Policy
Turkmenistan presented a cultural program and photo exhibition in Ankara
23.05.2026On May 22, a ceremonial event was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Türkiye as part of the year titled “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Türkiye and the Association of Spouses of Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Ankara (SHOM). The theme of the meeting was “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation and Strengthening Cultural Dialogue.” The event brought together diplomats, representatives of public organizations, spouses of heads of diplomatic missions, and journalists. Participants discussed issues of humanitarian cooperation, expanding women’s participation in public and diplomatic activities, as well as the development of intercultural ties. Attendees highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented foreign policy, based on neutrality, good-neighborliness, and mutual respect. Guests were presented with a cultural program introducing national traditions, cultural heritage, the country’s modern achievements, and Turkmen cuisine. A photo exhibition dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses was also presented. The exhibition featured photographs reflecting the beauty and historical significance of the breed.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discuss interparliamentary cooperation
23.05.2026Within the framework of the 60th plenary session of the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS member states held in Ashgabat, a meeting took place between the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the steady development of Turkmen–Kazakh relations in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Progress was highlighted both in bilateral format and within international organizations. Special attention was paid to interparliamentary cooperation. The role of parliamentary friendship groups, as well as meetings of young and women parliamentarians in exchanging legislative experience, was emphasized. D. Gulmanova expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries. She confirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation across all areas. She also invited Maulen Ashimbayev to take part in international events in the Avaza tourist zone, which will be held within the framework of Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship and the consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government held in Ashgabat with participation of delegations
23.05.2026On May 22, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan, as an associate member of the CIS, reaffirmed its commitment to equal and constructive cooperation with CIS countries in both bilateral and multilateral formats, according to AsmanNews. As part of Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship in 2026, meetings of councils and specialized structures are being held in the country. A Concept defining the main directions of cooperation has been prepared. In the political sphere, emphasis is placed on strengthening regional security, trust, and the CIS’s role as a platform for dialogue. Turkmenistan advocates coordinated action within the UN framework and strengthening international law. In the economic block, priority is given to trade, transport, energy, industrial cooperation, and digital technologies. Special attention is paid to the development of transport and logistics corridors, including multimodal routes and their integration with the North–South and East–West directions. The humanitarian dimension includes education, science, culture, sports, tourism, and youth exchanges. Particular attention is given to healthcare: 2026 has been declared the Year of Health Protection in the CIS. The agenda also includes ecology, the green economy, and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. Delegations from CIS countries arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the meeting. The event was held at the “Garagum” hotel (Garagum). The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov. Opening the meeting, he conveyed greetings from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Participants were thanked for their attendance and reaffirmed their readiness to expand cooperation. CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev presented the agenda and procedure of the meeting. After approval, an exchange of views took place on trade and economic issues. The potential for increasing trade turnover and expanding cooperation was noted. The CIS Economic Council plays a significant role in this regard. Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of long-term economic cooperation. The approach is based on the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030, formed on the basis of the Declaration on Strategic Cooperation adopted in Ashgabat in 2019. Special attention was given to transport infrastructure and logistics development. Turkmenistan is promoting the formation of Eurasian corridors and the development of international routes using the region’s port and railway infrastructure. In the energy sector, emphasis is placed on supply development, infrastructure, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources. Food security, environmental issues, climate policy, and digital transformation were also discussed. The country is implementing programs for the development of a digital economy for 2026–2028. The decision to declare Minsk and Karaganda as CIS youth capitals for 2027 and 2028 was also supported. Following the meeting, a number of documents were signed. In an expanded format, participants discussed economic cooperation, digitalization, transport, and industrial cooperation. The need for coordinated and pragmatic approaches to partnership development was emphasized. The meeting concluded with a press conference highlighting its practical results and high level of organization. The Ashgabat meeting reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s course toward strengthening cooperation within the CIS framework and enhancing sustainable interaction among member states.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the head of the Russian government
