Policy
Turkmenistan delegation participates in FAO conference in Dushanbe
16.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev, took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The forum was held on May 11–12 in Dushanbe with participation of representatives from regional countries, international organizations, and relevant agencies, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed issues of food security, sustainable agricultural development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the efficient use of water and land resources. Special attention was given to expanding international cooperation in the agricultural sector. Within the framework of the conference, meetings were held to consider prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the fields of agriculture, food security, and environmental protection.
Turkmenistan has been granted observer status in ICESCO
16.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in a forum of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during his visit to Kazan. The event was held in connection with the city being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Hero-Arkadag noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to develop multilateral dialogue in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, and promote a culture of peace. It was also emphasized that during the 15th session of the General Conference of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the Organization dedicated to education, science, and culture across the Islamic world. ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik stated that the possibility of declaring Ashgabat the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration. Work in this direction has already begun.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed support to India’s leadership
16.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has extended condolences to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the casualties and destruction caused by severe storms and heavy rainfall in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, the head of state expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Turkmenistan and Nepal discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC
15.05.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Nepal and President of the 2026 ECOSOC session, Lok Bahadur Thapa, according to the IIC. During the talks, the sides discussed cooperation within the framework of ECOSOC, focusing on key areas of sustainable development, the development of transport connectivity, strengthening energy security, as well as support for countries facing intersecting energy and governance challenges. Separately, they addressed the implementation of the “Avaza” programme initiated by Turkmenistan, as well as the upcoming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035. In addition, the parties exchanged views on preparations for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum, including a planned side event dedicated to sustainable transport development, which Turkmenistan intends to organize.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan
15.05.2026During a visit to Bukhara, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Speaker of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The sides noted the importance of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are connected by shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values, and that the partnership—based on mutual respect and trust—is actively developing across various areas. The parties also discussed cooperation in the international legal sphere, the exchange of experience in legislative activity, and further work of interparliamentary friendship groups. The Turkmen side invited Azerbaijani colleagues to take part in international events in Avaza within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission in Malta
15.05.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan, led by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Federal Republic of Germany and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to UN Tourism, Turizm B. Rejepov, is taking part in the 72nd session of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, held from 12 to 14 May 2026 in St. Julian’s (Malta). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event is organized by the UN Tourism Secretariat in cooperation with the Government of Malta. It is attended by member states of the Commission, as well as representatives of international organizations and relevant institutions. During the session, participants are discussing global and regional approaches in the field of tourism, the activities of UN Tourism, and the implementation of the Europe work programme for 2025–2026. Cooperation with affiliated members of the organization is also being considered. Special emphasis is placed on preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, the development of international cooperation, and current challenges facing the tourism industry. Turkmenistan is participating in the work of the Commission and is developing cooperation with the UN Tourism Secretariat in the field of tourism. The country notes growing interest in its tourism potential, based on natural sites, cultural and historical heritage, and modern infrastructure.
