Policy
CIS Summit will be held on October 9, 2026, in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone.
31.12.2025The next summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States will be held on 9 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during a telephone conversation with the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, according to TDH. During the conversation, the Hero Arkadag confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to continue developing multifaceted and systematic cooperation with the Russian Federation within the framework of bilateral strategic partnership, as well as interaction in multilateral formats in the coming year. It was noted that the CIS summit in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone was approved by a decision of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of preparing for events planned during Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS, including the Women's Dialogue, the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Conference on Demography. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026.
Hero Arkadag and Valentina Matvienko discussed Turkmen-Russian relations
31.12.2025On 30 December, a telephone conversation washeld between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Russian relations. At the beginning of the conversation, they exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the coming 2026. Hero Arkadag noted that contacts between Turkmenistan and Russia in 2025 were intense and productive. He emphasised the importance of the President of Turkmenistan's visits to Russia to participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the meeting of Heads of State of the CIS. The participation of a Turkmen delegation of schoolchildren in the international ‘Train of Remembrance’ campaign was also noted. The National Leader of the Turkmen people pointed to Russia's support for Turkmenistan's neutral foreign policy. In this context, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat for the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality were noted. Special attention was paid to inter-parliamentary cooperation. The significance of the visit of the Turkmen delegation headed by the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to Moscow in October 2025 and the meeting with the Chairman of the Federation Council was emphasised. Hero Arkadag also noted the development of humanitarian ties, including the participation of a Turkmen delegation headed by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, in the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion’ in St. Petersburg. During the conversation, Turkmenistan's readiness to continue its strategic partnership with Russia in bilateral and multilateral formats was confirmed. It was announced that on 9 October 2026, the CIS Summit will be held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The importance of preparing events within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS, including the Women's Dialogue, the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Conference on Demography, was also noted. Hero Arkadag highlighted Valentina Matvienko's contribution to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations and expressed his gratitude on his own behalf and on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan. Valentina Matvienko thanked him for his high assessment and confirmed Russia's commitment to further strengthening cooperation. In conclusion, the parties once again exchanged New Year's greetings and best wishes.
Turkmenistan condemns attack on Russian President's residence
30.12.2025Turkmenistan has expressed concern over the attack on the Russian President's residence. The authorities condemn such actions, considering them a threat to international security and stability, especially against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, according to the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The country, which has permanent neutrality status recognised by the UN, emphasises the need to resolve international issues exclusively through peaceful and diplomatic means.
A telephone conversation between Hero Arkadag and the President of Uzbekistan was held
30.12.2025On 29 December, a telephone conversation was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties exchanged congratulations on the upcoming New Year 2026 and addressed wishes of prosperity to the peoples of both countries. The President of Uzbekistan also conveyed warm greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Hero Arkadag thanked him for the initiative to hold the conversation and noted it as confirmation of the friendly nature of bilateral relations. Special mention was made of the initiative to declare 2026 the ‘Year of Development of Mahalla and Social Prosperity’ in Uzbekistan, announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 26 December in his address to the parliament and people of the country. It was emphasised that the decision is in line with the objectives of socio-economic development. During the conversation, the macroeconomic indicators of Uzbekistan for 2025 were cited. The country's GDP exceeded US$145 billion, and the projected economic growth in 2026 will be 6.6 per cent. Achievements in the fields of education, science, healthcare, sports and ecology were noted. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also announced that 2026 has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan. The President of Uzbekistan, in turn, highly appreciated the development of Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and confirmed his commitment to expanding the strategic partnership. The parties discussed bilateral political and diplomatic contacts, noting the intensification of mutual visits. The importance of the participation of the Uzbek delegation headed by the Head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva, in the International Conference on the Role of Women in Society, held in Turkmenistan, was emphasised. The role of foreign ministries and diplomatic missions in the development of cooperation was noted. In this regard, the awarding of the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov with the jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ was recalled. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also noted the successful holding of a number of international events in Turkmenistan in 2025, including forums and summits in Awaza and Ashgabat. During the conversation, they discussed preparations for international events planned for 2026, including the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS. Special attention was paid to water issues and possible coordination of actions in the Central Asian, Aral and Caspian regions. At the end of the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev once again exchanged New Year's greetings and wished each other health and success in their state activities.
