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Turkmenistan has called on CIS countries to remove trade and customs barriers
12.09.2026Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS is marked by the continued strengthening of peace, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘We attach particular importance to expanding trade and economic ties, developing transport and energy interconnectivity, digital transformation, innovative development, attracting investment, and economic stability. All these areas form the basis for sustainable economic growth. Today, the Commonwealth states possess significant combined economic, industrial, energy and agricultural potential,’ said Geldimyradov. He emphasised that the CIS countries must continue their efforts to remove administrative and technical barriers, improve customs procedures, and develop electronic document management and digital trade tools. The development of industrial and investment cooperation, as well as the creation of new production chains and projects, is also of particular importance, the Deputy Prime Minister noted. According to him, particular attention in this work is being paid to the environmental agenda in the Caspian region. ‘We advocate the further strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of environmental protection, the conservation of biodiversity, the rational use of natural resources and the promotion of modern environmental technologies,’ said Geldimyradov. He also noted that, in order to fully realise the potential of the CIS economic space, it is necessary to integrate more closely the markets, infrastructure, production capacities and human resources of the Commonwealth’s member states. ‘This is precisely the practical focus of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS. We are keen to ensure that decisions taken within the framework of the Commonwealth are translated into concrete outcomes in the form of new transport routes, trade links, investment projects and industrial cooperation,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
Turkmenistan has called for the development of the Caspian Sea’s transit potential
12.09.2026Turkmenistan is interested in developing the Caspian region's transit potential through mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘For Turkmenistan, the Caspian region is a vital part of the international transport and logistics network. We are keen to further develop its transit potential on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation,’ said Geldimyradov. According to him, the development of transport connectivity within the Commonwealth is one of Turkmenistan’s main priorities during its chairmanship of the CIS. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that modern transport infrastructure is becoming one of the key factors in economic development, and that transport today is directly linked to trade and investment. ‘The CIS region has a unique geographical location and is capable of playing a vital role in establishing sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia. In this regard, we attach particular importance to the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors,’ he emphasised. H. Geldimyradov recalled that, as part of its chairmanship, Turkmenistan had put forward an initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity. ‘It is important that this thematic year becomes not only a symbolic event, but also a practical platform for the implementation of specific projects. This involves the development of transport infrastructure, international routes, the digitalisation of transport, the expansion of intermodal links, the enhancement of transport security, and the removal of existing infrastructural and administrative barriers,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
‘Turkmen Expo’ will present Turkmenistan’s pavilion at FAST TEXTILE 2026
12.09.2026‘Turkmen Expo’ will act as the official partner of the FAST TEXTILE 2026 international textile exhibition in Poland and will organise Turkmenistan’s national pavilion. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The exhibition will take place from 17 to 19 November at the Ptak Expo Łódź exhibition centre in Rzgów. Turkmen companies will showcase textile materials, yarn, knitwear, clothing and finished goods. The national pavilion will feature textile companies, state-owned enterprises, factories and industrial complexes from Turkmenistan. FAST TEXTILE 2026 will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, designers, brands, distributors and other industry professionals. Previous exhibitions were attended by over 14,600 representatives of the professional community from 40 countries. Up to 600 companies from more than 30 countries took part in them. As part of the exhibition, Turkmen enterprises will hold B2B meetings with importers, distributors, trading companies and international brands. Participants will discuss opportunities for supply and further cooperation.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan is improving the legislative framework
12.09.2026On 11 September, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, presented information on efforts to improve the country’s legislation. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Working groups are currently drafting the Laws of Turkmenistan ‘On State Registration of Rights to Real Estate’ and ‘On State Protection of Ahal-Teke Horses in Turkmenistan’. Amendments and additions are also being prepared for the laws ‘On Leasing’, ‘On Joint-Stock Companies’, ‘On Publishing Activities’ and ‘On the Licensing of Certain Types of Activities’. In addition, information was presented on preparations for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. As part of an exchange of experience in the field of law-making, representatives of the national parliament visited Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further strengthening the country’s legal framework and improving legislative activity.
