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Ashgabat to showcase economic achievements on the 30th anniversary of neutrality
09.12.2025An exhibition of Turkmenistan's economic achievements will be held in Ashgabat from 11 to 12 December, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will showcase the opportunities offered by national industries, which will contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and the expansion of international cooperation. Specialists from ministries and departments, members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, as well as foreign companies have been invited to participate.
Turkmenistan outlined its migration policy priorities at an IOM meeting
09.12.2025The 116th session of the Council of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) opened in Geneva on 8 December. Participants are discussing issues of international migration, the development of global migration processes and the priorities of the Organisation's activities. This was reported by the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Turkmenistan is represented at the session by a delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the State Migration Service Dovran Bayramov. Speaking at the meeting, Dovran Bayramov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to key areas of migration policy. He stressed the need for international coordination and comprehensive management of migration processes. In his speech, he also noted the importance of integrating global documents — the 2030 Agenda, the Global Compact for Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees — into national development strategies. In addition, the delegation presented measures to modernise the migration system, expand legal migration channels, improve entry and exit procedures, and ensure equal social and labour rights for migrants.
Turkmenistan and Latvia discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
09.12.2025On 8 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Turkmenistan (residing in Tashkent) Girts Jaunzems. At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and noted its readiness to facilitate his work. The negotiations focused on the current state of relations and possible areas for further cooperation. The parties confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in international organisations, including within the framework of the UN. They separately emphasised the importance of regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for the reception and stated that he would work to develop friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Latvia.
Visit by Turkmen delegation to Qatar opens new horizons for partnership
09.12.2025A Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, paid a working visit to the State of Qatar. The programme of the visit included participation in the Doha Forum, a number of bilateral meetings and visits to social and cultural sites, according to AsmanNews. Oguljahan Atabayeva participated in the opening ceremony of the Doha Forum, held under the motto ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity’. As part of the forum, the Vice-President of the Foundation spoke at a thematic session dedicated to the protection of children, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and Turkmenistan's priorities in matters of maternal and child health. During the visit, meetings were held with Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and President of the Qatar Foundation for Science, Education and Community Development Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the humanitarian, educational and social spheres, issues of child support and the exchange of experience. The Qatari partners highly appreciated the activities of the Charitable Foundation of Turkmenistan and its international initiatives. The Turkmen side invited their interlocutors to the international conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’, which will be held on 10 December in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. As part of the programme, the delegation also visited the Museum of Islamic Art and the Sidra Medical Centre. The visit was a significant step in the development of Turkmen-Qatari cooperation and confirmed the parties' desire to strengthen cooperation in the humanitarian agenda.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people held a meeting with the Head of the UNRCCA
09.12.2025On 8 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by TDH. Kakha Imnadze conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and noted his support for Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and sustainable development in the region. He also highlighted the country's contribution to the work of the Regional Centre, established on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. The National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked him for his words of support and recalled that the meeting was taking place on the eve of International Neutrality Day. Hero Arkadag noted that 2025 has been declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust,’ and its significance is enhanced by the coincidence with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN. According to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, many events have already been held in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark these dates. An international forum with the participation of representatives from different countries will be held in Ashgabat in the near future. It is expected to become a platform for discussing issues on the global agenda, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation. The Head of the UN Regional Centre noted that the holding of such a forum reflects consistent support for Turkmenistan's initiatives in the field of peace and stability. As noted at the meeting, Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN is long-term and strategic in nature. The country supports the UN's leading role in addressing global challenges and promotes initiatives in the areas of peace, preventive diplomacy, energy security, transport and the environment. These proposals receive broad international support. The role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in maintaining stability and good neighbourliness in the region was noted separately. Kakha Imnadze expressed his gratitude to Turkmenistan for its support for the Centre's work and confirmed his readiness to develop the partnership.
Elizabeth Rood: The United States highly values Turkmenistan's neutrality
08.12.2025Elizabeth Rood, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The Diplomat emphasised that this status makes Turkmenistan an example for international dialogue and cooperation, including through humanitarian aid. The Ambassador noted that the United States values Turkmenistan's neutrality, confirmed by UN Resolutions 2015 and 2025. E. Rood also highlighted the coincidence of several anniversaries in 2025 — the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, the 80th anniversary of the UN, the 10th anniversary of the ‘C5+1’ platform and the 250th anniversary of US independence — which opens up new opportunities for cooperation. The Diplomat added that Turkmenistan and the United States continue to develop economic and cultural ties, including the ‘C5+1’ and ‘B5+1’ formats, which contribute to the stability and development of the region. Elizabeth Rood conveyed her congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the people of the country, wishing them peace, stability and prosperity.
