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The global media widely covered the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat
18.12.2025Ashgabat hosted a high-level international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was widely covered by the world media, according to TDH. Foreign publications noted Turkmenistan's neutrality as a key factor in its foreign policy and a basis for dialogue on regional and global issues. It was emphasised that the initiative to declare the International Year of Peace and Trust, put forward by Turkmenistan and supported by the UN General Assembly, is seen as a call for the restoration of inter-state dialogue. The media paid particular attention to the high level of representation at the Forum. The participation of Heads of State, heads of regional organisations and UN structures was cited as evidence of international support for Turkmenistan's peacemaking role. The publications also covered the practical outcomes of the Forum. These included proposals to strengthen energy security, develop sustainable transport, regional infrastructure and cooperation in the environmental sphere. Bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation were noted. Kazakh media quoted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statement on the importance of the Forum for international dialogue. The Chinese agency ‘Sinhua’ and other publications emphasised its high status and the symbolism of the dates on which it was held. ‘EADaily’ noted the Forum’s packed programme, including the ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality and the plenary session ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’. ‘Infashos’ focused on the final document, the Ashgabat Declaration, as well as on cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS. Media outlets in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East linked the Forum to the strengthening of regional stability and good-neighbourly relations. The Indian newspaper ‘The Economic Times’ and the Azerbaijani publication ‘Tred.az’ noted the economic agenda, including the development of transport routes and the transit potential of the region. Russian media covered President Vladimir Putin’s participation and bilateral meetings in detail. The ‘TASS’ and ‘RIA Novosti’ agencies reported on discussions of trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure projects and international transport corridors, including the North-South route. The Iranian agency ‘IRNA’ presented the Forum as a platform for the development of economic cooperation and the implementation of infrastructure initiatives. The Turkish agency ‘Anadolu’ noted the importance of bilateral negotiations and discussions on regional projects. According to international observers, the Ashgabat Forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral platform for multilateral negotiations and coordination of efforts in the interests of Peace and Trust and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan and ‘FIT International’ discussed plans for cooperation in 2026
18.12.2025On 17 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Kurt Edwards, founder and President of the consulting company ‘FIT International’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed current cooperation and the results of ‘FIT International’s participation in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The work of the High-Level International Forum, which was held on 12 December in Ashgabat, was noted separately. The interlocutors emphasised their long-standing experience of cooperation with ‘FIT International’ in organising thematic events related to key events in Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparing a plan for joint cultural and educational events scheduled for 2026 in honour of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the development of humanitarian cooperation, including the establishment of contacts between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and relevant US organisations.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Emir of Qatar on National Day
18.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of Qatar National Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the high level of Turkmen-Qatari relations and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries. The President of Turkmenistan also wished the Emir of Qatar good health and success, and the people of Qatar peace, progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan arrived in Japan on a working visit
18.12.2025On 17 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for a working visit to Japan to participate in the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit. The Head of State was seen off at Ashgabat International Airport by officials, according to the state news agency TDH. Turkmen-Japanese relations are developing on the basis of a strategic partnership. The parties are consistently implementing joint projects in industry, energy and ecology, as well as interacting in international formats, including the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ dialogue. With the participation of Japanese companies ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’ and ‘Itochu’ and ‘Sojitz’, large industrial projects have been implemented in Turkmenistan. These include a plant for the production of petrol from natural gas in Ovadandepe, a polymer plant in Gyyanly and a urea plant in Garabogaz. Special attention is paid to humanitarian cooperation. Ashgabat is home to the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology, where teaching is conducted according to Japanese standards. Japanese is taught in educational institutions in Turkmenistan, and students undergo internships at universities in Japan. This is the second visit by the President of Turkmenistan to Japan in 2025. In April, the Head of State visited Osaka to participate in the events of Turkmenistan's National Day at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition and held a series of bilateral meetings. A few hours later, the Presidential plane arrived at Tokyo Haneda International Airport. The working visit continues.
The United States has lifted restrictions on the issuance of non-immigrant visas to citizens of Turkmenistan
17.12.2025The US administration has eased visa restrictions for citizens of Turkmenistan. US President Donald Trump signed the relevant Decree on 16 December 2025. The document was published by the White House and will come into force on 1 January 2026, according to Turkmenportal. According to the document, the ban on issuing non-immigrant visas of categories B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J to citizens of Turkmenistan has been lifted. These visas cover business, tourist, student and exchange trips. At the same time, the suspension of immigration visas for Turkmen citizens remains in force. The White House said that the decision to ease restrictions was made in light of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United States and progress in the area of identity management and information sharing. It is noted that improvements have been recorded since the previous proclamation issued in June 2025. The Decree also provides for the expansion of the list of countries whose citizens are subject to entry restrictions into the United States by another 20 states and territories.
