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Turkmenistan and Japan held political consultations
04.07.2026On 3 July 2026, political consultations took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Japan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan. The Japanese delegation was led by Masaki Ishikawa, Special Representative for Central Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The parties discussed a wide range of issues relating to bilateral and regional cooperation. It was noted that relations are underpinned by regular, trust-based dialogue at the highest state and government levels. They reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen coordination within international organisations, primarily the UN, with a view to maintaining global security and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ framework and to the implementation of agreements previously reached following summits and high-level meetings. In the political segment, the parties noted the active nature of inter-parliamentary contacts and the importance of the work carried out by the friendship groups between the parliaments of the two countries. In the economic segment of the consultations, the progress of joint investment projects was reviewed. Positive trends in cooperation were noted in the gas-chemical and energy sectors, as well as in the transport and logistics sector. The role of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation was emphasised. The parties also discussed the development of people-to-people ties. They discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of science and education, supporting the study of the Japanese language in Turkmenistan, and developing cultural exchange. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their partnership. It was noted that regular inter-ministerial consultations remain an important mechanism for developing cooperation.
Turkmenistan highlighted the role of the Trans-Caspian Corridor at a meeting in the European Parliament
04.07.2026A high-level round-table discussion on the topic ‘The Trans-Caspian Corridor as a Factor in Strengthening the European Union’s Strategic Autonomy’ was held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event took place with the support of Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Member of the European Parliament. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Opening remarks were made by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Gayrat Fazilov and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko. The participation of representatives from Central Asia underscored the regional significance of the discussion and the shared interest in developing sustainable transport links between Central Asia and the European Union. During his speech, Sapar Palvanov noted that, in today’s world, transport connectivity goes beyond a mere technical issue and is directly linked to the stability of supply chains, strategic autonomy and the diversification of routes. According to him, this also affects states’ ability to adapt to changes in the international situation. The Ambassador emphasised that the Trans-Caspian transport route represents an additional strategic corridor for Europe, linking the European space with Central Asia and the wider Asian region via the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. He also stated that, for Turkmenistan, this corridor forms part of the national transport policy. He said that the country’s geographical location presents both opportunities and responsibilities — to act as a reliable and predictable partner within the international transport system. It was specifically noted that the Trans-Caspian Corridor should be viewed as a comprehensive transport ecosystem, encompassing ports, vessels, rail and road infrastructure, customs procedures, digital solutions, logistics companies and private-sector involvement. Participants at the round table praised the route’s growing role in strengthening ties between the European Union, Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the wider Eurasian region. It was emphasised that the corridor is important not only for trade and logistics, but also for the resilience of supply chains and regional cooperation. The programme included two panel sessions: ‘Central Asia and the Trans-Caspian Corridor: An Integrated Connectivity Architecture’ and ‘From Strategy to Investment: Global Gateway and EU-Central Asia Partnership’. The session was moderated by Derya Soysal, an expert on Central Asia and a PhD student at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. During the discussions, the efforts of Central Asian countries to develop infrastructure, digitise procedures and strengthen regional coordination were highlighted. Following the meeting, the need for further cooperation between the EU, the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, international financial institutions and the private sector was emphasised. According to the participants, the development of the Trans-Caspian route should be based on specific projects, investments and digital solutions.
A conference marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A scientific and practical conference marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event took place at the ‘Arçabil’ Hotel. It began with a video presentation on the history of the CPC’s founding and the stages of its development. Ji Shumin, the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming address. The Ambassador spoke about the party’s history, its key objectives, China’s economic development and Beijing’s international initiatives within the United Nations.Representatives from Turkmenistan’s socio-political circles addressed the conference. Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, noted the significance of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and emphasised the role of the recent visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to China in the development of bilateral relations. Participants noted that, over 35 years of diplomatic relations, Turkmenistan and the PRC have established cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, and educational spheres. The five-year programme of inter-governmental cooperation, signed in April, has given further impetus to cooperation in the gas sector. Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, spoke of the development of inter-party dialogue with the CPC, including within the ‘Central Asia–China’ framework. He also highlighted the significance of the visit to Ashgabat by Ding Xuexiang, First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and of the cooperation between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and China’s CNPC in strengthening the energy partnership. It is noted that Turkmen-Chinese relations have historical roots dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are expanding their humanitarian cooperation
04.07.2026Diplomats from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan visited the Department for the Promotion of the National Language at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the Director-General of the Department, Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar, the parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to expanding literary and academic exchanges, strengthening ties between educational and research institutions, and implementing joint projects to promote the historical and cultural heritage of both countries. Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar presented the Turkmen side with a collection of textbooks, academic works and reference publications on the Urdu language. The books received will be sent to the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, where they will be added to the library’s collection and used in educational and academic work. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to continue developing humanitarian and academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
The Hero Arkadag’s visit to Iran has given new impetus to cooperation between Ashgabat and Tehran
04.07.2026On 3 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Hero Arkadag was received by officials at the capital’s international airport. At Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, the Turkmen delegation was met by the First Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, and other officials. An honour guard was lined up. As part of the visit, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan held negotiations with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, at the ‘Sarvestan’ Palace within the ‘Saadabad’ complex. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations. The President of Iran noted his interest in expanding multi-faceted cooperation with Turkmenistan and expressed his confidence that the visit would give new impetus to cooperation. Hero Arkadag conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing cooperation based on the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect. It was noted that relations between the two countries are long-term and stable. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the joint Inter-governmental Commission, business forums and exhibitions was emphasised. They discussed the development of cooperation in the energy, transport and agricultural sectors. Among the key projects highlighted was the ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran’ railway line, which forms part of the ‘North–South’ international corridor. In addition, a meeting took place with the Chairman of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The parties discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation, the work of friendship groups and the exchange of experience between parliamentarians. The importance of preserving cultural heritage and developing humanitarian ties between the peoples of the two countries was emphasised. Hero Arkadag also gave an interview to the Iranian television channel IRIB, in which he noted the steady development of Turkmen-Iranian relations in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. As part of the visit, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Mosque in Tehran, where a memorial service was held. A farewell ceremony was held there for the late Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The event was attended by officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Honour Guard Company played the official anthem, and verses from the Holy Quran were recited. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and expressed his condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as to the Iranian side on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmen people and himself personally. Hero Arkadag also signed the book of condolences. At the conclusion of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people proceeded to Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, from where he flew back to Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag was met by officials at the capital’s international airport. The visit reaffirmed the high level of Turkmen-Iranian dialogue and is aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the US on the 250th anniversary of its independence
04.07.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence. The congratulations were also extended to the American people on behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally from the Head of State. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries, based on the principles of mutual respect and trust, and reaffirmed his readiness to further develop constructive dialogue and a mutually beneficial partnership. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Donald Trump good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of the United States peace, progress and prosperity.
