Policy
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the progress of development in the city of Arkadag
05.04.2026On 4 April, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag, where he inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of development. This was reported by IIC. The inspection began at the headquarters of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. There, plans for the modernisation of children’s facilities were presented. Plans are in place to create an observatory and install a telescope at the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library. The ‘Jahan’ Creative Centre will be expanded and transformed into a creative and sports centre featuring fitness rooms, Pilates and yoga studios, language labs and marketing studios. It was also reported that doctors from China are planning a visit to exchange expertise. At the State Medical University, following the recommendation of Hero Arkadag, a department of alternative medicine will be established. Particular attention was paid to the construction of the city’s main mosque, designed to accommodate 30,000 people. Issues regarding the design and selection of interior elements were discussed, taking into account the city’s architectural character. In addition, the construction of the city administration building was inspected. It will be equipped with digital systems and a press centre for media operations.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed expanding their political dialogue
04.04.2026On 3 April, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in key areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and implementing joint infrastructure and energy projects. In addition, the parties explored opportunities to boost interaction between the business communities of the two countries, including the holding of industrial and agricultural exhibitions in Turkmenistan and Pakistan in 2026.
Turkmen diplomacy is expanding its ties with foreign countries and organisations
04.04.2026The first quarter of 2026 was a period of intense activity for Turkmen diplomacy. At a government meeting on 3 April, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on key developments. This was reported by TDH. In February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the United States of America, and in March, the People’s Republic of China. Ashgabat has confirmed its status as an international hub: over the past three months, the country has been visited by nearly 160 foreign delegations. The presence of Middle Eastern countries is expanding – the Iraqi Embassy has opened in the capital of Turkmenistan. Inter-parliamentary ties are also being strengthened. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan held meetings with colleagues from Pakistan and Mongolia, and, in conjunction with a UN fund, organised a conference on gender equality. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further developing equal cooperation with all international organisations.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in regional stability
04.04.2026Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, has highlighted Ashgabat’s positive role in ensuring stability in the region. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, in the current situation, cooperation between neighbouring countries, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus, remains crucial. He noted that the provision of humanitarian aid by Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reflects strong regional ties. The diplomat emphasised the special role of Turkmenistan, which shares a border of around 1,200 kilometres with Iran. According to him, Turkmenistan, adhering to the principle of ‘permanent and positive neutrality’, has from the outset advocated a peaceful settlement through dialogue and has taken steps to facilitate the movement of citizens and the reunification of families. He also noted that the cultural and historical proximity of the two nations contributes to the attention paid by Turkmen society to events in Iran and confirms the development of good-neighbourly relations.ф
A Turkmen delegation discussed medical cooperation in Tbilisi
04.04.2026On 3 April, a meeting took place at the I. Kutateladze Institute of Pharmacochemistry between D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, and M. Sarjveladze, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was also attended by I. Natroshvili, Rector of Tbilisi State University, and M. Getia, Director of the Institute of Pharmacochemistry. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, medical research and the introduction of technologies in healthcare. Particular attention was paid to the study of medicinal plants and the development of phytotherapy. The role of scientific research into plant components in the creation of safe and effective medicines was emphasised. In this context, mention was made of the 17-volume publication by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ‘Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan’, dedicated to the properties and use of plants in medicine. The participants confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation between relevant institutions. Following the meeting, the Ambassador was given a tour of the institute. He was shown the equipment and current research projects.
Ashgabat and Tbilisi continue to strengthen their partnership
04.04.2026On 2 April, D. Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, held a meeting with A. Khvtisiashvili, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Georgia. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation. The main focus was on political, economic, transport and energy cooperation. The role of mutual visits in developing the strategic partnership was noted. Documents forming the legal basis for cooperation were also reviewed. The need to further strengthen this basis was emphasised.
