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Representatives from Turkmenistan spoke at the EU forum in Tashkent
13.04.2026Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the third regional parliamentary dialogue on the development of the circular economy. The event took place on 9–10 April in Tashkent as part of the European Union’s ‘SWITCH-Asia’ initiative. This was reported by the press service of the National Parliament of Turkmenistan. The forum served as a platform for discussing sustainable development issues and exchanging experiences among participants. During the dialogue, a representative of the Mejlis delivered a presentation on the implementation of ‘green economy’ principles in Turkmenistan. The use of international experience and the implementation of reforms aimed at transitioning to a circular model were highlighted. Particular attention was paid to measures to improve the environmental situation. These include fostering an environmental culture, reducing waste, introducing innovative technologies and attracting investment. The need for further development of state policy in the field of sustainable development and the rational use of resources was emphasised.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful status of the Caspian Sea
12.04.2026During the Middle East conflict, strikes have been recorded on territories in the Caspian region. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, commented on Turkmenistan’s position in an interview with Turkmen media, reports TDH. It was noted that for over 30 years, Turkmenistan, together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia, has been developing Caspian cooperation. In 2018, the countries signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which enshrined the region’s status as a zone of peace, harmony and good-neighbourliness. The document prohibits the deployment of armed forces and military activity by states that are not Caspian littoral states. This is regarded as the foundation of regional security. In this regard, Turkmenistan expressed concern over strikes on the territory of one of the Caspian littoral states and stated that military action in the region is unacceptable. It was noted that the country is considering a draft joint statement by the Caspian states. The document states that the spread of the conflict to the Caspian region intensifies the escalation and poses a threat to security. Turkmenistan will decide on its support after analysing the draft.
Turkmenistan has called for a ban on weapons of mass destruction
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, commented on the situation in the Middle East in an interview with the Turkmen media. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is concerned about developments in the region due to its geographical proximity. According to him, a possible escalation, including the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction, could affect neighbouring countries and the entire region. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, advocates the resolution of conflicts solely through political and diplomatic means. This position remains unchanged. It was also noted that the country is a party to international arms control treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Turkmenistan is a party to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia. It was stated separately that Turkmenistan advocates a total ban on weapons of mass destruction. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a doctor by training, emphasised that their use could lead to serious consequences for the population, the environment and the socio-economic sphere, and requires the utmost responsibility.
Hero Arkadag outlined new approaches to the climate agenda
12.04.2026At the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined Turkmenistan’s consistent and practical approach to the climate agenda. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the country’s full commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and noted its readiness to develop projects in the field of ‘green energy’, including the use of wind and solar power. The National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the start of practical work on the development of hydrogen energy based on natural gas. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to cooperate with international partners in this area. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy for a ten-year period and to discuss its parameters with the UN. The importance of regional cooperation, scientific research and the introduction of new technologies was highlighted separately. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia will soon begin operations in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan will provide the necessary conditions for its activities. The topic of support for vulnerable countries, including landlocked states, was raised. It was emphasised that these countries must be guaranteed equal access to water resources and waterways as an important condition for sustainable development. It was noted that in August 2025, Turkmenistan hosted the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries. The adopted Awaza Declaration has been granted the status of an official UN document. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. It was also emphasised that the country continues to work with the UN to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to promote previously initiated General Assembly resolutions in the fields of energy, the environment and transport. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag thanked the forum organisers and expressed his confidence in the need for practical results. The forum moderator noted the significance of the initiatives presented. Turkmenistan’s initiatives have identified new directions in addressing global environmental and energy challenges and confirmed the country’s commitment to participating in shaping the international sustainable development agenda.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Austria to visit Ashgabat
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, invited the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, to visit Ashgabat at his convenience. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is open to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with Austria. Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his gratitude for the invitation. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are taking on a new dimension and developing in the interests of the friendly peoples. It was specifically emphasised that, in the current circumstances, disagreements must be resolved solely through political and diplomatic means. Austria’s support for Turkmenistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032 was also noted. This reflects the high level of trust between the countries. In the humanitarian sphere, cooperation is developing through academic exchanges. Turkmen universities are collaborating with Graz University of Technology and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. This forms the basis for training a new generation of specialists.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the construction of a market in the Lebap velayat
12.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved the construction of a new modern market in the Farap etrap of the Lebap velayat. The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations. Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev has been tasked with overseeing the project. The decision was taken following an on-site government meeting, reports TDH. At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the state of the retail sector in the region. The supply of essential goods to the population is ensured by the Ministry’s enterprises and the structures of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. In total, there are 860 retail, manufacturing and catering establishments operating in the velayat. The modernisation of the retail infrastructure is continuing. New shopping centres, shops and markets are being introduced. E-commerce and delivery services are expanding. The region is also home to textile industry enterprises and carpet manufacturing facilities. The ‘Türkmenhaly’ association and its workshops operate in the Halach etrap. Overall, dozens of private enterprises in the manufacturing, trade and service sectors operate in the velayat. As part of the presidential programme, there are plans to open 12 new private manufacturing facilities, which will create 311 jobs. The President has instructed that the supply of goods to the domestic market be kept under control and that the range of retail services for the population of Lebap velayat be expanded.
