand US dollars.
A large-scale international event entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ will be held at the Exhibition Centre of the Ashgabat Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 10 to 12 October. The event is organised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Turkish company ‘Net Fuar Organizasyon’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will showcase modern medical equipment, diagnostic technology, innovative developments from clinical centres, and the latest technologies in the fields of education and sport. Relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, foreign companies and members of the country's Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs have confirmed their participation. A scientific conference will be held in parallel with the exhibition, where topical issues of healthcare, education and the sports industry will be discussed. The event will be an important platform for demonstrating Turkmenistan's achievements and strengthening international cooperation in these key social areas.
From 18 to 20 September 2025, the Commerce and Industry Chamber's exhibition centre in the capital will host an exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence. The exhibition will showcase the achievements of all key sectors of the national economy, which are developing under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Over the course of three days, ministries, departments and member companies of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs will showcase their successes in energy, industry, oil and gas, chemicals, textiles, construction, transport, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism and the environment. The organisers emphasise that the exhibition will be an important platform for demonstrating the country's economic potential and strengthening business cooperation between participants. The event reflects the sustainable growth of the national economy and is in line with Turkmenistan's strategic development goals in the era of the revival of a powerful state. The exhibition is expected to be a significant event in the country's business life, contributing to the further prosperity and innovative development of all sectors of the economy.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, together with diplomats from Central Asian countries and Mongolia, took part in a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, Frans Weekers, and his deputies. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Benelux leadership presented the structure and history of the organisation, emphasising its success as an integration association. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation and expressed mutual interest in developing dialogue with Central Asia, including the exchange of experience in intergovernmental cooperation. The Turkmen ambassador raised the issue of simplifying visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports, emphasising Turkmenistan's growing international activity. In just six months, the country hosted almost 2,000 meetings with foreign partners, and more than 700 delegations travelled abroad. The simplification of travel between Turkmenistan and Switzerland was cited as an example of a successful visa agreement.