Turkmenistan took part in the meeting of Heads of Government of the OTS countries in Baku
03.04.2026On 2 April in Baku, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, took part in the Second Meeting of Heads of Government/Vice-President of the Member States of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). The event was attended by delegations from member states and observer states, as well as representatives of international organisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of multilateral cooperation, the strengthening of economic ties, transport and logistics corridors, trade, investment, the digital economy, energy and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to economic integration, joint infrastructure projects and cooperation in industry, agriculture and innovation. The participants emphasised the importance of expanding trade and business contacts. In his address, N. Atagulyev noted the need to coordinate efforts in the fields of security, sustainable development and cooperation within international organisations, including the UN. He also highlighted the development of the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ transport corridors, the Trans-Caspian and Lapis Lazuli routes, as well as the expansion of energy and investment cooperation. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness for further partnership. Following the meeting, decisions were taken on the development of joint projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. On the same day, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the Heads of delegations. He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation, developing investment and transport routes, including the Middle and Trans-Caspian corridors.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia discussed cooperation in the agricultural sector
03.04.2026On 2 April, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, M. Mashalov, met with the Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Haji Mohamad bin Sabu. The meeting was attended by heads of departments within the ministry, representatives of the Malaysian Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, the South and Central Asia Division of the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as staff from the Embassy of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador noted the need to intensify cooperation in the agricultural sector and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s openness to joint projects. Discussions covered the establishment of joint ventures, the digitalisation of agriculture, the exchange of expertise, the development of export logistics and environmentally friendly production. The parties considered specific areas: joint agricultural enterprises in Malaysia, processing of agricultural produce, support for investors, the introduction of precision farming, seed production, livestock farming, the use of drought-resistant crops, modernisation of irrigation, efficient water use and the simplification of phytosanitary and veterinary procedures. It was proposed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ ministries of agriculture. Minister H.M. Sabu highlighted the effectiveness of trade and economic cooperation and noted the prospects for developing trade in fresh fruit and vegetables. He shared Malaysia’s experience in the field of irrigation systems and ‘smart farm’ projects. The Turkmen side was briefed on the activities of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Discussions took place regarding the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between research institutes and the organisation of exchange visits for specialists. The Ambassador invited Malaysian specialists to take part in the international exhibitions ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan – 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’, which will be held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 May.
Turkmenistan and Japan are strengthening their scientific and technological cooperation
03.04.2026On 1 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with H. Koinuma, President of the Turkmen-Japanese Science and Technology Association, and representatives of Japanese companies collaborating with the association. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting discussed the further development of scientific and technological cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan. The possibility of new Japanese companies and organisations entering the Turkmen market was considered. Plans were discussed for the introduction of water purification technologies and equipment by the Japanese company ‘Tohkemy Corporation’. It is cooperating with the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 15 April 2025. They also reviewed a project by a professor from Chubu University on the processing of natural gas into liquefied gas for subsequent export and the production of helium from liquefied gas. In addition, the meeting participants were briefed on the capabilities of the Japanese organisation ‘Asia Seed’ in the development of human resources within the education systems of Asian countries.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the President of Brazil
03.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State emphasised that bilateral relations are based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and trust. He noted Turkmenistan’s interest in further expanding cooperation. The President expressed confidence in the development of cooperation in the interests of both nations. He also wished Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva good health and well-being, and the people of Brazil progress and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and Tunisia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation
02.04.2026On 1 April, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their interest in developing political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as expanding trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. At the conclusion of the conversation, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and Tunisia.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are focusing on developing Caspian logistics
02.04.2026A government delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev, visited Azerbaijan on 1 April to continue regional negotiations on the development of the ‘East–West’ route. Following discussions in Georgia, the focus in Baku was on the Caspian section of the Middle Corridor, reports the news agency Orient. During meetings with Azerbaijani officials, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation in the fields of logistics, energy and investment, emphasising the importance of the partnership between Ashgabat and Baku for the sustainability of the transit route. Particular attention was paid to the development of port and railway infrastructure. In particular, plans were considered for dredging at the port of Turkmenbashi to accommodate large-tonnage vessels and increase cargo throughput. The Turkmen delegation was also briefed on the experience of the Port of Baku, which handled over 100,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2024. The digitalisation of transport was a separate topic of discussion. The parties noted that real-time data exchange between ports and railways would help speed up the transit of goods along the ‘East–West’ route. Nokerguly Atagulyev’s series of visits to Georgia and Azerbaijan signals Turkmenistan’s shift towards a more active and technology-driven logistics policy. Against this backdrop, the coordination of the ports of Turkmenbashi, Baku and Georgian hubs is seen as part of a broader strategy to create a single transport space between Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe.
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