Policy
Turkmenistan and Malaysia discussed key aspects of cooperation
05.02.2026On 4 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to Turkmenistan Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to interaction in international organisations, including support for the candidacies and initiatives of the two countries in multilateral forums.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the city of Arkadag
05.02.2026On 4 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Arkadag. The Hero Arkadag visited the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, where he met with students of the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre and members of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group, according to the state news agency TDH. At the Academy, Hero Arkadag was welcomed by Rector P. Bayramdurdyev and Vice-President of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs B. Rejepov. He then visited the indoor riding arena and talked with the students of the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre. The centre's management said that they teach horse riding, national equestrian games and the basics of horse breeding. The programme also includes English and Russian languages, mathematics, chemistry and computer literacy. Training is conducted seasonally, with more than 40 students in each stream. Hero Arkadag presented the ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre with 1.5 million manats on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The funds will be used to strengthen the material and technical base and develop a digital learning system. At the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly, the President of Turkmenistan announced his decision to award the ‘Galkynysh’ group 3 million manats for its contribution to the development of national equestrian circus art. The members of the group were also presented with horse saddles. In addition, Hero Arkadag presented the ‘Galkynysh’ group with an Ahal-Teke horse named Garashsyz (‘Independent’). The ‘At-myrat’ Training Centre operates within the structure of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Here, students are taught horse riding, national equestrian games, the basics of horse breeding, as well as general education subjects and foreign languages. Training is conducted seasonally, with more than 40 students in each stream. The ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group was established in 2007. It regularly performs at international festivals and competitions. In 2025, the group received the Golden Cup and special awards at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, as well as medals at the Ethnosport Festival in Istanbul. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag held a working meeting with the Rector of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding, P. Bayramdurdyev, and the Vice-President of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, B. Rejepov. The parties discussed current projects and plans for the development of horse breeding. At the end of the visit, Hero Arkadag wished the participants success and left the venue.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan met with the newly appointed Ambassador of Spain
05.02.2026On 2 February, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan between Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Islamabad, and Carlos Aragon, the newly appointed Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in trade, transit, energy and other areas. The Spanish diplomat shared his country's experience in combating desertification and sustainable management of natural resources. Particular attention was paid to the economic efficiency of the trade route through Afghanistan and Pakistan. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation and maintain regular diplomatic dialogue.
Turkmenistan promotes neutrality as an instrument of peace at the OIC session
05.02.2026From 31 January to 2 February 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan participated in the 52nd session of the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was the third and key preparatory stage for the upcoming meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) scheduled for 11–12 April 2026 in Baghdad. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the session, the Turkmen side presented a draft resolution entitled ‘Тhе role of а policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development in the OIC area and globally,’ intended for further consideration at the 52nd session of the CFM OIC. In addition, the participants discussed and adopted strategic decisions in the political, legal, information and humanitarian spheres, and completed the formation of the programme of work of the Foreign Affairs Ministers in preparation for its approval.
Turkmenistan proposed new approaches to global governance at the summit in Dubai
04.02.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking on 3 February at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, said that global governance and leadership are being shaped by a profound transformation of the system of international partnerships against the backdrop of a combination of geopolitical, economic, climate and technological crises. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Foreign Minister emphasised that the effectiveness of international cooperation today is determined by the ability of states to act proactively, prevent risks and build trust, rather than just responding to crises. In this regard, R. Meredov advocated a transition to preventive state management and proposed considering the creation of a multilateral platform for the exchange of early warning mechanisms and preventive management decisions. The Minister noted the importance of a solid international legal basis for global governance and recalled Turkmenistan's initiative to proclaim 2028 as the ‘Year of International Law’ within the framework of the UN, aimed at strengthening respect for international norms and developing preventive diplomacy. R. Meredov paid special attention to the role of reliable data in management decision-making, advocating the introduction of universal principles of reliability and mechanisms for their verification, including the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. As an example of the practical implementation of international initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister cited the UN General Assembly's proclamation of the Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026-2035, emphasising that cooperation based on trust and clear goals can bring concrete global results. In conclusion, R. Meredov noted that modern leadership is built on foresight, trust and compliance with common rules, and expressed his gratitude to the UAE for hosting the summit.
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed cooperation plans for 2026
04.02.2026On 3 February, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Emirati relations in the political-diplomatic and trade-economic spheres. Rashid Meredov noted the importance of the World Governments Summit as a platform for strengthening international cooperation. The effectiveness of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries and their mutual support within international and regional organisations was also emphasised. Special attention was paid to the events planned for 2026 in the context of expanding bilateral political ties.
