Policy
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar Ibrahim Addressed a Conference in Ashgabat
20.06.2026On June 19, an international scientific and practical conference titled "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry" and an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen-Malaysian partnership were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. The events brought together executives of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector and representatives of international energy companies. Speaking at the plenary session, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. According to him, the Malaysian company Petronas has invested approximately USD 12 billion in the country’s oil and gas industry over the years. The head of state emphasized that joint projects on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast have resulted in the construction of a gas processing plant, an onshore gas terminal, and a marine structures fabrication yard. During the years of cooperation, more than 44 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 16 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons have been produced. The President of Turkmenistan also announced the continuation of development activities at the Magtymguly, Diyarbekir, and Garagöl Deňiz fields, as well as plans for the industrial development of the Öwez and Maşrykow fields. Additional momentum is expected from operations on offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and the implementation of 2D seismic surveys on Blocks 11–14 in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently highlighted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Malaysia’s interest in further expanding cooperation. In addition to the oil and gas sector, the two countries intend to strengthen collaboration in education, workforce training, and high technologies. Following the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia toured the exhibition, which featured displays from ministries, government agencies, higher educational institutions, and specialized companies from both countries. The forum concluded with a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents. These included a Production Sharing Agreement between the State Concern Türkmennebit, Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd., and the state enterprise Hazarnebit; a Cooperation Agreement on conducting 2D seismic surveys between Türkmennebit and Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.; an agreement between the State Concern Türkmengaz and Petronas Carigali International Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; and a Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources. The forum was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Petronas and served as a platform for discussing future areas of collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
President of Turkmenistan Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia
20.06.2026On June 19, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in the country on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector, where Petronas remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners. During the talks, it was noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain an active political dialogue and cooperate within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international organizations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on issues related to international security, sustainable development, energy, and transport. Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to expand cooperation in high technologies, the financial and banking sector, transport, communications, agriculture, education, and tourism. The parties also discussed projects for the development of new hydrocarbon fields in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of Petronas. “We are ready to work closely with Malaysia in promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening international security and jointly support programs to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the President of Turkmenistan stated. Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Malaysia’s interest in further developing its partnership with Turkmenistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation in energy, education, investment activities, and professional training. Following the talks, a ceremony was held for the signing of bilateral documents. These included memorandums of cooperation between scientific institutions of the two countries, as well as agreements in the fields of transport, civil aviation, diplomatic training, and student academic mobility. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also signed a Joint Statement following the official visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Turkmenistan. After the negotiations, the leaders addressed the media, reaffirming their intention to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, transport, education, and humanitarian affairs. As part of his visit, Anwar Ibrahim visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in the village of Kipchak, where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the visit program, the Prime Minister of Malaysia departed for his homeland.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia granted additional accreditation in Brunei
19.06.2026President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a decree expanding the diplomatic responsibilities of Mukhammetnyyaz Mashalov, who serves as Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia. This was reported by the IIC. The diplomat has now also been appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Brunei Darussalam. He will combine his duties in Brunei with his primary residence in Kuala Lumpur.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Slovakia
19.06.2026On June 18, 2026, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmed Gurbanov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Šimonjak, and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Turkmenistan Viktor Boretsky. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and reviewed the results of the first meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation, which took place the previous day in Ashgabat. It was noted that the commission’s work expands opportunities for trade and economic cooperation and strengthens the partnership. Both sides confirmed mutual interest in developing political dialogue and intensifying high-level contacts, including reciprocal visits between the institutions of the two countries. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in the fields of transport, energy, information technologies, and agriculture. Special attention was given to strengthening ties between business communities, organizing business missions, and encouraging the participation of Slovak companies in exhibitions and forums in Turkmenistan. The meeting also considered opportunities to expand cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including education and culture.
