Policy
Consultations between Turkmenistan and Belarus held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
22.05.2026On May 21, consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Belarus were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were led by Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Pavel Utyupin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the development of political and diplomatic dialogue and the importance of regular contacts between the foreign ministries. Special attention was given to strengthening the legal and contractual framework of cooperation. The diplomats noted effective interaction within the United Nations and the CIS, and confirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives in the areas of peace, stability, and sustainable development. Trade and economic relations and opportunities for expanding economic partnership, including with the participation of the private sector, were also discussed. Cultural and humanitarian areas — education, science, and culture — were likewise addressed. At the conclusion, the sides confirmed their readiness to further develop friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Belarus.
Adylbek Kasymaliev will visit Turkmenistan on a working visit
22.05.2026Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev will visit Turkmenistan on a working visit on May 21–22. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the press service of the Kyrgyz government. During the visit, Kasymaliev will take part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which will be held in Ashgabat on May 22. Talks with the leadership of Turkmenistan are also planned. The parties will discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to ensure the meeting is organized at a high level.
Turkmenistan and Belarus foreign ministries discussed cultural and humanitarian projects
22.05.2026On May 21, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Pavel Utyupin. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The parties discussed cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The high level of interaction between the two countries within the framework of the United Nations was noted. The importance of cooperation within the CIS was also emphasized. The participants of the meeting discussed issues related to expanding cultural and humanitarian ties, including the organization of joint events in 2026.
In Beijing, the outcomes of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum were discussed
21.05.2026On May 20 in Beijing, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China held a presentation dedicated to the results of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum and exhibition held in April in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by diplomats from the embassy, representatives of the trade mission, the China Overseas Development Association, the China–Turkmen Cultural Center, as well as government bodies and business representatives from both countries. Ambassador P. Durdyev presented key investment projects of Turkmenistan, products of national manufacturers, and the outcomes of negotiations held within the framework of the forum. He called on the Chinese side to become more actively involved in investment and trade projects and to expand export-import cooperation. Information was also provided on upcoming events of Turkmen ministries and agencies. From the Chinese side, representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the administration of Jiaozhou City, the China Overseas Development Association, and the China–Turkmen Cultural Center spoke. They noted the high level of organization of the forum in Ashgabat and discussed new areas of cooperation. The parties emphasized that the business meetings featured projects on production modernization and digitalization, and a number of cooperation memorandums were signed. The China Overseas Development Association stated its readiness to support the regular holding of the Turkmen–Chinese business forum and exhibition in order to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Turkmenistan and the United States expand business dialogue through Business Council
21.05.2026Turkmenistan and the United States are preparing a visit by a U.S. business delegation to Ashgabat. The issue was discussed during a meeting between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Washington, Esen Aydogdyev, and the Executive Director of the U.S.–Turkmenistan Business Council, Eric Stewart, as well as representatives of member companies of the Council. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States. The parties reviewed prospects for expanding cooperation in the trade, economic, investment, transport, agricultural, energy, and industrial sectors, as well as in the private business sector. The ambassador presented Turkmenistan’s economic priorities, taking into account the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. Participants of the meeting noted the role of the U.S.–Turkmenistan Business Council in developing direct business dialogue between the two countries.
Turkmenistan presented approaches to digital financial security
21.05.2026Azerbaijan hosted the 5th Forum of Parliamentarians of the member states of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). The main focus was placed on strengthening interagency cooperation and improving the effectiveness of control mechanisms, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis on Legislation and its Norms, Batyr Baylyev, delivered a report at the forum. He highlighted the role of cooperation with the EAG in strengthening the national financial system amid the development of digital technologies. According to him, Turkmenistan continues to implement FATF standards into national legislation and studies international experience in combating money laundering, financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Special attention is given to the digital agenda. In particular, the Law of Turkmenistan “On Virtual Assets” has been adopted. It regulates the procedure for the creation and circulation of virtual assets and forms the legal framework for this sector. Batyr Baylyev noted that the document represents a step forward in the development of the digital economy. According to him, the regulation of virtual assets is gaining strategic importance in the context of the transition to digital finance. The Law of Turkmenistan “On Cybersecurity” is also in force. It is aimed at protecting national interests in cyberspace and developing international cooperation in combating cyber threats. The country has approved the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. It provides for the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, cloud solutions, financial technologies, and the development of an e-government system. The forum confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to participation in the international financial monitoring system and the development of a digital economy with an emphasis on security and technology.