Turkmenistan strengthens ties with UAE in gas industry
04.02.2026On 3 February, in Dubai, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, Director General of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current projects and promising areas of cooperation in the gas industry. An agreement was reached on regular meetings and consultations to strengthen the partnership and ensure consistent interaction in priority areas.
Turkmenistan delegation represented at World Governments Summit
04.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, is participating in the World Governments Summit, which is being held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event involves more than 30 Heads of State and Government, about 150 government delegations and about 6,000 participants, including representatives of international companies, financial organisations and educational institutions. The agenda includes global governance, the development of artificial intelligence, climate change and the coordination of economic policy. Speaking at the session ‘The Future of Global Alliances,’ Rashid Meredov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to solving key international problems. He noted that the country advocates coordinated cooperation based on international law, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all states. It is reported that Turkmenistan has initiated a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and supports multilateral formats of interaction. Among the proposed mechanisms are strengthening public administration, exchanging expert knowledge and developing economic interconnectivity. The summit continues.
Turkmenistan strengthened its healthcare and sports systems in 2025
04.02.2026The year 2025, declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ and marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, was marked by the implementation of state programmes in the fields of healthcare and sport. This was reported by TDH. As President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated in his New Year's Address, caring for the health of citizens remains a priority of state policy. This work covers disease prevention, the development of medical infrastructure and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The basis of the healthcare system remains the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In July, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry held a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘The “Saglyk” (Health) State Programme in Action’. Similar events were held in all regions of the country. As part of the programme, the material and technical base is being modernised, legislation is being updated, and World Health Organisation recommendations are being implemented. In recent years, a network of modern medical, diagnostic, scientific and clinical centres has been created. In 2025, the International Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Physiology received the ‘German Design Award Winner 2025’ certificates from the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung). In January 2025, the President signed a Decree on the construction of the first phase of the ‘Arkadag’ medical cluster as part of the National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022-2052. To train personnel, specialists are sent on internships abroad and participate in video conferences with foreign clinics. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continued to finance operations and purchase equipment. On 9 December 2025, a branch of the Fund was opened in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare. In 2025, the 12th Turkmen-German Healthcare Forum was held. An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ was also held, which included congresses of cardiologists, physiologists and oncologists. At the same time, work was carried out to develop sport and mass physical culture. Sports grounds are provided in educational and residential complexes. Every year, a mass bike ride is held to mark World Bicycle Day, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan. In 2025, the national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’ won the Grand Prize at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Turkmen athletes won 28 medals at the International Goresh (national wrestling) and Alysh (belt wrestling) Wrestling Tournament in Ashgabat. In May 2025, the ‘Arkadag’ football team became the champion of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. On 15 December, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an award ceremony for young athletes and winners of international Olympiads. The results of 2025 showed the expansion of infrastructure, growth in international contacts and the development of mass sports and healthcare in the country.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Sri Lanka on Independence Day
04.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Anura Kumara Dissanayake good health and prosperity, and the people of Sri Lanka peace, stability and further development. It should be added that Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1996.
Turkmenistan and Romania discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
03.02.2026On 3 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Ion Naval, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. They talked about intensifying contacts at the highest levels, both in the format of bilateral visits and at multilateral platforms. The importance of regular political consultations and meetings of the Turkmen-Romanian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was also emphasised. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania.
Hero Arkadag: The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be a celebration for the people
03.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat as part of the AFC Champions League 2. During his visit to the stadium, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noted the importance of the upcoming match for the country and called for its organisation to be carried out at a high level, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘A victory for the team will be a great achievement, a draw will be a matter of chance, and any outcome of the match will be a celebration for the people and an incentive for new victories,’ said the Hero Arkadag. He also stressed the need for thorough preparation of the infrastructure, spectator stands and playing field, as well as coordination of all structures involved. The stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, was built for the 5th Asian Games in 2017 and will host its first official football match. The management must also ensure high-quality coverage of the event, an advertising campaign and conditions for the work of foreign media. The round of 16 matches will be played in two stages: the first in Ashgabat on 11 February and the second leg on 18 February in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the tie will play in the quarter-finals against the winner of the Al-Zawraa (Iraq) vs Al Wasl (UAE) tie.
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