Turkmenistan promotes climate initiatives at a meeting with UNIDO
12.04.2026The climate agenda was a key topic of discussion during the meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller. This was reported by TDH. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to consider the preparation of a Roadmap for cooperation with UNIDO for 2026–2030. The document will cover issues relating to the ‘green’ industrial transition and measures to combat climate change. Particular attention has been paid to Turkmenistan’s regional initiatives. These include a proposal to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. The project aims to coordinate efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability. International legal mechanisms for regulating transboundary water resources are also being discussed. This involves the preparation of regional conventions for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. In parallel, the Caspian Environmental Initiative is being promoted, aimed at preserving the Caspian Sea ecosystem. In addition, the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia is being initiated. It will serve as a platform for the implementation of climate solutions and the development of technological cooperation. Gerd Müller noted the significance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and emphasised that UNIDO regards its cooperation with the country as strategic and long-term.
Turkmenistan and the IAEA are stepping up cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy
12.04.2026Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency are preparing a new Country Framework Programme for 2026–2030. The document will set out the priorities for technical cooperation. This was announced following a meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, reports TDH. The programme will serve as a basis for future projects. This involves the introduction of technologies in nuclear medicine and the enhancement of safety across various sectors of the economy. Cooperation in the healthcare sector was discussed separately. With the Agency’s support, modern diagnostic and treatment methods are being introduced in the country. Consultations with international experts have helped to improve approaches to combating dangerous diseases and to enhance the quality of medical services. The topic of support for landlocked developing countries was also raised. It was emphasised that peaceful nuclear energy could become an important tool for their development. Hero Arkadag thanked Rafael Grossi for the IAEA delegation’s participation in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which took place last August in Awaza.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are planning joint educational projects
12.04.2026On 9 April, Sh. Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with B. Mirzayev, Rector of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers (TIIAME) – National Research University. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the friendly nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the field of education. The importance of the cooperation already established between Turkmen universities and the aforementioned university was emphasised. During the negotiations, the prospects for expanding scientific and educational ties were discussed. The discussion focused on student and staff exchanges, as well as the organisation of joint scientific and cultural events. Separately, the issue of organising joint events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan during the current year was considered.
Turkmenistan and China are preparing for a new meeting of the inter-governmental committee
12.04.2026The seventh meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation will take place on 16 April in Ashgabat. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, reported on preparations for the meeting at an off-site government session, according to TDH. Rashid Meredov noted that cooperation with China remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Recent high-level visits have made a significant contribution to the development of relations. These include President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to the PRC in August–September 2025 to attend the SCO summit, and the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Beijing on 17–19 March 2026. The meeting is expected to discuss the further development of the strategic partnership. The agenda includes energy, including new projects for the development of gas fields, the modernisation of railway infrastructure and the development of logistics routes between China–Turkmenistan–the Caspian Sea–Europe and Turkmenistan–China–the Asia-Pacific region. Topics such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, agriculture and training in the scientific and educational sectors will also be addressed. The Committee comprises six subcommittees that meet on a regular basis. Meetings on humanitarian and transport-logistics issues have already taken place this year. Meetings on energy and scientific and technical cooperation are scheduled for the second half of 2026. Following the meeting, it is planned to sign a protocol and a number of documents aimed at strengthening the legal framework of bilateral relations. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure a high standard of organisation for the event. He signed a Resolution appointing the heads of the committee and subcommittees on the Turkmen side and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue with the preparations.
