Policy
The President of Turkmenistan received congratulatory messages
03.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages for the New Year 2026 from foreign statesmen and heads of international organisations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. New Year's greetings to the Head of State were sent by the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed Yunus Al-Menfi, and the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas. In their messages, they noted the development of friendly relations, as well as the importance of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and international dialogue. The role of the country in connection with the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was highlighted separately. Congratulations were also sent by Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Warm wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and the people of Turkmenistan were expressed by Mintimer Shaymiyev, State Councillor of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, and Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS. New Year's greetings were also received from the heads of international organisations — Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The messages noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation in the Turkic world and the strengthening of regional stability. In addition, Alexander Beglov, Governor of the city of St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year, expressing confidence in the further development of partnership relations. The authors of the messages wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov health and well-being, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group notes development of cooperation
02.01.2026The Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group, Neda Berger, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In her message, she congratulated the Head of State on the arrival of 2026 and wished him new achievements and successes in his state activities, according to TDH. Neda Berger expressed her hope that the new year would contribute to the further expansion and strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and Austria. In conclusion, she wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and prosperity, and the people of the country peace and stability.
The OTS expressed hope for the development of ties with Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, Binali Yıldırım, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In his message, he conveyed his wishes for health, peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan. Binali Yıldırım noted that the culture of solidarity and consultation is being strengthened within the Organization of Turkic States, which, according to him, contributes to the formation of a common future for the Turkic world. The Head of the Council of Elders emphasized his readiness to continue deepening cooperation in all areas, based on common history and values. He also stated that the Council's priority remains to promote sustainable interaction, strengthen unity and mutual trust between countries. In conclusion, Binali Yıldırım expressed his hope for the further development of inter-state relations and wished the President of Turkmenistan success in his state activities in the new year.
Nikol Pashinyan expressed confidence in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and Armenia
02.01.2026Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing confidence in the further steady development of bilateral relations between Yerevan and Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, Pashinyan noted that in 2026, Armenian-Turkmen relations, built on the principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to strengthen, opening up new opportunities for expanding cooperation. The Armenian Prime Minister also wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and new successes in the coming year, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, stability and prosperity.
The Chairman of the Russian Government noted the strengthening of ties with Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mihail Mishustin, sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Mihail Mishustin noted the steady development of Russian-Turkmen relations, emphasising that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests. According to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres is expanding, and promising joint projects are being implemented. Mihail Mishustin expressed confidence that in the new year, the multifaceted partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia will continue to develop, creating conditions for the launch of new initiatives that meet the interests of both countries. In conclusion, the Chairman of the Russian Government wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, prosperity and success in his public activities, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
Turkmenistan assumes chairmanship of the CIS
01.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States passed from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the country intends to use the chairmanship to unlock the organisation's potential. The Head of State called this step a sign of trust on the part of the member states and recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of the CIS. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Ashgabat will prepare a concept for the chairmanship that reflects approaches to the development of inter-state cooperation, taking into account current needs. Turkmenistan is an associate member of the CIS and previously headed the organisation in 2019.
2025: Turkmenistan on the path to peace, progress and international recognition
01.01.2026The year 2025 was a period of active strengthening of domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic development and growth of international authority for Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Of particular significance was the coincidence of the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the declaration of the year as the International Year of Peace and Trust on the initiative of Turkmenistan. During the year, key resolutions were adopted by the UN General Assembly, large-scale international forums were held in Awaza and Ashgabat, and the Awaza and Ashgabat Declarations were approved, confirming support for the country's foreign policy. Humanitarian activities expanded, including through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The modernisation of legislation, sustainable economic growth and the implementation of major infrastructure projects in industry, energy, transport and construction continued. Agriculture, social services, education, healthcare and culture were actively developed. The city of Arkadag became a symbol of the introduction of modern technologies and urban planning solutions. This momentous year was also marked by international cultural initiatives, the recognition of elements of national heritage by UNESCO and the promotion of citizens for their labour and social achievements. The year 2025 ended as an important stage in the development of neutral Turkmenistan, passing the baton to 2026, the year of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
The President of Turkmenistan delivered a New Year's speech
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the nation with a New Year's greeting. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, was a significant milestone in the country's development. According to him, during the year, state programmes aimed at socio-economic growth and improving the living standards of the population were implemented, and new etraps were formed. The President announced the commissioning of educational, healthcare, sports, cultural and manufacturing facilities throughout the country. Thousands of families received new housing. Major projects were implemented in the fuel and energy sector, including the commissioning of the oil loading terminal at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and the start of construction of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline. Industrial and infrastructure facilities have been opened in Ahal, Balkan and other velayats. The President emphasised the priority of social policy. In 2025, construction began on multi-profile hospitals in Ashgabat and Tejen, as well as a Mother and Child Health Centre in Dashoguz. Reforms in the fields of science and education continued. The successes of Turkmen athletes on the international arena were noted, including the victories of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group and the ‘Arkadag’ football team. In the field of culture and international cooperation, the President recalled the inclusion of Ashgabat in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the addition of the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Head of State noted the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, as well as the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Forum on Neutrality Day at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan announced that 2026 had been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and wished citizens health, prosperity and success in the new year.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Cuba on Liberation Day
01.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the occasion of the national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State conveyed his best wishes to the President of Cuba, wishing him good health, happiness and prosperity, and to the people of the Republic of Cuba — peace, progress and prosperity.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the occasion of the New Year 2026
01.01.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message notes that 2026 is being celebrated under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is being met by the country with achievements and goals set. Hero Arkadag wished the President good health, long life and success in his work for the future of the country. The message emphasises the significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the widespread celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. It was noted that the country's initiatives within the UN and the adoption of the Resolution on Permanent Neutrality for the third time confirmed the international recognition of Turkmenistan's peacekeeping policy, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust was its logical continuation. The socio-economic development of the regions, Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, the implementation of the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024-2052’, as well as the commissioning of new settlements and social and industrial facilities were noted. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, the country will continue on the path of sustainable development, and wished success in implementing the tasks of improving the living standards of the population and strengthening the economy.
Ashgabat and Minsk agree on exhibition and business exchange plan
31.12.2025The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, Mergen Gurdov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan, Stanislav Chepurnoy, discussed plans for cooperation for the year in Ashgabat, focusing on exhibition exchanges and specialised business missions. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Belarusian companies will take part in the ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan’ exhibition, and the Turkmen delegation will participate in the ‘BELAGRO-2026’ forum. This series of events will allow business agreements to be consolidated in a short period of time. In addition to the agricultural sector, Turkmenistan is interested in Belarusian experience in IT, logistics and textile industry. The parties agreed on specialised business missions to develop joint projects. At the end of 2025, it was noted that direct contacts through the CCI remain a key tool for trade growth, and the transition to highly specialised missions reflects the deepening and technological diversification of the partnership.
CIS Summit will be held on October 9, 2026, in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone.
31.12.2025The next summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States will be held on 9 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during a telephone conversation with the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, according to TDH. During the conversation, the Hero Arkadag confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to continue developing multifaceted and systematic cooperation with the Russian Federation within the framework of bilateral strategic partnership, as well as interaction in multilateral formats in the coming year. It was noted that the CIS summit in the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone was approved by a decision of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of preparing for events planned during Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS, including the Women's Dialogue, the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Conference on Demography. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026.
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