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The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the nation on the 35th anniversary of independence
27.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the nation on the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message, the Head of State described independence as the country’s greatest asset and highlighted its role in strengthening statehood, stability and social unity. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that, over the years of independence, large-scale socio-economic development programmes have been implemented in Turkmenistan. Residential complexes, industrial enterprises, medical and educational centres, as well as modern roads, have been opened in Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the velayats. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country is continuing to modernise its economy, develop its industries, industrialise its regions and transition to a digital economy. These initiatives are being implemented as part of national programmes for socio-economic development. Separately, the Head of State highlighted Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of neutrality, Peace, trust, and friendship. Over the past 35 years, the country has put forward initiatives in international forums in the fields of neutral, preventive, energy, transport, environmental, scientific and medical, and cultural diplomacy. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that the country would continue to focus its efforts on strengthening peace and trust, inter-state harmony and sustainable development. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the citizens good health, a peaceful and prosperous life, happiness and success for the sake of the country’s continued prosperity.
Ashgabat marked the 94th anniversary of the founding of Saudi Arabia
27.09.2026On 25 September, a formal reception was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat to mark the 94th anniversary of the Kingdom’s founding. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in Turkmenistan, the business community, the media and the blogging community, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan, welcomed the guests and delivered a speech. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spoke about the Kingdom’s development and the implementation of the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ project, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The diplomat also highlighted the key principles of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and the development of bilateral relations with Turkmenistan. According to the Ambassador, Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. In 1997, the Kingdom opened its embassy in Ashgabat, which became the first embassy of an Arab state in Turkmenistan. The significance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2007 was also highlighted. Representing the Turkmen side at the event was Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan and the Government, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the spiritual and cultural ties between the two countries, including the visits to Mecca by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Particular attention was paid to energy cooperation. Guvanch Agajanov highlighted Saudi Arabia’s expertise in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors and the development of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry. He reported on the Saudi side’s interest in implementing the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) international gas pipeline project. Following the official proceedings, a reception featuring traditional Arabic cuisine was organised for the guests.
More than 9,300 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying in China
27.09.2026Education remains one of the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. This was stated on 24 September in Ashgabat by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. According to Meredov, more than 9,300 citizens of Turkmenistan are currently studying at educational institutions in China. Interest in learning Chinese is also growing in the country. Around 1,000 students are studying Chinese at nine universities in Turkmenistan. A further 6,000 school students are learning the language at ten secondary schools. In April, a workshop led by Luban began operating at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. A teaching room for the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine has opened at the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry also highlighted the development of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, science, healthcare and other areas of the social sector.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the development of regional cooperation
27.09.2026Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality, endorsed by the UN General Assembly, contributes to strengthening stability in the region. This was stated by Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Iran’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, Turkmenistan’s location on the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ transit corridors, as well as the development of its energy infrastructure, are contributing to economic integration and the strengthening of regional security. Rouzbahani noted that Iran was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. He said that relations between the two countries are based on respect for sovereignty and a commitment to regional stability. Cooperation also contributes to the development of trade and transit freight transport. The Ambassador emphasised the shared cultural and civilisational heritage of the two nations. He stated that the historical ties and legacy of the Great Silk Road have formed the basis of modern relations between Iran and Turkmenistan. Having congratulated Turkmenistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence, Rouzbahani expressed Iran’s readiness to expand comprehensive cooperation with its neighbour.
Trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey was discussed in Ashgabat
27.09.2026Sefa Gomdeniz, Chair of the Turkey–Turkmenistan Business Council under the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), and a delegation from the council met with Shener Cebeci, the Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed trade and economic ties between the two countries and the prospects for cooperation between the business communities. The Turkey–Turkmenistan Business Council operates under DEİK and is dedicated to developing business contacts between companies in Turkey and Turkmenistan. Shener Cebeci was appointed Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan in 2026. On 28 August, he presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed the development of inter-parliamentary relations
27.09.2026Gismet Gozalov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, met with Gahryman Rozyev, Deputy Speaker of the Turkmenistan Parliament, and Annamuhammet Sarjayev, Chair of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for inter-parliamentary cooperation, according to Turkmenportal. The participants noted the development of bilateral relations and partnership, as well as the role of historical, cultural and linguistic ties between the peoples of the two countries. Particular mention was made of the importance of high-level contacts, including the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Azerbaijan on 22–23 June 2026. Following the visit, the Presidents signed a Joint Statement, and the parties exchanged a number of bilateral documents. The participants also discussed the development of inter-parliamentary contacts. These included the signing in Ashgabat in 2022 of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, meetings between the heads of the legislative bodies, and the participation of parliamentary representatives in international and regional events. The parties reviewed cooperation within the framework of regional and international parliamentary platforms and agreed to continue consultations and mutual support. In conclusion, the participants exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
A ceremony to hand over the keys to new flats took place in the city of Arkadag
27.09.2026In the city of Arkadag, new residents were presented with the keys to their new flats ahead of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The new residents were given flats in modern residential buildings, equipped with all necessary amenities. The flats feature improved layouts, whilst the kitchens, children’s rooms and other areas have been designed in line with national traditions and modern requirements. The recipients expressed their gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for creating the conditions for a comfortable life.
Turkmenistan set out its position at the OIC ministerial meeting
26.09.2026On 24 September, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, addressed the Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This was reported by AsmanNews. During his address, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation and solidarity within the Islamic world, placing particular emphasis on its support for the Palestinian people and the continued provision of humanitarian aid to OIC member states. Vepa Hajiyev also thanked the OIC member states for their support for the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. The statement emphasised the importance of this initiative for strengthening the principles of the UN Charter, the sovereign equality of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes and multilateral cooperation.
Flights between Turkmenistan and Pakistan may resume
26.09.2026Pakistan and Turkmenistan plan to resume cargo and commercial air services between the two countries in the near future. This was stated by Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ashgabat, in an article marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to TerraNews. According to the diplomat, the resumption of direct flights will contribute to the development of regional connectivity alongside road and rail routes. Leghari noted that air links will expand contacts between the countries and create further opportunities for cooperation in trade, healthcare, education and sport. The Ambassador also emphasised the historical significance of bilateral relations. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established during the early years of Turkmenistan’s independence. According to Leghari, Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional security and stability form the basis for further cooperation.
CNPC will be a platinum sponsor of OGT 2026
26.09.2026The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) will be a platinum sponsor of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026’ (OGT 2026), which will take place on 21–23 October in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. CNPC’s participation coincides with the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector. In April 2026, ‘Türkmengaz’ and CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd signed a contract for the implementation of Phase IV of the ‘Galkynyş’ field development. The project involves the construction of a commercial gas processing facility with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year and the drilling of production wells to supply this volume. CNPC has been operating in Turkmenistan since 2007. One of the key cooperation projects has been the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline, which came into operation in 2009. The cooperation also encompasses geological exploration, field development, infrastructure construction, equipment supply, technology transfer and specialist training. At OGT 2026, discussions will focus on the further development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field, the diversification of gas export routes, the TAPI project, the development of Caspian Sea resources, gas processing and the oil and gas chemical industry, digitalisation, the reduction of methane emissions and new investment projects. The conference will be held under the motto ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress’.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to the President of Kazakhstan
26.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following the tragic accident in the Mangystau region that resulted in casualties and injuries, according to the TDH news agency. The Head of State expressed his sincere sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and wished those injured a speedy recovery. The words of condolence were conveyed on behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, and on his own behalf.
The President of Turkmenistan received a letter of congratulations
26.09.2026Ivan Kuzmin, Chair of the CIS Inter-governmental Co-ordinating Council on Seed Production, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, on his birthday. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message of congratulations on behalf of the plant breeders and seed producers of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Ivan Kuzmin wished the Head of State good health, happiness and success in his continued work for the benefit of the people of Turkmenistan.
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