Hero Arkadag spoke at the Vienna Energy and Climate Forum
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by TDH. At the outset, Hero Arkadag thanked the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, the leadership of UNIDO and the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry for the invitation and for organising the forum. It was noted that the broad range of participants reflects the high level of interest in energy and climate issues. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stated that Turkmenistan is participating in the implementation of UN strategies in the field of energy sustainability and the climate agenda. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that the current global situation makes energy and climate issues particularly sensitive. Separately, Hero Arkadag outlined Turkmenistan’s approach as one of the major energy producers. According to him, the country is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at developing equal international cooperation in the energy sector. Key initiatives were presented in the speech. These include the development of a Global Security Strategy, in which the energy component is regarded as one of the fundamental elements. It was also proposed to promote the idea of a UN ‘Energy Code’, which would enshrine the rejection of the politicisation of energy cooperation. Special mention was made of the initiative to create a universal international legal document on the production, transit and consumption of energy resources. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need for guaranteed and non-discriminatory access to energy for all countries, regardless of their economic and political situation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that Turkmenistan had already sponsored three UN General Assembly resolutions on energy issues, and announced the preparation of a new initiative on energy connectivity. In the climate section of the speech, commitment to the Paris Agreement was reaffirmed. The development of projects in the fields of solar, wind and hydrogen energy was highlighted. An initiative was also proposed to establish a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy. It was announced that preparations were underway to launch the UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in Ashgabat. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised. Hero Arkadag recalled the holding of the Third UN Conference for such countries in 2025 and the adoption of the Awaza Declaration, stating Turkmenistan’s intention to work towards its implementation. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag noted the country’s readiness to continue working with the UN and international organisations, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the Vienna International Forum
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The forum is held under the auspices of UNIDO and the Austrian Government and has served as a platform for discussing climate and energy initiatives since 2008. Unlike major climate summits, it focuses on practical tools – technologies and project financing. The agenda includes the energy transition, the development of ‘green’ hydrogen, the digitalisation of the energy sector, the reduction of methane emissions and the creation of sustainable supply chains. Particular attention is being paid to access to clean energy in landlocked developing countries. Turkmenistan has announced systematic work in the climate sphere. The country is participating in the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector. In parallel, projects are being developed in the renewable energy sector, including the construction of a solar-wind power plant in the Balkan velayat. Work is also underway to combat desertification, expand forest areas and implement digital monitoring of natural resources. Programmes are being implemented to conserve biodiversity and expand protected areas. The event took place at the Hofburg Palace. Forum participants were welcomed by UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller and Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the participants via video link. Hero Arkadag spoke at the forum. He thanked the organisers and noted that energy and climate remain the most vulnerable areas of the global agenda today. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised Turkmenistan’s role as a major producer of energy resources and stated the need for international cooperation based on equality. Among the proposals were the development of an ‘Energy Code’ under the auspices of the UN and the establishment of a universal international mechanism in the energy sector. A separate initiative was presented on the creation of a Global Security Strategy, in which energy security is regarded as a key element. The need to depoliticise energy processes and abandon political restrictions in this sector was emphasised. Turkmenistan also proposed expanding the use of renewable energy sources and developing hydrogen energy. In this regard, the idea of a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy was put forward. The country’s readiness to develop regional cooperation and introduce climate technologies was declared. Plans are in place to launch a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Ashgabat. A separate section of the speech was devoted to supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the significance of the Awaza Declaration adopted there. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. In conclusion, it was noted that the country would continue to work with the UN and its agencies, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives. Following the conclusion of the visit, the Turkmen delegation departed for Ashgabat. Upon arrival in the capital, Hero Arkadag was met by officials. The visit reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to developing international cooperation and strengthening the country’s position as a participant in the global energy and climate agenda.
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