News
Islamic Development Bank increases support for projects in Turkmenistan
20.06.2026The total volume of approved financing for projects in Turkmenistan by the Islamic Development Bank Group has reached USD 1.38 billion across 30 operations. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The information was announced following a meeting between the Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rahimberdi Jepbarov, and the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, Muhammad Al-Jasser. The meeting took place in Baku on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group. The parties discussed prospects for further expanding cooperation in the areas of transport connectivity, trade finance, and support for Turkmenistan’s long-term socio-economic development priorities. The annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group is being held in Baku and brings together representatives of member states, international financial institutions, and the business community to discuss issues of sustainable development, investment, and regional cooperation.
Turkmenistan participated in the CIS Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting in Astana
20.06.2026A delegation from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan took part in a regular meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states, which was held in Astana. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Before the start of the event, participants laid flowers at the “Defenders of the Fatherland” monument in the capital of Kazakhstan. In addition to the Turkmen delegation, representatives of the General Staffs of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan also took part in the meeting. During the meeting, the sides discussed the military-political situation, issues of regional and Eurasian security, as well as prospects for further military cooperation within the CIS framework.
Turkmenistan and Qatar outline prospects for transport cooperation
20.06.2026On June 16, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Qatar, Muratgeldi Seyitmammedov, met with the Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the talks, the Turkmen side presented upcoming events in the country related to 2026, which has been declared the Year of “Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” as well as the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The priorities of Turkmenistan in the development of international and regional transport links and the modernization of infrastructure were also presented. Particular attention was given to the country’s initiatives within the framework of UN General Assembly resolutions and the holding of international transport forums. The sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation and exchanging experience in the field of transport and logistics.
Turkmenistan and Belarus Discuss Expanding Partnership in Transport and Logistics
20.06.2026On June 18, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Annayev and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan, Stanislav Chepurny. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed the development of their strategic partnership, with particular attention given to strengthening logistics links across Eurasia. The talks continued the agreements reached following the visit of the Prime Minister of Belarus to Ashgabat in May. Expanding regular air services to stimulate business and tourism contacts was also among the key topics discussed. In addition, the parties reviewed opportunities for cooperation within international transport corridors and for increasing bilateral trade. They also agreed on the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation.
Turkmenistan Represented at Forum on Developing Cultural Ties in Russia
20.06.2026A delegation led by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, participated in an international conference on the development of cultural ties and creative industries held in St. Petersburg on June 18. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum focused on strengthening humanitarian cooperation, preserving the shared historical and cultural heritage, enhancing interstate dialogue, and promoting creative industries as an important area of international cooperation, according to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The conference featured speeches by the heads of government of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a representative of Turkmenistan. In his address, Gurbangeldiyev emphasized the priority of cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the context of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. He noted that the country views culture as a tool for strengthening trust and mutual understanding among nations, in line with its policy of neutrality and “open doors.”
Prime Minister of Malaysia Laid Flowers at the Independence Monument of Turkmenistan
20.06.2026As part of his visit to Turkmenistan, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the Independence Monument. The distinguished guest was welcomed by Ashgabat Mayor Rahym Gandymov, according to the TDH. Anwar Ibrahim laid flowers at the monument and took part in a tree-planting ceremony at the Alley of Honored Guests. The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan is aimed at strengthening bilateral dialogue, which gained momentum following the visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia in 2024. Turkmenistan and Malaysia regularly support each other’s initiatives in the international arena, including within the framework of the United Nations.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar Ibrahim Addressed a Conference in Ashgabat
20.06.2026On June 19, an international scientific and practical conference titled "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry" and an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen-Malaysian partnership were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. The events brought together executives of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector and representatives of international energy companies. Speaking at the plenary session, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. According to him, the Malaysian company Petronas has invested approximately USD 12 billion in the country’s oil and gas industry over the years. The head of state emphasized that joint projects on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast have resulted in the construction of a gas processing plant, an onshore gas terminal, and a marine structures fabrication yard. During the years of cooperation, more than 44 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 16 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons have been produced. The President of Turkmenistan also announced the continuation of development activities at the Magtymguly, Diyarbekir, and Garagöl Deňiz fields, as well as plans for the industrial development of the Öwez and Maşrykow fields. Additional momentum is expected from operations on offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and the implementation of 2D seismic surveys on Blocks 11–14 in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently highlighted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Malaysia’s interest in further expanding cooperation. In addition to the oil and gas sector, the two countries intend to strengthen collaboration in education, workforce training, and high technologies. Following the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia toured the exhibition, which featured displays from ministries, government agencies, higher educational institutions, and specialized companies from both countries. The forum concluded with a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents. These included a Production Sharing Agreement between the State Concern Türkmennebit, Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd., and the state enterprise Hazarnebit; a Cooperation Agreement on conducting 2D seismic surveys between Türkmennebit and Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.; an agreement between the State Concern Türkmengaz and Petronas Carigali International Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; and a Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources. The forum was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Petronas and served as a platform for discussing future areas of collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
