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Turkmenistan and UNDP Expand Cooperation on SDGs and Digitalization
29.05.2026On May 28, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Alexander De Croo. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNDP, including the implementation of the new UNDP Country Programme for Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. Particular attention was paid to the digitalization of public services, healthcare system development, social inclusion issues, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sides also reviewed projects in the areas of healthcare, human capital development, and strengthening legal capacity. During the meeting, the participants discussed climate-related issues, sustainable natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. One of the promising areas highlighted was the initiative to establish a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asian countries in Ashgabat. The sides also touched upon preparations for the 3rd Voluntary National Review on SDG implementation and prospects for cooperation within Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNDP.
Turkmenistan and the United States Reaffirm Commitment to Expanding Cooperation
29.05.2026On May 27, a meeting was held in Washington between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-American relations. The talks focused on political and diplomatic, trade and economic, educational, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. Special attention was given to the significance of the “C5+1” Summit held in Washington in November 2025. The sides also emphasized the importance of the bilateral meeting between the presidents of Turkmenistan and the United States that took place on the sidelines of the summit. The discussions also centered on expanding trade and economic ties and cooperation with American businesses. In this context, the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the United States was mentioned, during which meetings were held with representatives of the business community. The parties also discussed preparations for the visit of the U.S.-Turkmenistan Business Council delegation to Turkmenistan and the next round of annual consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the U.S. Department of State in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their readiness to continue regular dialogue and develop mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Turkmenistan Outlined International Cooperation Priorities at the Friends of Global Governance Group Meeting
29.05.2026On May 28, the delegation of Turkmenistan led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov took part in the meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance focused on reforming the global governance system and jointly addressing global challenges. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the invitation and reaffirmed support for the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit on September 1, 2025. According to him, Ashgabat views participation in the Group of Friends as an important platform for promoting the initiative at the United Nations. The Turkmen side presented four practical proposals. The first concerns the establishment of a Multilateral Preventive Governance Platform for early warning of conflicts and crises. The second is related to strengthening international law — Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. The third area addresses data reliability and digitalization: the country advocates the introduction of universal principles for data verification and validation. The fourth aspect highlighted was the practical implementation and inclusiveness of global governance. In conclusion, it was emphasized that preventive governance, international law, reliable data, and practical cooperation should become the foundation of responsible international interaction.
Congratulations on Kurban Bayrami Sent to the President of Turkmenistan
29.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has received congratulatory messages on the occasion of Kurban Bayrami from a number of foreign leaders and heads of international organizations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Congratulatory messages were sent by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, as well as Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev. In their messages, they wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and success in his state activities, and wished the Turkmen people peace, prosperity, and well-being. The congratulatory messages emphasized the importance of Kurban Bayrami as a holiday that strengthens spiritual unity, mutual understanding, and solidarity across the Muslim world. A number of leaders also highlighted the importance of further developing friendly relations and cooperation with Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Cuba confirm intention to strengthen bilateral relations
28.05.2026On May 27, on the sidelines of the open debates of the UN Security Council, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade-economic, and humanitarian spheres, paying particular attention to interaction within the framework of the United Nations. The importance of regular inter-ministerial dialogue and the expansion of contacts in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, sports, and tourism was also highlighted. The ministers also emphasized the need to intensify ties between business communities and develop joint economic initiatives, including strengthening the legal and contractual framework. At the conclusion of the meeting, mutual interest in the further development of friendly relations between the two countries was confirmed.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation within the UN framework
28.05.2026On May 26, on the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council debates, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Günter Krichbaum. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the development of bilateral relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, and also exchanged views on the international agenda. The importance of regular contacts between the foreign ministries and further expansion of cooperation was noted. Special attention was given to cooperation within the United Nations and the promotion of diplomacy, preventive mechanisms, and dialogue as tools for ensuring peace and sustainable development. The steady nature of economic ties was emphasized, along with interest in their expansion, as well as the development of academic and cultural exchanges, including in the “Central Asia – Germany” format.
