News
Turkmen Foreign Minister meets with EBRD representative
19.06.2026On 18 June 2026, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Representative Office in Turkmenistan, Eric Livny. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD. The role of regular consultations in expanding practical engagement and advancing joint initiatives was highlighted. Mutual interest in developing the partnership was reaffirmed. The cooperation is aimed at supporting economic reforms, attracting investment, and implementing projects in strategically important sectors.
A meeting of the CIS Council for Cultural Cooperation will be held in Ashgabat
19.06.2026This year, Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. This was announced by the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiev, at the International Conference on the Development of Creative Industries in St. Petersburg, according to the IIC. During the event, participants are expected to discuss priority areas of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the development of creative exchanges among CIS countries. The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan noted that the country, acting as the CIS chair, places special emphasis on implementing humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation. According to the head of the Turkmen delegation, culture is seen as a key tool for strengthening trust and mutual understanding between peoples. The meeting in Ashgabat is expected to contribute to the development of cultural dialogue and the strengthening of friendly relations within the CIS.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations outlined sustainable development priorities
19.06.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, speaking at a specialized conference in New York, stated that ensuring peace, justice, and effective institutions is a key condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This was reported by the IIC. According to him, stability and capable state institutions create the foundation for implementing the global agenda. Vepa Hajiyev noted that, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan promotes preventive diplomacy mechanisms and cooperates with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN also emphasized the importance of transparent governance institutions in strengthening public trust and ensuring a fair distribution of the outcomes of economic development. In this context, he recalled the UN General Assembly resolution affirming the role of neutrality policy in strengthening international security. In conclusion, the diplomat noted that Turkmenistan intends to further develop dialogue with international partners within the framework of preparations for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
First Meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Commission Held in Ashgabat
19.06.2026On June 18, the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation was held at the Ýyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat. The event brought together representatives of ministries and government agencies from both countries, as well as a delegation from the Slovak Republic headed by Deputy Minister of Economy Vladimir Šimoňák, according to the news website AsmanNews. The establishment of the commission was approved by a decree signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on June 12 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and measures to increase trade turnover. It was noted that the Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Slovak Republic, signed in Awaza in August 2025, had provided additional momentum to the development of the partnership. Particular attention was given to cooperation in trade and economics, the fuel and energy sector, construction, transport and communications, information technologies, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and tourism. The participants also reviewed issues related to the implementation of joint investment projects, cooperation in the oil and gas industry, the development of transport and logistics links, the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture, the expansion of educational exchanges, and cooperation in the field of digital healthcare. Following the meeting, the parties signed the Protocol of the First Meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation and outlined further steps to strengthen bilateral economic partnership.
Turkmenistan Participated in the TIIF 2026 Investment Forum in Tashkent
19.06.2026On June 16–18, 2026, a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations N. Agakhanov took part in the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF 2026) held in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The forum’s opening ceremony was attended by the President of Uzbekistan, the President of Albania, the Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of governments from other countries, the U.S. business community, and international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank, and the Eurasian Development Bank. Participants discussed the development of the energy sector, transport connectivity, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the exploration of mineral resources, food security, and the improvement of financial and investment instruments. The participation of the Turkmen delegation reflects the country’s interest in developing international economic cooperation and expanding investment partnerships.
Iran Discusses the Cultural Heritage of Turkmen Poet Magtymguly Fragi
19.06.2026Events dedicated to the legacy of the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi were held in Tehran, according to the IIC. On June 17, the conference “The Voice of Unity and Cultural Revival in the ECO Region” was held at the Cultural Institute of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The event brought together diplomats, researchers, and cultural figures. Speakers highlighted the significance of the poet’s works for both national and world literature, as well as his ideas of patriotism, unity, and humanism. Video presentations about his life and literary heritage were also shown. On June 16, a separate cultural program dedicated to the poetry of Magtymguly Fragi was held at Kharazmi University. The event was attended by diplomats from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of Iranian institutions. The program featured presentations, poetry readings, musical performances, and theatrical productions based on Turkmen literature.
Turkmenistan and the UAE Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Business and Sports
19.06.2026The UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ahmed Al-Hameli, held meetings with representatives of the country's business and sports sectors to discuss prospects for cooperation. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The diplomat met with the head of the trading company “Hayran,” where the parties discussed developing cooperation and expanding business ties. A separate meeting was held with the sporting director of the “Karakum” football club in Ashgabat, focusing on potential collaboration in the field of sports. Following the talks, the participants expressed their interest in strengthening partnership ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE across various areas.
