Policy
Turkmenistan and ESCAP strengthen cooperation in energy and digital economy
17.02.2026Turkmenistan's cooperation with ESCAP is moving into the active implementation stage in key areas: trade, energy, digital development and regional connectivity. This was stated by ESCAP Deputy Executive Secretary Shombi Sharp, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. He noted that, together with the Economic Commission for Europe and the UN Country Team, ESCAP supports Turkmenistan in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on trade, innovation and ‘green’ energy. Turkmenistan plays a leading role in the development of sustainable transport and the digital economy, and also has the potential to participate in the ‘Green Energy Corridor’ initiative. In January 2026, an ESCAP delegation with Mr. Sharp as head visited Ashgabat to participate in the SPECA 2026 Economic Forum.
Turkmenistan took part in a conference on public administration in Tashkent
17.02.2026Begench Halnepesov, Head of the Academic Department of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan, took part in the international scientific and practical conference ‘New Trends in Public Policy and Governance’ and the accompanying round table. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was held in Tashkent at the Academy of Public Policy and Management under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum brought together more than 120 scientists and practitioners from over 10 countries, allowing them to compare national approaches to public administration, discuss current challenges and exchange practical experience. The discussions focused on issues of institutional development, digitalisation and the introduction of artificial intelligence into management processes. The participants agreed that the digital transformation of public administration is a necessary condition for efficiency and requires intergovernmental coordination. Special attention was paid to the development of public service, human capital, diplomacy and political analysis. The plenary and sectional meetings were accompanied by active discussions and the development of practical solutions. During the round table of Central Asian public administration academies, priorities for cooperation for 2026–2030 were identified, including joint educational programmes, research projects and the creation of platforms for the exchange of experience. An initiative to create a forum of academies in the region was also announced. Participants noted that the Tashkent conference had become not only a platform for dialogue, but also a starting point for launching specific cooperation mechanisms that would contribute to the formation of a sustainable professional network and the modernisation of public administration systems in the region.
Turkmenistan and Iran agree on priorities for bilateral cooperation
17.02.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador Ilyas Gayipov and Iran's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi took place at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the current state and priority areas of strategic cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for upcoming high-level visits. The importance of the Iranian President's visit to Turkmenistan on 11-12 December 2025 to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the International Year of Peace and Trust, and the International Day of Neutrality was noted. During the negotiations, issues related to the Caspian Sea, the development of interregional cooperation, the holding of economic exhibitions, business forums and cultural events were discussed. The parties emphasised the importance of the work of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and discussed the holding of its next meeting in Ashgabat. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Ambassador announced Turkmenistan's plans for 2026, declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, including events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses. The parties confirmed the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations based on good neighbourliness and mutual respect.
Ashgabat became a platform for discussing the strengthening of healthcare systems
17.02.2026On 16 February, the ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’ opened at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The forum was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The platform aims to coordinate the efforts of countries in the field of collective security and sustainable development of health systems. The event was attended by representatives of the state authorities of Turkmenistan, the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the WHO, as well as relevant departments of Central Asian countries and Armenia. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted that the Dialogue is taking place during Turkmenistan's presidency of the CIS, which has been declared the Year of Health in the Commonwealth. Participants emphasised the importance of holding the forum in Ashgabat and the role of Turkmenistan in the development of regional cooperation and interaction with the WHO. Following the discussions, it was noted that the format of the Dialogue will become a platform for the exchange of experience, strengthening trust and developing partnerships between the CIS countries, the WHO European Region and international organisations.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Xi Jinping on the Spring Festival
17.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and the people of the friendly country on the occasion of the Spring Festival. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, the Head of State noted that this bright holiday, symbolising the beginning of the new year, has long served to bring peoples closer together and fill hearts with hope for peace, harmony and prosperity. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China are of a strategic and long-term partnership nature. In this regard, a firm commitment to the further development and strengthening of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries was confirmed. Taking this opportunity, the Head of Turkmenistan wished the President of the PRC good health, happiness and success, and the people of China peace, prosperity and well-being in the coming Year of the Horse.
