Policy
Turkmenistan has called for a ban on weapons of mass destruction
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, commented on the situation in the Middle East in an interview with the Turkmen media. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is concerned about developments in the region due to its geographical proximity. According to him, a possible escalation, including the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction, could affect neighbouring countries and the entire region. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, advocates the resolution of conflicts solely through political and diplomatic means. This position remains unchanged. It was also noted that the country is a party to international arms control treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Turkmenistan is a party to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia. It was stated separately that Turkmenistan advocates a total ban on weapons of mass destruction. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a doctor by training, emphasised that their use could lead to serious consequences for the population, the environment and the socio-economic sphere, and requires the utmost responsibility.
Hero Arkadag outlined new approaches to the climate agenda
12.04.2026At the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined Turkmenistan’s consistent and practical approach to the climate agenda. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the country’s full commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and noted its readiness to develop projects in the field of ‘green energy’, including the use of wind and solar power. The National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the start of practical work on the development of hydrogen energy based on natural gas. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to cooperate with international partners in this area. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy for a ten-year period and to discuss its parameters with the UN. The importance of regional cooperation, scientific research and the introduction of new technologies was highlighted separately. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia will soon begin operations in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan will provide the necessary conditions for its activities. The topic of support for vulnerable countries, including landlocked states, was raised. It was emphasised that these countries must be guaranteed equal access to water resources and waterways as an important condition for sustainable development. It was noted that in August 2025, Turkmenistan hosted the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries. The adopted Awaza Declaration has been granted the status of an official UN document. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. It was also emphasised that the country continues to work with the UN to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to promote previously initiated General Assembly resolutions in the fields of energy, the environment and transport. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag thanked the forum organisers and expressed his confidence in the need for practical results. The forum moderator noted the significance of the initiatives presented. Turkmenistan’s initiatives have identified new directions in addressing global environmental and energy challenges and confirmed the country’s commitment to participating in shaping the international sustainable development agenda.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Austria to visit Ashgabat
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, invited the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, to visit Ashgabat at his convenience. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is open to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with Austria. Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his gratitude for the invitation. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are taking on a new dimension and developing in the interests of the friendly peoples. It was specifically emphasised that, in the current circumstances, disagreements must be resolved solely through political and diplomatic means. Austria’s support for Turkmenistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032 was also noted. This reflects the high level of trust between the countries. In the humanitarian sphere, cooperation is developing through academic exchanges. Turkmen universities are collaborating with Graz University of Technology and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. This forms the basis for training a new generation of specialists.
Turkmenistan promotes climate initiatives at a meeting with UNIDO
12.04.2026The climate agenda was a key topic of discussion during the meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller. This was reported by TDH. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to consider the preparation of a Roadmap for cooperation with UNIDO for 2026–2030. The document will cover issues relating to the ‘green’ industrial transition and measures to combat climate change. Particular attention has been paid to Turkmenistan’s regional initiatives. These include a proposal to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. The project aims to coordinate efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability. International legal mechanisms for regulating transboundary water resources are also being discussed. This involves the preparation of regional conventions for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. In parallel, the Caspian Environmental Initiative is being promoted, aimed at preserving the Caspian Sea ecosystem. In addition, the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia is being initiated. It will serve as a platform for the implementation of climate solutions and the development of technological cooperation. Gerd Müller noted the significance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and emphasised that UNIDO regards its cooperation with the country as strategic and long-term.
Turkmenistan and the IAEA are stepping up cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy
12.04.2026Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency are preparing a new Country Framework Programme for 2026–2030. The document will set out the priorities for technical cooperation. This was announced following a meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, reports TDH. The programme will serve as a basis for future projects. This involves the introduction of technologies in nuclear medicine and the enhancement of safety across various sectors of the economy. Cooperation in the healthcare sector was discussed separately. With the Agency’s support, modern diagnostic and treatment methods are being introduced in the country. Consultations with international experts have helped to improve approaches to combating dangerous diseases and to enhance the quality of medical services. The topic of support for landlocked developing countries was also raised. It was emphasised that peaceful nuclear energy could become an important tool for their development. Hero Arkadag thanked Rafael Grossi for the IAEA delegation’s participation in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which took place last August in Awaza.
