Policy
Turkmenistan strengthens ties with UAE in gas industry
04.02.2026On 3 February, in Dubai, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, Director General of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current projects and promising areas of cooperation in the gas industry. An agreement was reached on regular meetings and consultations to strengthen the partnership and ensure consistent interaction in priority areas.
Turkmenistan delegation represented at World Governments Summit
04.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, is participating in the World Governments Summit, which is being held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event involves more than 30 Heads of State and Government, about 150 government delegations and about 6,000 participants, including representatives of international companies, financial organisations and educational institutions. The agenda includes global governance, the development of artificial intelligence, climate change and the coordination of economic policy. Speaking at the session ‘The Future of Global Alliances,’ Rashid Meredov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to solving key international problems. He noted that the country advocates coordinated cooperation based on international law, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all states. It is reported that Turkmenistan has initiated a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and supports multilateral formats of interaction. Among the proposed mechanisms are strengthening public administration, exchanging expert knowledge and developing economic interconnectivity. The summit continues.
Turkmenistan strengthened its healthcare and sports systems in 2025
04.02.2026The year 2025, declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ and marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, was marked by the implementation of state programmes in the fields of healthcare and sport. This was reported by TDH. As President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated in his New Year's Address, caring for the health of citizens remains a priority of state policy. This work covers disease prevention, the development of medical infrastructure and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The basis of the healthcare system remains the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In July, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry held a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘The “Saglyk” (Health) State Programme in Action’. Similar events were held in all regions of the country. As part of the programme, the material and technical base is being modernised, legislation is being updated, and World Health Organisation recommendations are being implemented. In recent years, a network of modern medical, diagnostic, scientific and clinical centres has been created. In 2025, the International Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Physiology received the ‘German Design Award Winner 2025’ certificates from the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung). In January 2025, the President signed a Decree on the construction of the first phase of the ‘Arkadag’ medical cluster as part of the National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022-2052. To train personnel, specialists are sent on internships abroad and participate in video conferences with foreign clinics. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continued to finance operations and purchase equipment. On 9 December 2025, a branch of the Fund was opened in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare. In 2025, the 12th Turkmen-German Healthcare Forum was held. An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ was also held, which included congresses of cardiologists, physiologists and oncologists. At the same time, work was carried out to develop sport and mass physical culture. Sports grounds are provided in educational and residential complexes. Every year, a mass bike ride is held to mark World Bicycle Day, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan. In 2025, the national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’ won the Grand Prize at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Turkmen athletes won 28 medals at the International Goresh (national wrestling) and Alysh (belt wrestling) Wrestling Tournament in Ashgabat. In May 2025, the ‘Arkadag’ football team became the champion of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. On 15 December, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an award ceremony for young athletes and winners of international Olympiads. The results of 2025 showed the expansion of infrastructure, growth in international contacts and the development of mass sports and healthcare in the country.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Sri Lanka on Independence Day
04.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Anura Kumara Dissanayake good health and prosperity, and the people of Sri Lanka peace, stability and further development. It should be added that Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1996.
Turkmenistan and Romania discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
03.02.2026On 3 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Ion Naval, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. They talked about intensifying contacts at the highest levels, both in the format of bilateral visits and at multilateral platforms. The importance of regular political consultations and meetings of the Turkmen-Romanian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was also emphasised. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania.
Hero Arkadag: The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be a celebration for the people
03.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat as part of the AFC Champions League 2. During his visit to the stadium, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noted the importance of the upcoming match for the country and called for its organisation to be carried out at a high level, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘A victory for the team will be a great achievement, a draw will be a matter of chance, and any outcome of the match will be a celebration for the people and an incentive for new victories,’ said the Hero Arkadag. He also stressed the need for thorough preparation of the infrastructure, spectator stands and playing field, as well as coordination of all structures involved. The stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, was built for the 5th Asian Games in 2017 and will host its first official football match. The management must also ensure high-quality coverage of the event, an advertising campaign and conditions for the work of foreign media. The round of 16 matches will be played in two stages: the first in Ashgabat on 11 February and the second leg on 18 February in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the tie will play in the quarter-finals against the winner of the Al-Zawraa (Iraq) vs Al Wasl (UAE) tie.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Iran met with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute
02.02.2026On 29 January, Ilyas Gayipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with Muhammad Hassan, the newly appointed President of the ECO Cultural Institute. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting took place in Tehran on the premises of the university. During the negotiation process, the prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. In addition, the participants discussed the possibility of jointly organising events under the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of CIS Ambassadors with Sergey Lavrov
02.02.2026On 27 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, took part in a meeting between Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ambassadors of CIS member states accredited in Moscow. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of executive bodies of other Eurasian organisations. During the conversation, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, key international issues were discussed and the results of multilateral cooperation for 2025 were summarised. The participants identified priority tasks for the near future: strengthening foreign policy coordination, developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as joint measures to ensure regional security.
Hero Arkadag inspected the readiness of Ashgabat Olympic Stadium for the match
02.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat and familiarised himself with the preparations for the Olympic Stadium for the international football match. The arena will host the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ Football Club and ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag inspected the playing field, stands and infrastructure. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that all organisational issues must be resolved on time and every detail taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions for fans, athletes, coaches and the work of the media. The Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, D. Orazov, reported that the field is fully ready. According to him, it complies with international standards and is suitable for year-round use. During the off-season, the turf is covered with a protective cover. Hero Arkadag also instructed to coordinate the work of all involved structures, ensure security, logistics and information support for the match. The Olympic Village was built on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. It hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, the World Weightlifting Championships in 2018, the World Kurash Championships in 2023 and other international tournaments. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 spectators and is the largest in Central Asia. Hero Arkadag noted that the match is of great importance for the development of football and international sports cooperation. At the end of his visit, he wished the ‘Arkadag’ team a successful and fair game.
Turkmenistan creates national strategy for artificial intelligence development
01.02.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev reported on measures to digitise economic sectors and introduce innovative technologies. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In accordance with the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028, a draft State Programme and an Action Plan for its implementation have been prepared. The documents are aimed at the transition to a digital economy, the development of a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence, the introduction of AI technologies in the industry, as well as the training and professional development of specialists. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft resolution. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the document and gave a number of instructions on the further development of digital technologies.
International portal to feature Year of Winged Horses in Turkmenistan
01.02.2026With the assistance of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, the ‘Turkic World’ portal is organising systematic and extensive coverage of events dedicated to the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The information cooperation is aimed at providing a broad presentation of cultural, scientific and socio-political events that reflect the historical value of the country's independence, its unchanged status of permanent neutrality and rich spiritual heritage. Publications on the portal will help strengthen international information exchange, develop dialogue in the Turkic world and raise awareness among the global audience about Turkmenistan's modern achievements, its role in the region and global development.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed cooperation in the field of water resources
01.02.2026On 30 January, the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was held in Khiva. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev, and the Uzbek delegation was headed by Shuhrat Ganiyev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Agricultural Development. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the two countries responsible for water resources management, irrigation and environmental protection. The co-chairs of the commission noted the high level of bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual trust and equality. They emphasised the parties' desire to expand cooperation not only in the water sector, but also in other areas of economic, infrastructural and humanitarian interaction. During the meeting, the parties discussed the introduction of modern technologies for rational water use, the improvement of mechanisms for monitoring and accounting for water resources, the development of human resources in the sector, as well as issues of adaptation to climate change and the reduction of associated risks. The parties confirmed their intention to continue regular bilateral consultations and commission meetings, as well as to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for cooperation. Following the meeting, the Protocol of the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was signed.
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