A new issue of the magazine ‘Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Turkmenistan’ has been published in Turkmen, Russian and English, covering key events in the country's foreign policy in the third quarter of 2025, according to the news website Asmannews. The issue provides detailed coverage of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan on 16–17 July, his meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other officials, as well as his visit to the cities of Fizuli and Shusha. Special attention is paid to the trilateral summit between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on 22 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and the joint declaration adopted at its conclusion. The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, attended by representatives of more than 100 countries and 50 international organisations, and the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration are also covered. In September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, emphasising the country's readiness for practical cooperation and strengthening stability. Turkmenistan continues to actively participate in SCO summits, including the meeting in Tianjin, where negotiations took place with Chinese leaders. The magazine also touches on topics such as Turkmenistan's neutrality, cooperation with Pakistan and Croatia, the integration of Central and South Asia, issues of diplomatic protocol, and the harmonisation of national legislation with international law. The section ‘Chronicle of Diplomatic Life’ summarises the results of the third quarter of 2025.
From 23 to 24 October, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by Kakajan Yagmyrov, Head of the International Relations and Logistics Department of the Ministry of Automobile Transport of Turkmenistan, took part in the Regional Transport Ministers Conference (RTMC 2025) in Islamabad, organised by the Ministry of Communications of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan. During the conference, the Turkmen delegation presented the country's transport and logistics potential, noting the key role of Turkmenistan as a transit hub in the region and the development of modern infrastructure facilities — railways and motorways, seaports and logistics centres. It was also emphasised that the country is actively modernising its transport system, introducing digital solutions and implementing international initiatives on sustainable transport and the integration of regional corridors. The delegation expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan and expand bilateral and multilateral ties for the development of trade and regional connectivity. The conference confirmed the desire of countries in the region, including Turkmenistan, to develop a transport and logistics network as an important factor in economic integration.
A delegation from Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev visited the University of Wyoming (UW) as part of a working trip to the United States, according to the online news resource TerraNews. During the meeting, prospects for academic cooperation were discussed, including the signing of memoranda, the launch of joint educational programmes and the use of the WyoCourses/Canvas digital platform for the exchange of educational materials and conducting classes. Following the visit, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the University of Wyoming, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen State Institute of World Languages, and the Turkmen State Financial Institute. In the new semester, pilot projects are planned in the areas of business analytics, blockchain technology, language training and inclusive education. The parties confirmed their commitment to achieving practical results and regular cooperation.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Berdimyrat Rejepov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Federal Republic of Germany, took part in the Global Tourism Forum 2025, which was held in Brussels on 20–21 October. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of governments, international organisations and leading tourism companies. Among the participants were European Commissioner for Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Secretary-General-elect of the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) Shaikha Al Nowais and representatives of ministries from various countries. The event discussed trends in the global tourism industry, sustainable tourism, digitalisation, ‘green’ technologies and international cooperation to improve service quality. Turkmenistan's participation confirmed the country's commitment to global initiatives, the development of international relations and the promotion of cultural heritage, which is considered a priority area for sustainable socio-economic development.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the Turkmen-Italian Business Forum and noted the growing interest of Italian businesses in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The Head of State said that the purpose of the meeting was to give new impetus to bilateral relations and bring the partnership to a modern level. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that good inter-state relations have been established between the countries and positive experience of cooperation with Italian companies has been accumulated. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the reforms being carried out in Turkmenistan, rich natural resources and an ‘open door’ policy create favourable conditions for foreign investment. The President of Turkmenistan outlined the key strategic directions for the country's development: industrialisation, diversification of the economy and export routes, creation of a ‘green’ economy, development of transport and logistics infrastructure, and processing of hydrocarbon raw materials. The Head of State noted the significant presence of Italian business in Turkmenistan, including cooperation with ‘Eni’ and a number of other companies. At the same time, the President of Turkmenistan stressed the need to expand cooperation, especially in energy, transport, gas processing and renewable energy. Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid special attention to projects in the field of electric power and invited Italy to participate in the construction of power plants and the development of ‘green’ technologies. The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the goals of Turkmenistan and Italy in the field of energy security coincide. Among the promising areas, the Head of State mentioned transport cooperation, including the creation of the Caspian-Mediterranean corridor and the modernisation of railways. He also mentioned the development of the textile industry, where Italian companies' equipment is actively used, and proposed expanding joint production of finished products. The President of Turkmenistan proposed considering the creation of a Turkmen-Italian business council to coordinate cooperation and noted the importance of business exchanges, exhibitions and joint projects. Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan is reforming its banking sector and is interested in Italy's experience, including cooperation with the ‘SACE’ agency. In conclusion, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan considers Italy a priority partner and is open to long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan wished the forum participants successful and fruitful work.
As part of his official visit to Italy, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the Turkmen-Italian Business Forum. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his speech, the Head of State emphasised that the aim of the forum was to give new impetus to the development of bilateral relations and take the partnership to a qualitatively new level. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan's ‘open door’ policy was aimed at strengthening the economy and attracting foreign investment. Among the priorities for the country's development, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the creation of an industrial society and the diversification of the economy, including the expansion of energy routes, including in the western direction. The Head of State expressed his readiness to provide Italian businesses with all the conditions for active work in Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan paid particular attention to the prospects for cooperation in the transport sector – the creation of the Caspian-Mediterranean corridor – as well as in the textile industry, where Turkmenistan is interested in joint production and expanding exports. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted his interest in Italian experience in the financial and banking sector and proposed developing cooperation between the financial institutions of the two countries. During his visit, the President of Turkmenistan also took part in the opening of the archaeological exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’, which is the result of more than 30 years of cooperation between Turkmen and Italian archaeologists.
