Policy
Hero-Arkadag visited the equestrian sports complex and OIC forum in Kazan
15.05.2026On May 14, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. During the visit, he toured the Kazan International Equestrian Sports Complex and addressed a forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation dedicated to Kazan being named the cultural capital of the Islamic world. This was reported by TDH. At the complex, Hero-Arkadag was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Chairman of the Federation of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan, Marat Zyabbarov, along with the facility’s management. Together with the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, he viewed an exhibition of the region’s agricultural products. Horse races featuring Turkmen riders were held at the complex. Master jockey B. Agamyradov and B. Berdimuhamedov won the 1,800-meter race. Turkmen athletes also secured prize-winning places. Hero-Arkadag presented awards to the winners. Participants also toured the infrastructure of the complex, which is designed to host international competitions. The facility covers approximately 90 hectares and includes racetracks, grandstands, and modern sports infrastructure. Later that day, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, highlighted the role of education and science in sustainable development, and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to its policy of neutrality. He also proposed initiatives to develop a strategy for preserving the cultural heritage of Islamic countries, compile an anthology of Islamic poetry, and expand cooperation in the field of smart cities. It was reported that Turkmenistan had submitted an application for observer status in ICESCO. At the 15th session of the organization’s General Conference, the country was granted the corresponding status. It was also noted that the possibility of granting Ashgabat the status of cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028 is currently under consideration. Following the visit, the parties confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation. After completing the program, Hero-Arkadag departed for Turkmenistan. As part of KazanForum 2026, Turkmenistan also presented a national pavilion at the “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” EXPO exhibition. The display featured products from the oil and gas, chemical, textile, and food industries, as well as achievements in transport, healthcare, and tourism. A separate section was dedicated to national arts and crafts, including carpets and jewelry. The multi-volume work “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” was also presented. In addition, Turkmen designers participated in the national costume festival, showcasing traditional clothing.
Cooperation with Cyprus Discussed at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
15.05.2026On May 14, a meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Turkmenistan, Kypros Georgallis. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side emphasized the importance of expanding relations with foreign states on the basis of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, which has been recognized three times by the UN General Assembly. The country’s commitment to developing international cooperation within the framework of its peaceful foreign policy was also highlighted. Particular attention was paid to interparliamentary diplomacy. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen ties with the parliaments of other countries based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and trust. The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in trade and economic spheres, exchange of legislative experience, and the development of humanitarian contacts.
Turkmenistan took part in discussions on the upcoming summit in Seoul
14.05.2026On May 11, 2026, an official dinner for ambassadors of Central Asian states was held at the residence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The event was hosted by the head of the Korean foreign ministry, Cho Tae-yul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, B. Durdyyev, took part in the event, according to the IIC. The central topic of the meeting was preparations for the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit, which will take place on September 16–17 in Seoul. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea noted the positive momentum in cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian areas. He expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen interregional partnership. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan emphasized the high level of bilateral dialogue. He noted the growth in trade turnover and the expansion of practical cooperation in key areas. The sides also discussed the development of academic exchanges, the organization of cultural days, and the expansion of Korean language learning programs in Turkmenistan. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed the country’s readiness to contribute to the successful organization of the summit and expressed hope for support from the Korean side in its implementation.
Trade unions of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are strengthening cooperation
14.05.2026On May 12, the Chair of the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, O. Berdiliyeva, held a meeting with the Chair of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan, S. Mammadov, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed trade union activities, issues related to the protection of labor rights, and social support for members of the organizations. Interest in expanding cooperation between the trade unions of the two countries was noted. At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan. On May 13, within the framework of the visit, a conference titled “Trade Union Activities on Climate Change Issues” was held. It was attended by representatives of trade unions, Azerbaijani government bodies, international organizations, and experts. Participants discussed the role of trade unions in shaping climate policy, issues of a just transition to a sustainable economy, and the protection of labor rights. Special attention was given to the creation of “green” jobs, workforce retraining, and the development of social protection systems.
Dialogue between Europe and Central Asia discussed in Ashgabat
14.05.2026On May 13, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mekhri Byashimova, held a meeting with the Director of the Secretariat of the Information and Analytical College of Europe, Yasmin Guehdar. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of dialogue between European and Central Asian countries, including cooperation with Turkmenistan. Yasmin Guehdar presented projects aimed at developing humanitarian cooperation. The possibility of organizing lectures and seminars for Turkmen universities on preventive diplomacy, polemology, and political analysis was also considered. Issues on the regional and international agenda were likewise discussed. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, and mutual respect was noted. During her visit to Ashgabat, Yasmin Guehdar took part in a scientific and practical conference titled “Turkmenistan and International Law: the Experience of Neutrality and Cooperation” at the International University for the Humanities and Development, where she also delivered a lecture to students.
