Residents of the Azerbaijani city of Fizuli sent a letter to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In the letter, they expressed their gratitude for initiatives that strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, according to TDH. The letter noted the centuries-old cultural and religious ties between the two peoples. The initiative to build a mosque in Fizuli was highlighted separately. Residents said they perceive this project as an important gesture of support and a symbol of spiritual solidarity. They also noted the significance of the online foundation-laying ceremony held on 7 October as part of the Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States. The letter recalled the visit of Hero Arkadag to Azerbaijan in July 2025 and his visit to the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque in Shusha. The authors pointed out that these steps were widely welcomed by local residents. The appeal also states that the establishment of sister city relations between Fizuli and Arkadag creates new opportunities for contacts between people. The residents of Fizuli expressed their hope that the National Leader of the Turkmen people would participate in the opening of the mosque under construction and wished him health and success. In conclusion, they conveyed their wishes for peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan.
Turkmen-Russian relations continue to strengthen. This was stated on 20 November by Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Head of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Council, at a meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, reports the online publication ‘SenatInform’. Valentina Matvienko noted that cooperation between the two countries is developing steadily, with the trusting relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov playing an important role in this. She also recalled that Russia supports Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, which contributes to the expansion of international contacts. According to her, Turkmenistan's high authority is confirmed by the events held in the country under the auspices of the UN. The speaker separately focused on the work of Oguljahan Atabayeva within the framework of a Charitable Foundation that supports children in need of care. She emphasised that social projects in Turkmenistan are comparable in terms of their objectives to Russian initiatives in the field of protecting families with children. Valentina Matvienko recalled the activities of the ‘Krug Dobra’ (‘Circle of Kindness’) foundation, which provides medicines and support to children with orphan diseases, including in cases requiring surgical intervention. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion’ at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg.
A Turkmen delegation led by H. Ashyrmyradov, governor of Balkan velayat, visited Gilan Province in Iran on 18–19 November. The trip was connected with participation in the First Meeting of Governors of the Caspian littoral states’ coastal regions, which took place in the city of Rasht, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Iranian government, governors of the Caspian regions, diplomats and official guests. The participants focused on trade, economic partnership and opportunities for expanding ties with the Persian Gulf regions. During the visit, the governor of Balkan velayat met with the governor of the Astrakhan region of Russia, I. Babushkin, and the governor of the Gilan province of Iran, H. Hagshenas. The delegation also visited the port in the Anzali Free Trade Zone and attended an exhibition dedicated to the economic potential of the region.
Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, arrived in St. Petersburg on 19 November at the invitation of Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. This was reported by IIC. The purpose of the visit is to participate in the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion,’ organised by the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Federation Council. The forum will showcase collections by designers from CIS countries. The Vice-President of the Foundation will speak at the session ‘It is Fashionable to Be Healthy,’ where she will present the work of the Foundation, including support for children in need of care and projects in the field of humanitarian policy in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is preparing to host an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This was reported by IIC. Heads of State of UN member states, leaders of international organisations and political representatives are expected to attend the forum. Participants will discuss the results of the International Year of Peace and Trust and further steps to strengthen stability and security. The programme includes plenary sessions, high-level meetings and cultural events. The main session, entitled ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Purpose for a Sustainable Future,’ will focus on the role of trust, dialogue and preventive diplomacy in addressing contemporary challenges. The forum will be part of a series of events organised throughout the year in Turkmenistan and abroad to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust. A State Organising Committee has been set up to prepare for the forum. A special website has also been launched with all the necessary information for participants and guests.
On 18 November, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by Head of the National Centre of Trade Unions Oguljennet Berdiliyeva held a series of meetings with ILO representatives in Geneva. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Negotiations were held with Assistant Director-General and ILO Regional Director Beata Andres, Director of the ILO Workers' Bureau Oliver Röpke, Director of the ILO International Labour Standards Department Corinne Vargha and other experts. They discussed cooperation, the implementation of the joint Action Plan and further steps in the field of decent work, social dialogue and the modernisation of labour legislation. ILO technical experts held consultations on the ratification and application of international labour standards. ILO representatives positively assessed Turkmenistan's efforts to strengthen the protection of labour rights and combat forced and child labour. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue working together.
A phone conversation was held on 19 November between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Slovenia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations. They talked about political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic contacts, and humanitarian ties. It was noted that Turkmenistan and Slovenia cooperate in international organisations, including the UN, and provide mutual support for each other's initiatives. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat.
On 18 November, the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Kenya held telephone negotiations. Rashid Meredov and Musalia Mudavadi discussed the development of political dialogue and the expansion of cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the importance of cooperation within international organisations, primarily the UN. The Ministers also exchanged views on preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality.
On 18 November, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan, Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher. The Diplomat presented his credentials, according to TDH. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and noted the friendly nature of relations between the countries. He also congratulated the Head of Turkmenistan on the recent award of the ‘Oliý Darajali Dustlik’ order in Uzbekistan. The President congratulated Nasser bin Ahmed Al-Taher on his appointment and expressed his readiness to develop cooperation. He emphasised the importance of partnership with Qatar and conveyed his best wishes to the Emir of Qatar. The parties noted the stable nature of Turkmen-Qatari relations and the growth of cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The meeting discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic contacts. Possible areas include the fuel and energy complex, investment, transport, communications, the chemical and textile industries, agriculture, healthcare and high technology. Cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere was also touched upon, including the study of the historical and cultural heritage of the two peoples.
A meeting with a Turkish delegation, comprising parliamentarians and public figures, was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Kingdom of Belgium. The event was attended by Barış Tantekin, Turkey's Ambassador to Belgium, according to Orient. The meeting was a continuation of the Embassy's cooperation with the Eurovia VZW organisation. Guests were offered traditional Turkmen dishes. An exhibition of Turkmen applied art was also presented, featuring carpets, jewellery, national costumes and musical instruments. Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov held a briefing on the country's permanent neutrality status. He emphasised that neutrality has become an instrument of preventive diplomacy at the international level. Turkmenistan's initiatives at the UN, including the International Year of Peace and Trust, were highlighted separately. The parties discussed the Turkmen-Turkish partnership. They highlighted the common approaches of the two countries, based on historical and cultural ties, as well as areas of cooperation in the transport, energy and cultural spheres.
On 17 November, a telephone conversation was held between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. During the conversation, they noted the fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and Algeria within international organisations, including the UN. In addition, the diplomats discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which is scheduled for 12 December in Ashgabat.
On 17 November, at the initiative of the Turkmen side, a meeting was held in the Malaysian Parliament between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development of Malaysia, Dr Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on the current state of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation and discussed opportunities for its further development in the political, trade, economic, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the successful long-term partnership between Turkmenistan and ‘Petronas’, which serves as a basis for deepening cooperation in the energy sector. The Malaysian side expressed interest in strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries, especially in the field of halal production and certification. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue at the level of foreign ministries in order to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation.