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Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed expanding ties in the oil and gas industry
05.12.2025Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in the oil and gas sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The topic of expanding cooperation was central to the meeting between the State Minister of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ Maksat Babayev, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli. Although diplomatic relations between the countries were established in 1995, practical energy partnership developed in the early 2000s. It was then that ‘Dragon Oil’ began operating in Turkmenistan under a production sharing agreement. In addition, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ and ‘Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd.’ extended the production sharing agreement, with the contract now valid until 1 May 2035.
Turkmen customs authorities lead Central Asia in terms of cargo clearance speed
05.12.2025A new study by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has shown that Turkmenistan's road customs checkpoints are highly efficient. They demonstrate the best performance in terms of the speed of processing export and transit cargo among the countries of Central Asia, according to the IIC. At key points in Garabogaz, Farap and Dashoguz, the average time for processing vehicles was only 37 minutes. For comparison, this procedure takes about 1 hour 10 minutes in Uzbekistan, 1 hour 30 minutes in Kazakhstan, 1 hour 40 minutes in Tajikistan, and 1 hour 44 minutes in Kyrgyzstan. Turkmen checkpoints also showed high efficiency in reducing queues: the average waiting time was up to 35 minutes. In neighbouring countries, the waiting time is significantly higher: 40 minutes in Kyrgyzstan, 1 hour 15 minutes in Tajikistan, 12 hours 20 minutes in Uzbekistan and more than two days in Kazakhstan. These figures underscore Turkmenistan's role as a reliable and fast transit route between Asia and Europe, which is important for the development of international logistics corridors.
Iranian Ambassador congratulates Turkmenistan on 30th anniversary of neutrality
05.12.2025Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the government and people of Turkmenistan, noting its importance for peace, stability and development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. He stressed that Turkmenistan's neutral status strengthens trust and security in the region and is important for bilateral cooperation with Iran. The Ambassador also noted Turkmenistan's initiative, due to which the UN declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. The Head of the diplomatic mission expressed hope that the upcoming visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will strengthen relations between the countries, and wished the Turkmen people prosperity and the leadership a successful forum.
The Ambassador of Tajikistan emphasised the active development of relations with Turkmenistan
05.12.2025Strategic partnership relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan continue to develop actively, covering all areas of bilateral cooperation, said Vafo Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The diplomat noted that Turkmen-Tajik relations are based on friendship and mutual understanding, and that Turkmenistan, demonstrating positive neutrality, makes a significant contribution to stability, peace and international cooperation. The Ambassador emphasised that Tajikistan firmly supports Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and respects its path of development. He also congratulated the country's leadership and people on the anniversary of neutrality, wishing them peace, prosperity and the successful implementation of national programmes.
China has expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan
05.12.2025China is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in key areas, strengthen transport links and develop cooperation in the ‘China-Central Asia’ format. This was stated by Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The diplomat recalled that this year Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, recognised by a Resolution of the UN General Assembly. According to the Ambassador, the policy of positive neutrality has become the basis for the country's development and the strengthening of regional stability. The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasised that in recent years they have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership and are demonstrating high results in all areas of cooperation.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Turkmenistan next week
05.12.2025Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to Turkmenistan next week. This was announced by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, according to the news website Asmannews. According to Bayraktar, cooperation in the field of natural gas supplies will be on the agenda of the negotiations. The minister stressed that connecting Turkmen gas is important for both Turkey and European countries, as it opens up opportunities for its transportation via the southern gas corridor.
Ashgabat discusses improving preparedness for biological threats
05.12.2025From 1 to 3 December, the PanPRET tabletop simulation exercise and the final meeting to finalise the draft National Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Plan (NPPRP) were held at the UN Office in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event was organised by the WHO European Office and relevant agencies in Turkmenistan. Representatives from health, veterinary and other departments involved in emergency management participated in the exercises. The training was conducted by international WHO experts, including Christine Blackmore. The State Veterinary Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan was represented by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the Department of International and Scientific Relations, who emphasised the importance of such exercises for strengthening coordination and national biosafety mechanisms. The programme was based on the PRET model developed by the WHO to increase resilience to new biological threats and focused on cross-sectoral cooperation, effective information exchange and community involvement.
