Policy
New decisions on CIS development agreed in Ashgabat
23.05.2026On May 22, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS was held in Ashgabat. Participants reviewed 12 agenda items and signed a package of documents aimed at expanding cooperation within the Commonwealth. The results of the meeting were announced by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev, according to the IIC. He noted that the meeting was held in an open and constructive format. Sergey Lebedev thanked the Turkmen side for organizing the event. Special attention was paid to the 35th anniversary of the CIS, which is being celebrated this year. During the discussions, the parties addressed issues related to the economy, transport, digitalization, and industrial cooperation. Following the meeting, the participants approved the CIS Strategy for Congress and Exhibition Activities through 2030, the Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry, and the Concept for Integrating the Main Transport Arteries of the Commonwealth states. They also reviewed the results of the program on geodesy, cartography, and spatial data. As part of this initiative, a unified geoportal for CIS countries has been created. Decisions were also adopted on environmental issues, personnel cooperation, and several previously existing documents. The extension of the mandate of Sergey Zubkov, Deputy Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center, was confirmed. The status of CIS Youth Capitals was also announced separately: Minsk will hold the title in 2027, and Karaganda in 2028. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will take place in Moscow in December 2026.
Results of the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting summarized in Ashgabat
23.05.2026A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government was held in Ashgabat on May 22. The forum was opened by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Khojamyrat Geldymyradov. This was reported by the IIC. Prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting, along with heads of governments and delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Armenia, as well as CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev. In a narrow-format session, the parties discussed economic cooperation and reviewed the results of the program in the field of geodesy and cartography. The main outcome was the creation of a unified CIS Spatial Data Infrastructure Geoportal. It will provide access to digital maps and cadastral databases of the Commonwealth countries. профильным agencies were recommended to implement the resource. In the expanded-format session, the focus was placed on technology and logistics. The participants approved the Strategy for Congress and Exhibition Activities through 2030 and the Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry. A Concept for the Integration of the Main Transport Arteries of the CIS, developed by Kazakhstan, was also signed. The document aims to integrate logistics routes and increase their efficiency and investment attractiveness. An Interstate Radionavigation Program for 2027–2030 was also approved, bringing together space and ground-based technologies from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia. A separate decision was adopted to grant the status of CIS Youth Capitals to Minsk in 2027 and Karaganda in 2028. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will take place in Moscow in December 2026.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Prime Minister of Belarus
22.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, met with the Prime Minister of Belarus, Alexander Turchin, who arrived to attend a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government. This was reported by the IIC. The two sides confirmed the traditionally friendly and equal nature of bilateral relations, noting constructive cooperation on the international stage. They also discussed the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, including the development of the agro-industrial sector and the modernization of transport infrastructure. The importance of humanitarian ties was also emphasized, including the training of specialists for Turkmenistan’s economy at Belarusian universities. The Belarusian Prime Minister expressed confidence that the CIS summit in Ashgabat would contribute to strengthening cooperation within the Commonwealth.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held talks with Valentina Matviyenko
22.05.2026As part of the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the Russian Federation to participate in the 60th session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, a meeting took place between the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The two sides emphasized that relations between Turkmenistan and Russia, based on long-standing cooperation and the efforts of the leadership of both countries, are developing in the format of a strategic partnership. The expansion of cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres was noted, as well as stable interparliamentary contacts. Particular attention was paid to the development of parliamentary dialogue, the exchange of legislative experience, the work of friendship groups, and the coordination of initiatives on international platforms. D. Gulmanova also invited V. Matviyenko to participate in international events planned to be held in the “Avaza” tourist zone as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and regional consultations of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan was represented at the CIS IPA Council meeting in St. Petersburg
22.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova, took part in a meeting of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (IPA) of the CIS in St. Petersburg, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The Turkmen side emphasized the importance of initiatives in the fields of peace, security, and sustainable development, including the development of energy corridors and transport and transit routes. International recognition of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, confirmed by UN General Assembly resolutions, was also highlighted. Participants of the meeting underlined the role of the CIS as a platform for dialogue on political, economic, and humanitarian issues based on equality and mutual respect. The importance of the Commonwealth in strengthening historical and cultural ties between countries was also noted. Following the meeting, it was stated that the issues discussed open up additional opportunities for interparliamentary cooperation, exchange of experience, and the development of cooperation between CIS member states.
Turkmenistan and Belarus discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
22.05.2026The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova, on the sidelines of the meeting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. This was reported by the IIC. The sides noted the steady development of Turkmen–Belarusian cooperation both in bilateral format and on international platforms, emphasizing the importance of interstate interaction based on trust and equality. During the talks, the expansion of interparliamentary ties was discussed, including the exchange of experience in lawmaking, the activation of friendship groups, and the development of contacts between relevant committees. Special attention was paid to cooperation between young parliamentarians and women deputies through both in-person meetings and online formats. Natalya Kochanova invited the Turkmen side to an international forum in Belarus dedicated to family issues and demographic security. In response, Dunyagozel Gulmanova invited her Belarusian counterpart to take part in parliamentary events in Avaza, scheduled for October as part of Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship.