The President of Turkmenistan announced consistent development of the country in 2025
28.12.2025At an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council chaired by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the results of 2025 – the International Year of Peace and Trust – were summarised and development priorities for the near future were outlined. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Speaking at the meeting, the Head of State emphasised that the outgoing year was a landmark one and ‘will forever go down in the history of independent, neutral Turkmenistan.’ According to the President of Turkmenistan, the key international event was the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reported that in 2025, 44 meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, 11 meetings of the State Security Council and 24 state meetings were held, during which strategic issues of domestic and foreign policy were discussed. He noted that during this period, new laws were adopted aimed at further prosperity of the state. The Head of State also announced the maintenance of high growth rates in all sectors of the national economy. According to him, salaries, pensions, social benefits and student scholarships were financed in full and on time. ‘The life of the people has become more prosperous and happier,’ the President noted, emphasising that the construction of industrial, social and cultural facilities and large residential complexes continues in all regions of the country.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the announcement of the motto for 2026
28.12.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan on the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message emphasises that the Turkmen people are welcoming the new year in a spirit of spiritual uplift and with the results achieved in 2025. Among the key events mentioned are the celebration of the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, as well as the results of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The greeting also notes the role of the Ahal-Teke horse as an important element of national heritage. It refers to the opening of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag, as well as the successes of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group at international festivals. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed confidence in the further development of the country and wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and success in his activities for the benefit of the state.
The UN adopted two resolutions on the initiative of Turkmenistan
27.12.2025The UN General Assembly unanimously approved two Resolutions proposed by Turkmenistan: ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)’, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council. During his speech, Rashid Meredov congratulated President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the country's foreign policy victory. In response, the Head of State expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Turkmen people to all countries that supported Turkmenistan's initiatives and emphasised the country's readiness to continue active cooperation with the UN. The meeting also noted that 2025 was a year of significant events for Turkmenistan, including the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. Over the past year, 44 meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers, 11 meetings of the State Security Council and 24 state meetings were held to discuss key issues of domestic and foreign policy. According to the government, the national economy showed high growth rates in all sectors. Salaries, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships were paid on time. In addition, new laws were adopted to promote the development of the state.
The UN unanimously supported Turkmenistan's initiatives on energy and transport
27.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan significantly strengthened the political and legal foundations of international cooperation. This was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking at the ceremony ‘International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast steps of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A key result of the year was the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of a number of resolutions put forward on the initiative of Turkmenistan. They were co-authored by dozens of states, which testifies to broad international support and recognition of the country's foreign policy initiatives. The adoption of two UN General Assembly resolutions on 15 December 2025 was noted separately: ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)’. These documents are aimed at strengthening global energy security and forming long-term guidelines for the development of international transport corridors. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the resolutions are practical in nature and provide for specific implementation mechanisms, including analysis of the current situation in the energy and logistics sectors, the activities of specialised UN structures created on the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the development of infrastructure ensuring connectivity at the national, regional and global levels. The decisions taken have formed a solid legal basis for the development of international energy and transport interconnectivity and confirmed Turkmenistan's active participation in the development of solutions to key issues of sustainable development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan presented the results of the foreign policy course
27.12.2025A ceremony entitled International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan’ was held in Ashgabat, at which Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, announced the main results of the country's foreign policy activities, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Turkmenistan's current foreign policy is based on three interrelated principles: neutrality, peace and trust. According to him, it is these approaches that shape the image of the state as a responsible member of the UN and a reliable partner in solving pressing international issues. Rashid Meredov stressed that the past year was marked by the active promotion of neutrality as an effective diplomatic tool. He stated that the work done contributed to a deeper understanding by the international community of the importance of Turkmenistan's neutral status as a factor in ensuring security, peace and sustainable development. Hundreds of events were organised in Turkmenistan and abroad as part of the implementation of the country's foreign policy initiatives. Particular attention was paid to interaction with the international media and expert circles in order to explain the content and practical significance of the policy of neutrality. The results of the year confirmed the sustained interest and positive assessment of Turkmenistan's foreign policy in the international arena, as well as its contribution to the development of a culture of dialogue between states.