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the inauguration ceremony in Uganda
15.05.2026From May 10 to 15, 2026, a Turkmenistan delegation led by the Chairman of the Democratic Party Ata Serdarov visited Kampala to take part in the inauguration of the re-elected President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony took place at Cololo Square in the capital. After the inauguration, the Turkmen delegation was received by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the presidential palace in Entebbe. The Turkmen side conveyed congratulations to President Museveni on his re-election and assumption of office on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. A letter of thanks from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the invitation to the ceremony was also presented. Yoweri Museveni thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for the congratulations and for the participation of the delegation. The parties noted the potential for developing political and economic ties between the two countries. During the visit, a meeting took place between Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, and Richard Todwong, the General Secretary of the ruling party of Uganda. The Ugandan side was informed about the activities, goals, and the role of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan in strengthening public unity and patriotic upbringing of youth. The parties expressed their willingness to develop inter-party and inter-parliamentary contacts and to exchange experience. Meetings also took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda at the level of heads of structural divisions. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian areas. Specific attention was given to issues related to political consultations between the foreign affairs agencies, as well as the organization of business forums and cultural events. In addition, the Turkmen delegation was received by Henry Oryem Okello, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The sides exchanged views on key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Prospects for Turkmen–Korean cooperation were discussed in Ashgabat
15.05.2026On May 14, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov met with His Excellency Li Won-je, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of political-diplomatic cooperation, including regular inter-ministerial consultations, inter-parliamentary contacts, and cooperation within international organizations—primarily the United Nations. Mutual support for initiatives at international platforms was noted, and the importance of contacts at the highest and senior levels was emphasized for developing Turkmen-Korean relations. Cooperation in the format “Central Asia — Republic of Korea” was also considered. The parties noted the stable nature of trade and economic cooperation. The contribution of Korean companies to projects in the gas-chemical sector, transport infrastructure, and shipbuilding was highlighted. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, cooperation in education, science, sports, and the study of the Korean language in Turkmenistan was emphasized. According to both sides, such contacts help strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Turkmenistan presented initiatives at a women’s forum in Uzbekistan
15.05.2026On May 14, 2026, a delegation led by the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, took part in the Second Asian Women’s Forum in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis. The forum was dedicated to expanding the economic, social, and political opportunities for women and strengthening their role in public administration and civic life. Speaking at the opening ceremony, D. Gulmanova emphasized the importance of international cooperation in protecting women’s rights and enhancing their social security. It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing policies to increase women’s participation in socio-political and economic spheres in line with its international human rights commitments. Attention was also drawn to the participation of Turkmen women in government bodies and various sectors of the economy, as well as their contribution to the country’s development. Information was separately presented on Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the United Nations, including a proposal to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law.” In conclusion, D. Gulmanova invited forum participants to attend international events to be held in Turkmenistan in 2026 as part of the country’s chairmanship of the CIS.
Turkmenistan and Cyprus discussed the development of bilateral relations
15.05.2026On May 14, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, A. Gurbano, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus (resident in Moscow), Kypros Yorgallis. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the development of bilateral relations. They noted the potential for expanding cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was given to interagency contacts, which, as emphasized, contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Cyprus within international organizations was also highlighted. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to further develop mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed expanding business cooperation
15.05.2026On May 14, 2026, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Turkey, Mekan Ishangulyev, held a meeting with representatives of the “Turkmenistan–Türkiye” Business Council under the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), led by Sefa Gömdeniz. This was reported by “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Turkish trade and economic cooperation, as well as the expansion of engagement between business communities of the two countries. The role of the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council was noted, as it initiates bilateral meetings, exhibitions of Turkish manufacturers, and business forums that contribute to strengthening economic ties. Sefa Gömdeniz stated that Turkish business is showing growing interest in developing contacts with partners from Turkmenistan and thanked the Turkmen side for its support of Turkish companies. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing dialogue between the public and private sectors and confirmed their readiness to continue joint work on implementing bilateral projects.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people spoke at the OIC forum in Kazan
15.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, spoke at the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Kazan, emphasizing the importance of cultural and humanitarian dialogue and putting forward a number of initiatives. This was reported by the online resource AsmanNews. Hero-Arkadag thanked the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian side for the invitation to “KazanForum 2026” and noted that the platform contributes to the development of international cooperation. The speech focused on the role of education, science, and culture in strengthening mutual understanding and sustainable development. The importance of preserving cultural diversity and enhancing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere was highlighted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality. This status, confirmed by UN resolutions, is seen as a foundation for the development of international cooperation. Special attention was paid to cooperation with UNESCO and efforts to preserve cultural heritage. The country has more than 1,500 historical and cultural monuments. Several sites are included in the World Heritage List, while elements of intangible heritage are included in the organization’s relevant lists. Turkmenistan expressed interest in expanding cooperation with ICESCO and confirmed its intention to obtain observer status. This step is seen as an opportunity to strengthen participation in international humanitarian projects. Among the initiatives proposed were the development of a strategy for preserving the cultural heritage of Islamic countries, the launch of the program “Islamic Poetic Dialogue: Wisdom and the Connection of Centuries,” and the creation of a “World Anthology of Islamic Poetry.” An idea was also put forward to develop “smart city” diplomacy for exchanging experience among Islamic countries. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to contribute to the development of intercivilizational dialogue and the strengthening of international cooperation.
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