Peace and Trust policy: Turkmenistan's new legal guidelines
05.12.2025This year, Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of Permanent Neutrality. The UN General Assembly Resolution of 12 December 1995 enshrined this status for the country, becoming the basis for its current foreign policy, according to TDH. After the status was recognised, the country intensified its peacekeeping efforts, promoting initiatives at the UN. These include resolutions on the role of neutrality, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the creation of a zone of peace and cooperation in the region, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. All initiatives are aimed at strengthening international security, developing a culture of trust and supporting dialogue as a key tool for conflict resolution. The legal basis for foreign policy is enshrined in the Constitutional Law ‘On the Legal Basis of the Policy of Peace and Trust of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 19 September 2025. The document defines the principles of neutrality, equality, non-use of force, good neighbourliness and non-interference, as well as the goals of developing preventive diplomacy, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and creating favourable external conditions for the country's development. The policy includes promoting national initiatives for Peace and Trust, strengthening the role of the strategic ‘Turkmenistan-UN’ Consultative Council, supporting transport connectivity projects for landlocked countries, and expanding international cooperation in various areas, from ecology to water resources. Special attention is paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and the participation of young people and women in regional dialogue. The law enshrines the special role of preventive diplomacy, including cooperation with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. It also emphasises the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the work of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, created on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The country is strengthening its cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN, and is preparing to host the International Forum on Peace and Trust in December. These steps confirm Turkmenistan's commitment to developing multilateral dialogue and participating in shaping the international peace and security agenda.
Turkmenistan and UNFPA summarised the year and presented plans for the period up to 2030
05.12.2025The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Turkmenistan held its annual meeting with national partners to review the results of 2025. The meeting took place at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel and brought together representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, according to IIC. Participants discussed the results of joint projects. The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the State Committee on Statistics, the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, and the National Red Crescent Society presented their reports. The parties separately reviewed plans for 2026-2030. UNFPA presented the directions of the new Country Programme. The focus is on reproductive health, gender equality, youth support and demographic sustainability issues. The discussion was aimed at preparing for a new cycle of cooperation. Participants noted the importance of multilateral partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan.
International publications devoted special issues to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality
05.12.2025A special issue of ‘ECO Heritage’ magazine, prepared by the ECO Cultural Institute, was published to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. This was reported by TDH. The magazine contains articles on Turkmenistan's foreign policy. It highlights the country's participation in key international forums, including the Third UN Conference on LLDCs in Awaza, which concluded with the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action. The issue examines Turkmenistan's cooperation with the ECO and neighbouring countries in the region, the development of transport, energy and water diplomacy, as well as the implementation of infrastructure projects. The November issue of ‘Business Central Asia’ magazine (New Delhi) is also dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. It analyses the country's foreign policy and the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in key international summits. The economic section covers reforms, the investment climate and support for the manufacturing sector. The issue concludes with an article on cultural diplomacy. A separate special issue of ‘Foreign Business in Georgia’ (Georgia) focuses on bilateral cooperation and events of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The March meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze takes centre stage. The magazine reflects the results of the negotiations, Turkmenistan's participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Conference on LLDCs and participation in the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum. All three publications provide an overview of Turkmenistan's international initiatives and key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality.
Turkmenistan invites Korean businesses to participate in events in 2026
05.12.2025Turkmenistan has invited business circles of the Republic of Korea to join trade and investment events planned for 2026. This was announced by A. Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, at the 6th Annual Meeting of the ‘Korea-Central Asia’ Business Council, which was held online, according to the ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea. The Turkmen side noted the long-term nature of its partnership with South Korea. A. Nazarov highlighted the growth in economic cooperation and recalled joint projects, including the construction of the Gyyanly Petrochemical Complex and the modernisation of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. The meeting was organised by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Central Asian countries and the Korea Foundation.
Vladimir Putin to visit Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum on Peace and Trust
04.12.2025On 12 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkmenistan to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov at a briefing. He emphasised that the visit will be held at the invitation of the Turkmen side. Earlier it was reported that President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat to participate in the Peace and Trust Forum.
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