Turkmenistan and Japan outlined new formats for parliamentary cooperation
22.05.2026On May 21, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Japan, Eisuke Mori. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the development of political and interparliamentary dialogue between Turkmenistan and Japan and highly appreciated the current level of bilateral relations. Speaker Eisuke Mori noted the positive dynamics of cooperation in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special emphasis was placed on the significance of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to Japan in 2022, as well as the visits of the President of Turkmenistan in 2025. These contacts gave an additional impetus to the development of relations. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of expanding interparliamentary cooperation, including the work of the Turkmen-Japanese Interparliamentary Friendship Group and the holding in Ashgabat of the first interparliamentary forum “Central Asia + Japan”. Initiatives were also considered to develop contacts between women parliamentarians of the two countries in the fields of healthcare, education, culture, and charity. At the end of the meeting, the sides confirmed their interest in further strengthening Turkmen-Japanese cooperation.
Turkmen Ambassador held a meeting with Romanian Foreign Minister
22.05.2026On May 20, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, A. Annaev, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Oana-Silvia Țoiu. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Romanian relations. Mutual interest in expanding cooperation in political, trade-economic, transport, cultural, and educational spheres was confirmed. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in multilateral formats, including collaboration within the United Nations, as well as the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives. The sides also discussed the development of transport and transit links, expansion of trade and economic partnership, strengthening interparliamentary contacts, and cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. They also emphasized the importance of cultural, humanitarian, and educational cooperation. Following the meeting, Turkmenistan and Romania reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen friendly and partnership relations.
Turkmenistan supports initiative for cooperation with Korea in the field of intellectual property
22.05.2026On May 20, a working meeting between the Minister of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea, Kim Yong-sun, and ambassadors of Central Asian countries was held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, B. Durdyev, took part in the event, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The discussion focused on the development of cooperation in the field of intellectual property within the framework of preparations for the First “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit and the possible signing of a memorandum of understanding. Minister Kim Yong-sun presented the Republic of Korea’s experience in the field of intellectual property, noting its role in the country’s economic development. He stated that the Republic of Korea ranks 4th in the world in terms of the number of patent applications. According to him, the combination of Central Asian resources and Korean technologies opens broad prospects for cooperation. The initiative was given the working title “Silk Road of Intellectual Property.” Ambassador of Turkmenistan B. Durdyev thanked the Korean side for organizing the meeting and noted the importance of the upcoming summit. He stated that Turkmenistan supports the initiative to prepare a memorandum on cooperation in the field of intellectual property. Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their interest in developing cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea and strengthening dialogue ahead of the summit.
Turkmen Ambassador Meets Princess Takamado in Japan
22.05.2026On May 20, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with Princess Takamado, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state of Turkmen–Japanese relations and exchanged views on the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The high level of interaction between the two countries was noted. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for Princess Takamado’s contribution to the development of intercultural dialogue and the strengthening of friendly ties. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches priority importance to expanding cooperation with Japan based on mutual respect and partnership. Special attention was given to the meetings between the President of Turkmenistan and Emperor Naruhito of Japan, which took place in 2025 and provided additional momentum to bilateral relations. During the conversation, issues of humanitarian cooperation were also addressed. The ambassador briefed Princess Takamado on the activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, sports, environment, and green energy. At the conclusion of the meeting, readiness for the further development of bilateral cooperation was reaffirmed.
A meeting on Turkmen-American partnership was held in the U.S. Senate
22.05.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyyev, held talks with U.S. Senator Steve Daines in the U.S. Senate. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the sides discussed key areas of Turkmen-American cooperation, including political dialogue, trade and economic relations, energy cooperation, and issues of regional connectivity. Special attention was given to the significance of the “C5+1” format, according to the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan, which reported this on social media. The talks took place amid intensified contacts between Ashgabat and Washington. Earlier, on 25 November 2024, Senator Daines visited Turkmenistan, where he was received by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The American side emphasized the importance of developing mutually beneficial cooperation with neutral Turkmenistan, while the Turkmen leader expressed confidence that the dialogue would create additional opportunities to expand interstate partnership.
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan arrived in Turkmenistan
22.05.2026Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov arrived in Turkmenistan on May 21 on a working visit to participate in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Azerbaijani Prime Minister was welcomed by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Finance and Economy Mammetguly Astangulov and other official representatives. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan were established on June 9, 1992.
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