Policy
Turkmen-Japanese cooperation was discussed at a round-table meeting in Japan
18.03.2026On 18 March 2026, Chiba University hosted a round-table discussion to mark the theme of the year: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan and the university’s management, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The discussion was attended by Chiba University President Koutaro Yokote, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan A. Bayramov, the Dean of the Graduate Medical University of Japan, Director of the Institute of Medical Research, M.Takashi, Professor of the University of Tokyo, Honorary Professor of the Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Association for Scientific and Technical Cooperation, H.Koinuma, as well as university lecturers. The participants discussed the significance of the 2026 motto, Turkmenistan’s achievements and the cultural value of Ahal-Teke horses. The country’s work on studying and promoting them on the international stage was highlighted. In his address, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the priorities of foreign policy, the state’s youth policy, the initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as preparations for the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in medicine, healthcare and information technology. The Ambassador invited the university’s leadership to visit Turkmenistan and take part in the medical cluster project in Arkadag. Following the round table, the participants visited the Research Institute of Disaster Medicine and the Inohana Campus, where they were briefed on their activities.
Turkmenistan and Central Asian countries discuss traditions and international cooperation
18.03.2026On 18 March 2026, a conference dedicated to the region’s cultural heritage and the Nowruz festival was held at the Secretariat of the ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum. The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of the academic community, the tourism sector, the media and cultural organisations, according to IIC. The conference served as a platform for exchanging views and fostering intercultural dialogue. Discussions centred on the significance of traditions in the modern world and the prospects for cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea. Particular attention was drawn to the speech by Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan. He emphasised the importance of Nowruz in the life of the country, mentioned the mass celebrations in the ‘Nowruz Valley’ and recalled the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The official motto for 2026, reflecting national values, was also presented. As part of the conference, an exhibition was organised featuring books by the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, as well as items showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Turkmen delicacies. Participants noted the high standard of organisation and emphasised the importance of such meetings for strengthening friendship and cultural ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands
18.03.2026On 18 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Nicolaas Schermers, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Turkmenistan (resident in Astana). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation, noting the potential for expanding ties between government departments, the business sector and scientific and educational institutions. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the legal framework and developing cooperation within the framework of international organisations and regional initiatives. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people has arrived in Beijing
18.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 17 March for a friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Before his departure from Ashgabat International Airport, Hero Arkadag held a meeting with leaders of political parties and public organisations. It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and China have reached a new level and cover a wide range of areas. During the talks, emphasis was placed on the development of inter-parliamentary and inter-party ties, as well as on the convergence of the parties’ approaches to issues on the international agenda, including initiatives in the fields of security, development and dialogue. The role of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including in the field of education, was highlighted. It was noted that Turkmen students are studying at Chinese universities, and bilateral contacts in this area continue to expand. Hero Arkdag arrived in Beijing, where an official meeting attended by representatives of both countries took place at Beijing Capital International Airport. It is noted that Turkmenistan and China are actively cooperating in the energy, transport, trade and high-tech sectors. The parties are coordinating their efforts on the international stage, including within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ format. The friendly visit is continuing.
Turkmenistan and the CICA are stepping up dialogue on regional issues
17.03.2026On 17 March, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the CICA. It was noted that the country has held observer status since 2021 and supports the organisation’s objectives of strengthening peace, security and trust in Asia. Issues of regional and inter-regional cooperation, including in Central Asia, were considered separately. Turkmenistan’s initiatives to establish a permanent forum on security, peace and development were discussed. Areas of cooperation in energy, transport and the environment were also touched upon, as well as the development of dialogue between the CICA and the Group of Friends of Neutrality, and the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The parties noted the need to coordinate efforts to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan and ensure food security. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop their partnership within the framework of the CICA.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the delivery of humanitarian aid
17.03.2026A briefing was held in Ashgabat by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on regional issues and the development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Diplomat expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for facilitating the transit of humanitarian aid. He highlighted the country’s role as a key humanitarian hub in the region. Responding to questions from journalists, the Ambassador spoke about the current situation in the region and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomatic methods for resolving emerging issues. The importance of adhering to the principles of international law was also emphasised. According to the Diplomat, Turkmenistan, pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality, plays a significant role in maintaining peace and security. He noted that cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors contributes to strengthening regional stability. During the meeting, the Ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of good-neighbourliness and expressed his readiness to further develop cooperation with the media. At the conclusion of the briefing, the role of open dialogue with the press in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries was highlighted.
