Policy
Preparations are underway in Turkmenistan for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
12.07.2026The next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan will take place during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced this at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At this nationwide forum, the country’s development achievements will be reviewed and key objectives for the further development of the sovereign state will be set. The President of Turkmenistan has instructed that the meeting be organised to a high standard. The Mejlis and the Halk Maslahaty, together with the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, governors and civil society organisations, have been tasked with beginning preparations for the forum, as well as forming and approving the composition of the organising committee responsible for convening it.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan discussed measures to develop the country’s legal system
12.07.2026On 11 July, a meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to review the results of work carried out during the first half of 2026. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the results of the implementation of tasks to improve the legal framework for socio-economic reforms, and also expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for signing the Law ‘On the establishment of the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja”’. During the reporting period, amendments were made to legislation aimed at protecting citizens’ rights, enhancing industrial safety, improving the financial system, and regulating licensing, road transport, environmental protection and the work of the migration service. Particular attention was paid at the meeting to preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, as well as to the participation of deputies in state and international events marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 2026 motto. The importance of international parliamentary cooperation, the exchange of experience with foreign colleagues and informing the global community about Turkmenistan’s achievements was emphasised. Following the meeting, the MPs reaffirmed their readiness to continue working to improve national legislation and enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary activities.
Turkmenistan is preparing for the CIS summit and international meetings
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, set out the main foreign policy objectives for the second half of the year, instructing officials to ensure that international events are organised to a high standard. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the priorities are the Summit of Heads of State and other international events in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, as well as the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In connection with Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States this year, the President also instructed that the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS be held at a high level. Furthermore, the Head of State emphasised the need for thorough preparations for the celebrations of Independence Day and the Day of Neutrality of the Motherland, during which international meetings and other events are planned.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has presented a report on its work for the first half of 2026
11.07.2026Between January and June 2026, Turkmenistan hosted 373 foreign delegations, whilst 693 delegations were sent abroad. During this period, 253 online meetings and 1,205 official negotiations were held with representatives of foreign states and international organisations. This was reported by the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 10 July, according to TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that 101 documents had been added to the international legal framework for cooperation. Furthermore, during the reporting period, the ministry continued its work on implementing the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, aimed at developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign states and international organisations. During the first six months of the year, overseas visits were organised for the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as visits by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. As part of international cooperation, the Hero Arkadag held meetings with the heads of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Leaders of a number of international organisations also visited Turkmenistan. During Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, meetings of the Commonwealth’s bodies are being held in the country. On 22 May, a meeting of the CIS Heads of Government took place in Ashgabat, attended by the heads of government of the Commonwealth countries. During the reporting period, political consultations were held with the foreign ministries of Austria, the UAE, the UK, China, Kazakhstan, the USA, India, Morocco, Russia, Germany, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Uganda, the Republic of Korea, Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia and Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan also held negotiations with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation. Work continued on strengthening diplomatic ties. Over the course of six months, letters of credence were received from new Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from a number of countries, including Chad, Indonesia, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Argentina, Egypt and Finland. Turkmenistan’s new representatives have taken up their posts in Thailand, the United States, Ireland, as well as at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Summing up the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of further developing international cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian, and scientific and educational spheres. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been instructed to prepare for the planned international events and ensure they are organised to a high standard.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
11.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 10 July, during which the country’s socio-economic development for the first half of 2026 was reviewed. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The Head of State stated that GDP growth for the period stood at 6.3 per cent. Under the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and the Investment Programme for 2026’, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was utilised, which is 4.3 per cent higher than the figure for the same period last year. Over the past six months, 309,000 square metres of housing have been completed in the country. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, new settlements, schools, nurseries and other buildings. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the development of new industries, the growth in export potential, the introduction of digital technologies and efforts to ensure economic and financial stability. During his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to prepare for international events in the second half of the year, including the Summit of Heads of State and other meetings in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth. The Head of State also instructed that preparations be made for the celebration of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day and Neutrality Day. In addition, instructions were given to establish an Organising Committee to prepare for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to determine the date and venue of the session, and to organise the nomination of citizens for state awards and honorary titles. During his address, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the heads of ministries and sectoral departments to hold meetings on 11 July to review the results of work for the first half of the year. Furthermore, heads of departments – with the exception of representatives of the agricultural sector and the velayats’ governors – are permitted to take annual leave from 1 August and spend it at the country’s health resorts and in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in key areas
10.07.2026In June, Turkmenistan held a series of international negotiations, consultations, forums and meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation with foreign countries and international organisations. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On 3 June, a telephone conversation took place between the heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and Malaysia. The parties discussed the prospects for further partnership. On the same day, meetings were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and Narine Sahakyan, the UNDP Resident Representative. Issues relating to cooperation with the UN were discussed, including Turkmenistan’s participation in UN Security Council meetings. Also on 3 June, as part of World Bicycle Day – proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan – documents were signed between the country’s government bodies and the UNDP. A meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the ‘US-Turkmenistan’ Business Council. The main focus was on developing contacts between the public and private sectors of the two countries. From 4 to 6 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the second session of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia in Tashkent. The event was attended by representatives of states, international organisations and think tanks. On 5 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Adil Kerimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The development of humanitarian cooperation was discussed. The Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag from 5 to 7 June. On 8 June, a meeting was held with Sarah Rogers, US Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. The parties discussed the development of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as cooperation within the ‘C5+1’ framework. On the same day, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund. Issues relating to cooperation with the IMF, Turkmenistan’s integration into the global economy and the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation were discussed. Also on 8 June, a high-level regional meeting was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. As part of the event, negotiations took place with the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, Robert Floyd, and representatives from Uzbekistan. On 9 June, the Foreign Affairs Ministry discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Korean relations with Jong Tae-in, Special Envoy of the Secretariat of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). On 10 June, a meeting took place with Maria Agren, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to Turkmenistan. The prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. On 12 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Mehdi Sobhani, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The parties discussed cooperation in areas of mutual interest. On the same day, the 13th meeting of the Turkmen-Austrian Joint Commission took place in Ashgabat. Participants discussed the development of trade and economic ties and cooperation between business communities. From 8 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn. On 15–17 June, representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 66th session of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in Vienna. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. From 16 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026). The focus was on energy, transport, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and investment cooperation. On 17–18 June, the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, a corresponding Protocol was signed.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with a US senator
10.07.2026On 9 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with US Senator Steve Daines from the state of Montana. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations and the prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The participants noted the development of political and diplomatic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the US, as well as the importance of regular contacts at various levels. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of high-level visits in strengthening inter-state cooperation. During the negotiations, particular attention was paid to inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as trade and economic ties. The parties explored opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, trade, investment, transport and logistics. The role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council in developing contacts between the business communities of the two countries was highlighted. An exchange of views also took place on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing a constructive dialogue.
