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Japanese companies discussed the development of tourism and business ties with Turkmenistan
18.02.2026On 17 February, a meeting was held at the ‘Arkaç’ business centre between representatives of leading Japanese corporations — ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Itochu’, ‘Toyota’ and ‘Kawasaki’ — and Turkmen companies and public organisations, with the support of the ‘Iş Nokady’ company. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting was also attended by Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of business ties and the tourism potential of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador noted the high interest of Japanese visitors in the Turkmenistan pavilion at ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, which ranked third in terms of attendance, and called on travel companies to more actively promote the country in the Japanese market, highlighting its natural and historical and cultural attractions, including Darvaza, Yangy-Gala and Koytendag.
Turkmen schoolchildren win trip to robotics tournament in China
18.02.2026The regional stage of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics championship in Astana from 10 to 13 February 2026 ended in success for the Turkmen team ‘Oguzrobot’. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Schoolchildren from Ashgabat demonstrated a high level of preparation and received a special quota to participate in an international tournament in China. About 80 teams from different countries, including Hong Kong, Estonia, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, took part in the competition. ‘Oguzrobot’ won in the early stages and successfully passed the qualifying round, winning two of the four most difficult games. The jury highly praised the robot's design and programming, noting the team's innovative solutions. The teams consisted of students from secondary schools No. 97 and No. 86 in Ashgabat, who were trained at the ‘Kämil bilim’ training centre. The success of ‘Oguzrobot’, which received the ‘International Success’ award last year, confirms the growth in the quality of STEM education in Turkmenistan.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan held a briefing for Georgian media outlets
18.02.2026On 17 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia held a briefing for Georgian media outlets dedicated to the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by representatives of leading television channels, print and online publications, as well as analytical centres in Georgia. Dovletmyrat Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, noted that the motto reflects the country's strategic guidelines, national unity and the symbolic role of Ahal-Teke horses as an image of the pursuit of progress. Participants were presented with a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust,’ which reveals the significance of neutrality and its international recognition by the UN. During the briefing, issues of Turkmen-Georgian cooperation were also touched upon and the positive dynamics of bilateral contacts were noted. Representatives of the Georgian media and expert community emphasised the contribution of Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality to strengthening peace, developing partnerships and friendly ties between peoples.
Turkmenistan and Russia discussed priorities for cooperation within the CIS
18.02.2026A meeting was held in Minsk between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, and Alexander Lukashevich, the new Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the CIS statutory bodies. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties focused on the priorities of Ashgabat's chairmanship of the CIS and preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. During the conversation, the symbolism of the 2026 motto and its connection with the country's foreign policy course — neutrality, commitment to traditions and openness to dialogue — was discussed. The diplomats discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS and issues of regional stability. Alexander Lukashevich congratulated the Turkmen side on the upcoming anniversary of independence and confirmed Russia's readiness to support Ashgabat's initiatives within the Commonwealth.
The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan held a meeting with a representative of UNICEF
18.02.2026On 17 February, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev held a meeting with Jalpa Ratna, Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed priorities for cooperation for 2026-2030, including early childhood development, inclusive education, climate resilience of the education system and disaster risk reduction, and took stock of joint projects already implemented. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of the National Strategy for Early Childhood Development, pilot school readiness programmes, the ‘Green School’ initiative and the expansion of inclusive education. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue and strengthen cooperation in the interests of protecting the rights of every child.
Indonesian Ambassador meets with Chairwoman of the Mejlis
18.02.2026On 17 February, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, accepted the credentials of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Turkmenistan, Rolliansyah Soemirat. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, D. Gulmanova congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the countries. In response, the Ambassador conveyed greetings to the President of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, Rolliansyah Soemirat familiarised himself with the work of the Mejlis and its role in improving national legislation. The priorities of Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy and the country's creative initiatives to ensure peace and stability were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the development of Turkmen-Indonesian relations in bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the UN and other international organisations. The Ambassador assured that he would make efforts to further strengthen cooperation based on trust and mutual respect.
A meeting between the MFA of Turkmenistan and a representative of the WHO took place in Ashgabat
18.02.2026On 17 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova met with Hans Kluge, Regional Director of the World Health Organisation's European Office, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the World Health Organisation. It was noted that the training on diplomacy in the field of health, implemented in the CIS territory, was the first programme of this kind and is being successfully conducted with Turkmenistan as the host. The interlocutors discussed the draft Roadmap in Support of Health and Well-being in Central Asia for 2026-2030. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Turkmenistan, preparedness for public health emergencies within the framework of the ‘One Health’ concept, and the promotion of the Caspian Environmental Initiative. At the end of the meeting, Hans Kluge was invited to participate in major regional and international forums scheduled to take place in 2026.