Turkmenistan's karate team wins gold and bronze at tournament in Serbia
08.12.2025The Turkmenistan national traditional karate team competed in an international tournament in Belgrade (Serbia). According to the results of the competition, the athletes won two medals, demonstrating a high level of training and skill, reports the IIC of Turkmenistan. In individual competitions among participants aged 21 to 34, Selim Myratdurdyev won the gold medal, confidently defeating all his opponents. Eziz Zekeryayev took third place in the same age category, adding another award to the national team's collection. The performance of Turkmen karatekas on the international stage once again confirmed their professionalism and desire to achieve high results.
British Ambassador emphasises importance of the neutrality of Turkmenistan
08.12.2025Stephen Conlon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality, noting its key importance for foreign policy and national identity. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador emphasised the role of British diplomats in preparing the 1995 UN Resolution that enshrined Turkmenistan's neutrality, as well as the international recognition of the country's neutrality, confirmed by subsequent Resolutions in 2015 and 2025. S. Conlon stressed that International Neutrality Day on 12 December symbolises the unique status of Turkmenistan, which over three decades has become a reliable partner and platform for peace initiatives. The Ambassador expressed confidence in Turkmenistan's continued adherence to the principles of international law and confirmed the UK's support for the country's course, hoping to strengthen the partnership based on mutual respect.
The President of Turkmenistan has pardoned a group of foreign nationals
08.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a Decree pardoning a group of foreign nationals convicted in the country, according to TDH. The pardon is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day. The document notes that this measure is aimed at strengthening friendly ties between states and reflects a commitment to the principles of humanism. Foreign citizens are exempt from further serving their sentences.
Ashgabat joins UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities
08.12.2025On 7 December, a ceremony was held in Ashgabat to present the capital with a certificate confirming its membership of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Ashgabat was accepted into the network on 4 December 2025. The city was included in the list along with 72 new participants from 46 countries. UNESCO noted the contribution of the capital of Turkmenistan to the development of education, science and the creation of conditions for the education of people of all ages. The Global Network of Learning Cities was established in 2013. It now includes 425 cities. They support the continuous education of nearly 500 million people in schools, workplaces, libraries, museums and public spaces. Ashgabat's accession is international recognition of the country's work to develop human potential and create conditions for lifelong learning.
A presentation of the new book by the President of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat
08.12.2025A new book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (The Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust) was presented in Turkmenistan. The presentation took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and was one of the key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. Before the presentation began, participants viewed a thematic exhibition. The programme also included a literary and musical composition prepared by students of the Institute. The book consists of nine chapters and details the stages of Turkmenistan's neutrality, its contribution to peace, security and sustainable development. It was noted that over the past 30 years, Neutrality status has become an important tool for international stability and the basis for effective foreign policy interaction. The publication contains historical documents, speeches by the President of Turkmenistan at international forums and materials on Turkmenistan's cooperation with UN agencies. To date, about 30 agreements have been implemented with them in the areas of motherhood and childhood, health care, education and social support. As the participants in the presentation emphasised, the book is valuable for diplomats, specialists in the political and economic spheres, researchers and journalists. It is published in Turkmen, English and Russian and features extensive artwork. The publication highlights the importance of permanent Neutrality, which has been confirmed three times by the UN General Assembly, and reflects Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, trust and international cooperation.
President of Turkmenistan highlighted key initiatives in the Year of Peace and Trust
08.12.2025On 6 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of foreign diplomatic missions and representative offices to international organisations. This was reported by TDH. At the meeting, the Head of State recalled that the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, adopted the Resolution ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust.’ During this period, major international events were held, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The UN General Assembly also unanimously approved the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ - this is the third confirmation of the state's status. Thematic events were held in Turkmenistan and abroad, and accompanying documents were adopted. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan plans to expand international cooperation. The priorities are cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region, partnership within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, and the development of contacts with the states of South Asia, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Turkmenistan intends to strengthen ties with European countries in the fields of high technology, ‘green’ energy and artificial intelligence, as well as to develop partnerships with countries in North and South America and Africa. In 2026, Turkmenistan will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence, host the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and chair the CIS, where a meeting of the Council of Heads of State will be held. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for further work to implement UN resolutions and promote Turkmenistan's interests on the international stage.
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