The Hero Arkadag's visit to the United States of America has begun
17.02.2026On 16 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, began his visit to the United States of America. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. Early in the morning, Hero Arkadag departed from Ashgabat, heading to the capital's International Airport, from where he flew to the United States. It is noted that Turkmen-American cooperation is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect and covers a wide range of areas. In recent years, bilateral relations have shown steady progress, including in the business sector. A number of large American companies involved in agriculture and industry are participating in joint projects in Turkmenistan. It is noted that interest from US business circles in investment projects in Turkmenistan continues to grow. This opens up new opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. The visit of the Hero Arkadag to the United States is seen as an important event of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is intended to contribute to the further development of constructive inter-state relations. The visit continues.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe
17.02.2026On 16 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organisation's Regional Office for Europe, who is in the country on a working visit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the meeting, the guest presented the Head of State with a special WHO award ‘For contribution to the promotion of peace, unity and diplomacy in health care.’ As noted, this award was given for Turkmenistan's consistent efforts to strengthen international solidarity, develop cooperation with the UN and WHO, and promote diplomacy in the field of global health. Hans Kluge also congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the country's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and on the declaration of this year as the Year of Health Protection in the Commonwealth. Expressing his gratitude for the high assessment, the Head of State noted that he considers the award to be recognition of the work carried out in the Turkmenistan healthcare system and the results achieved in this area. The President emphasised the importance of the upcoming international seminar ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’, in which Hans Kluge will participate. According to him, the forum will be an effective platform for exchanging views and discussing prospects for cooperation. During the meeting, it was confirmed that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to cooperation with authoritative international structures, primarily with the UN and its specialised agencies, including the WHO. Public health remains one of the priorities of the country's state policy. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further expand their partnership and exchanged best wishes.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand held a series of key meetings
17.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, held a meeting with Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the need to intensify high-level visits and create an inter-governmental mechanism for interaction. The organisation of consultations between Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers in Bangkok was considered. Particular attention was paid to the planned visit of the King of Thailand to Turkmenistan, for which the Turkmen side is ready to jointly work out organisational and protocol issues. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to maintain regular contacts between their foreign ministries. On 13 February, M. Mashalov held a meeting with the Vice-President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Supareck Chomchan. The Ambassador informed him about the activities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, noting the priorities: development of entrepreneurship, interaction with state bodies and promotion of products to foreign markets. During the negotiations, it was emphasised that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan actively supports national producers and organises international conferences and exhibitions. The Thai side expressed its readiness to contribute to the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation. On the same day, the Ambassador met with the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalug. They discussed issues of cooperation in the field of migration, including the fight against illegal migration, offences and the protection of persons in need of support. The parties agreed to maintain regular contact to further develop cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
16.02.2026On 15 February, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, held a meeting with Ahmad bin Hitmi AL-Hitmi, Chairman of the Turkmen-Qatari Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the Consultative Council of the State of Qatar. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the conversation, the Diplomat emphasised that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan, and also provided information about planned international events and scientific forums dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, issues of intensifying cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Lithuania on the national holiday
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and the people of the country on the occasion of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State wished the Lithuanian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Lithuania peace, stability and further development. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Lithuania were established in 1992. Both states are actively developing cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Serbia
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the Serbian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Serbia peace, stability and further development. It should be recalled that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Serbia established diplomatic relations in 1996.
Head of the MFA announces dynamic progress in Turkmen-Japanese partnership
15.02.2026Turkmen-Japanese relations are actively developing in the political, economic and cultural spheres, said Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov at a reception on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the countries have achieved significant success in strengthening their partnership based on trust and respect. The Minister emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue during the meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Emperor and Prime Minister in Tokyo in 2025. R. Meredov noted the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the opening of ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, where the Turkmenistan pavilion became one of the most visited, receiving more than two million guests. He also highly appreciated the contribution of Japanese companies, including ‘Hitachi’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’ and ‘Toyota’, to the country's economic development. Cultural cooperation is also actively developing: Japanese is taught at six universities and twelve schools in Turkmenistan, and more than 15,000 citizens of the country are studying it today.
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