Policy
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.
New cooperation projects between Turkmenistan and the EBRD discussed in London
26.02.2026On the afternoon of 25 February, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed issues related to expanding financial and investment cooperation and implementing joint projects. The minister noted that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to strengthening international partnerships, including intensifying cooperation with authoritative financial institutions. In this regard, the effective nature of the country's long-standing cooperation with the EBRD was emphasised. The Head of the bank confirmed her institution's interest in further expanding mutually beneficial contacts. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of projects to create an ‘East-West’ international transport corridor. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to consider specific proposals from the EBRD on participation in initiatives in this area. Increased cooperation in the energy sector was also identified as a priority. Broad opportunities for EBRD participation in sustainable energy projects were noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further steady development of cooperation.
Priorities for partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN defined
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a hybrid meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and sectoral agencies of the country, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, as well as heads and staff of structural units of the UN system. The meeting was devoted to summarising the results of joint work for 2025 and discussing priority areas of cooperation and work plans for 2026. Participants reviewed the key results of the Framework Programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with the findings of the Common Country Analysis, which is used in planning programme activities and monitoring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova noted that the Framework Programme remains the main strategic document defining the priorities for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system. It was emphasised that the document forms the long-term basis for partnership with the UN and its agencies. In this regard, it was recalled that in October 2025, as part of the events dedicated to UN Day, a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 was signed. The Turkmen side also noted the importance of the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that further cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN and its member states will be developed taking into account the national priorities announced at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Among the key areas identified are peace, the environmental agenda, social development and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Turkmenistan delegation holds negotiations in the United Kingdom
26.02.2026On 24 February, a working visit by a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland began. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On 25 February, in the first half of the day, the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez. The parties discussed issues of cooperation in the field of maritime transport and international shipping. It was noted that strengthening cooperation with relevant international structures remains an important area of work. Turkmenistan is systematically working to comply with the requirements of international conventions in the field of maritime transport, introduce modern shipping safety standards and improve the regulatory framework. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan is consistently promoting the transport agenda at the United Nations, advocating for its comprehensive consideration at the global level. Special mention was made of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August 2025 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. On the same day, the third round of the ‘Structural Dialogue’ between the foreign ministries of the two countries was opened at the British Foreign Office. The negotiations were attended by Rashid Meredov and Hamish Falconer, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister. The parties noted the positive dynamics of political dialogue and trade and economic cooperation, emphasising the need to make fuller use of the existing potential, including within the framework of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council. In the field of education and culture, Turkmenistan expressed great interest in learning English and expressed its readiness to expand cooperation with relevant British institutions. Regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, were also discussed. Following the meeting, a Cooperation Programme between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the UK for 2026-2027 was signed. Negotiations continued at the level of heads of relevant departments.
Turkmenistan and Ethiopia discussed the development of diplomatic and economic ties
26.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, met with Ethiopia's new Ambassador to Pakistan, Oumer Hussein Oba. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Turkmen diplomat congratulated his colleague on his appointment and wished him success in his work. The parties discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Ethiopian cooperation, expressing interest in developing political dialogue and trade and economic ties, and exchanged views on the current regional situation and transport and economic ties. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their desire to strengthen friendship and coordinate efforts in the international arena.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Federal Minister of Energy of Pakistan
25.02.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, held a meeting with the Federal Minister of Energy of Pakistan, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main topic of the talks was strengthening bilateral energy partnership and increasing regional interconnectivity. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of their relations and the transition to the practical implementation of major cross-border initiatives. Particular attention was paid to the development of the TAPI and TAP projects, which are seen as the basis for long-term sustainability in Central and South Asia, as well as the need to coordinate energy policy and exchange technical data. It was noted that the expansion of transport and energy infrastructure would stimulate trade and strengthen regional stability. The meeting concluded with a confirmation of the readiness to accelerate initiatives in the field of sustainable development and diversification of energy sources.
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