Policy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Regional Centre
04.11.2026On November 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Central Asia, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in strengthening peace, security and sustainable development in the region, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. During the meeting, they reviewed current areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Regional Centre, upcoming events and opportunities to expand regional cooperation. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives at the UN, aimed at strengthening international peace and trust, developing a culture of peacemaking and promoting constructive dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership, including through the implementation of joint programmes and events.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed prospects for cooperation with UN-Habitat
04.11.2026On November 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Katja Schaefer, Regional Advisor of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The parties discussed the sustainable development of cities and settlements, and improvements to urban planning policy and spatial planning, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and UN-Habitat. The meeting participants reviewed priorities for further cooperation and preparations for the Country Programme of Cooperation for 2027–2031. The programme is being developed to help implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its objectives include creating open, safe, resilient and environmentally sustainable cities and settlements. The parties confirmed their interest in continuing the partnership, exchanging international experience and applying modern urban planning approaches in line with Turkmenistan's national priorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan met with the President of the Austrian Federal Council
04.11.2026On November 3, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Christine Schwarz-Fuchs, President of the Federal Council of the Parliament of the Republic of Austria, who arrived in Ashgabat at the head of a delegation. According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the parties discussed prospects for developing political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian relations. The participants noted the importance of contacts at the highest state level for strengthening the Turkmen-Austrian partnership. In this regard, the role of meetings between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen was emphasized. The parties also positively assessed the cooperation between the two countries within international organizations, including the UN and the OSCE, and expressed interest in continuing cooperation in the interests of peace, stability, and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to strengthening interparliamentary ties and expanding cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. During the talks, the parties discussed trade and economic cooperation. It was noted that the Austrian delegation included heads and representatives of more than 30 companies. The participants also exchanged views on prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of interparliamentary dialogue for developing the partnership.
The Almaty Process on migration issues was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
04.11.2026On November 3, a presentation of the Almaty Process on Refugee Protection and International Migration was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by deputy heads of relevant government agencies and representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. In the opening part of the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation and information exchange in addressing international migration issues. The importance of familiarizing national partners with regional cooperation frameworks in this area was also emphasized. The main areas of activity of the Almaty Process and current developments in the region were presented by IOM Coordinator for Central Asian Countries Serhan Aktoprak. Participants also discussed preparations for the 2026 International Migration Review Forum. During the discussion, the Turkmen side and IOM representatives exchanged views on practical aspects of Turkmenistan's participation in regional events, sharing national experience and expert expertise, as well as prospects for further cooperation. Particular attention was paid to interagency coordination, including the appointment of national coordinators and the organization of information exchange between relevant government agencies. Following the meeting, possible further steps to develop cooperation within the framework of the regional migration agenda were considered.
Turkmenistan presented approaches to strengthening Eurasian security in Minsk
04.11.2026On November 3, the IV Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security was held in Minsk. Participants discussed current threats and challenges, issues of regional stability and multilateral cooperation, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. Turkmenistan was represented at the conference by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Gurbanov. His speech emphasized the need to establish an indivisible security architecture in Eurasia based on equal dialogue, mutual respect and compliance with international law. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as the foundation of its peace-loving foreign policy. The importance of the principle "Dialogue – a Guarantee of Peace" and political and diplomatic methods of resolving international disagreements was also noted. The priority areas identified included the development of preventive diplomacy and regional partnership, strengthening the economic, energy and transport connectivity of Eurasian countries, as well as expanding humanitarian contacts. A separate topic of the speech was Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. Participants were informed about the preparation of the National Action Plan for 2026–2028, which provides for activities within the framework of this initiative. In conclusion, A. Gurbanov confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to provide a neutral diplomatic platform for multilateral dialogue, strengthening trust and developing mutually acceptable solutions on issues of Eurasian security.
A meeting between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Paul Kapur took place in Ashgabat
04.11.2026On November 3, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, met with Paul Kapur, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the meeting, Paul Kapur conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The guest noted Washington’s interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conveyed his best wishes to the US leader and expressed confidence that the upcoming Turkmen-American political consultations would give fresh impetus to bilateral dialogue. The parties discussed the development of political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian ties. Particular attention was given to US support for Turkmenistan’s independence and permanent neutrality. Paul Kapur reaffirmed Washington’s respect for the country’s neutral status and highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening international peace and cooperating with the United Nations. Speaking about political dialogue, the National Leader of the Turkmen People recalled President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to Washington in November 2025 to participate in the C5+1 Summit and meet with Donald Trump. The importance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to the state of Florida in February 2026 was also highlighted, as was the meeting of Central Asian foreign ministers with the US Secretary of State in the C5+1 format, held in Samarkand. In the trade and economic sphere, the parties noted their experience of cooperation with US companies Nicklaus Design, John Deere, Case New Holland, and Boeing. The activities of the Turkmenistan–USA Business Council were also mentioned, with its latest meeting recently held in Ashgabat. Particular attention was paid to energy cooperation and the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted US support for the project’s implementation, as well as prospects for cooperation in the energy and transport and logistics sectors. The parties also reaffirmed their interest in further developing cultural and humanitarian ties. At the conclusion of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Paul Kapur confirmed their readiness to continue long-term and multifaceted cooperation and exchanged best wishes.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the head of Toyo Engineering Corporation
04.11.2026On November 3, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Eiji Hosoi, President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Toyo Engineering Corporation, who arrived in the country on a working visit. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the meeting, Eiji Hosoi noted Japan's interest in developing relations with Turkmenistan and emphasized the importance of the company's operations in the Turkmen market. It was also reported that the head of Toyo Engineering Corporation would participate in the CIET 2026 international exhibition and conference. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, including in the gas, oil and gas, and chemical industries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the contribution of Japanese companies to the implementation of economic projects in Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the activities of Toyo Engineering Corporation, with whose participation a gas chemical complex – a polymer plant – was built and commissioned in Kiyanly. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of applying modern technologies, advanced expertise, and complying with quality standards and environmental requirements when implementing projects. Opportunities for further expansion of bilateral cooperation were also noted. Eiji Hosoi expressed gratitude for the conditions created for the company's operations in Turkmenistan and confirmed its readiness to fulfill its contractual obligations. At the end of the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Eiji Hosoi exchanged good wishes.