The President of Turkmenistan is to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea
12.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, will pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea and take part in the first ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, reported on preparations for the visit at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 11 September. According to the news agency TDH, a number of inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental documents are due to be signed during the visit, aimed at developing cooperation in the fields of the economy, investment, transport, logistics, the chemical industry, infrastructure, industrial construction, the environment, water management, science and education. It was noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea were established in 1992. Since then, the countries have concluded 118 inter-state, inter-governmental and inter-departmental agreements. High-level contacts play an important role in bilateral relations. In recent years, there have been five state, official and working visits by Heads of State. In November 2022, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero Arkadag, visited the Republic of Korea. Trade and economic cooperation is developing. Seventeen investment projects involving Korean companies have been registered in Turkmenistan. Major projects that have been completed include a sulphur purification complex at the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field and a gas-chemical complex for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene in the settlement of Kiyanly. In 2008, the Turkmen-Korean Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation was established. To date, nine meetings of the Commission have been held. The parties also cooperate in the fields of science, education, culture and other social and humanitarian areas. Multilateral cooperation is developing within the framework of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Forum, established in 2007 on the initiative of the Korean side. In 2023, Turkmenistan chaired the Forum, and its 16th meeting took place in Ashgabat. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, to ensure preparations for the state visit and participation in the Summit.
A meeting on the implementation of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea has begun in Awaza
12.09.2026The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, dedicated to developing a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea (UN SPAS), has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC. Over the course of two days, representatives from countries in the region, international organisations and experts will discuss the programme’s priorities, transboundary water cooperation, water security and the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin. On the first day, participants reviewed the programme’s content, its alignment with national and regional initiatives, and the prospects for strengthening cooperation. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue, trust and joint action to address the interlinked challenges of water resources, climate change and the state of ecosystems. It is expected that the meeting will result in the adoption of a document setting out the participating countries’ common approaches. The event is being held with the participation of relevant government bodies in Turkmenistan and with the support of UNDP/GEF, the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative and other partners.
The CIS Secretary-General noted the high standard of organisation of the meetings in Turkmenistan
12.09.2026A meeting of the heads of delegations in a restricted format took place in Ashgabat as part of the 111th session of the CIS Economic Council. The participants discussed the main areas of economic cooperation, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev thanked the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for organising the meeting and for his hospitality. He also congratulated the Turkmen people on the upcoming 35th anniversary of independence, which is celebrated on 27 September, and highlighted the significance of the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, scheduled for 23 September 2026. Sergey Lebedev highlighted the high standard of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and the organisation of events during its chairmanship. The Secretary-General of the CIS expressed his confidence that the forthcoming autumn summits of the Commonwealth’s leaders at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone would be held to a high standard.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Singapore on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations
12.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, and the people of Singapore on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by AsmanNews. The message of congratulations noted that relations between Turkmenistan and Singapore are based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation and his confidence that it would develop in the interests of both countries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the leadership of Singapore good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of the country progress and prosperity.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the State Minister for the Economy of Japan
12.09.2026On 11 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Kenji Yamada, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, paying particular attention to trade and economic ties, investment, high technology and the implementation of joint projects. Kenji Yamada conveyed warm greetings from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also noted the significance of the President of Turkmenistan’s visits to Japan and the country’s participation in ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka. The President of Turkmenistan extended reciprocal good wishes to the Japanese leadership and emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding the partnership in the fields of the economy, trade and industry. It was noted that bilateral cooperation is developing on the basis of mutual respect, equality and trust. Turkmenistan has had positive experience of working with Japanese companies in the transport, gas-chemical and agro-industrial sectors. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed their confidence in the further development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
A Memorandum of Cooperation between the CIS and the IAC has been signed in Ashgabat
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026 in Ashgabat, CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev and Oleg Storchevoy, Chairman of the Interstate Aviation Committee, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the CIS Executive Committee and the IAC. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The document provides for cooperation in the development of air transport, the improvement of the regulatory framework, air traffic management and the enhancement of flight safety. Particular attention is paid to the development of the transport services market, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, cyber security and reducing the environmental impact of aviation. The parties have agreed to exchange information, expert materials and practical experience, as well as to hold consultations and organise joint events.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed expanding their economic partnership
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Kenji Yamada. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, focusing primarily on trade and economic interaction. During the meeting, they considered issues relating to the expansion of business contacts, the implementation of joint projects and the introduction of Japanese technologies and expertise into Turkmenistan’s economy. The parties also exchanged views on cooperation in the energy sector, industry, transport, the chemical industry, digitalisation and the development of the circular economy. Particular mention was made of the role of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation in the development of bilateral trade and economic ties. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue the dialogue and strengthen the Turkmen-Japanese partnership.
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister met with the UN Permanent Coordinator
12.09.2026On 11 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Myahri Byashimova, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations system, including the implementation of joint programmes and initiatives. During the meeting, they also considered promising areas for cooperation, topical issues on the regional and international agenda, and preparations for upcoming high-level events. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development and expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
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