Policy
Turkmenistan and Egypt discussed cooperation within the UN
20.05.2026Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Vepa Hajiyev held a meeting with Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UN Ehab Awad as part of regular contacts at the organization’s platform. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, paying special attention to the regional agenda and key international issues requiring joint efforts. Following the talks, the diplomats confirmed their intention to continue cooperation, strengthen coordination at multilateral platforms, and develop constructive dialogue between Turkmenistan and Egypt.
Turkmenistan’s Steps Toward WTO Accession Discussed at the Foreign Ministry
20.05.2026On May 19, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Maika Oshikawa, Director of the Accessions Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues related to cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WTO, as well as further steps toward the country’s accession to the organization. The sides also touched upon regional and international trade and economic cooperation, as well as the improvement of the national legal and regulatory framework and cooperation with international institutions. The consistent nature of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WTO was noted. As part of Maika Oshikawa’s visit to Ashgabat, a meeting is planned with representatives of the Government Commission on Turkmenistan’s accession to the WTO.
A delegation of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a visit to Turkey
19.05.2026Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. Talks were held in Ankara with representatives of the Directorate General of Migration Management of the Turkish Ministry of Interior, during which a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation was discussed. The parties noted that the regular format of working contacts contributes to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation and makes it possible to identify new areas for joint activities. The interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of migration and outlined the key priorities for further interaction. Particular attention was paid to the importance of coordination within international organizations as a factor in strengthening the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. Following the talks, the parties expressed confidence in the continued progressive development of bilateral cooperation and wished each other success in their professional activities.
Charles III Invited to Turkmenistan’s 35th Independence Anniversary Celebrations
19.05.2026National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the United Kingdom, invited King Charles III and members of the royal family to attend events marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The invitation was accepted with gratitude, according to the TDH news agency. The visit took place at the invitation of the British royal family. The Turkmen delegation participated in the Windsor Horse Show. At Windsor Castle, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with King Charles III. The King emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed hope that Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan would take part in international equestrian competitions in the United Kingdom next year. Talks were also held with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. The sides discussed cooperation in the fields of horse breeding and hippotherapy. The year 2026 in Turkmenistan is being held under the slogan: “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” Events aimed at promoting the country’s national equestrian heritage are being organized both domestically and abroad.
Turkmenistan expands cooperation with the European Union
18.05.2026Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union is expanding and becoming more practical in nature. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov at an event in Ashgabat dedicated to Europe Day, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, cooperation with the EU is among the priorities of the country’s foreign policy. Relations are based on the principles of mutual respect and trust and are aimed at supporting international peace and sustainable development. Over recent decades, cooperation has become multi-dimensional, covering trade, economy, security, energy, transport, environmental protection, digitalization, education, science, and culture. Ahmet Gurbanov noted the high level of political dialogue. He recalled the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit on April 4, 2025, in Samarkand, as well as meetings with the leadership of the European Council and the European Commission. An intensification of “Team Europe” initiatives was also noted in the areas of digital connectivity, energy, water resources, and the climate agenda.
Issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan were discussed
18.05.2026Chairman of the State Committee for Construction under the President of Turkmenistan, Derýageldi Orazov, met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 17. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Derýageldi Orazov conveyed greetings to Ilham Aliyev from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the holding of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. The sides discussed the construction of a mosque in the city of Fizuli, being implemented on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the project and noted that the work is ongoing. They also addressed the reconstruction of the Karabakh region, where a large-scale reconstruction and development program is underway. Following the meeting, Orazov stated plans to visit Karabakh again and personally observe the progress of the works on site.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold meetings with CIS delegations
18.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations from CIS countries during the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth. The event will take place on May 22 in Ashgabat. This was reported by TDH. The program includes negotiations between the delegations of participating countries and meetings within specialized CIS structures. A number of documents are expected to be signed following the event. Preparations for the summit are being carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the CIS Executive Committee. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the progress of preparations during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. Turkmenistan is chairing the CIS this year. Since the beginning of the year, meetings of specialized councils and commissions have been taking place. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the development of cooperation with Commonwealth countries in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. He instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for the upcoming summit.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People paid a visit to the United Kingdom
18.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the royal family. This was reported by TDH. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, Hero-Arkadag proceeded to Windsor Castle, where he was welcomed by representatives of the organizing committee of the Royal Horse Show. During the visit, a meeting was held with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The sides exchanged greetings and emphasized the high level of bilateral cooperation. The King noted the significant contribution of Hero-Arkadag to the development of international cooperation and warmly recalled previous contacts, including their meeting in 2015. During the conversation, the importance of high-level dialogue in strengthening Turkmen-British relations was reaffirmed. Hero-Arkadag conveyed greetings to Charles III from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the British monarch sent his warm wishes to the head of state, noting the importance of his visit to the United Kingdom in 2023. Special attention was given to the development of equestrian sports and the promotion of Akhal-Teke horses. Charles III expressed interest in the participation of Turkmen horses in international competitions held in the United Kingdom. During the visit, Hero-Arkadag also met with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife. The parties discussed issues related to the development of cooperation, including in horse breeding and humanitarian initiatives. The British side showed particular interest in the practice of hippotherapy using Akhal-Teke horses. Hero-Arkadag highly praised the organization of international equestrian events attended by representatives of dozens of countries, including Turkmenistan. As part of the cultural program of the visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited an exhibition dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses, where national values and folk art items were presented. A meeting was also held with a representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which greetings from President Ilham Aliyev were conveyed. At the conclusion of the talks, Hero-Arkadag invited representatives of the British royal family to take part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and events dedicated to Akhal-Teke horses. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. At the end of the visit, Hero-Arkadag attended equestrian performances and reviewed the program of the international event. Following the visit, it was emphasized that the talks and meetings held opened new prospects for the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in various fields.
Preparations Underway in Ashgabat for CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting
17.05.2026Turkmenistan, during its chairmanship in the CIS, is preparing a large-scale program of integration events in Ashgabat, the centerpiece of which will be the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on May 22 at the “Karakum” Hotel. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the preparations during a government meeting, the state news agency TDH reported. The summit agenda includes 12 issues, among them discussions on economic cooperation, a review of the geodesy and cartography program through 2026, as well as initiatives in digitalization, the mining and metallurgical sector, and transport. The approval of the CIS Youth Capitals for 2027–2028 is also planned separately. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will hold bilateral meetings with the heads of CIS delegations, following which a number of joint documents are expected to be signed. The summit will be preceded by expert-level events: on May 21, a meeting of CIS plenipotentiary representatives and a session of financial intelligence units will take place, while on May 22–23, the plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) will be held. After hearing the report, the head of state emphasized the importance of trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation within the CIS and instructed officials to ensure a high level of organization for all events.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrives in the United Kingdom on a visit.
17.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has departed on a visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the invitation of the family of Charles III. This was reported by the TDH news agency. At Ashgabat International Airport, the Hero-Arkadag was seen off by the leaders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Apparatus of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. After taking off from Ashgabat, the aircraft of the National Leader of the Turkmen people arrived in the United Kingdom. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom were established in January 1992. In December 1995, the United Kingdom also supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Romania agree to develop consular cooperation
16.05.2026Consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Romania were held at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the level of heads of consular services. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Döwletmurat Muratov. The Romanian side was represented by the Director General of the Consular Department of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oana Darie. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular and migration spheres. These included the development of visa cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legal interests, as well as the improvement of the legal and contractual framework. Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of consular services and the exchange of experience in training personnel for consular work. Following the consultations, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania in the consular field.
Turkmenistan initiates experience exchange in the field of “smart” cities
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation forum in Kazan. The Hero-Arkadag proposed the creation of mechanisms for professional exchange between countries in the fields of urban development and high technologies. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The key initiative was the development of “smart city” diplomacy in the Islamic world. According to him, such cities combine technology, architecture, culture, and science, creating a foundation for cooperation within ICESCO. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to establish the exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices between Islamic countries in this area. He also noted that Turkmenistan is developing the concept of “smart” cities at the state level and is ready to share its accumulated experience.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
