Policy
Japanese Ambassador notes dynamic development of relations with Turkmenistan
15.02.2026Two meetings between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Japanese Emperor Naruhito in 2025 testify to the high level of bilateral relations. This was stated by Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki at a formal reception on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor's birthday, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The President of Turkmenistan visited Japan twice during the year — in April to participate in the ‘EXPO 2025’ exhibition in Osaka and in December as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit. The Diplomat emphasised that Serdar Berdimuhamedov's two meetings with Emperor Naruhito in one year are extremely rare and reflect the special nature of relations between the two countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted significant progress in the implementation of joint projects and announced the Embassy's plans to intensify its work in 2026, including in the areas of business, Japanese language learning and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of the UNODC programme was discussed in Turkmenistan
15.02.2026A national coordination meeting organised within the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme and for the control of passenger and freight transport was held at the Central Office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The participants reviewed the progress of the programme's implementation in Turkmenistan in 2025, identified the key needs of the relevant structures, and agreed on areas of cooperation for the first half of 2026. During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of further developing interdepartmental cooperation in the field of passenger and freight transport control and exchanged views on practical issues related to the implementation of the initiative.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international ties in 2025
14.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has made 15 state, official, and working visits to countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov announced at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 13. This was reported by TDH. The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that during the year, the tasks of the Concept of Foreign Policy of a Neutral State for 2022-2028 were implemented, and partnerships with international organisations were strengthened. In 2025, the country held 573 online meetings and 2,794 official negotiations with foreign states and international structures, and the international legal framework was supplemented with 264 documents. Inter-ministerial consultations and meetings were held with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation. Letters of credence were presented to new ambassadors to Turkmenistan from 19 countries, and Turkmenistan sent 13 ambassadors and two consuls abroad. Fourteen meetings of bilateral inter-governmental commissions and major international events were organised, including the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Conference on the Role of Women in Modern Society. Particular attention was paid to the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.
The President of Turkmenistan summarised the economic results and outlined the objectives for 2026
14.02.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov summed up the country's performance in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. The Head of State noted that significant progress had been made due to the hard work of the people in the International Year of Peace and Trust, all planned targets had been met, and the pace of economic development remained high, reports AsmanNews. According to the President of Turkmenistan, GDP growth was 6.3%, with industry adding 1.8%, trade 9.6% and agriculture 7%. The volume of investment increased by 6%, and about 7,000 new jobs were created in large and medium-sized enterprises. Over the past year, 116 industrial and socio-cultural facilities and 645,000 square metres of housing were commissioned. Construction of the second phase of the Arkadag ‘smart’ city continued, and farmers ensured the country's food security. As part of international activities, a number of events were held to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's legal status of neutrality. On International Neutrality Day, a forum was held with the participation of Heads of State and leaders of international organisations, at which important resolutions and documents were adopted that strengthened the country's authority. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that 2026 has been declared ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This motto sets the direction for work and places responsibility on all members of the Cabinet of Ministers and participants in the meeting. It inspires us to enhance the country's authority and further prosperity of the Motherland, the Head of State emphasised. In accordance with the Socio-Economic Development and Investment Programme for 2026, it is planned to commission more than 900,000 square metres of housing, open general education institutions with 3,380 places and pre-school institutions with 1,080 places. Construction of new residential areas, shopping centres, public service buildings, as well as cultural and medical facilities will begin in the capital and velayats. Among them are the International Paediatrics Centre, the Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre, the Dental Centre, and the Archman sanatorium complex with 400 places. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that a number of international events related to the motto of the year will be held during the year. A State Organising Committee has been set up to ensure a high level of preparation and implementation of all planned events. The Head of State also noted that the programme for 2026 includes a huge amount of work. He expressed confidence that through united and selfless work, together with the people, all the planned milestones and goals will be achieved.
Turkmenistan and Romania aim to deepen inter-state relations
13.02.2026On 11 February, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Romania, A. Annayev, met with the State Secretary of the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ana Tinca, at the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Romanian relations, noting their steady development based on mutual respect and trust. They emphasised their mutual interest in further strengthening political dialogue. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the trade, economic and transport spheres, inter-parliamentary relations, as well as consular cooperation issues. The parties confirmed their readiness to make more active use of existing dialogue mechanisms. In addition, issues of multilateral cooperation and Turkmenistan's international initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security and sustainable development were discussed. Following the meeting, mutual openness to further expansion of cooperation and continuation of constructive dialogue was confirmed.
Ashgabat expands foreign policy agenda for 2026
13.02.2026In 2026, under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ Turkmenistan continues to pursue a constructive foreign policy based on the principles of neutrality, peacefulness and equal partnership. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted, Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy is aimed at expanding cooperation with all interested states and international organisations. Last year, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust and timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, the country initiated a number of UN General Assembly resolutions, including on the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035) and on energy interconnectivity. These documents became the basis for the development of the international transport and energy architecture. The working plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan for 2026, approved by the President of Turkmenistan, provides for political, diplomatic, trade, economic and humanitarian activities, as well as active work on the implementation of initiatives put forward at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with international structures, including the WTO, OECD, International Energy Agency, IRENA, as well as relevant UN structures — UNCTAD, ESCAP and ECE. Among the priorities is the expansion of partnership with the International Labour Organisation. The authorities intend to extend the Roadmap for Cooperation with the ILO until the end of 2026, focusing on the prevention of forced labour, the improvement of legislation and the protection of labour rights. One of Turkmenistan's key international initiatives was the proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’. Preparations for this will begin in 2026 in conjunction with the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. An active economic agenda was presented in January at SPECA Week in Ashgabat, where issues of energy, transport, trade, digitalisation and the ‘green’ economy were discussed. Cooperation with UNICEF, FAO and other specialised UN agencies continues. In January, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu visited Ashgabat, and following the visit, an Agreement was signed to open an FAO office in Turkmenistan. In 2026, Turkmenistan will also chair the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and the CIS, which will expand opportunities for regional dialogue. As emphasised, Turkmenistan's foreign policy activities are aimed at strengthening peace, sustainable development and expanding international partnerships.
Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in science and technology reaches new level
13.02.2026On 9 February, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with the President of the Turkmen-Japanese Science and Technology Association, H. Koinuma, and representatives of Japanese companies cooperating with the association. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event discussed the prospects for further development of scientific and technological cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan, as well as opportunities for new Japanese companies in this field to enter the Turkmen market. Particular attention was paid to proposals from ‘Tohkemy Corporation’ to introduce water purification technologies and equipment in Turkmenistan. In addition, the meeting participants familiarised themselves with the capabilities of ‘Sustec’ and ‘Carbon Cryo Capture Co., Ltd’, companies specialising in high-precision quantum-sensitive exploration technologies for searching for underground resources and carbon dioxide separation systems in the liquefied gas industry.
The MFA of Turkmenistan discussed strengthening cooperation with Switzerland
13.02.2026On 12 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Thomas Stähli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Turkmenistan (resident in Baku), at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, noting the importance of further constructive and mutually respectful dialogue. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in international and regional organisations, including the UN. During the meeting, the diplomats discussed the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as plans for joint events in 2026.
Russia and Turkmenistan discussed cooperation and upcoming ministerial contacts
13.02.2026On 12 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Russia and Turkmenistan, Sergey Lavrov and Rashid Meredov, held a telephone conversation during which they discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation and upcoming high-level meetings. This was reported by AsmanNews. The parties touched upon issues of interaction within the CIS and cooperation between the Caspian states. In addition, the ministers exchanged congratulations on the professional holidays of their countries' diplomatic workers: in Russian Federation, Diplomatic Worker's Day is celebrated on 10 February, and in Turkmenistan, on 18 February.
Turkmenistan strengthens strategic dialogue with Germany
13.02.2026On 11 February 2026, a meeting between the German Foreign Affairs Minister and the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries took place in Berlin. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The key topics of discussion were the development of energy cooperation, regional partnership and security issues. During the plenary session of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ format, the Turkmen side noted the steady and constructive nature of cooperation with Germany, emphasising the need to take the partnership to a new level commensurate with the potential of the parties. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic dialogue to maintain stability in the region. The economic agenda outlined prospects for cooperation in transport and logistics, energy, industry, the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, medicine, the agricultural sector, water management, and the field of IT and artificial intelligence. The expediency of establishing joint production facilities and educational centres was noted. In the context of climate policy, Turkmenistan positively assessed the contribution of Germany and GIZ to the implementation of environmental projects. Following the meeting, the Berlin Declaration was adopted, aimed at expanding multilateral cooperation within the framework of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ format. On the same day, A. Gurbanov took part in a meeting with representatives of German business, where interest was confirmed in expanding cooperation, including in the modernisation of transport infrastructure, the development of the port of Turkmenbashi, the formation of transit corridors, as well as in projects in the fields of ‘green’ energy, industry, agriculture, IT and the financial and banking sector. In addition, meetings were held with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Security Policy Director of the Federal Foreign Office Dominik Mutter and Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet. The parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening bilateral relations, intensifying interparliamentary contacts and coordination in international forums, primarily within the framework of the UN and the OSCE.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan strengthen parliamentary cooperation
12.02.2026A meeting of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group was held in Islamabad with the participation of Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The meeting, chaired by Pakistani MP Sanjay Perwani, served as a platform for presenting Turkmenistan's potential. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan provided parliamentarians with information about the country's political system and foreign policy, which is based on permanent neutrality. The main focus was on the economy and logistics – the development of transport links and trans-regional trade routes. Tourism opportunities were also discussed, including natural attractions and Ahal-Teke horses as a national symbol. Sanjay Perwani emphasised the role of parliamentary friendship groups as a tool for strengthening bilateral dialogue. The parties expressed their intention to intensify the exchange of delegations and expand people-to-people contacts. Pakistan is considered by Turkmenistan to be an important partner in the southern direction, and the development of parliamentary cooperation is intended to promote major regional initiatives.
Diplomatic reception in Ashgabat strengthens ties between Turkmenistan and Iran
12.02.2026A formal reception dedicated to Iran's national holiday, Revolution Day, was held in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies and the public attended the event. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani noted the strength of bilateral ties and emphasised the historical and cultural proximity of the two countries. According to him, Iran respects Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and considers it an important factor for stability in the region. The diplomat also noted Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional integration and developing economic cooperation. On the Turkmen side, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov spoke. He conveyed congratulations to the President of Iran and the people of the country, and also emphasised the dynamic development of trade and economic ties. According to the minister, 2025 has been one of the most productive periods in the history of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. During the reception, the parties expressed their confidence that the traditions of good neighbourliness and mutual respect would continue to serve as the basis for the implementation of joint projects. Particular attention will be paid to the development of regional integration and the expansion of humanitarian contacts.
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