Policy
Turkmenistan and China: centuries-old friendship as the basis for strategic partnership
06.09.2025The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the People's Republic of China confirmed the continuity of centuries-old traditions of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. Historical ties dating back to ancient times continue to be a solid foundation for the development of effective bilateral relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Even in the era of the Great Silk Road, the ancestors of the Turkmen people – the Oguz, Parthians and other peoples – maintained active ties with the Chinese Empire. A vivid testimony to the depth of these relations was the presentation of Ahal-Teke horses, known as ‘heavenly horses,’ as a gift to the Chinese emperor. This historical episode symbolises the centuries-old mutual interest and respect between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples. In the 8th century, Turkic influence reached such a level that Turkic music, clothing and cultural traditions became fashionable in China. Thousands of Oguz families moved to China, contributing to the mutual enrichment of cultures. Modern Turkmen-Chinese relations, based on this solid historical foundation, are developing as a comprehensive strategic partnership. As noted by the President of Turkmenistan, today the countries are not only loyal friends, but also like-minded partners, whose interaction encompasses political dialogue, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges.
Turkmen Ambassador discussed partnership development with Austrian Foreign Affairs Minister and colleagues from Central Asia
06.09.2025On 4 September this year, a multilateral meeting was held in Vienna between the heads of diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The Turkmen side was represented at the negotiation by Ambassador H. Amannazarov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting addressed issues of deepening trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects in the fields of energy and ecology. The representative of Turkmenistan focused on the principles of positive neutrality, which underpin the country's foreign policy strategy, emphasising the country's readiness for constructive cooperation with European partners. The parties reached a consensus on the need to increase cooperation to ensure sustainable development and stability in the region, identifying areas for further integration.
The visit of the President of Turkmenistan to China strengthened the partnership between the two countries
05.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and participated in the SCO+ Summit as a guest of honour. The visit confirmed the strategic nature of the Turkmen-Chinese partnership, based on centuries-old traditions of trust and cooperation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to energy: the parties announced the preparation of a General Agreement on the Basic Principles of Cooperation in the Gas Sector. The document is symbolically linked to the ‘Oath Treaty,’ reflecting the historical depth of relations between the two peoples. Today, Turkmenistan and China, building on the legacy of the Great Silk Road, are developing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Trust-based contacts between the leaders of the two countries and regular high-level visits play an important role in strengthening the partnership, contributing to the realisation of the potential for bilateral cooperation.
Preparations for the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Italy were discussed in Rome
05.09.2025Turkmenistan and Italy continue to strengthen relations as they prepare for two important events. As part of this process, a meeting was held between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Italy Toyli Komekov and Italy's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, according to the news website Asmannews. The main topics of negotiation were preparations for a state visit and a large-scale archaeological exhibition. The parties discussed strengthening political, diplomatic, trade and economic ties, as well as expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the preparation of an exhibition of unique artefacts at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the priceless finds of the ancient civilisations of Margiana and Nisa. Among the exhibits, items discovered during joint Turkmen-Italian archaeological expeditions are of particular value. This exhibition will be an important milestone in many years of cooperation and one of the key cultural events of the year. The main topic of the meeting was the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Italy, which is planned for this year. This visit is seen as an important step in giving new impetus to bilateral relations. The diplomats agreed to hold a series of events with the participation of the heads of relevant departments. The upcoming events demonstrate the growing importance of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Italy and open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in an international forum in Seoul
05.09.2025Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, took part in the ‘2025 KNDA Dialogues with Ambassadors’ forum, held on 4 September at the National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting was dedicated to familiarising foreign diplomats with the foreign policy course of the new government of the Republic of Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted the active diplomatic activity of the country's President Lee Jae-myung, who held negotiations with more than 18 world leaders, and also reported on the country's chairmanship of three UN bodies. Among the priorities of Korea's foreign policy, he highlighted peace on the Korean Peninsula, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the climate agenda and cultural diplomacy. The Minister also spoke about preparations for the APEC summit in Gyeongju in October. In a separate conversation with the South Korean Foreign Minister, Ambassador Durdyev discussed the results of a telephone conversation between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of South Korea, and also expressed his gratitude for the assistance and confirmed his readiness to develop bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan to send humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan
05.09.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed an order to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which was hit by an earthquake. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, medicines, food, textiles and other necessary goods will be sent. The humanitarian initiative is linked to the tradition of providing support to neighbouring peoples, especially children and vulnerable groups. The foundation provides assistance not only within the country, but also beyond its borders. The decision to send aid is not only practical, but also spiritual support for the people of Afghanistan, as well as confirmation of Turkmenistan's desire to strengthen good-neighbourly relations and friendship.
