Policy
Turkmenistan offers SCO countries partnership in maritime transport
03.09.2025In his speech at the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the readiness for practical cooperation on its use in the interests of the SCO countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Head of State recalled the discussion of the role of the Caspian Sea as a profitable route at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and expressed hope for the continuation of dialogue within the SCO. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov initiated cooperation in the field of shipbuilding, noting the experience and production capabilities of the SCO countries and the development of the national shipbuilding industry in Turkmenistan, which could bring mutual benefits.
Turkmenistan and SCO countries aim to become important links in logistics routes
03.09.2025Speaking at the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to create logistics corridors connecting East and West and North and South, with SCO countries and Turkmenistan playing a key role. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan's business partnership with the SCO countries could strengthen bilateral ties, expand cooperation and contribute to the implementation of major regional and international projects. Joint efforts will help to form a single geo-economic space from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic, including the Asia-Pacific region, Central and South Asia, Russia, as well as the Middle East and the Near East. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of close practical cooperation and coordination of transport strategies, taking into account mutual benefits and integration into the global economy.
SCO summit participants are invited to celebrate Turkmenistan's neutrality
03.09.2025At the SCO Summit in China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited delegations from participating countries to visit Ashgabat on 12 December, where events will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. ‘It would be appropriate to note that the states that are now members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as a number of other UN decisions proposed by our country. I say this with special feeling and gratitude today, on the eve of the historic date – the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which will be celebrated on 12 December this year. We will be glad to see high-level delegations from all States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the upcoming celebrations in Ashgabat,’ the Head of State emphasised. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan's participation in SCO summits as an honoured guest has become a tradition and reflects mutual interest in strengthening cooperation. ‘Turkmenistan has great respect for the SCO and closely and kindly monitors its activities. We note the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in continental and global processes, and its great contribution to the establishment of a fair and balanced system of the modern world order,’ said the President of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and China discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation
03.09.2025On 2 September, during a working visit to the People's Republic of China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed prospects for strengthening strategic partnership, emphasising the active development of trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and political dialogue. Ding Xuexiang expressed his gratitude to Serdar Berdimuhamedov for participating in the SCO summit and noted the importance of his negotiation with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Special attention was paid to energy, transport and logistics projects, and increasing trade turnover. The President of Turkmenistan invited the Chinese side to work together on creating a trans-Caspian route, modernising railway infrastructure, and expanding exports of Turkmen products. Issues of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and high technology, including artificial intelligence, were also discussed. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to develop a long-term partnership and take it to a new level.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the President of the People's Republic of China
03.09.2025During his working visit to the People's Republic of China, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov travelled to Tianjin railway station to depart for Beijing, where the Head of State was seen off in a solemn atmosphere by officials of the friendly country. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. This was followed by a meeting, which was held between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People. The parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation, noting the high level of strategic partnership based on trust and mutual respect. Particular attention was paid to energy: the interlocutors confirmed the importance of gas cooperation and agreed on the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ project. Issues of transport, logistics, education, science, culture and information exchange were also touched upon. The parties emphasised their unity of approach in international politics and constructive interaction within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia-China’ format. Following the visit, a number of bilateral documents were signed, including agreements in the fields of intellectual property, education, museum affairs and the media.
Turkmenistan and Turkey expand interregional partnership
03.09.2025The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Turkey, M. Ishankuliyev, held a meeting with the Governor of Erzurum Province of the Republic of Turkey, Mehmet Sekmen. During the negotiation on 2 September, the parties identified key areas of interregional cooperation, including the agro-industrial complex, cultural and humanitarian exchange, and tourism. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of mutually beneficial projects in the field of animal husbandry. This was reported by IIC. The participants of the meeting discussed the possibilities of establishing direct contacts between the business circles of the two countries, as well as the prospects for the implementation of joint investment projects. As part of the visit, the Turkmen delegation took part in the Erzurum International Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition, the largest industry event in Turkey and one of the leading events in Europe. The exhibition provided opportunities to establish business contacts, exchange best practices and learn about innovations in the agricultural sector.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed his readiness to increase gas supplies to SCO countries
02.09.2025In his speech at the SCO summit in the ‘SCO+’ format, which took place on 1 September in Tianjin, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined in detail the key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the countries of the organisation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the SCO for continental and global processes, noting: ‘Turkmenistan has great respect for the SCO and closely and kindly monitors its activities. We note the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in continental and global processes, and its great contribution to the establishment of a fair and balanced system of the modern world order.’ Particular attention was paid in the speech to the Global Governance Initiative recently proposed by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that this initiative is fully in line with Turkmenistan's conceptual vision of improving international relations: ‘This idea aligns with Turkmenistan’s conceptual vision of the process of further improving the architecture of international relations and their collective management based on the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect.’ The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the organisation's constructive position on Turkmenistan's foreign policy, including the country's neutrality and international initiatives: ‘It would be appropriate to note that the states that are now members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as a number of other UN decisions proposed by our country.’ Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the economy remains the main vector of Turkmenistan's relations with the SCO. Among the priority areas, he highlighted transport and logistics, communications, energy, trade and industrial cooperation: ‘The presence of an extensive resource base, the benefits of a geographical location, the dynamic development of industry and infrastructure, and the accumulated experience of cooperation – all this objectively contributes to economic rapprochement and joint development, the realization of combined potential.’ The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to transport corridors. The Head of State emphasised the potential of Turkmenistan and the SCO countries as key links in the ‘East-West’ and ‘North-South’ logistics corridors: ‘The purposeful pooling of efforts and potentials, the mobilization of political, diplomatic and economic resources will mean a qualitatively new stage not only in the development of our cooperation.’ According to the Head of State, this creates conditions for the formation of a holistic geo-economic space. The Head of Turkmenistan drew attention to the opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian and Caspian routes: ‘I think our common task is to put them into practice. We see the Caspian corridors – vertically and horizontally – as a real chance to dramatically increase the efficiency and return on our economic and production capabilities, fully enter global markets.’ Serdar Berdimuhamedov also emphasised the importance of a favourable political and legal climate for transport on the Caspian Sea, which opens up new opportunities for trade and economic activity for the SCO countries. Particular attention was paid to the port of Turkmenbashi and its potential: ‘Many SCO member states possess substantial industrial capacities and rich expertise in this field. Turkmenistan, too, is actively developing its national shipbuilding industry, and we are convinced that partnership in this area could yield significant mutual benefits.’ The President of Turkmenistan noted the opportunities for developing railway and road infrastructure, as well as the implementation of joint projects, including the construction of railways to Afghanistan, and confirmed his readiness to submit proposals for long-term cooperation. In the field of communications, Turkmenistan, together with its partners, is laying fibre-optic communication lines through Afghanistan to Pakistan and is offering the SCO to participate in the expansion of these projects. In the energy sector, the Head of State emphasised Turkmenistan's readiness to increase supplies of natural gas and electricity: ‘At the same time, we are placing growing emphasis on the electric power industry. We remain open to discussing the practical aspects of electricity supply, including expanding both its directions and volumes.’ The President of Turkmenistan also noted the importance of industrial cooperation: ‘The positive dynamics of economic growth across our countries, the construction of new industrial facilities, and the expansion of the range of goods and services all underscore the need for deeper economic partnership.’ In the humanitarian sphere, the Head of State emphasised the importance of historical experience, shared values, loyalty to traditions, good neighbourliness and respect, noting that strengthening cultural, scientific, educational and social ties will always be of particular importance. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to practical steps to realise joint opportunities in the interests of common goals, strengthening friendship, good neighbourliness and trust, and thanked the President of the PRC for the invitation to the summit.
Charitable foundations of Turkmenistan and China approved a joint memorandum
02.09.2025During the visit of the Turkmen delegation to China, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a meeting with Li Bin, Head of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the long-standing friendly ties between the two nations and expressed their willingness to develop humanitarian cooperation. Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised the Turkmen side's interest in exchanging experience and social projects. Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two foundations.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan took part in a round table discussion in Islamabad
02.09.2025On 29 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took part in a round table organised by the COPAIR think tank on the topic ‘Central Asia & Pakistan connectivity: efforts & prospects’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Participants discussed key infrastructure projects, including TAPI, TAP, CASA-1000, the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line and others. The focus was on issues related to the development of trade, transit, transport routes and energy cooperation. The role of these initiatives in strengthening regional integration, energy and transport security, supply diversification and stimulating sustainable growth was noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to the people of Afghanistan
02.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the people of Afghanistan in connection with the earthquake that occurred in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. This was reported by the IIC. On behalf of the Turkmen people and on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died, and wished a speedy recovery to those affected by this tragedy.
The first bell rang in Turkmenistan schools
02.09.2025On 1 September, the new 2025–2026 academic year began in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The first bell rang in all schools across the country, and traditional ceremonies included laying flowers at the Independence Monument and monuments to Berdimuhamed Annayev, erected at the Berdimuhamed Annayev Pedagogical Secondary Vocational School in Arkadag and at Secondary School No. 27 in the village of Yzgant, Goktepe etrap, Ahal velayat. On Knowledge and Student Youth Day, all secondary and higher education institutions held solemn assemblies where a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read out, wishing the younger generation success in their studies. The first lesson was dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. New schools and kindergartens with modern equipment are being actively built in the country. On Knowledge Day, four schools with 2,800 places and four kindergartens with 1,120 places opened in Ashgabat and Lebap velayat. The new educational institutions are equipped with multimedia and interactive classrooms, sports halls, libraries and playrooms for preschoolers, creating conditions for the comprehensive development of children. The opening ceremonies were accompanied by festive events with the participation of artists and local residents, who expressed their gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan for their care for the younger generation and contribution to the development of the education system.
Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
02.09.2025President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of greeting to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his letter, the President of Azerbaijan expressed warm words of welcome, recalled Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to Azerbaijan in July and noted the friendly atmosphere of their meeting. Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the invitation to participate in the Forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat on 12 December, emphasising the importance of Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly. The President of Azerbaijan noted the symbolism of holding the Forum in the year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and emphasised Azerbaijan's respectful attitude towards this status. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the Forum would contribute to strengthening global peace and stability, and wished success in its work, as well as health and prosperity to the Hero Arkadag and the people of Turkmenistan.
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