Turkmen Foreign Minister meets with EBRD representative
19.06.2026On 18 June 2026, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Representative Office in Turkmenistan, Eric Livny. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD. The role of regular consultations in expanding practical engagement and advancing joint initiatives was highlighted. Mutual interest in developing the partnership was reaffirmed. The cooperation is aimed at supporting economic reforms, attracting investment, and implementing projects in strategically important sectors.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations outlined sustainable development priorities
19.06.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, speaking at a specialized conference in New York, stated that ensuring peace, justice, and effective institutions is a key condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This was reported by the IIC. According to him, stability and capable state institutions create the foundation for implementing the global agenda. Vepa Hajiyev noted that, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan promotes preventive diplomacy mechanisms and cooperates with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN also emphasized the importance of transparent governance institutions in strengthening public trust and ensuring a fair distribution of the outcomes of economic development. In this context, he recalled the UN General Assembly resolution affirming the role of neutrality policy in strengthening international security. In conclusion, the diplomat noted that Turkmenistan intends to further develop dialogue with international partners within the framework of preparations for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Arrives in Turkmenistan on an Official Visit
19.06.2026On June 18, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The head of the Malaysian government was welcomed by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. An honor guard participated in the welcoming ceremony. During the visit, talks are scheduled in Ashgabat focusing on the development of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain partnership relations in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres and also cooperate within international organizations, including the United Nations. An important milestone in the development of bilateral dialogue was the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Malaysia in 2024. One of the key areas of cooperation remains the oil and gas sector. The activities of Petronas in Turkmenistan have made a significant contribution to strengthening the partnership. The two sides are also interested in expanding cooperation in petrochemicals, transport and logistics infrastructure, high technologies, agriculture, science, and education. The outcomes of the upcoming talks are expected to contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
The UN resolution initiated by Turkmenistan has been published in six languages
18.06.2026UN General Assembly Resolution 80/262, initiated by Turkmenistan and dedicated to the role of neutrality in strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development, has been officially published in all six official UN languages, according to the news agency Orient. The document relates to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly and is included in the agenda on peacebuilding issues, ensuring its wide dissemination among member states. A distinctive feature of the resolution is that it was adopted by consensus and became the first UN document submitted under a specially created agenda item fully dedicated to the topic of neutrality. Publication in all six official languages completes the formal procedures following its unanimous adoption. The resolution aims to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation, and multilateral cooperation, as well as to develop practical UN mechanisms that utilize the potential of states’ neutral status to enhance global security and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmen Media Delegation Discusses Prospects for Cooperation with the EU in Brussels
18.06.2026A Turkmen media delegation, as part of a press tour in Brussels, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium and Head of the country's Mission to the European Union, Sapar Palvanov. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The parties discussed key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Particular attention was given to the development of political, economic, and investment cooperation, transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, as well as strengthening Turkmenistan’s role as a regional logistics hub. Energy, sustainable development, and cooperation in the field of critical raw materials were also identified as priority areas. The participants reviewed the activities of the Central Asia–EU format and discussed prospects for implementing joint projects. It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently develops its relations with the European Union based on the principles of neutrality, equality, and mutual respect.
Turkmen Ambassador held a meeting with the Governor of Tokyo
18.06.2026On June 15, 2026, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with the Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the sides discussed the development of various areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan. In particular, they noted the importance of friendly and constructive talks held in Tokyo in April and December 2025 between the President of Turkmenistan, the Emperor of Japan Naruhito, and the Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. The parties also discussed issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX), as well as economic, industrial, and technological cooperation, along with cultural and tourism exchanges. At the end of the meeting, the ambassador invited the Governor of Tokyo to visit Turkmenistan at a mutually convenient time, including within the framework of events held in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag.
Turkmenistan and China discussed interparliamentary cooperation
18.06.2026A meeting was held in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan between representatives of the national parliament and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. During the talks, issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed, according to the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. It was noted that Turkmen-Chinese relations are developing in a number of areas, including interparliamentary cooperation. During the meeting, it was emphasized that cooperation between the parliaments of Turkmenistan and the PRC is acquiring new substance and serves as a tool for legislative support of strategic projects. The parties also discussed the organization of a training seminar by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China for parliamentary representatives of Central Asian countries. The event is aimed at strengthening the role of legislative bodies and developing the “China – Central Asia” format. It was also expressed confidence that the seminar will become a platform for exchanging experience, strengthening mutual understanding, and expanding interparliamentary cooperation.
Turkmenistan took part in preparations for the “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit
18.06.2026On June 16 in Tashkent, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov took part in the second meeting of senior officials dedicated to preparations for the first summit of heads of state in the “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” format. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the foreign ministries of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the Republic of Korea also participated in the meeting. The participants reviewed the current status of preparations for the upcoming summit, discussed draft final documents, and exchanged views on further development of multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea.
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