Policy
Turkmenistan and Croatia Discuss Development of Bilateral Cooperation
29.06.2026Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Frano Matušić, State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia. The information was released by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the Republic of Croatia on June 26–27 to participate in the international Dubrovnik Forum, titled "The Age of Multipolarity: Many Paths, One Future." The sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Croatian cooperation, noting the high level of interaction between the foreign ministries of the two countries. Particular attention was given to cooperation in trade and economic affairs, as well as environmental security issues. The participants also emphasized the importance of the Intergovernmental Commission, the development of direct contacts between business communities, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Receives Birthday Congratulations
29.06.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has received birthday congratulations from heads of state, government leaders, and representatives of international organizations. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. Congratulatory messages were sent by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev, member of the ruling family of the State of Qatar Faisal bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani, United Nations Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board and Co-Chairman of the CIS Interreligious Council Allahshukur Pashazade, Secretary General of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Dmitry Kobitsky, and Head of the Austrian-Turkmen Society Neda Berger. In their messages, they wished Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov good health, prosperity, and continued success in his state activities. The authors highly praised his contribution to the development of Turkmenistan, the strengthening of international cooperation, and the expansion of bilateral relations with various countries. The congratulatory messages also expressed readiness to further develop partnership with Turkmenistan in the political, trade, economic, humanitarian, and other fields. They also highlighted the importance of the country's policy of neutrality and its international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan represented at the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia
28.06.2026From 26 to 27 June 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mekhri Byashimova paid a visit to the Republic of Croatia to participate in the Dubrovnik Forum on the theme “The Age of Multipolarity: Multiple Directions, One Future,” according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together representatives of governments and foreign ministries from more than 30 countries, as well as international organizations, think tanks, and academic and business communities. The event featured thematic sessions dedicated to the formation of a modern architecture of international relations, sustainable development, industrial transformation, international trade, transport and logistics cooperation, energy security, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Speaking at the panel session “Universal Values in a Multipolar World: What Can We Learn from Each Other?”, Mekhri Byashimova presented Turkmenistan’s approach to strengthening a culture of peace, dialogue, mutual respect, and trust in international relations. The importance of Turkmenistan’s model of positive and permanent neutrality was highlighted, along with the country’s accumulated experience in developing international cooperation. Turkmenistan’s position in support of an international order based on respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, equal dialogue, and adherence to the UN Charter was emphasized. During the visit, Mekhri Byashimova held a meeting with the State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Frano Matušić. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Croatian relations, including political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and environmental cooperation. The importance of the Intergovernmental Commission’s work and expanding contacts between business communities of the two countries, as well as developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation, was noted. She also met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ivanka Taseva. The sides discussed prospects for developing Turkmen-Bulgarian relations in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as cooperation within international organizations, including the UN and the EU. In addition, Mekhri Byashimova held talks with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nevena Jovanović. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding Turkmen-Serbian cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields.
Turkmenistan and the EBRD: Preparations Underway to Expand Investment Cooperation
28.06.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its investment cooperation with international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the state news agency TDH reports. The information was presented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov at a government meeting, where he briefed participants on preparations for the visit of the EBRD President to Turkmenistan next month. An expanded working meeting has already been held in Ashgabat with the participation of representatives of relevant government agencies and the EBRD. The parties discussed the coordination of bilateral documents that are expected to be signed during the upcoming negotiations. A package of agreements has been prepared covering the energy sector, transport and logistics, environmental initiatives, and the financial and banking sector. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the successful long-standing cooperation with the EBRD and instructed officials to continue developing the partnership.
In Vienna, the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society was honored
27.06.2026A ceremony to award the Golden Insignia — the Grand Cross of the Order of Malta of the Federal State and City of Vienna — took place at the Vienna City Hall. The award was presented to the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, Neda Berger. It was awarded by decision of the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, for her contribution to the development of cultural cooperation between Vienna and Ashgabat, according to the IIC. The ceremony was conducted by Vienna City Councillor for Culture and Science Veronika Kaup-Hasler. She noted Neda Berger’s many years of work in strengthening humanitarian ties between the two countries, highlighting in particular the organization of Viennese Balls in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Austria, Hemra Amannazarov, who congratulated Neda Berger on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan and emphasized her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian cultural dialogue. Expressing gratitude to the Vienna authorities for their high appreciation of her work, Neda Berger thanked them for their support of joint cultural projects. Concluding the ceremony, she read a poem dedicated to the history of the Viennese Balls in Ashgabat and to the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Austria.
A meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
27.06.2026On June 26, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan, the United Nations, and its specialized agencies. The importance of long-standing cooperation was noted. During the meeting, initiatives of Turkmenistan and United Nations resolutions aimed at developing energy and transport corridors, as well as strengthening peace and sustainable development, were reviewed. Special attention was given to the initiative to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law,” which, as noted, would contribute to strengthening trust and the international legal framework for cooperation. The sides also discussed aligning national plans with the Sustainable Development Goals, improving legislation in line with international standards, digitizing the information systems of the national parliament, and developing electronic document management. The importance of seminars and meetings held in these areas was emphasized. At the end of the meeting, D. Gulmanova congratulated Dmitry Shlapachenko on his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.
