Policy
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan presented his credentials to the King of Thailand
11.02.2026On 10 February, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Thailand (residing in Kuala Lumpur), presented his credentials to King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony took place in Bangkok at the Amphorn Royal Palace. During the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the King of Thailand from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The King congratulated the Head of the diplomatic mission on his appointment to this responsible position and wished him success in his work. He also noted his desire to visit Turkmenistan in the future. Turkmenistan's interest in further developing cooperation with Thailand in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres was confirmed. After the ceremony, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a brief conversation with the new ambassadors, noting his readiness to support them and assist in their diplomatic activities. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts at the level of foreign ministries to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Thailand.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed cooperation and infrastructure projects
11.02.2026On 9 February, in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Consul General of Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, B. Kabayev, met with the Governor of Balkh Province, Mohammad Yousuf Wafa. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, transit and energy sectors, as well as the implementation of major infrastructure projects between the two countries. The meeting also highlighted events in Turkmenistan dedicated to the 2026 motto, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ and the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
Turkmenistan and WHO discussed the development of cooperation in healthcare
11.02.2026On 10 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a video meeting with the Head of the WHO Country Office in Ashgabat, Egor Zaitsev, and Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan Azat Ovezov. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and WHO in priority areas. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, which will be held in Turkmenistan in February. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in deepening the partnership and the readiness to implement joint initiatives and projects in the field of healthcare.
The MFA of Turkmenistan awarded medals to mark the 30th anniversary of neutrality
11.02.2026On 10 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held a ceremony to award representatives of international organisations with the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov read out the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on the awarding and presented medals and commemorative silver badges. Among those awarded were UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko and Permanent Representative of the UN Development Programme Narine Sahakyan. The contribution of foreign citizens to strengthening the independence of Turkmenistan, developing international cooperation and promoting a policy of Peace and Trust on the world stage was noted.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Iran on Revolution Day
11.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasion of the national holiday, Revolution Day. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. The message noted that Turkmenistan and Iran have centuries-old good-neighbourly relations, which are developing on the basis of friendship and mutual respect. The Head of State expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries. In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Masoud Pezeshkian health and well-being, and the people of Iran peace and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Trade of Turkey
11.02.2026On 10 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey Omer Bolat, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit, in Ashgabat. During the meeting, the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, primarily in the trade and economic sphere, was discussed, according to the state news agency TDH. Omer Bolat conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He noted the role of Turkmenistan's neutral status in strengthening regional stability and emphasised the importance of the Turkish President's participation in the Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, which was held in Ashgabat in December last year. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his best wishes to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and wished success to the Exhibition of Export Goods of the Republic of Turkey, which opened in the capital. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and regular contacts at the government level. It was noted that the Republic of Turkey occupies a leading position in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover, and the volume of mutual trade is growing annually. The Exhibition of Export Goods of Turkmenistan, held in Istanbul from 2 to 5 July last year, was cited as an example of successful cooperation. The Head of State expressed confidence that the current exhibition in Ashgabat will contribute to the expansion of business ties and the attraction of investment. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to consider specific proposals from Turkish partners. In conclusion, the parties expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan spoke at a festival in Taxila
10.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, took part in the annual Orange Festival, which was held on 7 February at the Zaildar House complex in the historic city of Taxila (Punjab province) with the participation of diplomats, officials and representatives of civil society. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was organised by the Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, in conjunction with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan and the deans of the diplomatic corps and military attaché corps. The guest of honour at the festival, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy for the development of international cooperation. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the historical role of Taxila as the centre of Gandhara civilisation and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The festival featured a cultural programme with national cuisine, traditional crafts, horse dances and sports competitions, and guests were particularly interested in the local variety of oranges called ‘Khanpur’.
Turkmen Ambassador attends anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and EU
10.02.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in an event organised by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Brussels to mark the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, according to AsmanNews. The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of EU institutions and official bodies, which provided an opportunity to discuss current issues of cooperation and strengthen professional contacts. Sapar Palvanov congratulated the Kazakh side and expressed hope for further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU based on trust, respect and common interests.
The President of Turkmenistan sent his congratulations to participants in the exhibition of Turkish goods
10.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to participants of the Turkish Republic Export Goods Exhibition, which opened in Ashgabat on 10 February. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted that the Republic of Turkey is one of Turkmenistan's key trade and economic partners. Turkish companies are implementing joint projects in various sectors of the economy and expanding business ties with Turkmen partners. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan has created favourable conditions for investment and foreign trade cooperation, which opens up new opportunities for expanding Turkmen-Turkish ties. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that the two countries regularly hold cross-exhibitions, business councils and forums, which contribute to the development of contacts between the public and private sectors. As a result, the Republic of Turkey occupies a significant place in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover. It was reported that the exhibition will feature developments and products from Turkish companies in the agricultural sector, food industry, construction, equipment manufacturing, energy, chemical industry, as well as medicine, education and science. Participants include both companies already operating in Turkmenistan and new exhibitors. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the exhibition would contribute to the growth of trade, the expansion of business contacts and the attraction of investment, and wished the participants success in their work.
Turkmenistan strengthens cooperation with the UN within the framework of regional initiatives
09.02.2026On 9 February, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko and Ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations and its specialised agencies were discussed. The parties placed particular emphasis on the preparation and conduct of the second regional training course for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, which is planned to take place in Ashgabat in the near future.
Turkmenistan and the EU have confirmed their interest in developing energy ties
09.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a meeting with Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of the Energy Security and International Relations Unit of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation in the energy sector, as well as opportunities for its further expansion. During the negotiations, the interlocutors also exchanged views on energy security, sustainable infrastructure development and the implementation of the climate agenda. The parties expressed mutual interest in maintaining regular contacts, including high-level dialogue, emphasising the importance of continuing open and forward-looking cooperation, taking into account the priorities of both sides.
Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan shared his work experience and diplomatic traditions
09.02.202610 February is Diplomatic Worker's Day in Russia. Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Turkmenistan, spoke about the significance of the holiday and the modern challenges of the profession in an interview with the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, the day symbolises the continuity of generations and provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from Moscow and foreign missions. Although the holiday appeared in 2002, Russian diplomacy has deep historical roots: the first official representation of Rus at the court of the Byzantine emperor dates back to 838, and on 10 February 1549, the Ambassadorial Order, the first centralised structure in charge of foreign affairs, was mentioned. Volynkin noted that modern diplomats must preserve traditional qualities — professionalism, responsibility, foreign language skills — while adapting to new challenges: digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the climate agenda. ‘It is important to firmly defend the country's position while observing the culture of communication and a sense of proportion,’ he stressed. According to the Ambassador, Russian diplomacy is preserving its traditions: enlightened patriotism, professional culture and a deep understanding of national interests remain the basis of its work. On Diplomatic Worker's Day, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry holds a solemn meeting with the participation of Minister S. Lavrov, where distinguished employees are awarded and flowers are laid at the memorial plaques of colleagues who died in the line of duty. Similar events are held in all foreign missions, including the Embassy in Ashgabat. Ivan Volynkin has been working in Turkmenistan for more than 2.5 years. He noted the country's cultural heritage, unique traditions and the warm attitude of the local people. The Ambassador also congratulated his colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on the upcoming Diplomatic Workers' Day, which is celebrated on 18 February, and wished them good health and new achievements.
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