Foundation Stone Laid for Turkmen Company “Aýdyň Gijeler” Complex in Eswatini
19.06.2026A foundation-laying ceremony for the production complex of the Turkmen company Aýdyň Gijeler was held in Eswatini, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The event was attended by company representatives and officials of the Kingdom, including Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Mancoba Khumalo, as well as representatives of relevant government agencies. The project is a continuation of agreements being implemented with the support of King Mswati III. Earlier, on June 10, 2026, two Aýdyň Gijeler enterprises were officially inaugurated in the country. The first facility will produce ID cards and biometric passports, while the second will manufacture electrical and infrastructure products, including cables, traffic lights, and road construction components. As part of the projects, the company has been allocated a 4-hectare plot of land. The initiative is expected to create jobs and contribute to the development of a local manufacturing supply chain. Founded in 2016, Aýdyň Gijeler is one of Turkmenistan’s leading high-tech manufacturers, producing a wide range of electronic and electrical engineering products.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Arrives in Turkmenistan on an Official Visit
19.06.2026On June 18, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The head of the Malaysian government was welcomed by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. An honor guard participated in the welcoming ceremony. During the visit, talks are scheduled in Ashgabat focusing on the development of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain partnership relations in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres and also cooperate within international organizations, including the United Nations. An important milestone in the development of bilateral dialogue was the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Malaysia in 2024. One of the key areas of cooperation remains the oil and gas sector. The activities of Petronas in Turkmenistan have made a significant contribution to strengthening the partnership. The two sides are also interested in expanding cooperation in petrochemicals, transport and logistics infrastructure, high technologies, agriculture, science, and education. The outcomes of the upcoming talks are expected to contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
The UN resolution initiated by Turkmenistan has been published in six languages
18.06.2026UN General Assembly Resolution 80/262, initiated by Turkmenistan and dedicated to the role of neutrality in strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development, has been officially published in all six official UN languages, according to the news agency Orient. The document relates to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly and is included in the agenda on peacebuilding issues, ensuring its wide dissemination among member states. A distinctive feature of the resolution is that it was adopted by consensus and became the first UN document submitted under a specially created agenda item fully dedicated to the topic of neutrality. Publication in all six official languages completes the formal procedures following its unanimous adoption. The resolution aims to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation, and multilateral cooperation, as well as to develop practical UN mechanisms that utilize the potential of states’ neutral status to enhance global security and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan and Slovakia strengthen trade and economic ties at a new level
18.06.2026The first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation started in Ashgabat on June 17. A Slovak delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Economy Vladimir Šimonjak arrived in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The two sides noted that the negotiations would be an important step toward strengthening economic relations and elevating cooperation to a new level. Interest was emphasized in developing partnerships in trade, investment, and business-to-business engagement. Turkmenistan identified the expansion of ties with European countries, including Slovakia, as a priority, along with the development of key sectors of the economy — industry, the digital sector, agriculture, transport, and logistics. During the meeting, the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation were discussed, as well as possible joint projects in various fields — from energy and construction to education, healthcare, culture, and tourism. The official visit of the Slovak delegation was separately highlighted as confirmation of mutual interest in expanding partnership. Participants expressed confidence that the first meeting of the commission would strengthen the foundation for further cooperation. As part of the visit, bilateral and working meetings were also held with representatives of Turkmen ministries and agencies. The Slovak delegation was introduced to Ashgabat’s cultural landmarks and leading museums of the country.
Turkmen Media Delegation Discusses Prospects for Cooperation with the EU in Brussels
18.06.2026A Turkmen media delegation, as part of a press tour in Brussels, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium and Head of the country's Mission to the European Union, Sapar Palvanov. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The parties discussed key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Particular attention was given to the development of political, economic, and investment cooperation, transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, as well as strengthening Turkmenistan’s role as a regional logistics hub. Energy, sustainable development, and cooperation in the field of critical raw materials were also identified as priority areas. The participants reviewed the activities of the Central Asia–EU format and discussed prospects for implementing joint projects. It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently develops its relations with the European Union based on the principles of neutrality, equality, and mutual respect.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