Negotiations with UN agencies were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
21.05.2026On May 20, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Mekhri Byashimova held a meeting with representatives of United Nations agencies in Turkmenistan — the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation as well as preparations for a joint event dedicated to the International Children’s Day. Participants of the meeting noted the work being carried out in Turkmenistan in support of and for the protection of the younger generation.
Ashgabat and Beijing Strengthen Strategic Partnership
21.05.2026President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping has accepted the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan to visit the country. In his reply message, the Chinese leader confirmed his readiness to arrive in Turkmenistan at a time convenient for both sides. This was reported by TDH. In a letter addressed to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed interest in maintaining close working contacts. The Chinese President also stressed that the Chinese side supports the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkmenistan in various fields. According to him, proposals for new joint projects may be considered by the China–Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee. The message notes that relations between Turkmenistan and China have been steadily developing on the basis of mutual respect and equality. Recent high-level meetings held during the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to China gave additional momentum to bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan discussed regional security issues at a meeting in Kazakhstan
20.05.2026Turkmenistan’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Muhammet Hydyrov, took part in the second meeting of heads of law enforcement agencies in the “Central Asia – China” format in Astana. This was reported by the IIC. The event was attended by China’s Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, as well as the interior ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The heads of delegations were received by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The parties discussed regional security issues, coordination of law enforcement activities, and cooperation in the context of developing transport and trade corridors in Central Asia. Particular attention was paid to cybersecurity and preventing the use of information technologies for illegal purposes. Participants of the meeting confirmed their readiness to expand interstate cooperation, strengthen the exchange of operational information, and develop professional contacts to respond to cross-border threats.
Turkmenistan hosts the 44th session of the EAG
20.05.2026In Ashgabat, on May 19, the “Ýyldyz” Hotel hosted the 5th Forum of Parliamentarians of member states of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG). The event was held within the framework of the 44th session of the EAG, according to the TDH news agency. Forum participants discussed the development of national systems for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, issues of interagency cooperation, and the improvement of legislation. At a meeting between the EAG Chair and the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, measures to enhance the effectiveness of the relevant system were reviewed. Special attention was paid to the work of the coordinating Interagency Working Group. Within the forum, a meeting of the Working Group on Technical Assistance for EAG member states was held. Participants summarized the results of current activities and outlined priority areas for further cooperation. A separate meeting was also held on mutual evaluations and legal aspects. The sides discussed mechanisms for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, exchanged experience, and reviewed plans for joint work in the near future. It was noted that Turkmenistan participates in international conventions and UN programs to combat organized crime and terrorism, and also develops cooperation with foreign countries and relevant organizations. In addition, a general meeting of members of the International Association of Training and Methodological Centers of EAG member states took place. The focus was on reducing terrorist threats, as well as ensuring transparency and stability of financial systems. For guests of the forum, a cultural program was organized, including visits to the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet and the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. The work of the 44th session of the Eurasian Group continues.
Members of the Parliament of Turkmenistan visited the United States under the open world program
20.05.2026A delegation of Turkmen parliamentarians visited the United States as part of the Open World program. During the visit, they met with U.S. House of Representatives member Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Turkmenportal reports. The parties discussed the outcomes of the C5+1 summit held last year, as well as prospects for interparliamentary cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. According to Kamlager-Dove, special attention was given to the development of contacts between the legislative bodies of the two countries. The Open World program is implemented with the support of the U.S. Congress and aims to expand interaction between the parliaments of the United States and foreign countries.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” policy
20.05.2026Turkmenistan has confirmed its adherence to the “One China” policy and stated its support for the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. As noted, Turkmenistan, which holds the status of permanent neutrality, conducts its foreign policy in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. In this regard, the country has once again confirmed that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing all of China, and that Taiwan is considered an inseparable part of China’s territory. Turkmenistan also opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” supports the peaceful development of relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and supports the efforts of the Government of the People’s Republic of China toward national reunification.
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