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The President of Turkmenistan has concluded his state visit to Georgia
18.07.2026On 17 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held negotiations with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze as part of his state visit to Georgia. The two sides discussed the development of cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, energy, cultural and humanitarian, and scientific and educational fields, according to the news agency TDH. The Head of Turkmenistan arrived in Georgia on 16 July on a state visit. In Tbilisi, Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid flowers at the monument to Georgia’s national heroes on Heroes’ Square. Following the ceremony, negotiations were held with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. During the one-on-one meeting and the subsequent negotiations involving delegations from both countries, the parties noted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their interest in their further development. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his gratitude to the Georgian side for the invitation and the warm welcome. The Head of State emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia span the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. The President of Turkmenistan thanked Georgia for its support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and the country’s international initiatives. Trade and economic cooperation was one of the key areas of negotiation. The parties noted the growth in mutual trade and the important role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The need to further develop direct contacts between businesspeople from the two countries was also emphasised. In the transport and logistics sector, Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined prospects for cooperation within the framework of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, involving Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, the Caspian-Black Sea Corridor involving Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Romania, as well as the TRACECA transport corridor. The parties also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications, communications, tourism, agriculture, the textile industry and construction. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian ties. In 2024, a monument to the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli was unveiled in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage is also widely represented in Georgia, including the works of Magtymguly Pyragy. The parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding scientific and educational contacts, as well as cooperation between higher education institutions and academic bodies. The importance of developing twinning arrangements between cities was also highlighted. In this regard, Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed discussing the establishment of a sister-city relationship between Turkmenbashi and Batumi. A similar agreement had previously been concluded between the cities of Arkadag and Telavi. Following the negotiations, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia signed a Joint Statement. The parties also exchanged a number of bilateral documents. These included the Programme of Cooperation for 2027–2028 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, as well as memoranda of cooperation in the fields of management and privatisation of state property, financial monitoring, culture, healthcare, education, industry, maritime transport and rail transport. The documents also provide for cooperation between theatres, museums, libraries, conservatoires and higher education institutions in both countries. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the exchange of news content was signed by the editorial team of the online newspaper ‘Golden age’ and the television company ‘Europe 24’. Following the signing ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed representatives of the media. The Georgian Head of Government noted that the visit by the President of Turkmenistan and the agreements reached lay the foundations for further strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted the potential for development in trade, transport, logistics, tourism, science and education. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the business-oriented nature of the negotiations and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand political dialogue and trade and economic cooperation. According to him, particular importance is attached to the development of the transport sector and the diversification of mutual trade. The Head of State also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications, transport, tourism, agriculture, the textile industry and construction. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia. He proposed that the 35th anniversary of this event be celebrated on a grand scale in 2027. At the conclusion of the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to pay a visit to Turkmenistan. A Turkmen-Georgian business forum was also held as part of the state visit. More than 50 bilateral meetings took place between business organisations from the two countries, resulting in the conclusion of agreements and the signing of memoranda of understanding. In particular, agreements were reached in the fields of logistics, the export of confectionery and household chemical products, distribution, insurance and the supply of building materials. Following the visit, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their long-term partnership and expanding cooperation in key areas.
Human rights and gender equality were discussed in Ashgabat
18.07.2026A meeting of development partners focusing on human rights and gender equality took place in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed current initiatives and the outcomes of the latest round of the ‘EU–Turkmenistan’ Dialogue on Human Rights. The main focus was on the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030. Representatives of the European Union noted that ensuring equal opportunities is one of the priorities of its work.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in WAIC 2026
18.07.2026The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) and a high-level meeting on global technology governance are taking place in Shanghai from 17 to 20 July. Turkmenistan is represented by a delegation led by the country’s Minister of Communications, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum, held under the motto ‘AI Partnership for a Brighter Future’, has brought together more than 1,100 technology companies and around 1,400 experts, scientists and representatives of government departments. The exhibition area exceeded 100,000 square metres. Chinese President Xi Jinping took part in the opening ceremony. Turkmenistan’s participation reflects the country’s priority focus on digitalisation and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in the development of its national infrastructure.
Georgia’s Minister of Finance highlighted the potential for cooperation with Turkmenistan
18.07.2026Georgia’s Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, has stated that cooperation with Turkmenistan will be a key factor in boosting trade and investment between the two countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Speaking at the Georgia–Turkmenistan Business Forum, he highlighted the significant potential of bilateral relations and the forum’s role in developing the private sector. Khutsishvili also emphasised the importance of infrastructure projects, including the development of the energy component of the Middle Corridor and the construction of an undersea cable across the Black Sea, which is set to connect the South Caucasus to the European energy grid and create new opportunities for the countries of Central Asia.
Turkmenistan intends to boost transit capacity via Georgian ports
18.07.2026Turkmenistan is engaged in negotiations regarding the construction of a cargo terminal on the Black Sea coast in Georgia, stated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum in Tbilisi. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Head of State highlighted the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, infrastructure and maritime transport. He said that the private sector must be actively involved in implementing these projects and that public-private partnerships should be developed. Berdimuhamedov also emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in Georgia’s experience in developing tourism and the service sector. The forum, he said, should help to strengthen trade, economic and investment ties between the two countries.
Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare
18.07.2026The Minister of Health of Turkmenistan, Myratberdi Gayipov, held a meeting with Mikheil Sarjveladze, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed issues relating to healthcare and social protection, as well as prospects for further cooperation. The Georgian side presented the ministry’s current programmes and areas of work. M. Gayipov expressed his readiness to develop cooperation, whilst Sarjveladze emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
Turkmenistan’s chemical industry is expanding its production capacity
18.07.2026Turkmenistan’s chemical industry continues to expand through major investment projects and the modernisation of production facilities. One of the key priorities remains increasing the output of mineral fertilisers for domestic consumption and export, according to the online publication Arzuw News. A new complex is under construction at the S.A. Niyazov Chemical Plant in Turkmenabat, which, once operational, will produce 350,000 tonnes of superphosphate and 100,000 tonnes of ammonium sulphate per year. In the Turkmenbashi etrap, a project is underway to build a gas-chemical complex with an annual production capacity of 1.155 million tonnes of urea. The new facilities are equipped with modern automated systems and comply with environmental requirements. The development of the chemical industry remains one of the priorities of the country’s economic policy, which aims to attract investment, train specialists and expand international cooperation.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Georgia has exceeded US$100 million
17.07.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Georgia increased by 26 per cent in 2025, exceeding US$100 million. This was announced by the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, at the opening of the second Georgian-Turkmen Business Forum, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to him, the positive trend in bilateral trade is continuing this year. Kobakhidze also noted that the visit to Georgia by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, confirms the high level of trust and the strategic importance of cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister also emphasised that Georgia and Turkmenistan have great potential for further cooperation and spoke highly of the prospects for developing the partnership.
German companies have submitted proposals for the port of Turkmenbashi
17.07.2026Negotiations took place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport between representatives of Turkmenistan’s State Service for Maritime and Inland Waterway Transport and a delegation from the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations and German companies. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed the development of container transport, logistics corridors, energy supply to port infrastructure and the supply of equipment. The Turkmen side highlighted the port’s transit potential and confirmed its readiness to expand cooperation. The German companies ‘Rhenus’, ‘Benning’, ‘Eternity’, ‘Zeppelin’ and ‘Edison Technologies’ presented their projects, noting a 12 per cent increase in bilateral trade. Technological cooperation was also discussed, including the servicing of ‘Caterpillar’ marine engines, the installation of specialised equipment and the construction of yachts. Following the meeting, the parties expressed an interest in developing the transit of Chinese and Uzbek cargo through Turkmenistan to Europe and agreed to continue regular consultations.
Ashgabat and Seoul discussed cooperation between their parliaments
17.07.2026On 16 July 2026, a meeting of the Turkmen-Korean Interparliamentary Friendship Groups took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed ways to improve the work of the interparliamentary friendship groups and to develop cooperation between the relevant committees. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on issues relating to political and diplomatic, legislative and inter-regional cooperation. It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea are developing in the political and economic, cultural and humanitarian, and inter-parliamentary spheres, as well as within the framework of international organisations. The participants highlighted the achievements of the Turkmen-Korean Business Council and the inter-governmental working group on trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation.Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, fuel and energy, logistics, digital and transport sectors, as well as in shipbuilding and the study of the Korean language. It was also noted at the meeting that Turkmen youth are receiving education at higher education institutions in the Republic of Korea. The Korean language is taught in general education schools in Turkmenistan and at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The parties expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries through inter-parliamentary cooperation.
A meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
17.07.2026On 16 July, D. Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, met with a delegation from the Republic of Korea led by Choi Hyung Du, Chair of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The South Korean parliamentarians were briefed on the main thrusts of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, which is based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, humanity and trust, as well as on the activities of the Mejlis. The parties noted the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the development of relations between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ inter-parliamentary forum, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the Republic of Korea in 2022. It was noted that the working visit of the President of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan had contributed to the further development of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries. The Turkmen side also expressed its gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its support for Turkmenistan’s peace-loving policy and international initiatives, including the proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the further development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the promotion of Peace and Trust between states and peoples, and the expansion of cooperation within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its cooperation with the EU on key security issues
17.07.2026On 16 July, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, took part in the 13th meeting of the ‘European Union–Central Asia’ High-Level Dialogue on Political and Security Issues in Brussels. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed regional and international security, strengthening resilience, border management, countering modern threats, and developing connectivity and multilateral cooperation. Ahmet Gurbanov highlighted the importance of the ‘European Union–Central Asia’ format for pooling the potential of the countries in the region and the EU with a view to sustainable development and strengthening regional security. In his view, long-term security must be based on political and diplomatic mechanisms, confidence-building, socio-economic development, respect for international law and multilateral diplomacy, with the United Nations playing a central role. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its support for the further development of mechanisms for cooperation with the European Union, including the High-Level Political and Security Dialogue, meetings of special representatives and EU practical programmes in the field of security. A meeting also took place in Brussels between Ahmet Gurbanov and Gilles Bertrand, the European Union’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Head of the Afghanistan and Pakistan Division at the European External Action Service. The parties discussed cooperation on Afghanistan, including humanitarian aid, the implementation of transport and energy projects, and collaboration within the framework of the regional CADAP and BOMCA programmes. Particular attention was paid to the coordination of international efforts, with the United Nations playing a central role. In addition, Ahmet Gurbanov met with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service. The parties discussed the development of transport connectivity, the potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the European Union’s ‘Global Gateway’ initiative. Other areas of cooperation mentioned included energy, improving energy efficiency, the development of renewable energy sources, the introduction of modern technologies and the reduction of methane emissions. Education, professional training and academic exchanges were also discussed.
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