Policy
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent his condolences to the King of Norway
31.08.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent his condolences to King Haakon VIII of Norway following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. The Head of State highlighted King Harald V’s contribution to Norway’s development and to strengthening the unity of the Norwegian people. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the President expressed his sincere sympathy and support to King Haakon VIII, the members of the royal family and the people of Norway.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Head of the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry
31.08.2026On 30 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Toshimitsu Motegi conveyed greetings from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the President of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also thanked the Head of State for his condolences following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed his own best wishes to the Japanese leadership and noted that Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit would contribute to the expansion of bilateral cooperation. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of the Turkmen-Japanese partnership and the development of cooperation in a bilateral context, within the framework of the United Nations and the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ Dialogue. The Head of State highlighted the outcomes of his working visit to Japan last year to attend the first summit of the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ Dialogue. Toshimitsu Motegi emphasised the contribution of the Head of State’s visits to the development of Japan–Turkmenistan cooperation. The meeting also covered inter-parliamentary ties and the work of the Turkmen-Japanese Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the role of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation and the prospects for Japanese companies’ participation in the gas and chemical industries. Among the current partners mentioned were ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’ and ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.’. The parties also emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of Cultural Days, exhibitions and other joint events. Following the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Toshimitsu Motegi expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
31.08.2026On 30 August 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between delegations led by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, who had arrived in Ashgabat on a visit. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the state of affairs and prospects for Turkmen-Japanese relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within international organisations, including the UN, as well as collaboration within the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ framework. The Japanese side reaffirmed its support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course of permanent neutrality. In the economic sphere, discussions centred on cooperation in gas chemistry, the electricity sector and transport, as well as prospects for collaboration in the fields of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. The participation of Japanese companies, including ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’ and ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, in the implementation of industrial projects in Turkmenistan. The parties also discussed preparations for a joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place this year in Tokyo. Following the negotiations, a Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the period 2027–2029 was signed.
Construction of the second phase of the city of Arkadag is continuing in Turkmenistan
30.08.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, inspected the progress of construction work on the second phase of projects in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The working visit began with a tour of the new museum complex next to the Grand Mosque. The exhibition will be presented in digital format, utilising 3D graphics and artificial intelligence technologies. The multimedia system is designed to support the Turkmen, Russian and English languages. The Hero Arkadag was also presented with plans for a nursery school and a secondary school offering in-depth foreign language studies. The design of the buildings incorporates a blend of modern solutions and traditional architectural elements. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov then visited the International Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, where renovation work is ongoing. The racecourses are to be refurbished using special natural soil. Plans also include new evening lighting for the racecourse and improvements to the social infrastructure of the Aba Annayev Horse Breeders’ Settlement. In the complex’s indoor riding arena, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the racehorse Hanbeg and went for a ride. Finally, plans were presented for the expansion of ‘Ahalteke atlary’ Avenue. Along the route, there are plans to create a park area and install sculptural compositions depicting Ahal-Teke racehorses.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan continues to improve the legislation
29.08.2026The legislative framework in Turkmenistan continues to be refined. The Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, reported on the work currently underway in this area during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 28 August 2026, according to the news agency TDH. D. Gulmanova noted that the Mejlis is drafting the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On E-commerce’. Amendments and additions are also being prepared for the Criminal, Customs, Labour, Public Health and Family Codes, as well as a number of other legislative acts. Work is underway to provide the legal framework for the country’s accession to international instruments. In addition, preparations are continuing for the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and for the nomination of employees from various sectors for state awards. MPs visited the Republic of Uzbekistan to exchange experience in the field of legislation. The parliamentarians also took part in conferences and meetings organised by United Nations bodies in conjunction with the relevant state authorities of Turkmenistan. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of thorough preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and of further strengthening the country’s legislative framework.
A meeting was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan with the French Ambassador, who is concluding his diplomatic mission
29.08.2026On 28 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-French relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of contacts at the highest and senior levels. The main focus was on trade and economic cooperation, including agriculture and water management, as well as ‘green’ technologies. The parties also noted the results of their long-standing cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Philippe Merlin expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their hospitality.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister met with the EU Ambassador
29.08.2026On 28 August 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the political, economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The results of joint projects in the fields of the rule of law, human rights, the environment, digitalisation, transport and private sector development were highlighted. The parties also emphasised the importance of cooperation within the ‘EU–Central Asia’ framework. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to Beata Peksa for her contribution to the development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union.
The Head of Turkmenistan received the credentials of the new Turkish Ambassador
29.08.2026On 28 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, Shener Cebeci, who presented his credentials. This was reported by the online news site TerraNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in his work to further strengthen inter-state relations. Shener Cebeci conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the meeting, the parties noted the strategic nature of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They discussed cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, primarily the United Nations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the significance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s participation in the events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality on 12 December 2025. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Business Council in further expanding cooperation was highlighted. The parties also discussed the development of ties in the fields of culture, science, the arts and creativity. Shener Cebeci gave an assurance that, during his diplomatic mission, he would work to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
A meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was discussed at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan
29.08.2026On 28 August, a conference was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants included a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Chair of the Turkmen National Cultural Centre, G. Avezdurdiyeva, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, and compatriots working and studying in Uzbekistan. During the conference, the importance of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan in the country’s socio-political life, the consolidation of society and the discussion of issues of national importance was highlighted. Particular attention was paid to the session scheduled for 23 September, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. It is planned that this meeting will review the country’s development achievements, future socio-economic priorities and long-term objectives. Separately, participants discussed the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. A corresponding resolution by the UN General Assembly was supported by 78 states. The conference concluded with a cultural programme featuring musical performances on the dutar. The art of making the dutar and the traditions of playing it are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Turkmenistan will expand its cooperation with the UN in key areas
29.08.2026Turkmenistan has set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. These include sustainable transport, energy and environmental security, the climate agenda, and cooperation in the interests of women and young people, according to the news agency TDH. In the transport sector, the country intends to propose the creation, under the auspices of the UN, of a trans-regional corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. It is also proposed to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035’, adopted on its initiative at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and its work on the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. In the energy and climate sectors, the country intends to promote issues relating to energy security, ‘green’ energy and hydrogen technologies. Consultations are planned during the 81st session to prepare for the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. Previously, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, proposed the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an ‘Energy Code’ and a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy. Turkmenistan will also continue to implement the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034 and the Awaza Political Declaration, adopted following the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In the humanitarian sphere, the country intends to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and the Central Asian Youth Dialogue, thereby expanding the participation of women and young people in regional and international processes. Work will continue under the agendas ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and ‘Youth, Peace and Security’. At the 81st session, Turkmenistan will continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and in other bodies of the UN system. In April, the country was unanimously elected to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the period 2027–2030. The main objective of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy within the UN framework remains the development of multilateral cooperation and the promotion of initiatives in the fields of peace, sustainable development, transport, energy, the environment, climate and humanitarian cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the Nepalese leadership
28.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has expressed his condolences to the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, and the country’s Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, following the loss of life and destruction caused by floods and landslides in the northern regions of Nepal. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who had lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those affected.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent his condolences to the President of the People’s Republic of China
28.08.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has expressed his condolences to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, following the natural disaster in the Tibet Autonomous Region, which has had tragic consequences. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed words of support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those affected.
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