A meeting between Hero Arkadag and a US senator took place in Ashgabat
10.07.2026On 9 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Senator Steve Daines of Montana, a member of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The US Senator conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to the National Leader of the Turkmen people. Steve Daines noted the level of development in Turkmenistan and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conveyed his own best wishes to the US President and noted that the Senator’s visit would contribute to the development of dialogue between the two countries. The Hero Arkadag also congratulated Steve Daines and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan and the US are developing their cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, trust and understanding. The two sides are cooperating in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of active dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries and noted the US’s support for Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality. Senator Steve Daines highlighted the cooperation between the two states within the framework of the UN and emphasised his interest in developing cooperation in various fields. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council was highlighted, as was the participation of American companies, including ‘Boeing’, ‘General Electric’, ‘John Deere’ and ‘Case New Holland’, in projects in Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fuel and energy, transport and communications sectors. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of US support for the development of the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ transport corridors, as well as for the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Ties in the fields of science, education and culture were also discussed. The National Leader of the Turkmen people reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding long-term and multi-faceted cooperation with the US. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties wished each other success in their work and peace and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The President of Turkmenistan received US Senator Steve Daines
10.07.2026On 9 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Senator Steve Daines of Montana, a member of the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, who had arrived in the country on a visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The US Senator conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to the Head of State. Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his own best wishes to the American leader in return and congratulated the guest and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmen-American relations are developing on the basis of mutual respect, trust and cooperation in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the intensification of political dialogue between the two countries, noting his working visit to Washington last November to attend the ‘Central Asia + U.S.’ Summit, as well as his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The role of the visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the state of Florida in February this year was also highlighted. The parties discussed cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries and exchanged views on topical international issues. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of US support for Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The Head of State noted the experience of working with American companies and the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–US’ Business Council in developing business ties. The President of Turkmenistan confirmed his readiness to expand cooperation with the US in the fields of energy, transport, finance, banking, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. In the energy sector, the importance of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline project was highlighted. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the implementation of the project would contribute to economic development and the strengthening of regional cooperation. The parties also discussed cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. The President highlighted the development of joint programmes, the training of Turkmen youth in the US and the expansion of contacts between higher education institutions in both countries. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in the further development of long-term, multi-faceted cooperation with the US and wished Senator Steve Daines every success in his work.
A meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission was held in Ashgabat
09.07.2026The ninth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Co-operation was held at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. It was attended by the chair and members of the commission from the Turkmen side and an Azerbaijani delegation led by the Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov. Following the meeting, the parties signed a Protocol setting out joint steps to strengthen cooperation, according to the TDH news agency. Key outcomes and agreements: Agreements: The participants discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan in June this year. The package of inter-ministerial documents signed at that time formed the basis for expanding the partnership. The parties noted the symbolic handover of the tanker ‘Dostluk’ to Turkmenistan and the ongoing construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli, an initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Trade and investment: The figures for mutual trade were analysed and plans were drawn up to increase it. It was noted that regular business forums and bilateral meetings would serve as a stimulus for trade growth. Transport and logistics: The parties agreed to make more effective use of the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Baku International Commercial Seaport for transit freight transport along the Asia–Europe route. Energy: Coordination on the global hydrocarbons market was discussed during the event. In the electricity sector, the construction of a new 1,574 MW power station in the Turkmenbashi etrap of the Balkan velayat was identified as a promising area. The negotiation process also touched upon projects in the fields of digital development, telecommunications, agriculture, food security, the environment and urban planning. In the humanitarian sphere, the participants highlighted the establishment of twinning arrangements between the cities of Arkadag and Fizuli, the organisation of reciprocal Culture Days, and reaffirmed plans to develop ties in science, sport and youth policy.
Turkmenistan took part in a session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
09.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which took place from 4 to 8 July 2026 in The Hague (Kingdom of the Netherlands). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the session, representatives of Turkmenistan also took part in a side event entitled ‘Parliamentary Dialogue of Central Asian Countries as a Mechanism for Strengthening Confidence and Security in the OSCE Region and Beyond’, dedicated to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The delegation presented Turkmenistan’s position on expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation as a means of fostering international dialogue and cooperation. On the sidelines of the session, a meeting took place with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, as well as the significance of the international conferences in Ashgabat and the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Argentina on its Independence Day
09.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Argentine Republic, Javier Gerardo Milei, and the people of Argentina on Argentina’s Independence Day. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of Turkmenistan wished President Javier Gerardo Milei good health and happiness, and the people of the Republic of Argentina peace, well-being and prosperity.
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