On 20 October, a telephone conversation took place between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors noted the high level of political and diplomatic relations between the countries and discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat. The importance of maintaining regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and Qatar was also emphasised.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working trip to Afghanistan, where he familiarised himself with the progress of construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section, named ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ (‘Arkadag's White Road’). This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During the ceremony at the construction site, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by delegations from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The participants emphasised the symbolic and practical significance of the project, which unites the efforts of the countries of the region for peace, stability and development. In his speech, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the TAPI project is not only economically significant, but also a peace-building step that strengthens ties between nations. According to the Hero Arkadag, the construction of the gas pipeline will create new jobs, bring Afghanistan an annual income of over a billion dollars and become a factor in economic stabilisation. A modern material and technical base has been created for the implementation of the project, more than 200 units of special equipment have been deployed, and the participation of local specialists is planned. During the visit, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, thanked the Turkmen side for its support and noted that TAPI symbolises mutually beneficial cooperation and the strengthening of trust between the countries of the region. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that infrastructure – power lines, roads and logistics centres – will be developed along the gas pipeline route, creating a unified system of economic ties. In his speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people paid special attention to the international recognition of Turkmenistan as a neutral state actively participating in regional and global initiatives. Hero Arkadag also noted the support of the project by the United States and thanked the American companies participating in its implementation. The ceremony ended with a blessing for the start of welding work on the Serhetabat-Herat section. After a prayer offered by the Mufti of Turkmenistan, the official start of the new stage of construction was given. At the end of the event, a traditional toy-sadaqah was given. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit was yet another confirmation of Turkmenistan's commitment to a policy of neutrality, good neighbourliness and constructive cooperation. The implementation of the TAPI project and related infrastructure initiatives is seen as an important contribution to strengthening regional stability, economic integration and the well-being of the peoples of Central and South Asia.
During his visit to Afghanistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted the high level of friendly relations with Turkmenistan, which adheres to a policy of positive neutrality. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in turn, emphasised the historical ties of brotherhood and good neighbourliness between the two peoples. The parties discussed cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, transport and communications, noting the importance of joint projects such as the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline, as well as power transmission lines and fibre-optic communications. Hero Arkadag announced an upcoming ceremony dedicated to the construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ gas pipeline (‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’), expressing confidence that the project will strengthen long-term relations and create new opportunities for the development of the Afghan economy. Abdul Ghani Baradar thanked the Turkmen side for its support and humanitarian assistance, noting the importance of Turkmenistan as a peace-loving neighbour. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop bilateral cooperation.
On 20 October, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, who presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Rashid Meredov congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in his work. The parties noted the high level of political dialogue and the active development of trade, economic and cultural ties, emphasising the importance of mutual visits at the highest level. Cooperation in international and regional organisations was discussed. The Indian side reiterated its support for Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and its peace initiatives. Prospects for cooperation in the field of culture and education were also discussed. The Indian Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for the warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
Last week, 48 deals were concluded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Entrepreneurs from the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan purchased aviation kerosene and hydrotreated diesel fuel produced by ‘Türkmennebit’ for foreign currency. Bedding sets, terry products, flannel, cotton yarn and licorice root extract were also sold. The total amount of foreign currency transactions exceeded $47.1 million. On the domestic market, Turkmen companies purchased base oil, petroleum coke, polypropylene, as well as textile products and liquorice root extract worth over 153.2 million manats.
A festive event was held at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat to mark Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The festival, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, was marked by the lighting of the traditional Diya lamp, floral decorations and a vibrant cultural programme. Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked Turkmenistan for its hospitality and recalled recent high-level contacts, including meetings between the leaders of India and Turkmenistan at the SCO summit. The Diplomat emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan in the region and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Guests at the event enjoyed Indian dances, performances by Turkmen artists with Indian hits, traditional dishes and the atmosphere of Bollywood. The event demonstrated not only the strategic partnership, but also the deep cultural ties between the countries, which are strengthened through the exchange of traditions, art and spiritual values.
At a meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the creation of geoparks, including natural and cultural sites, as well as landscapes of international geological significance, was discussed within the framework of the UNESCO Geoparks Programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. It is noted that national geological parks can become a tool for environmentally friendly development of territories. Participants were presented with international experience, procedures for the formation of geoparks and requirements for their organisation. Of particular interest are unique sites such as the canyons on the south-eastern shore of the Garabogaz Gulf and mud volcanoes. The creation of geoparks in these areas will preserve natural heritage, develop ecotourism, support the local economy and raise public awareness of the importance of the country's geological wealth.