Deputy EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan outlines priorities for cooperation
26.12.2025Deputy Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Turkmenistan Maciej Adam Madalinski officially took office on 1 September this year. The Diplomat gave an interview to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Deputy Ambassador, in his first months on the job, he held a series of meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as with representatives of partner countries' embassies and international organisations. In addition, Madalinski took part in the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society,’ held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Speaking about his first impressions of the country, the EU representative noted the hospitality of the Turkmen people, the national cuisine and the developed urban infrastructure. He stressed that he intends to visit all regions of the country and get to know its peculiarities more deeply. Madalinski named support for the private sector, the development of trade and transport, ‘green’ transformation and interaction with civil society as key achievements in cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. He also highlighted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's programme ‘Consulting for Small Businesses in Turkmenistan,’ implemented with EU support in 2018–2025. In the field of ecology and climate, the Diplomat highlighted the project ‘EU for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action’, aimed at developing renewable energy and reducing emissions. Among the key events of 2026, the Diplomat announced the first ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ Business Forum, scheduled for March 2026, as well as the preparation of the ‘EU-Central Asia’ Women's Forum and the participation of Turkmen youth in the Civil Society Forum in Bishkek. The possibility of holding a high-level meeting in Brussels is also being discussed. In conclusion, Maciej Adam Madalinski noted the symbolism of jointly celebrating the International Year of Peace and Trust and expressed his hope for further deepening of the dialogue between the European Union and Turkmenistan.
Diplomats and representatives of international organisations honoured in Turkmenistan
26.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution on awarding the commemorative silver medal ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’ (‘30 Years of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’) to Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organisations accredited in Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The award was given for their contribution to strengthening the independence and legal status of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, promoting a policy of Peace and Trust, as well as for many years of state and public activity. The decision was timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. Among those awarded were the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States, Azerbaijan, Iran, Germany, Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkey and Japan, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the UNICEF representative in Turkmenistan, and the Head of the Asian Development Bank Representative Office. Citizens of Turkmenistan were also awarded the commemorative medal, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, as well as specialists in the field of state protocol and international relations.
Turkmenistan expanded international cooperation in 2025
25.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to actively develop its foreign policy based on the principles of positive neutrality. The year was marked by the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, which has been confirmed three times by Resolutions of the UN General Assembly, according to TDH. Important events included visits by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Monaco and France. During meetings with Prince Albert II of Monaco and French President Emmanuel Macron, the prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed. A Turkmen-French economic forum was also held in Paris. Relations with Italy received new impetus. In October 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to the Italian Republic. In Rome, negotiations were held with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, a Turkmen-Italian business forum was held, and an archaeological exhibition entitled ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ was opened. Cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region developed actively. In April, the President of Turkmenistan visited Japan, took part in the events of Turkmenistan National Day at EXPO-2025 in Osaka, and held meetings with Emperor Naruhito of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, and representatives of the business community. In June, a state visit by the Head of State to Mongolia was held. Particular attention was paid to strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries. In April, Hero Arkadag paid visits to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In November, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The negotiations focused on developing cooperation in the economy, energy, transport, industry and the humanitarian sphere. During this period, the Turkmen-Uzbek trade centre ‘Dashoguz-Shavat’ was put into operation. Dialogue with Azerbaijan and Georgia continued to develop. In July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited Azerbaijan, where prospects for cooperation and inter-parliamentary ties were discussed. In March, negotiations took place in Ashgabat between the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze. Turkmenistan continued its cooperation with Afghanistan, focusing on the implementation of major infrastructure projects. In October 2025, the next phase of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ gas pipeline was launched as part of the TAPI project. The country actively participated in multilateral formats and hosted major international events. In August, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was held in Awaza, and in December, an International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and Neutrality Day was held in Ashgabat. The results of 2025 confirmed the consistent nature of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, which is focused on developing international cooperation, strengthening trust and regional stability.
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