Turkmenistan and China are preparing for a new meeting of the inter-governmental committee
12.04.2026The seventh meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation will take place on 16 April in Ashgabat. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, reported on preparations for the meeting at an off-site government session, according to TDH. Rashid Meredov noted that cooperation with China remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Recent high-level visits have made a significant contribution to the development of relations. These include President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to the PRC in August–September 2025 to attend the SCO summit, and the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Beijing on 17–19 March 2026. The meeting is expected to discuss the further development of the strategic partnership. The agenda includes energy, including new projects for the development of gas fields, the modernisation of railway infrastructure and the development of logistics routes between China–Turkmenistan–the Caspian Sea–Europe and Turkmenistan–China–the Asia-Pacific region. Topics such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, agriculture and training in the scientific and educational sectors will also be addressed. The Committee comprises six subcommittees that meet on a regular basis. Meetings on humanitarian and transport-logistics issues have already taken place this year. Meetings on energy and scientific and technical cooperation are scheduled for the second half of 2026. Following the meeting, it is planned to sign a protocol and a number of documents aimed at strengthening the legal framework of bilateral relations. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure a high standard of organisation for the event. He signed a Resolution appointing the heads of the committee and subcommittees on the Turkmen side and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue with the preparations.
Hero Arkadag spoke at the Vienna Energy and Climate Forum
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by TDH. At the outset, Hero Arkadag thanked the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, the leadership of UNIDO and the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry for the invitation and for organising the forum. It was noted that the broad range of participants reflects the high level of interest in energy and climate issues. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stated that Turkmenistan is participating in the implementation of UN strategies in the field of energy sustainability and the climate agenda. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that the current global situation makes energy and climate issues particularly sensitive. Separately, Hero Arkadag outlined Turkmenistan’s approach as one of the major energy producers. According to him, the country is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at developing equal international cooperation in the energy sector. Key initiatives were presented in the speech. These include the development of a Global Security Strategy, in which the energy component is regarded as one of the fundamental elements. It was also proposed to promote the idea of a UN ‘Energy Code’, which would enshrine the rejection of the politicisation of energy cooperation. Special mention was made of the initiative to create a universal international legal document on the production, transit and consumption of energy resources. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need for guaranteed and non-discriminatory access to energy for all countries, regardless of their economic and political situation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that Turkmenistan had already sponsored three UN General Assembly resolutions on energy issues, and announced the preparation of a new initiative on energy connectivity. In the climate section of the speech, commitment to the Paris Agreement was reaffirmed. The development of projects in the fields of solar, wind and hydrogen energy was highlighted. An initiative was also proposed to establish a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy. It was announced that preparations were underway to launch the UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in Ashgabat. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised. Hero Arkadag recalled the holding of the Third UN Conference for such countries in 2025 and the adoption of the Awaza Declaration, stating Turkmenistan’s intention to work towards its implementation. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag noted the country’s readiness to continue working with the UN and international organisations, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the Vienna International Forum
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The forum is held under the auspices of UNIDO and the Austrian Government and has served as a platform for discussing climate and energy initiatives since 2008. Unlike major climate summits, it focuses on practical tools – technologies and project financing. The agenda includes the energy transition, the development of ‘green’ hydrogen, the digitalisation of the energy sector, the reduction of methane emissions and the creation of sustainable supply chains. Particular attention is being paid to access to clean energy in landlocked developing countries. Turkmenistan has announced systematic work in the climate sphere. The country is participating in the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector. In parallel, projects are being developed in the renewable energy sector, including the construction of a solar-wind power plant in the Balkan velayat. Work is also underway to combat desertification, expand forest areas and implement digital monitoring of natural resources. Programmes are being implemented to conserve biodiversity and expand protected areas. The event took place at the Hofburg Palace. Forum participants were welcomed by UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller and Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the participants via video link. Hero Arkadag spoke at the forum. He thanked the organisers and noted that energy and climate remain the most vulnerable areas of the global agenda today. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised Turkmenistan’s role as a major producer of energy resources and stated the need for international cooperation based on equality. Among the proposals were the development of an ‘Energy Code’ under the auspices of the UN and the establishment of a universal international mechanism in the energy sector. A separate initiative was presented on the creation of a Global Security Strategy, in which energy security is regarded as a key element. The need to depoliticise energy processes and abandon political restrictions in this sector was emphasised. Turkmenistan also proposed expanding the use of renewable energy sources and developing hydrogen energy. In this regard, the idea of a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy was put forward. The country’s readiness to develop regional cooperation and introduce climate technologies was declared. Plans are in place to launch a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Ashgabat. A separate section of the speech was devoted to supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the significance of the Awaza Declaration adopted there. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. In conclusion, it was noted that the country would continue to work with the UN and its agencies, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives. Following the conclusion of the visit, the Turkmen delegation departed for Ashgabat. Upon arrival in the capital, Hero Arkadag was met by officials. The visit reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to developing international cooperation and strengthening the country’s position as a participant in the global energy and climate agenda.