Turkmen wrestler wins gold at Asian Under-23 Championships
28.05.2026Alp Arslan Begendzhov became the Asian champion in freestyle wrestling among athletes under 23. The tournament was held in Da Nang, Vietnam. The Turkmen wrestler competed in the weight category up to 86 kg, according to “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. On his way to gold, the 19-year-old athlete had three matches and did not concede a single point to his opponents. In the quarterfinals, he defeated India’s Sachin Mor 6–0. In the semifinals, he won by technical superiority against Boburbek Ruzimboyev of Uzbekistan 11–0. In the final, he also secured an early victory over Abilaykhan Uzembayev of Kazakhstan 10–0. This is Begendzhov’s first gold medal at the Asian U23 Championships. Last year, he took silver in the 79 kg category at the same tournament. The athlete has been steadily improving on the international stage. In 2024, he won gold at both the Asian and World Championships among U20 athletes. In 2025, he added a silver medal at the U23 level and a bronze at the U20 Asian Championships. In April 2026, he also earned bronze at the senior Asian Championships in Bishkek. Starting this season, Begendzhov moved up to the 86 kg weight class and has already achieved success at continental level. The athlete received his foundational training in Ashgabat, working with various national team coaches. He is currently training under the guidance of Batyr Orazgylydzhov.
Turkmen specialists took part in a sports medicine forum in Kazan
28.05.2026Lecturers from the Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan participated in the 5th All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference “Kazan Club of Sports Doctors,” held on May 21–22 in Kazan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmen specialists presented their experience in the field of sports medicine and discussed it with colleagues from different countries. The event took place at the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism with the support of the Kazan State Medical University and the International Federation of Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation Specialists. The conference brought together doctors, scientists, coaches, and rehabilitation specialists to exchange practical experience in sports medicine — from diagnostics and treatment to the rehabilitation of athletes. The program included plenary and sectional sessions, round tables, and workshops, where participants discussed modern methods, clinical cases, and prospects for professional cooperation.
Guwanchmuhammet Ovekov elected CAFA Vice President
28.05.2026On May 26, the 11th Congress of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) was held in an online format. During the meeting, the results of tournaments conducted under the organization’s auspices in 2025 were reviewed. The outcomes of an audit were also considered, and elections for the Vice President were held, according to IIC. The only candidate from Central Asia was the Chairman of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Guwanchmuhammet Ovekov. He was elected to the position by a unanimous decision of the participants. Representatives of CAFA leadership and national football governing bodies of regional countries took part in the Congress. Among them were CAFA General Secretary Ulugbek Karimov, as well as leaders and general secretaries of football federations from Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Central Asian Football Association was founded on June 10, 2014. It began full operations on January 9, 2015. The association includes six countries: Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Uzbekistan. The headquarters is located in Tajikistan. The President of the association has been Rustam Emomali since 2019. His term runs until 2027. The Secretary General is Ulugbek Karimov.
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan hold talks in New York
28.05.2026On May 26, a meeting took place in New York between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen–Azerbaijani relations across key areas. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic dialogue, expanding high-level contacts and visits, as well as implementing previously reached agreements. The ministers noted the importance of further developing the legal and contractual framework of cooperation between the two countries. They also exchanged views on cooperation within international and regional organizations, primarily the United Nations, emphasizing the high level of mutual support in international structures. Separately, they discussed preparations for upcoming high-level events and coordination of joint efforts on international platforms. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing friendly, fraternal, and good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan promotes global security initiatives at UN meeting
28.05.2026On May 26, within the framework of a visit to the United States, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the policy of permanent neutrality and its course toward preventive diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, and adherence to international law was emphasized. The Turkmen side highly appreciated the work of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. Possible directions for expanding its activities were discussed in order to strengthen regional cooperation and confidence-building measures. Issues of regional security and mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of conflicts based on dialogue were also considered. The initiative of Turkmenistan to develop a Global Security Strategy was also discussed. Its role in shaping a more sustainable international security system was emphasized. The proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN was also addressed. As a first step, the establishment of the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan was noted. On this basis, a master’s program is planned, along with the development of partnership with the United Nations University for Peace. In conclusion, the sides highlighted the importance of joint projects in infrastructure and regional connectivity. Among them is the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, seen as a factor of energy security and economic cooperation.
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed the implementation of the Avaza documents
28.05.2026On May 26, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and the UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS), Rabab Fatima. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the talks, Rashid Meredov conveyed greetings and best wishes to Rabab Fatima on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The sides discussed Turkmenistan’s role as co-chair of the Group of Friends of Landlocked Developing Countries. It was noted that the country will continue to support the interests of these states and promote international cooperation. Special attention was paid to the Avaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 and the Avaza Political Declaration. The participants discussed steps for their practical implementation. Key areas for LLDC countries were also addressed, including climate change, sustainable energy, water diplomacy, digitalization, and the development of a circular economy. At the end of the meeting, Rashid Meredov thanked UNOHRLLS for its long-term cooperation and reaffirmed readiness for further collaboration.
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