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Turkmenistan participates in the CIS international legal forum
14.05.2026On May 13, the Second International Legal Forum "International Legal Dialogue in the CIS: Traditions of Cooperation and Responding to the Challenges of the Time" opened at the CIS headquarters in Minsk. This was reported by the IIC. The organizers were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and the CIS Executive Committee. Around 70 delegates from Commonwealth countries, including Turkmenistan, are taking part in the forum. Among them are representatives of government bodies, the academic community, and international organizations. At the opening ceremony, First Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Igor Petrishenko noted that the Commonwealth's treaty and legal framework includes over 7,000 documents. According to him, the CIS adheres to the principles of international law and opposes unilateral measures and sanctions. The role of the Interparliamentary Assembly and the CIS Economic Court was also highlighted. The forum's program includes a plenary session and thematic sections. Participants are discussing issues of international legal policy, regional integration, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The dialogue is aimed at strengthening cooperation and ensuring the implementation of interstate obligations.
A French diplomat is exploring the potential of regional projects in Turkmenistan
13.05.2026A meeting was held at the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with French diplomat, ambassador, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and Director of the Secretariat of the European Information and Analytical College based in Paris, Yasmine Guédar. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. During her visit to Ashgabat, she also plans to visit several scientific and cultural institutions, as well as hold talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of the country. The discussions with the university experts were conducted in a businesslike and informative atmosphere. They focused on developments in Central Asia, including regional cooperation and major infrastructure and energy projects of interest to European analysts. Representatives of the center presented their work and research areas, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with international partners.
Turkmenistan and Uganda are strengthening their economic partnership
13.05.2026Turkmenistan and Uganda held high-level talks in Kampala, confirming their intention to develop relations toward practical economic cooperation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Turkmen delegation was led by Yagshuli Mammedov, Head of the Middle East and Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Ugandan side was represented by Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa, with organizational support from Ugandan diplomatic representatives. The two sides outlined key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, energy, textiles, agriculture, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Turkmenistan proposed exporting natural gas and textile products, while Uganda offered coffee and poultry products, as well as cooperation in food processing development. Education programs, academic exchanges, and training in the field of international relations were also discussed, along with the organization of business forums and trade exhibitions. In addition, the parties considered simplifying travel for diplomats by introducing a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic and official passports. They also touched upon cooperation within the United Nations and prospects for reciprocal visits. Following the meeting, both sides noted an intensification of bilateral dialogue, with further agreements and contacts expected through 2027.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed trade and logistics cooperation
13.05.2026On May 11, a meeting took place in Islamabad between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atajan Movlamov, and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. The main focus was on the development of regional trade routes and improving transport and logistics connectivity, according to the news agency Orient. The sides discussed expanding trade corridors to ensure the stable transit of goods and closer cooperation between business entities. The key role of infrastructure in strengthening Pakistan’s trade relations with Central Asian countries was emphasized. The Pakistani side highlighted its strategic position as a transport hub between Central Asia and global markets, as well as the growing importance of the country’s logistics potential. The Turkmen side, in turn, expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation and developing trade and transport links. Energy and infrastructure projects were also discussed separately. The parties agreed to intensify cooperation through chambers of commerce, business forums, and exhibitions.
A meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of CIS countries has opened in Ashgabat
13.05.2026In the capital of Turkmenistan, the 84th Council on Railway Transport of the CIS member states has begun its work in the conference hall of the Yyldyz Hotel. The meeting will last until May 14, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Heads of railway administrations from the Commonwealth countries have arrived in Ashgabat to take part in the event. Within the framework of the forum, participants are expected to discuss key issues related to expanding cooperation and developing the railway sector across the CIS, as well as hold bilateral and multilateral meetings and a briefing for media representatives. A cultural program has been prepared for participants, including visits to the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex, the State Museum of Turkmenistan, and the Magtymguly Fragi cultural and park complex.
The conference in Ashgabat brought together experts in international law
13.05.2026On May 12, a scientific and practical conference titled “Turkmenistan and International Law: the Experience of Neutrality and Cooperation” was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of Turkmen ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, foreign experts in the field of international law, as well as lecturers and students. During the conference, it was noted that the initiative to proclaim 2028 as the “Year of International Law,” first announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, is aimed at strengthening the legal foundations of international security and supporting the supremacy of the UN Charter. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova emphasized that the country consistently advocates for strengthening international law, developing multilateral cooperation, and promoting peaceful dialogue and preventive diplomacy. At the conclusion of the conference, participants noted that observing 2028 under the auspices of international law would be an important step toward strengthening the legal framework of interstate relations and expanding cooperation.
The Turkmen cargo vessel Gadamly has entered international service
13.05.2026A ceremonial reception was held at the Baku International Sea Trade Port for the cargo vessel Gadamly — the first ship of this class built in Turkmenistan. The commissioning of the vessel marks an important milestone in the development of the national shipbuilding industry and in strengthening the country’s position within the regional transport system, according to the IIC. The 6,100-ton cargo ship is designed to carry 240 twenty-foot containers. It will operate regular services between the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku, which will help accelerate cargo flows and improve the efficiency of logistics in the Caspian Sea region. The vessel’s maiden voyage, which took place on May 8, was ceremonially launched under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. During the ceremony in Baku, officials noted that the commissioning of Gadamly would serve as an additional factor in the development of the Middle Corridor and Eurasian transport routes. The ship is expected to strengthen the region’s transit potential and enhance the resilience of logistics chains in the Caspian basin. The development of Turkmenistan’s merchant fleet through domestically built vessels is seen as part of a broader strategy to expand international cooperation and increase the capacity of transport corridors between East and West.