Turkmenistan’s products were presented in Kazan at KazanForum 2026
14.05.2026The Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, visited the Turkmenistan pavilion at the international fair Kazan Halal Market in Kazan. This was reported by IIC. The exhibition is taking place from May 12 to 17 as part of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026”. Around 100 companies from Russian regions and nine foreign countries are participating in the event. The Turkmenistan exposition showcased a wide range of products manufactured in accordance with halal standards. Minnikhanov noted the scale of the fair and the quality of the presented goods on his social media accounts. KazanForum has established itself as one of the key platforms for the development of trade, economic, and cultural cooperation between Russia and the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The participation of the Turkmen delegation is aimed at expanding partnerships and promoting domestic products in international markets.
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed joint projects for 2026
14.05.2026On May 13, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan, Ahmed Al-Hai Hamad Khamis Al-Hameli. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UAE. The talks covered bilateral engagement as well as collaboration within international organizations. Special attention was given to cooperation in the fields of education and environmental security. The importance of joint projects in environmental protection and sustainable development was emphasized. The parties also discussed events planned for the current year.
Turkmenistan is represented at the Asian Women’s Forum in Bukhara
14.05.2026The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, is taking part in the Second Asian Women’s Forum and the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, which are being held in Bukhara and organized with the support of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the forum, participants discussed issues of women’s leadership in science, the digital economy, and international cooperation. In her speech, Gulmanova highlighted Turkmenistan’s measures to develop legislation, expand women’s participation in education, and improve their digital literacy. The role of women scientists and the importance of the dialogue platform for integrating women of the region into the global economy and knowledge system were also emphasized. Turkmenistan’s plans to hold a series of international events were separately announced, along with an invitation for participants to take part in them.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
14.05.2026On May 13, the Chair of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting in Bukhara with the Chair of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbaeva. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the field of international law for strengthening bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to issues of expanding the role of women in transport, transit, cross-border cooperation, and digital technologies. The participants of the meeting also noted the importance of exchanging legislative experience, intensifying interparliamentary friendship groups, and strengthening contacts between young parliamentarians and women parliamentarians. Gulmanova invited the Uzbek side to take part in international and interparliamentary events to be held in Avaza, Turkmenistan, as part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the CIS and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Ashgabat is hosting the 84th meeting of the CIS Railway Council
14.05.2026The 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the CIS member states has opened in Ashgabat. The forum is taking place in the conference hall of the Ýyldyz Hotel. It brings together representatives of relevant agencies from the Commonwealth countries, TDH reports. The agenda focuses on coordinating railway operations, developing the international network, and ensuring its technological integrity. Participants are also reviewing the Council’s performance and outlining future areas of cooperation. The participation of Turkmenistan in shaping regional transport policy was highlighted. Since 1992, the country has been a member of the Council and has been involved in expanding transit routes. The participants considered issues related to increasing freight volumes and developing transport and transit corridors. Emphasis was placed on infrastructure modernization and its role in expanding international cooperation. Special attention was given to Turkmenistan’s initiatives in sustainable transport, including UN resolutions and corridor development projects. In the second half of the day, the 2nd “Young Railway Workers” forum was held, focusing on personnel training and sector development. The meeting is ongoing.
Turkmenistan will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS
14.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan signed a Decree on the preparation of a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States. According to the document, the meeting will take place on May 22, 2026, in Ashgabat. This was reported by the online resource AsmanNews. The organization of the event has been assigned to the Administrative Department of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, together with the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The decision was made as part of the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Concept of Chairmanship in the CIS for 2026.
The President of Turkmenistan welcomed the participants of the CIS meeting
14.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to participants of the 84th meeting of the Council for Railway Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. This was reported by TDH. The address emphasised the role of the railway sector as a key element of economic cooperation and sustainable development among states. The importance of expanding cooperation between relevant agencies of CIS countries was highlighted. It also noted the adoption of the resolution “United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035,” as well as the establishment of World Sustainable Transport Day, observed on 26 November. The message drew attention to the development of Turkmenistan’s transport infrastructure. International railway lines have been commissioned, including Tejen–Sarahs–Mashhad, Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran, and Kerki–Imamnazar–Aqina, as well as domestic routes and bridges. Efforts to expand transit corridors along the East–West and North–South directions were emphasised. The country’s participation in projects such as the Lapis Lazuli route and the TRACECA corridor was also noted. The development of international multimodal routes involving Asian and European countries, aimed at increasing freight flows, was also mentioned. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the participants of the meeting successful work.
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