The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the contribution of entrepreneurs to economic development
17.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message to the participants of the exhibition and international forum marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by AsmanNews. The events are taking place as part of the celebrations marking this date and include an exhibition and the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’. In his message, the Head of State noted that the development of the private sector remains one of the priority areas of the national economy. According to him, entrepreneurs contribute to the country’s economic growth and the implementation of state programmes. The President emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and the involvement of business in key sectors of the economy. Turkmen entrepreneurs are participating in the development of industry, agriculture and the service sector, as well as introducing digital technologies and new production solutions. It was noted that modern enterprises are being established in the private sector, producing import-substituting and export-oriented goods. This contributes to job creation and an increase in the supply of goods on the domestic market. The address also outlined plans for further support for entrepreneurship. The ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments for 2026’ provides for measures to develop small and medium-sized businesses and increase the share of the non-state sector in gross domestic product to 72.9 per cent. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan congratulated the participants on the anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and wished them success in their work.
In Turkmenistan, a public holiday has been rescheduled to mark the National Spring Festival
17.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the rescheduling of a public holiday. This was reported by TDH. According to the document, the national holiday of the Turkmen people — Eid al-Fitr — will be celebrated on 20 March 2026. A public holiday has also been rescheduled: 22 March is moved to 23 March 2026, a Monday. The Decree notes that the decision was taken to create conditions for the solemn celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the National Spring Holiday, as well as to ensure a comfortable rest for citizens. The document instructs all institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, to ensure compliance with the Decree.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE met with the President of Khalifa University
16.03.2026Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, held a meeting with Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The negotiations took place at the university’s main campus in Abu Dhabi and focused on the prospects for establishing strategic institutional cooperation between Khalifa University and leading higher education institutions in Turkmenistan in the fields of science, technology and innovation. During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for developing academic mobility, implementing joint master’s and doctoral programmes, and launching joint research projects. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan also informed his counterpart about planned international events in Ashgabat. In the context of these initiatives, the meeting participants agreed to begin expert online consultations with the aim of further institutionalising cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the Diplomat visited a number of the university’s research facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories for robotics and medical research.
A new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan has been appointed
16.03.2026The Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Korea has announced the appointment of Lee Won-jae as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. The Diplomat, who has 30 years of experience, will contribute to the development of bilateral relations, including the implementation of joint industrial and infrastructure projects between Seoul and Ashgabat, according to the Orient news agency. Lee Won-jae previously headed the diplomatic mission in Kyrgyzstan, which provided him with practical experience of working in Central Asia. At the South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry, he also headed the economic cooperation department, which is significant given the expansion of South Korean companies’ activities in Turkmenistan’s energy and chemical sectors. His professional background also includes security matters: the Diplomat worked as a coordinator at the South Korean Ministry of Defence and served in diplomatic missions in Iran and Russia. Prior to his appointment in Ashgabat, he taught at the National Diplomatic Academy of Korea.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the international fight against drug trafficking
16.03.2026On 9 March 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the country’s Deputy Minister of the Internal Affairs, took part in the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which was held at the United Nations Office in Vienna. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission. The event was attended by representatives of member states, international organisations and the expert community. Participants discussed issues relating to combating illicit drug trafficking, strengthening international cooperation and developing effective strategies to combat drug-related crime and drug abuse. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and organised crime. He highlighted the measures being taken to strengthen border security, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, and implement national programmes on drug prevention and public safety. It was also emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively participating in regional and international initiatives aimed at countering illicit drug trafficking and developing multilateral cooperation. On the sidelines of the session, a meeting was held with Oliver Stolpe, the regional representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan. The parties discussed current issues of cooperation and prospects for further strengthening joint efforts in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, as well as ways to enhance regional coordination. In addition, the Turkmenistan delegation took part in parallel events, where it presented national experience and exchanged best practices with international partners, as well as familiarised itself with new approaches to the development of global anti-drug policy.
Turkmenistan and Russia discussed the development of their strategic partnership
16.03.2026On 13 March, a meeting took place in Moscow between Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, who is concluding his diplomatic mission, and Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on key aspects of the deepened strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the support provided during his diplomatic mission in Moscow. In turn, Mikhail Galuzin thanked Esen Aydogdyev for his contribution to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations and wished him success in his new post.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