The Turkmenistan delegation held meetings in Tokyo on science and education issues
13.05.2026On May 12, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by the vice-rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, N. Shykhlyyev, held a series of meetings in Tokyo with representatives of academic and educational circles, as well as international organizations. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the President of the Turkmen–Japanese Science and Technology Association, G. Koinuma, the parties discussed areas of cooperation. The discussion was also attended by an advisor from the Directorate for Project Development and Implementation of the organization Asia SEED, A. Futohashi. The talks focused on the development of scientific and educational ties between the two countries. Key topics included humanities education, language studies, exchange programs, specialist training, the introduction of the KOSEN education system, as well as cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. A separate meeting was held with the Deputy Director of the East Asia, Central Asia and Caucasus Department of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Y. Sonoyama. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmen universities and JICA in areas of mutual interest. They also addressed a specialist exchange program for Japanese language teaching, which is being implemented with JICA’s support. In addition, JICA invited students from Turkmen universities to participate in a short-term online course on artificial intelligence and data science.
Turkmen films received awards at the “Turan” film festival
13.05.2026Turkmen films have received awards at the international film festival “Turan,” held in Izmir (Republic of Turkey), according to TDH. The competition program featured more than 2,000 films from over 90 countries. Turkmenistan was represented by works from the “Türkmenfilm” Association named after Oguz Khan of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, as well as the “Mahabat” department. The film by Batyr Batyrov, “Ýeňişli ädimler,” received the “Red Apple” award in the “Best Feature Film” category. In the short film category, Mekan Gurbanaliev’s work “Mahir terbiýesi” was recognized. The Special Jury Prize was awarded to the animated film by Rovshen Velmiev, “Meniň oýnum.” The “Turan” film festival is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey in cooperation with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY). The forum aims to develop cooperation in the field of cinematography and promote the culture of Turkic peoples. Film industry representatives, actors, and experts from various countries participated in the event. The festival included screenings, discussions, and professional networking meetings. The participation of Turkmen films and the awards received reflect the expansion of international cooperation in the field of culture and cinema.
South Korea is considering participation in projects to modernize Turkmenistan’s infrastructure
13.05.2026South Korean companies are exploring participation in the modernization of the Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan, according to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae, as reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. He said that South Korean businesses are also showing interest in upgrading railway infrastructure and establishing production facilities for fiber-optic cables and steel pipes in the country. Seoul aims to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan across several sectors, including energy, transport, IT, shipbuilding, healthcare, and culture. Promising areas include hydrogen-powered public transport, electric vehicle infrastructure, and autonomous driving technologies. In shipbuilding, the company Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology is already working with Turkmenistan’s Balkan plant on a project to build cargo ships, with potential expansion into railway ferries. Separately, the phosphorous fertilizer plant project in Turkmenabat, implemented by Daewoo Engineering & Construction, was highlighted as a foundation for further development of bilateral industrial cooperation.
An evening was held in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Turkmenistan and Petronas
13.05.2026A gala evening dedicated to the long-standing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Malaysian energy company “Petronas” was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event brought together representatives of the government, the diplomatic corps, and the oil and gas industry, becoming a symbol of partnership and professional collaboration. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Guvanch Agadjanov and the leadership of the country’s oil and gas sector, as well as senior management of “Petronas,” including Group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik and representatives of the exploration and production division. During the event, the parties noted that over 30 years of cooperation, “Petronas” has become one of the key investors in the Caspian region, having invested about $11.7 billion in the economy of Turkmenistan. Special emphasis was placed on the transition of the partnership to a new stage — the introduction of innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Significant attention was also given to the humanitarian aspect: more than 300 Turkmen students have studied at the Petronas University of Technology, contributing to the development of the national energy sector. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a protocol on new terms for the development of licensed blocks 19 and 20 on the Caspian Sea shelf, confirming the further expansion of cooperation. The delegation also plans to visit Kiyanly to acknowledge the contribution of employees at production facilities to the overall success of the partnership.
Hero-Arkadag held talks with Malaysian representative
13.05.2026On May 12, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Political Affairs to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican. This was reported by TDH. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, transport, education, and culture. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in the fuel and energy sector. Hero-Arkadag highlighted the contribution of Malaysian companies to the development of bilateral partnership. Special emphasis was placed on the role of Petronas in the development of Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea and in training personnel for the oil and gas industry. The sides also discussed prospects for further cooperation in the Caspian region and the participation of the Malaysian side in projects related to the development of the Galkynysh gas field. Opportunities for implementing new initiatives in the gas chemical industry were also considered. The significance of signing the Protocol on Commercial Terms between the State Concern Türkmennebit and Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd was emphasized. During the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the parties plan to conclude a Production Sharing Agreement. The interlocutors also touched upon issues of educational and humanitarian cooperation, including the education of Turkmen students at Malaysian universities, as well as collaboration in the fields of digital technologies and ecology. The guest conveyed greetings from the leadership of Malaysia. In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their intention to develop partnership and strengthen bilateral ties.
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