The 30th International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025’ (OGT 2025) concluded in Ashgabat on 24 October. On the last day, key topics were discussed: underground gas storage (UGS), LNG, carbon dioxide capture and utilisation technologies, as well as the role of innovation and human resources in the country's energy transition, according to the news website Asmannews. Gurbangeldi Garlyev, Chairman of the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa,’ spoke about CCUS technologies, emphasising their importance in combating climate change and their potential for integration with renewable sources and hydrogen technologies for sustainable development. Phil Gibbons, Senior Petrophysics Consultant at GaffneyCline Energy Advisory, presented an assessment of the ‘Ojak’ field storage project. According to him, the reservoir can hold up to 5 billion cubic metres of working gas per season, and the recommendations for wells will increase efficiency and reduce costs. The project is seen as a strategic step towards Turkmenistan's energy independence and competitiveness. OGT 2025 was attended by more than 1,400 delegates from 70 countries, including representatives of companies, government agencies and scientific organisations, confirming Turkmenistan's status as a reliable energy partner. The conference concluded with a press conference, which highlighted the productivity of the meetings and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Turkmenistan plans to maintain natural gas production at 80 billion cubic metres in 2025. This was announced by Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, at a press conference following the OGT 2025 international conference and exhibition held in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘This year's gas production level is 80 billion cubic metres, and we are also planning production in this range for next year,’ said M. Babayev. He stressed that in the medium term, the country plans to gradually increase production. In particular, next year will see the start of the fourth phase of development of Turkmenistan's largest field, ‘Galkynysh’, which is expected to produce an additional 10 billion cubic metres of gas annually. The project will be implemented by the Chinese company CNPC, which won the international tender. In the first half of 2025, Turkmenistan produced about 39 billion cubic metres of gas, while at the end of 2024, total production exceeded 77 billion cubic metres.
At the international conference ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025,’ PJSC ‘Gazprom’ presented its technologies in the field of underground gas storage (UGS) construction. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Company representative Sergey Khan recalled that work on the creation of UGS facilities in Russia began in 1955, and over 70 years, more than 3 trillion cubic metres of gas have passed through them. Currently, there are 27 storage facilities in operation with an operational reserve of 73 billion cubic metres. He emphasised that ‘Gazprom’ is a world leader in this field and possesses a full range of technologies for the design and operation of UGS facilities. The Head of ‘Türkmengaz’, Maksat Babayev, reported that technical surveys are being completed in Turkmenistan for the construction of an underground gas storage facility based on the former ‘Ojak’ field with a capacity of 5 billion cubic metres of gas.
The volume of Turkmen gas supplies to China has reached 450 billion cubic metres, which has significantly supported the economic and social development of both countries, said Chen Huailong, CNPC President for Central Asia and Russia, at the OGT 2025 conference in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. He stressed that gas remains a key energy source in the transition to a low-carbon economy. With its large reserves, Turkmenistan is able to meet growing global demand and contribute to the achievement of carbon emission reduction targets by expanding export routes. Over 19 years of cooperation with China, the gas industry has developed significantly, including field development, trade and engineering projects. Chen Huailong noted the recent agreements between the leaders of the two countries, which confirmed the strategic nature of the partnership. CNPC intends to strengthen cooperation with ‘Türkmengaz’ across the entire gas chain, ensuring stable production, pipeline safety and increased gas recovery. In addition, the company plans to develop ‘green’ energy, including hydrogen and methane emission reduction, digitalisation of infrastructure and training for Turkmenistan.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan held a briefing on the development of tourism and joint projects with the neighbouring country. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat, spoke about the achievements of the tourism industry in Uzbekistan and invited Turkmen operators to cooperate. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted the cultural attractions of the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as modern tourist formats: ecological, cultural-ethnographic, pilgrimage, adventure and gastronomic tourism. Since the beginning of 2025, Uzbekistan has been visited by 8.6 million foreign tourists, and the country now receives about 1 million people per month. The Ambassador invited Turkmen companies to participate in the construction of hotels, the development of recreational areas and transport infrastructure, as well as in the development of the cross-border route ‘Khiva - Koneurgench - Ashgabat - Mary - Bukhara’. R. Alimov also invited partners from Turkmenistan to the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (27–29 November) and stressed that tourism remains an important tool for strengthening good-neighbourly relations and public diplomacy between countries.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Kazakh people on the occasion of the national holiday, Republic Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message emphasises that over the years of sovereign development, Kazakhstan has achieved significant success in strengthening statehood, improving the standard of living of its citizens and strengthening the country's international authority. The President of Turkmenistan noted that bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are constructive and strategic in nature. The Head of State expressed confidence in the further development of multifaceted cooperation both within the framework of bilateral interaction and in the multilateral arena. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Kassym-Jomart Tokayev good health, happiness and success in his state activities, and the people of Kazakhstan peace, well-being and prosperity.