Toshiaki Endo awarded Turkmenistan jubilee medal in Tokyo
26.06.2026On June 25, 2026, a ceremonial presentation of the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna” and a commemorative silver coin took place at the Japanese Parliament building in Tokyo. The award was presented to former Chairman of the Japan–Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship League, Toshiaki Endo. The event was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, members of the Japanese Parliament, heads and staff of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, representatives of political and public circles and Japanese companies, as well as Turkmen students studying at Japanese universities. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan A. Bayramov, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Eri Arfiya, and the newly appointed Chairman of the Japan–Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship League Shinpei Matsushita. The speakers noted the high level of Turkmen–Japanese relations and Toshiaki Endo’s contribution to the development of intergovernmental and interparliamentary cooperation. On behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan presented Toshiaki Endo with the jubilee medal “Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna,” a commemorative silver coin, and the corresponding certificate. After the award ceremony, Toshiaki Endo delivered a response speech, expressing gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan and reaffirming his intention to continue contributing to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Japan.
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Speaks at Meeting of Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Wuhan
26.06.2026On June 24, 2026, in Wuhan (PRC), Secretary of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee Guan Zhi’ao held an official meeting with a delegation of heads of diplomatic missions and experts from international organizations, including the SCO. The visit is taking place within the framework of the familiarization program “Hubei – an Inland Hub of Openness and Strategic Pivot.” This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Representatives of 27 countries and international organizations accredited in China took part in the event. On their behalf, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the People’s Republic of China, Parahat Durdyev, delivered a speech. Also present were Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Xinhua News Agency, Ren Weidong, and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Zhuge Yujie. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the leadership of Hubei Province, the Xinhua Institute, and the organizers for arranging the visit. He noted the historical nature of relations between the two countries and emphasized the continuity of the current year. The speech also highlighted the high dynamics of interstate dialogue, strengthened by high-level contacts in 2026. Special attention was given to cooperation with Hubei Province. In particular, the role of the Turkmen–Chinese Scientific and Innovation Forum was highlighted, along with cooperation between the International Center for Scientific and Technological Exchange of Hubei Province and the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Parahat Durdyev expressed gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the economic potential of the region and emphasized the significance of the visit for strengthening bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Discussed Key Areas of Cooperation
26.06.2026On June 25, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The two leaders discussed priority issues of bilateral cooperation and highlighted the importance of collaboration in the fields of culture, science, education, and sports. During the conversation, they also exchanged views on current areas of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations.
Oguljahan Atabayeva Holds Meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador
26.06.2026On June 25, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, met with Rana Abu Hijleh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the meeting, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the importance of strengthening the friendly and brotherly relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Palestine. It was noted that Turkmenistan advocates peace, sustainable development, and security, which are directly linked to the well-being of children. It was stressed that the Foundation's activities are aimed at providing medical and social assistance to children in need of guardianship. The Foundation includes the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Center and an inclusive kindergarten. The Palestinian Ambassador expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for the humanitarian assistance provided to the Palestinian people through the Foundation's resources and highlighted the importance of its humanitarian initiatives. It was noted that the Foundation is actively engaged in humanitarian activities both within Turkmenistan and abroad. Oguljahan Atabayeva thanked the Ambassador for participating in the international conference, "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Expanding International Cooperation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," held last December in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The two sides emphasized the importance of further expanding humanitarian cooperation and expressed their readiness to strengthen it. Following the meeting, a contract-signing ceremony took place at the Foundation's headquarters between the Charitable Foundation and the Turkish company Gap İnşaat Yatırım ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş. for the modernization and reconstruction of a school in the city of Arkadag, as well as the construction of a physical education and sports complex and a 320-seat kindergarten. The project aims to create modern conditions for children's education and upbringing, foster the development of their abilities, and ensure their growth in the spirit of patriotism, humanism, and family values.
Ashgabat and Beijing Discuss Prospects for Expanding Humanitarian Cooperation
26.06.2026On June 25, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, met with Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation, including collaboration in the humanitarian sphere and child healthcare. During the meeting, they noted the implementation of agreements reached during the Charitable Foundation's delegation visit to China in August last year. At that time, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Particular attention was paid to the April visit to Turkmenistan by a delegation led by the President of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, as well as to prospects for cooperation in the field of child healthcare. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care reaffirmed its readiness to consider proposals from its Chinese partners. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation for the benefit of the younger generation.
Turkmenistan and UNDP Discuss Expanding Cooperation
26.06.2026On June 25, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a meeting with Narine Sahakyan, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The parties discussed the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the areas of socio-economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that one of the Foundation’s key priorities remains providing medical and social assistance to children in need of guardianship. According to her, hundreds of surgeries have been performed over the past years using the Foundation’s financial resources. Narine Sahakyan reaffirmed UNDP’s readiness to continue cooperation with Turkmenistan and highly praised the activities of the Charitable Foundation. It was also noted that the Foundation cooperates with relevant UN agencies, including the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan, under a Memorandum signed in December last year. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
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