At a solemn meeting marking the start of the next stage of the ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’ gas pipeline the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale projects are being successfully implemented, contributing to the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations and an increase in Turkmen gas exports. This was reported by the online news resource AsmanNews. The Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of international gas pipelines, especially the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ project, which contributes to the modernisation of Turkmenistan's energy complex and the development of the region as a whole. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that on 11 September last year, the laying of the key Serhetabat-Herat section began in the Mary velayat, which was a significant event for Turkmen-Afghan relations. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening, and the implementation of major projects is having a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the region. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty reported that the 214 km Turkmen section of the gas pipeline has been successfully laid, and the new stage to the Afghan province of Herat (153 km) will be carried out with the involvement of equipment and specialists from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the project will create jobs and bring Afghanistan annual revenues of over a billion dollars, contributing to the long-term development of both countries and the region. The Hero Arkadag thanked the Turkmen gas workers for their participation in the project and the Afghan side for their cooperation, and also blessed the start of the next stage of the gas pipeline construction. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the United States was one of the first to support the project, and that bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States covers trade, investment and business contacts. Hero Arkadag highlighted the contribution of the American company ‘Brownstein’, which is advising on the project. In addition, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty recalled the significance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, for the authority of Turkmenistan and thanked US President Donald Trump for his support for the events and the gas pipeline project.
On 20 October, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave his blessing to the implementation of a new stage of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline project — the Serhetabat–Herat section, called ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the initiatives of the Hero Arkadag and continued by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation with countries in the region and strengthening good-neighbourly relations. Joint Turkmen-Afghan projects in the transport and energy sectors contribute to the restoration of Afghanistan's economy and its integration into global ties. In September 2024, with the participation of Hero Arkadag, the Serhetabat-Turgundi railway bridge was opened, construction began on the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline and the ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’ fibre-optic communication line, and a warehouse complex in Turgundi and the ‘Nur-el-Jahad’ power plant in Herat were put into operation. Following the principles of neutrality, peacefulness and good neighbourliness, Turkmenistan continues to support efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Afghanistan.
ADNOC is strengthening its international presence and developing its partnership with Turkmenistan, consolidating its position in the Caspian region. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In 2025, the company will become a Diamond Sponsor of the XXX International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2025’ (OGT 2025) in Ashgabat, presenting the largest delegation and a large-scale interactive stand. One of ADNOC's key achievements was the acquisition of a 38% stake in offshore gas block I, an important step in expanding the company's presence in the region. This cooperation reflects the desire to strengthen energy security and sustainable development in Turkmenistan. At the same time, ADNOC is expanding its international portfolio by participating in LNG projects in the United States, as well as gas projects in Mozambique and Egypt, developing the supply of more environmentally friendly energy sources. ADNOC's active participation in OGT 2025 underscores its strategic role in developing energy infrastructure, diversifying supplies and attracting long-term investment in Turkmenistan's economy.
On 18 October, products from the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ were in high demand at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Entrepreneurs from the UAE, Afghanistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan purchased ‘TS-1’ jet fuel and hydrotreated diesel fuel from the concern. On the domestic market, Turkmen businessmen purchased raw carded single O/E cotton yarn from the Ministry of Textile Industry. As a result of the trading session, 18 deals were concluded for a total amount of US$44.96 million and 7.01 million manats.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the results of the 4th meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan – UN’ Strategic Advisory Council, which was held on 16 October, during a government meeting on 17 October. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The main outcome of the meeting was the preliminary approval of the Framework Programme for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN in the field of sustainable development for 2026-2030, the fifth since 2005. The document covers national, regional and international priorities in the socio-economic, environmental and political spheres. An Interdepartmental Commission is planned to be established to coordinate joint projects, with its first meeting to be held in November. Among the proposed initiatives are the preparation of a Programme of Joint Action with the UN in the context of Turkmenistan's priorities at the 80th session of the General Assembly, the development of a National Roadmap for the implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries, and the holding of a seminar on SDG reporting at the end of October. In addition, cooperation in the areas of youth policy, ecology, digitalisation and energy was discussed. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out the necessary work.