EU Ambassador outlined key areas of partnership with Turkmenistan
18.02.2026On 17 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held a press briefing to summarise cooperation with the European Union in 2025 and outline key priorities for 2026. EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa noted that the partnership covered strategic infrastructure projects and humanitarian initiatives. Last year was characterised by intensive dialogue and practical implementation of agreements, according to the news publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the key areas, she highlighted transport and logistics within the ‘Global Gateway’ programme, discussions on the formation of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, regional security issues with a focus on Afghanistan, as well as the environment and civil society — adaptation to climate change, environmental protection and energy efficiency. According to Peksa, Turkmenistan has been actively involved in regional and national projects. In 2025, 547 joint projects financed by the EU were implemented, involving more than 29,000 Turkmenistan citizens. For 2026, the main goal will be to strengthen economic ties and support the private sector. In particular, the first joint ‘EU – Turkmenistan’ business forum will be held on 26 March. Registration for Turkmen companies is open until 23 February. The European side will be represented by international companies from the fields of trade, industry, IT and education. In addition to economic initiatives, the parties will continue to cooperate in the areas of cybersecurity, infrastructure and attracting foreign investment. In conclusion, Beata Peksa thanked National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their support of the initiatives and emphasised that active bilateral visits and openness to discussing complex issues confirm the strategic importance of Turkmenistan for Europe.
A briefing on partnership with the European Union was held in Ashgabat
18.02.2026On 17 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held a briefing on cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Participants summarised the results of cooperation in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, diplomatic missions, EU institutions and the media. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova said that cooperation with the EU remains one of the key areas of the country's foreign policy. It covers the political, economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. It is reported that around 30 EU projects are being implemented in Turkmenistan in the areas of ecology, digitalisation, transport, the rule of law and private sector support. Key areas also remain interparliamentary dialogue, human rights dialogue, cooperation in education and science, including the DARYA initiative and the ‘Horizon Europe’ programme, as well as the development of the Trans-Caspian route. A meeting of the ‘EU – Turkmenistan’ Joint Committee, an ‘EU – Central Asia’ ministerial meeting, and new rounds of interparliamentary dialogue and human rights dialogue are planned for 2026. Following the briefing, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation.
The MFA of Turkmenistan offers convenient access to information via smartphone
18.02.2026The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has launched a mobile application for smartphones. This was reported on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The programme provides daily news and information about the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and its subordinate agencies, including diplomatic missions abroad, consular services and permanent missions to international organisations. Users can sign up for consular services online. The app centralises access to official information and is available in Turkmen, Russian and English.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on receiving the WHO award
18.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of him being awarded a special award by the World Health Organisation ‘For contribution to the promotion of peace, unity and diplomacy in healthcare’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The congratulatory message emphasises that this high international award is recognition of the peaceful, humane and multi-vector state policy, as well as consistent work to strengthen the healthcare system and form a culture of healthy lifestyles in the country. It is noted that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, large-scale state programmes are being implemented in the field of healthcare, including the ‘Saglyk’ (‘Health’) State Programme, the development of medical infrastructure, the construction of modern clinics, rehabilitation centres and enterprises for the production of medicines. The congratulatory message also states that Turkmenistan's active cooperation with specialised UN agencies, including the World Health Organisation, contributes to the development of medical and scientific diplomacy, the expansion of international partnerships and the introduction of best practices into the national healthcare system. In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag expressed confidence that the activities of the Head of State will continue to contribute to enhancing the authority of Turkmenistan on the world stage, wishing the President good health, longevity and success in his state activities.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomatic service employees
18.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to the country's diplomatic service employees on the occasion of Turkmenistan's Diplomatic Workers' Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, the Head of State noted that in 2026, the diplomatic corps will face new responsibilities aimed at further strengthening the country's international authority and expanding political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Emphasising the fundamental principles of Turkmenistan's foreign policy – neutrality, equality and good neighbourliness – the President recalled that the country has consistently adhered to these values since the early years of independence, confirming its commitment to the goals and principles of the United Nations. The Head of State pointed out that a vivid testimony to Turkmenistan's peacekeeping policy is the threefold recognition of its status of permanent neutrality by resolutions of the UN General Assembly, as well as the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, located in Ashgabat. It was particularly noted that the adoption, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, of a package of resolutions in the field of peace, security and sustainable development, as well as the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, confirm the country's high level of cooperation with the UN and its contribution to strengthening global stability. The congratulatory message noted that, in the context of contemporary international challenges, the diplomatic service is faced with high demands to improve mechanisms for political dialogue, international legal cooperation and trade and economic consultations. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that Turkmen diplomats will continue to perform their duties with dignity in protecting national interests and strengthening Turkmenistan's position on the world stage, wishing them good health, prosperity and success in their service.
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