The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of projects in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The working visit began with a tour of the new museum complex next to the Grand Mosque. The exhibition will be presented in digital format, utilising 3D graphics and artificial intelligence technologies. The multimedia system is designed to support the Turkmen, Russian and English languages. The Hero Arkadag was also presented with plans for a nursery school and a secondary school offering in-depth foreign language studies. The design of the buildings incorporates a blend of modern solutions and traditional architectural elements. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov then visited the International Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, where renovation work is ongoing. The racecourses are to be refurbished using special natural soil. Plans also include new evening lighting for the racecourse and improvements to the social infrastructure of the Aba Annayev Horse Breeders’ Settlement. In the complex’s indoor riding arena, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the racehorse Hanbeg and went for a ride. Finally, plans were presented for the expansion of ‘Ahalteke atlary’ Avenue. Along the route, there are plans to create a park area and install sculptural compositions depicting Ahal-Teke racehorses.
The legislative framework in Turkmenistan continues to be refined. The Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, reported on the work currently underway in this area during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 28 August 2026, according to the news agency TDH. D. Gulmanova noted that the Mejlis is drafting the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On E-commerce’. Amendments and additions are also being prepared for the Criminal, Customs, Labour, Public Health and Family Codes, as well as a number of other legislative acts. Work is underway to provide the legal framework for the country’s accession to international instruments. In addition, preparations are continuing for the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and for the nomination of employees from various sectors for state awards. MPs visited the Republic of Uzbekistan to exchange experience in the field of legislation. The parliamentarians also took part in conferences and meetings organised by United Nations bodies in conjunction with the relevant state authorities of Turkmenistan. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of thorough preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and of further strengthening the country’s legislative framework.
On 28 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-French relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of contacts at the highest and senior levels. The main focus was on trade and economic cooperation, including agriculture and water management, as well as ‘green’ technologies. The parties also noted the results of their long-standing cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Philippe Merlin expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their hospitality.
On 28 August 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the political, economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The results of joint projects in the fields of the rule of law, human rights, the environment, digitalisation, transport and private sector development were highlighted. The parties also emphasised the importance of cooperation within the ‘EU–Central Asia’ framework. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to Beata Peksa for her contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union.
On 28 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, Shener Cebeci, who presented his credentials. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in his work to further strengthen inter-state relations. Shener Cebeci conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the meeting, the parties noted the strategic nature of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They discussed cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, primarily the United Nations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the significance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s participation in the events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality on 12 December 2025. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Business Council in further expanding cooperation was highlighted. The parties also discussed the development of ties in the fields of culture, science, the arts and creativity. Shener Cebeci gave an assurance that, during his diplomatic mission, he would work to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
On 28 August, a conference was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants included a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Chair of the Turkmen National Cultural Centre, G. Avezdurdiyeva, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, and compatriots working and studying in Uzbekistan. During the conference, the importance of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in the country’s socio-political life, the consolidation of society and the discussion of issues of national importance was highlighted. Particular attention was paid to the session scheduled for 23 September, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. It is planned that this meeting will review the country’s development achievements, future socio-economic priorities and long-term objectives. Separately, participants discussed the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. A corresponding resolution by the UN General Assembly was supported by 78 states. The conference concluded with a cultural programme featuring musical performances on the dutar. The art of making the dutar and the traditions of playing it are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Turkmenistan has set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. These include sustainable transport, energy and environmental security, the climate agenda, and cooperation in the interests of women and young people, according to the news agency TDH. In the transport sector, the country intends to propose the creation, under the auspices of the UN, of a trans-regional corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. It is also proposed to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035’, adopted on its initiative at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and its work on the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. In the energy and climate sectors, the country intends to promote issues relating to energy security, ‘green’ energy and hydrogen technologies. Consultations are planned during the 81st session to prepare for the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. Previously, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, proposed the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an ‘Energy Code’ and a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy. Turkmenistan will also continue to implement the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration, adopted following the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In the humanitarian sphere, the country intends to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, thereby expanding the participation of women and young people in regional and international processes. Work will continue under the agendas ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace and Security’. At the 81st session, Turkmenistan will continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and in other bodies of the UN system. In April, the country was unanimously elected to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the period 2027–2030. The main objective of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy within the UN framework remains the development of multilateral cooperation and the promotion of initiatives in the fields of peace, sustainable development, transport, energy, the environment, climate and humanitarian cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has expressed his condolences to the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, and the country’s Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, following the loss of life and destruction caused by floods and landslides in the northern regions of Nepal. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who had lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those affected.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has expressed his condolences to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, following the natural disaster in the Tibet Autonomous Region, which has had tragic consequences. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those affected.
On 27 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Petra Dachtler, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan. The diplomat presented copies of her credentials to the Turkmen side. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Rashid Meredov congratulated Petra Dachtler on her appointment and wished her every success in her diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-German cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The importance of high-level contacts for strengthening bilateral relations was emphasised. Cooperation within the framework of the UN, the EU and the ‘Central Asia–Germany’ format was considered separately. The parties also highlighted the long-standing trade and economic ties and the activities of the German Economy’s Committee on Eastern European and Central Asian Countries. During the meeting, prospects for cooperation in the fields of culture, healthcare and education were discussed.
On 26 August 2026, Aymyrat Gochmyradov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, held a meeting with H. Usmonzoda, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Tajik cooperation in the field of scientific and analytical research and the further development of expert contacts. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of a joint scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and Turkmen-Tajik strategic cooperation. It was noted that in 2026, the Centre for Strategic Studies held two expert meetings in the ‘Central Asia+’ format with the participation of delegations from Turkmenistan. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding expert interaction and mutually beneficial cooperation.
On 26 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a videoconference with Hiroyuki Tsubai, Chair of the Japan–Turkmenistan Committee on Economic Cooperation. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed preparations for the next meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japan-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation. The focus was on current and future projects in the gas chemical industry, transport, the circular economy and other sectors. The participants agreed on the main items on the agenda and the programme of work for the joint meeting of the committees, as well as on the preparation of bilateral documents scheduled to be signed following the meeting.