President of Turkmenistan Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia
20.06.2026On June 19, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in the country on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector, where Petronas remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners. During the talks, it was noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain an active political dialogue and cooperate within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international organizations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on issues related to international security, sustainable development, energy, and transport. Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to expand cooperation in high technologies, the financial and banking sector, transport, communications, agriculture, education, and tourism. The parties also discussed projects for the development of new hydrocarbon fields in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of Petronas. “We are ready to work closely with Malaysia in promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening international security and jointly support programs to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the President of Turkmenistan stated. Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Malaysia’s interest in further developing its partnership with Turkmenistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation in energy, education, investment activities, and professional training. Following the talks, a ceremony was held for the signing of bilateral documents. These included memorandums of cooperation between scientific institutions of the two countries, as well as agreements in the fields of transport, civil aviation, diplomatic training, and student academic mobility. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also signed a Joint Statement following the official visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Turkmenistan. After the negotiations, the leaders addressed the media, reaffirming their intention to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, transport, education, and humanitarian affairs. As part of his visit, Anwar Ibrahim visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in the village of Kipchak, where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the visit program, the Prime Minister of Malaysia departed for his homeland.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia granted additional accreditation in Brunei
19.06.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a decree expanding the diplomatic responsibilities of Mukhammetnyyaz Mashalov, who serves as Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia. This was reported by the IIC. The diplomat has now also been appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Brunei Darussalam. He will combine his duties in Brunei with his primary residence in Kuala Lumpur.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United States met with graduates of the FLEX program
19.06.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, held a meeting with Turkmen students who completed their studies in American schools under the FLEX exchange program. This was reported by the IIC. Esen Aydogdyev congratulated the graduates on the completion of the academic year. The Ambassador noted the importance of educational exchanges in strengthening friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two countries. Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy Meret Orazov presented an overview of key stages in the development of Turkmenistan ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence. Participants were informed about the country’s foreign policy course, high-level contacts, and the “C5+1” cooperation format. Particular attention was given to the Embassy’s work in developing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural-educational spheres. The meeting concluded with a discussion. Students shared their experiences of participating in the program and discussed prospects for further education. The Embassy expressed confidence that the experience gained will serve as a foundation for the participants’ future academic and professional achievements.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Slovakia
19.06.2026On June 18, 2026, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmed Gurbanov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Šimonjak, and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Turkmenistan Viktor Boretsky. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and reviewed the results of the first meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation, which took place the previous day in Ashgabat. It was noted that the commission’s work expands opportunities for trade and economic cooperation and strengthens the partnership. Both sides confirmed mutual interest in developing political dialogue and intensifying high-level contacts, including reciprocal visits between the institutions of the two countries. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in the fields of transport, energy, information technologies, and agriculture. Special attention was given to strengthening ties between business communities, organizing business missions, and encouraging the participation of Slovak companies in exhibitions and forums in Turkmenistan. The meeting also considered opportunities to expand cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including education and culture.
Turkmen Ambassador takes part in chemical safety talks
19.06.2026A meeting was held in The Hague between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, and Germany’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Thomas Schieb. The event was also attended by ambassadors and permanent representatives of Central Asian states to the OPCW, according to the IIC. The participants discussed the OPCW’s current activities and its role in strengthening international security, as well as the contributions of Germany and Central Asian countries to the implementation of the organisation’s objectives. Particular attention was given to prospects for cooperation in the field of chemical safety, including the exchange of experience, the development of expert capacity, and the expansion of professional contacts. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants confirmed their interest in continuing a multilateral dialogue on issues of mutual concern.
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