23.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received on May 22 the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. This was reported by AsmanNews. Mikhail Mishustin thanked the Turkmen side for the opportunity to discuss key areas of cooperation and noted that the strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan is based on friendship and mutual respect. He conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and also expressed gratitude for the organization of the meeting. The President of Turkmenistan reciprocated the greetings and emphasized that the participation of the Russian side in the CIS meeting confirms commitment to the development of multilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that the decisions taken would strengthen cooperation among the Commonwealth countries. It was separately noted that Turkmenistan attaches special importance to its strategic partnership with Russia. Political dialogue is developing steadily, interparliamentary contacts are being strengthened, and cooperation with regions of the Russian Federation is expanding. The “Central Asia – Russia” format was highlighted as an important direction. In the economic sphere, Russia remains one of Turkmenistan’s key trade partners. The parties are interested in increasing trade turnover and expanding the range of supplies, as well as intensifying contacts between business communities. Humanitarian cooperation was also emphasized, including collaboration in education, healthcare, science, and culture. At the end of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and exchanged mutual good wishes.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan confirm the strategic nature of their partnership
23.05.2026On 22 May, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by TDH. Abdulla Aripov thanked the hosts for the warm reception and noted that Uzbekistan highly values Turkmenistan’s achievements. He also conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude for the visit and emphasized that the Uzbek delegation’s participation in the CIS meeting confirms readiness for further development of multilateral cooperation. It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are of a strategic and long-term nature. The two countries cooperate both bilaterally and within the frameworks of the UN, OSCE, ECO, and the CIS. Special attention is given to trade and economic cooperation. Transport and logistics were identified as promising areas, taking into account the geographical position of both countries. The importance of cultural and humanitarian ties was also underlined. The contribution of recent events in Uzbekistan, including international equestrian competitions and the “Pearl of the East” contest, to the popularization of Akhal-Teke horses was highlighted. At the end of the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen the partnership and exchanged mutual best wishes.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Prime Minister of Tajikistan
23.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received on May 22 the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Kohir Rasulzoda, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by AsmanNews. Kohir Rasulzoda expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that visits to Ashgabat make it possible to see the results of the country’s development. He also conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. The Prime Minister emphasized that Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality contributes to regional stability and highlighted the importance of holding the CIS meeting in Ashgabat. The President of Turkmenistan thanked him for participating in the meeting and emphasized Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the CIS framework. He expressed confidence that the decisions taken will contribute to the development of cooperation between the member states of the Commonwealth. It was noted that relations between the two countries are based on friendship, equality, and mutual respect. The sides actively cooperate within the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the CIS. Special attention is given to trade and economic cooperation. Prospects include energy, transport, agriculture, trade, as well as infrastructure and investment projects. The importance of developing cultural and humanitarian ties was also emphasized. At the end of the meeting, the sides confirmed their intention to strengthen the partnership and exchanged mutual good wishes.
President of Turkmenistan received the head of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan
23.05.2026On May 22, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. This was reported by TDH. Adylbek Kasymaliev expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that Kyrgyzstan highly values Turkmenistan’s contribution to ensuring stable development in the region. He also conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. He separately emphasized the significance of the visit of Hero-Arkadag to Kyrgyzstan in April last year and its contribution to the development of bilateral relations. The President of Turkmenistan thanked the Kyrgyz delegation for participating in the meeting and noted that the visit confirms a commitment to developing cooperation within the CIS framework. He expressed confidence that the adopted decisions would strengthen interaction between the member states. The sides confirmed that relations between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan are developing on the basis of friendship, equality, and mutual respect. Special attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. Promising areas include transport, the oil and gas sector, energy, and agriculture. Turkmenistan expressed interest in expanding partnership in these fields. Humanitarian cooperation was also highlighted as an important part of bilateral relations, with a focus on cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges. At the end of the meeting, the sides exchanged wishes for health and success, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening cooperation.
Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation discussed in Ashgabat
23.05.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 22 May received Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by AsmanNews. Olzhas Bektenov expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that Kazakhstan views relations with Turkmenistan as fraternal and partnership-based. He also conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The President of Turkmenistan thanked him for the visit and emphasized that the Kazakh side’s participation in the CIS meeting confirms its commitment to the development of multilateral cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with Kazakhstan based on equality and mutual respect. The two sides cooperate both bilaterally and within international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, CIS, and the Economic Cooperation Organization. Cooperation is also developing in regional formats such as “Central Asia” and “Central Asia +”. The head of state recalled his participation in the Regional Environmental Summit RES2026 EXPO, held in Astana on 22 April 2026, highlighting its significance for the development of cooperation. The parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen Turkmen-Kazakh relations and expand cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan confirm course toward strengthening partnership
23.05.2026On May 22, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by AsmanNews. Ali Asadov conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and noted a high assessment of Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet and discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan returned reciprocal wishes to the Azerbaijani leadership and emphasized that the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation in the CIS meeting confirms a commitment to developing multilateral cooperation. He also noted that the decisions adopted could strengthen cooperation within the Commonwealth. During the talks, the sides confirmed the stable nature of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations based on friendship and good neighborliness. It was noted that cooperation is developing amid political will and the significant potential of both countries. Cooperation within international organizations was discussed, including the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the CIS. Special attention was given to the work of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Economic Cooperation. Priority areas were identified as energy, transport, and logistics, taking into account the geographical position of both countries. The importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian ties and continuing regular high-level dialogue was also emphasized. The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan invited the President of Turkmenistan to pay an official visit to the country. At the end of the meeting, the sides expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation across a broad range of areas.
President of Turkmenistan received CIS Secretary-General Sergei Lebedev
23.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on May 22 received the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Sergei Lebedev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Sergei Lebedev expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that within the CIS, Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of cooperation and dialogue among the member states is highly appreciated. The President of Turkmenistan, in turn, wished the meeting success and expressed confidence that the issues discussed would help strengthen cooperation and prepare new agreements between the countries. During the meeting, it was emphasized that cooperation within the CIS remains an important direction of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. The country, holding the status of an associate member, continues to participate in the work of the Commonwealth and promote projects in the fields of transport and humanitarian relations. It was also separately noted that Turkmenistan is consistently implementing the Concept of its CIS Chairmanship in 2026. All planned activities are being carried out within the established deadlines. Preparations were also discussed for the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting, which will take place on October 9 on the Caspian Sea coast. The summit is expected to consider proposals for further development of cooperation within the Commonwealth. At the end of the meeting, the sides expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of multilateral cooperation in the CIS format.
New decisions on CIS development agreed in Ashgabat
23.05.2026On May 22, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS was held in Ashgabat. Participants reviewed 12 agenda items and signed a package of documents aimed at expanding cooperation within the Commonwealth. The results of the meeting were announced by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev, according to the IIC. He noted that the meeting was held in an open and constructive format. Sergey Lebedev thanked the Turkmen side for organizing the event. Special attention was paid to the 35th anniversary of the CIS, which is being celebrated this year. During the discussions, the parties addressed issues related to the economy, transport, digitalization, and industrial cooperation. Following the meeting, the participants approved the CIS Strategy for Congress and Exhibition Activities through 2030, the Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry, and the Concept for Integrating the Main Transport Arteries of the Commonwealth states. They also reviewed the results of the program on geodesy, cartography, and spatial data. As part of this initiative, a unified geoportal for CIS countries has been created. Decisions were also adopted on environmental issues, personnel cooperation, and several previously existing documents. The extension of the mandate of Sergey Zubkov, Deputy Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center, was confirmed. The status of CIS Youth Capitals was also announced separately: Minsk will hold the title in 2027, and Karaganda in 2028. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will take place in Moscow in December 2026.
Results of the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting summarized in Ashgabat
23.05.2026A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government was held in Ashgabat on May 22. The forum was opened by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Khojamyrat Geldymyradov. This was reported by the IIC. Prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting, along with heads of governments and delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Armenia, as well as CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev. In a narrow-format session, the parties discussed economic cooperation and reviewed the results of the program in the field of geodesy and cartography. The main outcome was the creation of a unified CIS Spatial Data Infrastructure Geoportal. It will provide access to digital maps and cadastral databases of the Commonwealth countries. профильным agencies were recommended to implement the resource. In the expanded-format session, the focus was placed on technology and logistics. The participants approved the Strategy for Congress and Exhibition Activities through 2030 and the Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry. A Concept for the Integration of the Main Transport Arteries of the CIS, developed by Kazakhstan, was also signed. The document aims to integrate logistics routes and increase their efficiency and investment attractiveness. An Interstate Radionavigation Program for 2027–2030 was also approved, bringing together space and ground-based technologies from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia. A separate decision was adopted to grant the status of CIS Youth Capitals to Minsk in 2027 and Karaganda in 2028. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will take place in Moscow in December 2026.
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