Turkmenistan joins ADB regional platform for ‘green’ investments
17.12.2025Turkmenistan has joined the Asian Development Bank's regional initiative to establish a Natural Materials Market Development Platform aimed at attracting private investment in nature-based solutions to reduce carbon emissions. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan. The project will be implemented with the support of a $1.5 million grant from the Special Technical Assistance Fund. More than 40 countries are participating in the initiative, including states in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The platform provides for the assessment of ecosystems, the launch of pilot projects and the formation of a partnership model for the development of the natural materials market and the expansion of ‘green’ investments.
Turkmen vegetables will be delivered to Kazakhstan via ‘green corridors’
17.12.2025At a meeting of the Kazakh government, instructions were given to open ‘green corridors’ at the border as soon as possible to speed up deliveries of vegetables from Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The measure is intended to curb price increases in winter, primarily for cucumbers and tomatoes, through simplified customs and border procedures. The decision was the result of negotiations between Astana and Ashgabat, which began in November 2025, when the parties discussed the potential for agro-industrial cooperation and plans to increase trade turnover to $1 billion. Turkmen tomatoes are already among the key export items to Kazakhstan. For producers in Turkmenistan, this means a consistent market, lower logistics costs and an incentive to expand greenhouse production, while for Kazakhstan it means more affordable vegetable prices in winter.
Turkmenistan and Estonia: digital transformation of economic statistics
17.12.2025From 9 to 12 December, a delegation from Turkmenistan visited Estonia to study advanced digital solutions in the field of state statistics and economic management. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The visit, organised by UNDP and the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan, was aimed at creating a modern digital system for analysing the national economy. Representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the State Statistics Committee familiarised themselves with Estonia's experience of implementing the System of National Accounts as a tool for accurate, transparent and efficient management of economic processes. Particular attention was paid to the X-Road platform, which ensures secure automated data exchange between agencies and increases the reliability of statistics. The transition to international standards (SNA 2008) will enable Turkmenistan to improve the quality of economic analysis, strengthen investor confidence and form a sustainable basis for long-term socio-economic development.
Final Declaration adopted following the International Forum in Ashgabat
17.12.2025On 12 December, Ashgabat hosted an International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the United Nations, according to IIC. The key outcome of the event was the adoption of a final Declaration. The document reaffirms commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, a multilateral approach and the norms of international law. It highlights the role of neutrality as an effective mechanism for preventing conflicts, building trust and ensuring sustainable development. The Declaration emphasises the importance of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality as a factor in regional and global stability. It stresses the need to develop a culture of peace, dialogue, preventive diplomacy and mediation, as well as to make more active use of the potential of neutral states in peace negotiations. The document welcomes Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Chamber of Mediation for Peace under the auspices of the UN and to develop a Concept of Global Security based on neutrality. It supports the idea of expanding educational and scientific cooperation, including the creation of a University of Peace and Neutrality. Separate provisions of the Declaration are devoted to the interconnection between peace, security and sustainable development, the humanitarian dimension of neutrality, the involvement of women and youth in peacebuilding processes, as well as issues of ethical use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude to Turkmenistan for hosting the forum and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international formats for the practical implementation of the provisions of the Declaration.
The international conference in Awaza concluded with the adoption of a final Declaration
17.12.2025On 10 December, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development.’ The forum was organised on the initiative of the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the United Nations and timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust, according to IIC. The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of a final Declaration. The document reaffirms commitment to the UN Charter, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It highlights the role of women in ensuring social progress, economic growth and sustainable development. The Declaration emphasises expanding women's participation in public administration and civil society, developing their leadership potential and strengthening the role of women's organisations. Separate mention is made of issues such as the economic empowerment of women, support for women's entrepreneurship and reducing the gender digital divide. The document also emphasises the importance of equal access for women and girls to quality education and healthcare, the role of women in science, culture, ecology and the fight against climate change, as well as their contribution to the development of human capital. A separate section of the Declaration is devoted to strengthening international cooperation. It emphasises the need to expand dialogue, exchange best practices and create new platforms to promote gender equality, including within the UN and regional formats. In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan, UN structures and partners for organising the conference and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation to implement the provisions of the final Declaration.
The next meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality will take place in February 2026
17.12.2025The next meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development is scheduled for February 2026. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. According to the regulations, meetings at the ambassadorial level are held in New York at least once every six months. Meetings at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers are also held annually. The Group of Friends of Neutrality was established on the initiative of Turkmenistan and operates under the auspices of the UN. The platform is used for multilateral dialogue on the practical application of the peacekeeping potential of neutral states.
New members join the Group of Friends of Neutrality at the UN
17.12.2025In 2025, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Eswatini joined the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development. Thus, the number of participants in the international platform has reached 29 states, according to Turkmenportal, citing the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The press service of the diplomatic mission noted that the expansion of the Group reflects the growing interest in neutrality as a tool for strengthening peace, trust, security and sustainable development within the framework of the UN Charter. The Group of Friends of Neutrality operates under the auspices of the UN and serves as a platform for multilateral dialogue on the practical application of the principles of neutrality. Its agenda includes conflict prevention, elimination of their consequences and resolution of humanitarian issues.
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