Turkmenistan and China strengthen strategic partnership in gas sector
05.09.2025During an official meeting in Beijing, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of China Xi Jinping discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to partnership in the gas industry. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Turkmenistan announced that the Chinese side had won an international tender for the development of the fourth phase of the giant ‘Galkynysh’ gas field, which began in 2013. The field is one of the world's largest underground hydrocarbon reserves, with natural gas reserves of 27.4 trillion cubic metres. The Chinese side's victory in the tender confirms the strategic nature of the energy partnership between the two countries.
Turkmenistan and Italy discussed deepening bilateral cooperation
04.09.2025On 3 September, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Italy T. Komekov held a meeting with Italy's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and International Cooperation E. Cirielli. The negotiation was held at the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in various areas. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for the development of relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and scientific-cultural fields. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of an exhibition of unique artefacts from ancient Margiana and Nisa, which will be held at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The exhibition will include valuable finds discovered by joint Turkmen-Italian archaeological expeditions. The meeting also discussed the organisation of the President of Turkmenistan's visit to Italy in 2025 and the holding of events with the participation of the heads of relevant departments of the two countries. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening their partnership and exchanged wishes for peace and prosperity for the peoples of Turkmenistan and Italy.
Avaza to host Turkmenistan Investment Forum
04.09.2025The Organising Committee of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2025 (TIF 2025) has announced that the event will be held on 18–19 September at the Congress Centre of the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The choice of the new venue underscores the desire to combine a rich business programme with opportunities for informal communication in a modern resort atmosphere. Registration has been extended until 10 September 2025. The forum is held with the support of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in conjunction with ‘Turkmen Congress’ and is the largest platform for discussing investments, strategic development directions and international partnerships.
Turkmenistan aims to develop educational ties with China
04.09.2025During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture, according to the news website Turkmenportal. It was noted that many Turkmen students are currently studying at Chinese universities. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the conditions created and stated his intention to deepen educational ties. Particular attention was paid to the development of scientific partnerships, joint projects in the field of high technology and artificial intelligence, as well as research in the historical and archaeological spheres. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of parliamentary, public, youth and women's diplomacy, noting his readiness to implement joint initiatives and exchange experience in this area.
Turkmenistan and China explored possibilities for a trans-Caspian route
04.09.2025During negotiation 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, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed considering the possibility of launching a sustainable logistics route ‘Turkmenistan – China’ through Central Asia and the Caspian region. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting was held during the working visit of the Head of Turkmenistan to China. The Head of State emphasised the special importance of transport cooperation between the two countries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is actively developing its transit and transport infrastructure and considers the Trans-Caspian route to be one of the most promising. The President of Turkmenistan also expressed his readiness to expand cooperation with China in the railway sector, from the modernisation of the national network to the purchase of modern Chinese-made equipment.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in a military parade in Beijing
04.09.2025Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, took part in celebrations in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, according to the state news agency TDH. A military parade was held in Tiananmen Square with the participation of foreign delegation leaders. During his visit, the Head of State held negotiations with the President of the PRC and other high-ranking representatives of the Chinese leadership. The main focus was on the development of strategic partnerships in the fields of energy, transport, trade, cultural and humanitarian exchange. A number of important bilateral documents were signed, strengthening the legal basis for cooperation. The importance of Turkmenistan's neutral status and its peacekeeping policy, aimed at preventing conflicts and developing international dialogue, was particularly noted. Joint projects in the fields of energy security, transport and transit corridors, ecology and humanitarian initiatives were discussed. The visit confirmed the strategic nature of Turkmen-Chinese relations and their role in ensuring regional stability and sustainable development. The signed agreements open up new prospects for cooperation, and Turkmenistan's participation in the SCO summit underscored its importance as a neutral platform for international dialogue. After completing his visit, Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at Beijing International Airport, from where he departed for Turkmenistan. The Head of State was warmly welcomed by officials at Ashgabat International Airport.
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