Ashgabat and Vienna discussed the development of bilateral partnership
04.11.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met on November 3 with Christina Schwarz-Fuchs, President of the Federal Council of the Republic of Austria, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the meeting, Christina Schwarz-Fuchs conveyed greetings to the head of state from Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, and emphasized Austria's interest in developing friendly relations with Turkmenistan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed his reciprocal wishes to the Austrian leader. The parties noted the consistent development of political and diplomatic dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and understanding. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation between the two countries within the UN framework and the similarity of their approaches to international issues, including those based on the principles of neutrality. Special attention was given to parliamentary diplomacy and the development of Turkmen-Austrian interparliamentary cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan noted opportunities for exchanging experience in legislative activities and working together on current issues on the bilateral and international agenda. Discussing trade and economic ties, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the contribution of Austrian companies to the development of Turkmenistan's economy. Cooperation covers the supply of transport equipment, modern medical, chemical and oil and gas equipment. The role of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission in realizing the economic potential of the two countries was also emphasized. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to support the Commission's work as a coordinator of cooperation between government agencies and the private sector. The parties also noted the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding mutual understanding between the peoples. At the end of the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Christina Schwarz-Fuchs and the people of Austria on the country's National Day. The parties expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation and exchanged good wishes.
The new Ambassador of Austria presented copies of his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
03.11.2026On November 2, 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Etienne Berchtold, whose residence is in Baku. During the meeting, the Austrian diplomat handed over copies of his credentials to the Turkmen side, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. Etienne Berchtold confirmed his readiness to contribute to the further strengthening of Austrian-Turkmen relations. The parties noted the positive momentum in cooperation in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the role of high-level contacts in developing interstate relations. The participants in the meeting also emphasized the similarity of Turkmenistan's and Austria's approaches to issues of maintaining peace, stability, and sustainable development, noting the importance of both countries' neutrality. The parties positively assessed their experience of cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN. They also discussed opportunities for holding joint events in connection with the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution «International Year of International Law, 2028», initiated by Turkmenistan. At the end of the meeting, the diplomats exchanged views on the prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation and agreed to continue dialogue on areas of mutual interest.
Trade and Economic Relations with Germany discussed at Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry
03.11.2026On November 3, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of German Economy. The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The main focus was on trade and economic ties, investment cooperation and strengthening contacts between the business communities of the two countries. The participants emphasized the importance of regular dialogue between Turkmenistan and Germany, as well as cooperation with the Eastern Committee of German Economy in developing mutually beneficial partnerships. The parties discussed opportunities for implementing joint projects in industry, energy, agriculture and the transport and logistics sector. Particular attention was paid to the introduction of advanced German technologies. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening bilateral ties and expanding practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Germany.
Turkmenistan and the United States held political consultations in Ashgabat
03.11.2026On November 3, another round of Turkmenistan–US political consultations was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Samir Paul Kapur. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state of bilateral relations and prospects for further development. Participants emphasized the importance of regular political dialogue in addressing current cooperation issues and identifying new areas of engagement. The agenda covered political and diplomatic, trade and economic, energy, transport, educational, cultural and humanitarian ties. In particular, the discussions focused on expanding mutual trade, strengthening contacts between business communities, attracting investment and developing mutually beneficial partnerships. The sides also considered prospects for cooperation in education and science, as well as expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Regarding the regional agenda, participants exchanged views on cooperation within the Central Asia–US format (C5+1) and current international issues. Following the consultations, the sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing the Turkmenistan–US partnership and strengthening political dialogue.
Turkmenistan has proposed projects for cooperation between Central Asia and the EU
03.11.2026Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Batyr Niyazliyev and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Sapar Palvanov took part in the first Forum of Strategic Institutes, “Central Asia – European Union: Transforming Cooperation in a Changing World.” This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The forum was held at the headquarters of the European External Action Service with the support of the office of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia and the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). Participants included representatives of think tanks from Central Asian countries, EU institutions and European experts. Over two days, participants discussed prospects for the strategic partnership between Central Asia and the EU, international security, trade and economic ties, transport and energy connectivity, investment, digitalization and education. The Turkmen side advocated moving from agreeing on common priorities to implementing specific joint projects. Promising areas included supplies of natural gas from Turkmenistan to the European market, as well as the development of the country’s transport and logistics potential and the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi. In addition, Turkmenistan presented an initiative to host the Central Asia–EU Economic Forum in 2027. The platform is intended to expand direct business contacts and promote mutually beneficial projects. During discussions on humanitarian ties, the Turkmen delegation highlighted international cultural events, including the first World Championship of Akhal-Teke horses, held in the Netherlands in September 2026. Following the forum, participants emphasized the importance of regular contacts between think tanks in Central Asia and the European Union, joint research and the preparation of practical recommendations for developing interregional cooperation.
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