Policy
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan
28.02.2026On 25 February, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, in Islamabad. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation, emphasising their interest in developing dialogue between parliaments. The focus was also on joint infrastructure and energy projects of mutual interest. Following the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that deepening bilateral cooperation would contribute to strengthening regional stability and expanding mutually beneficial ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed prospects for cooperation and the agenda for 2026
27.02.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belarus hosted a meeting between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, and Katrin aus dem Siepen, the newly appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Germany in Belarus. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and the international agenda, noting the positive dynamics of Turkmen-German relations in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the theme of 2026 in Turkmenistan, which is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Preparations for key events, including the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, were also discussed. Ashgabat's readiness to further expand cooperation and implement mutually beneficial initiatives with European partners was emphasised.
Areas of Turkmen-British economic cooperation discussed
27.02.2026On 26 February, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting with London Stock Exchange Chief Executive Julia Anne Hoggett and UK Treasury Economic Secretary Lucy Rigby. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the negotiations, the Turkmen side noted the importance of London as one of the world's leading financial centres and expressed interest in expanding practical economic cooperation with British partners, including attracting long-term capital for infrastructure and energy projects. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to the development of economic cooperation with the United Kingdom. Currently, there are about 30 companies with British capital registered in the country, operating in construction, industry, trade and services. The parties also noted the positive dynamics of trade and economic relations and the role of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council as an important coordination mechanism. In conclusion, the Turkmen side expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the areas of sustainable finance, banking, auditing, insurance and digital solutions.
New agreement will strengthen research into Turkmenistan's archaeological heritage
27.02.2026During their visit to the United Kingdom, a Turkmen delegation led by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Professor Timothy Williams of the Institute of Archaeology at University College London. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the Turkmen side noted the scientist's long-standing contribution to the study and preservation of the archaeological heritage of Turkmenistan, in particular ancient Merv. The importance of expanding joint scientific research and museum and exhibition cooperation was emphasised. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the UCL Institute of Archaeology, providing for the further development of partnership, joint expeditions, in-depth scientific research and the training of specialists in the field.
Ashgabat and London aim to give practical substance to their partnership
27.02.2026On 26 February, a bilateral meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper took place at Lancaster House. The Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Stephen Doughty, also participated in the negotiations, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, the regional agenda and current international topics. The importance of the first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format was noted and the readiness to fill it with practical content was confirmed. The Turkmen side once again emphasised its commitment to the peaceful political and diplomatic settlement of international issues on the basis of international law and the UN Charter. Particular attention was paid to the development of economic partnership, including cooperation in the fields of ‘green’ technology, digitalisation, transport, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further strengthening the Turkmen-British partnership. On the same day, a working lunch was held between the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Central Asia and the United Kingdom, organised by the British side. The participants discussed issues of regional security, sustainable development and interregional cooperation. In his speech, Rashid Meredov presented a number of initiatives to develop practical cooperation and strengthen regional security, including the launch of joint educational programmes and the creation of a ‘Turkmenistan-UK Cultural Dialogue’ format. The importance of assisting Afghanistan through the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, power lines and railway construction, was noted. It was also proposed to expand technical and advisory cooperation with the involvement of British companies and the introduction of digital solutions to increase the transparency of cross-border trade.
Turkmenistan has confirmed its readiness for practical dialogue with the United Kingdom
27.02.2026On 26 February, Lancaster House hosted a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers from Central Asia and the United Kingdom, which discussed prospects for deepening political dialogue, as well as trade, economic and investment cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Speaking at the meeting, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to the British side for the initiative to hold the first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format, noting its relevance against the backdrop of strengthening regional consolidation in Central Asia. The participants emphasised the interest of the countries in the region in forming a sustainable and competitive economy capable of responding effectively to global challenges. The priority areas for cooperation with the United Kingdom include energy and decarbonisation, the development of renewable energy sources, financial and trade technologies using the experience of London as one of the world's leading financial centres, as well as cooperation in the field of professional services and transport and logistics infrastructure. In conclusion, the Turkmen side confirmed its readiness for active practical cooperation both within the new format and on a bilateral basis. Regional and other topical international issues were also discussed during the meeting.
Turkmenistan promotes joint trade zones at ECO meeting
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) was held in Tehran. Measures to stimulate cross-border and regional trade in order to increase trade turnover between participating countries were discussed, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the creation of joint trade zones, initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Turkmenistan's successes were presented, including a joint trade zone with Uzbekistan. The Council supported the technical and economic feasibility study of this initiative. The ECO Secretariat will begin preparing a corresponding project to implement Turkmenistan's proposal.
Turkmenistan strengthens its role in international parliamentary dialogue
26.02.2026On 25 February, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, held a meeting with Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, messages from the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, were conveyed. The summit in the capital of Turkmenistan is seen as a continuation of the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to promote the International Year of Law. Martin Chungong supported Ashgabat's initiative, noting the importance of the legal agenda and the rule of law for global stability. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between Central Asian countries, which creates a synergistic effect in international discussions. The main outcome of the meeting was the confirmation of Ashgabat's readiness to host the 16th Summit of Women Parliamentarians of the IPU. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing gender equality in politics and strengthening inter-state relations based on the principles of inclusive development and institutional sustainability. Preparations for the event are already well underway.
Interparliamentary relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom receive new impetus
26.02.2026On 25 February, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries with Speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Turkmen side noted the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts in this direction. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding and the active work of parliamentary friendship groups. In addition, a meeting was held in the House of Commons of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, chaired by Pam Cox.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom strengthen parliamentary cooperation
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the consistent efforts to strengthen interparliamentary ties. In this context, the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding, as well as the active work of parliamentary friendship groups, were highlighted. In addition, a meeting was held in the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, headed by Pam Cox.
Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting with the British Defence Secretary
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Rodney Coaker. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, issues of regional security, strengthening mutual understanding and developing dialogue between the states of Central Asia and the United Kingdom were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience in the field of professional training, as well as to improving mechanisms for responding to modern challenges and threats. The participants emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive and trusting cooperation aimed at strengthening stability and security at both the regional and international levels.
The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan met with Prince Edward
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, took place at Lancaster House. The parties exchanged views on further strengthening Turkmen-British ties, noting their steady development, including in the fields of culture and education, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On the same day, during a joint working lunch of the Heads of Foreign Ministries of Central Asian countries with the participation of the Duke of Edinburgh, the importance of the upcoming first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format was emphasised as an important step towards deepening multilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome and noted its respect for the United Kingdom as a country with a rich cultural and diplomatic heritage. The significant potential for expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, along with the development of political and economic interaction, was emphasised. Particular mention was made of the high level of interest in Turkmenistan in learning English and British culture, as well as the importance of educational and academic exchanges, including the Chevening Scholarships programme. Examples of the intensification of cultural dialogue include the Scottish dance evening ‘Ceilidh’ held in Ashgabat, the installation of a monument to William Shakespeare in the capital of Turkmenistan, and the release of a BBC documentary about the leopards of Kopetdag.
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