Hero Arkadag gave an interview to representatives of the Turkmen media
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to representatives of the Turkmen media. This was reported by TDH. During the conversation, the situation in the Middle East and the possible consequences of an escalation, including the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction, were discussed. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is concerned about developments in the region, given its geographical proximity and the potential impact on neighbouring countries. He emphasised that the country’s foreign policy is based on the status of permanent neutrality and advocates the resolution of conflicts exclusively through peaceful, political and diplomatic means. According to him, Turkmenistan has for decades participated in international efforts to reduce military tensions and opposes the use of force as a political tool. Turkmenistan’s position on weapons of mass destruction was highlighted separately. Hero Arkadag declared his categorical rejection of their use and recalled the country’s participation in key international treaties in the field of arms control, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Commitment to the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone was also emphasised. According to him, the consequences of using such weapons are far-reaching and long-term, affecting the population, the environment and the socio-economic development of the regions. In the second part of the interview, Hero Arkadag commented on reports of strikes on territories in the Caspian region against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict. He noted that the Caspian states have been developing cooperation and building a regional security system for over three decades. It was recalled that in 2018, the Caspian states signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, establishing it as a zone of peace, good-neighbourliness and security. The document stipulates that military activity by third states is inadmissible. Hero Arkadag stated that Turkmenistan considers any military action in the Caspian region unacceptable and expresses concern regarding such incidents. It was also noted that the country is considering a draft joint statement by the Caspian states, which highlights the risk of further escalation and threats to regional stability should the conflict widen.
The negotiations with the IAEA took place during Hero Arkadag’s visit to Austria
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation with the IAEA. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the strengthening of global security was emphasised. The development of cooperation in recent years was noted. Key areas of focus include healthcare, where, with the Agency’s support, modern diagnostic and treatment methods are being introduced and the disease control system is being improved. Issues relating to the expansion of the international legal framework were discussed. Turkmenistan’s participation in relevant international conventions was noted, including mechanisms for rapid notification and mutual assistance in emergencies. The parties reviewed the preparation of a new Country Framework Programme for 2026–2030. The document will define the priorities for technical cooperation, including the development of nuclear medicine and the enhancement of safety standards. Particular attention was paid to supporting landlocked developing countries. The role of peaceful nuclear energy as a tool for development was emphasised. Hero Arkadag proposed holding a high-level regional forum in Ashgabat to mark the anniversaries of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia and Turkmenistan’s accession to the IAEA. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further cooperation and exchanged best wishes.
Negotiations were held in Vienna between Hero Arkadag and Rabab Fatima
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Rabab Fatima, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies. The role of the country’s policy of positive neutrality in ensuring peace and sustainable development was emphasised. Rabab Fatima conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Hero Arkadag. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s initiatives, announced at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, are in line with the UN’s priorities, including the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Hero Arkadag reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the UN. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov discussed cooperation with the Head of UNIDO
12.04.2026During his visit to the Republic of Austria, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). This was reported by AsmanNews. The parties discussed the development of cooperation and Turkmenistan’s participation in UNIDO projects. The country’s contribution to promoting initiatives in the field of sustainable industrial development and energy security was noted. Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of cooperation with UNIDO. In this context, it was noted that on 29 June 2023, the city of Arkdag received a Certificate of Appreciation from UNIDO for the implementation of digital technologies and the development of a ‘smart’ city. Prospects for cooperation in industry were discussed. Among the priorities are the development of the carpet industry, the expansion of textile exports, and UNIDO’s participation in the implementation of the second phase of the Arkadag city development project. Particular attention was paid to the creation of a medical cluster in the city of Arkadag utilising modern technologies. The parties reviewed issues on the climate agenda. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to develop a Roadmap for cooperation with UNIDO for 2026–2030 in the field of ‘green’ industry and the fight against climate change. Turkmenistan’s regional initiatives were discussed, including the establishment of a Centre for Combating Desertification in Central Asia, the development of mechanisms for managing transboundary water resources, and the promotion of environmental projects in the Caspian Sea region. The initiative to establish a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Central Asia was also noted. UNIDO confirmed its interest in further developing its partnership with Turkmenistan. Following the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.
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