A Turkmen scholar has achieved success in his doctoral studies at the Chinese Academy of Sciences
04.07.2026Turkmen researcher Arslan Berdiyev has become the first person from Turkmenistan to defend a doctoral thesis at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, part of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This was reported by the Orient news agency. His research focuses on physical geography, geoinformation systems and Earth remote sensing technologies. During his studies, the researcher published a number of scientific articles in international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. In July 2025, he was awarded the title of ‘Best International Student’ by the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The results of Arslan Berdiyev’s research can be used to monitor desertification, protect infrastructure in the Karakum Desert and implement joint environmental projects between Turkmenistan and China, including the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its system for providing reproductive healthcare in emergencies
04.07.2026The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, with the support of UNFPA, has approved an updated National Action Plan on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health in emergencies. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The document was developed on the basis of a joint response readiness assessment and replaces the 2014 version. The plan aims to ensure the continuous provision of reproductive health services, reduce the risk of HIV and other infections, and improve inter-agency coordination and the integration of these measures into the health system.
The development of the water sector was discussed in Ashgabat
04.07.2026An inter-ministerial meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the UNECE Global Water Convention took place in Ashgabat. The event was organised with the support of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the State Committee for Water Management, and was attended by representatives of relevant ministries, environmentalists and international experts, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants noted that for Turkmenistan, a significant proportion of whose water resources originate outside the country, international cooperation in the water sector is of strategic importance. It was also emphasised that the distribution of water resources in the region is carried out on the basis of agreed quotas, whilst the modernisation of water management infrastructure and the introduction of water-saving technologies are continuing within the country. During the meeting, discussions centred on the digitalisation of the water sector, adaptation to climate change, and improvements to wastewater treatment and reuse systems. According to the participants, strengthening inter-ministerial and regional cooperation is a key prerequisite for ensuring water security in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and Turkey are expanding their cooperation in the field of shipping
04.07.2026Azat Shanarazov, Chairman of the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, on the sidelines of the 5th Turkey Maritime Summit. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of maritime transport between Turkmenistan and Turkey. During the negotiations, particular attention was paid to issues of cooperation in the field of shipping, the development of port infrastructure, and the strengthening of transport links in the Caspian region. ‘We will continue to strengthen the enduring friendship between Turkey and Turkmenistan through close cooperation in the maritime sector,’ said the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. The 5th Turkey Maritime Summit brought together representatives from government bodies, the business community and relevant organisations to discuss current issues relating to the development of maritime transport, shipping, port infrastructure and international cooperation within the sector.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the US
04.07.2026Turkmenistan intends to continue strengthening its cooperation with the US on issues relating to the global, regional and bilateral agendas. This was stated by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, at a reception marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Washington has consistently supported Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, sovereignty and territorial integrity. R. Meredov noted the steady development of bilateral relations over 34 years of diplomatic cooperation, emphasising the effectiveness of political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. The minister also highlighted cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘C5+1’ format, as well as successful collaboration with US companies such as John Deere, Caterpillar, Boeing, General Electric, Visa and others. Furthermore, he highlighted the development of partnerships in the fields of education, science, culture and the preservation of cultural heritage, thanking US Ambassador Elizabeth Rood for her contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
The US Ambassador spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations with Turkmenistan
04.07.2026The US highly values its partnership with Turkmenistan, and bilateral relations continue to strengthen. This was stated by the US Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Elizabeth Rood, at a reception held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, cooperation between the two countries has intensified significantly over the past year. Elizabeth Rood highlighted the visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Washington; the trip to Florida by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov; and visits to Turkmenistan by representatives of the US administration. The US Ambassador emphasised that the two sides are continuing to develop cooperation in trade, the economy, education and culture, as well as collaboration in the field of regional and international security.
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