Policy
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan presented a plan for preparations for the Year of International Law
31.01.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the Year of International Law in 2028, initiated by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country's foreign policy priorities remain strengthening cooperation with the UN and its member states, participating in international initiatives on sustainable development, peace, security, transport, energy, ecology and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention is being paid to the proposal by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. The plan provides for cooperation with the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the preparation of a draft resolution for the UN General Assembly, and the development of a national concept on ‘International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ International and regional conferences, forums, round tables, educational events in schools and universities with the participation of experts, the preparation of training materials, competitions for young specialists and information support through the media and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website are also planned. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of the initiative for strengthening the international legal framework and instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ensure the implementation of the relevant measures.
Turkmen-German dialogue strengthens economic ties
31.01.2026On 30 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a video conference with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties noted the active development of trade and economic relations, which testifies to the high level of bilateral dialogue between Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the Turkmen-German Business Forum during his working visit to Germany in September 2023, which served as an impetus for further intensification of economic cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of the bilateral meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ dialogue, as well as the negotiations with representatives of German business held in Astana in September 2024. Noting the regularity of cross-economic days, business forums and exhibitions, the participants discussed the role of the Joint Turkmen-German Working Group and the Eastern Committee of German Economy, whose activities contribute to the expansion of practical intergovernmental cooperation.
Turkmenistan presented its concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan presented its concept for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The presentation took place on 29 January in Minsk at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS, according to IIC. The priorities were announced by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus. According to him, the programme is based on the principles of Peace and Trust. Ashgabat proposed to declare 2027 the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS. The initiative is aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure and international transport corridors. There are also plans to strengthen digital interaction and innovative cooperation as factors in the region's competitiveness. In the political sphere, Turkmenistan advocates coordinating actions to protect international law. CIS countries have been asked to develop a coordinated position within the UN. Ashgabat also hopes to gain support for its initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. The humanitarian part of the concept covers youth exchanges, sports, the promotion of multilingualism and environmental projects. Separate emphasis is placed on the ‘green economy’ and scientific and technical cooperation. The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, which will be held in Kaliningrad in April, and reviewed a report on the development of Commonwealth statistics.
Turkmenistan officially assumed the chairmanship of the CIS
31.01.2026Turkmenistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The concept of the chairmanship and the plan for its implementation were presented by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, before the first meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS in Minsk in 2026. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador noted that Turkmenistan considers the CIS an important platform for cooperation between states with common economic and humanitarian interests. Work during the chairmanship will be carried out in accordance with the organisation's statutory documents and will be aimed at developing multilateral cooperation. As part of its mandate, Turkmenistan will head the activities of key CIS bodies, including the Councils of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. In 2026, meetings and forums are planned both in Turkmenistan and in other countries of the Commonwealth. The meeting in Minsk also approved the working plan of the Council of Permanent Representatives and the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the CIS. Separate consideration was given to the implementation of the CIS statistics development project, aimed at improving the effectiveness of integration processes.
A Resolution on the development of the digital economy has been signed in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution approving the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and its implementation plan, according to the news resource AsmanNews. The programme aims to introduce modern digital solutions and create a high-tech, competitive digital environment in the country. Ministries, departments and local authorities in the provinces, Ashgabat and Arkadag have been tasked with ensuring its implementation.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan reviewed plans for digitalisation and industry development
31.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held another meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. The discussion focused on issues of legislation, economics, digitalisation, industry, culture and foreign policy. This was reported by TDH. Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova said that the country continues to update its legal framework. Amendments are currently being prepared to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the Code of Administrative Offences, as well as the laws ‘On Migration’ and ‘On Fisheries and the Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources’. The work is being carried out taking into account the proposals of the ministries and an analysis of international practice. At the same time, she said, the Mejlis is expanding its international contacts. The credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Chad were accepted, a meeting was held with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and deputies took part in UN events. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the laws being adopted and instructed that the preparation of new drafts should continue. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the development of the banking system. He said that as part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028,’ information and communication technologies are being introduced and the technical base of the Central Bank, the State Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenistan’ and the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenbaşy’ is being updated. The proposal was approved. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov spoke about the work to ensure the consistent operation of the oil refineries of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. He reported on measures for oil processing, supplying the domestic market and exporting products abroad. The proposals presented were also supported. After that, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on plans to commission new facilities in 2026 in the velayats and Ashgabat. These were social and industrial buildings. The list of facilities was approved. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the preparation of an exhibition of export products from the Republic of Turkey, which will be held in Ashgabat. About 100 companies have registered to participate. The President of Turkmenistan instructed that the event be organised to a high standard. Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova then presented information about the festival ‘Dünýäde ýaňlanýar ajap dessanym, toý tutýar Garaşsyz Türkmenistanym’, which will take place in March in Dashoguz velayat. The programme includes concerts, master classes and a scientific and practical conference. Preparations for the festival were approved. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Orazdurdyeva reported on the establishment of the electronic journal ‘Scientific Research and Innovation’ at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The journal will be published in Turkmen, English and Russian. The President supported the initiative. Next, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law. The document provides for cooperation with the UN, the holding of international forums and educational programmes. The plan was approved. Concluding the main reports, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on measures to digitise the economy. He presented drafts of the State Programme and the Plan for its implementation. The President of Turkmenistan signed the relevant Resolution. During the meeting, other issues were also considered, on which decisions were taken.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed joint educational projects
31.01.2026On 30 January, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, Chairwoman of the National Vocational Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of experience, joint capacity-building programmes and the development of technical and vocational education. Following the meeting, it was agreed to continue the dialogue and explore opportunities for joint educational projects, including those related to the teaching of Urdu in Turkmenistan.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in negotiations with the Commissioner of Korean Customs
31.01.2026On 30 January, Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, attended an official dinner hosted by the Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service and the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, they talked about developing cooperation in customs, including sharing info, taking part in international projects and conferences, as well as training and professional development programmes. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the active interaction between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and their Korean colleagues, as well as the participation of Turkmen specialists in Korean training initiatives.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed plans for the TAPI and TAP projects in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are strengthening their strategic cooperation in 2026. Negotiations were held via videoconference between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to the news website Asmannews. The main focus was on cross-border projects — the TAPI gas pipeline, the TAP power line and rail links. The parties noted the progress made and stressed the need for coordination for visits by high-level delegations and new initiatives. In Herat province, a 91-kilometre section of the TAPI route has been prepared, along which work camps have already been set up. Construction of the Afghan segment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The project strengthens the region's energy infrastructure and creates new jobs.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed the development of their partnership and plans for the current year
31.01.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Gurbanmammet Elyasov held talks with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations, highly appreciated the results of 2025 and noted the active development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as mutual visits at the highest level. It was noted that the initiatives of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation in energy, transport (including through the Middle Corridor), trade and culture. In addition, upcoming international forums and events in 2026 were discussed, including the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where Azerbaijan will participate as a full member for the first time, which will strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Russia held another round of political consultations
30.01.2026On 29 January, Ashgabat hosted another round of Turkmen-Russian political consultations with the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mihail Galuzin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on key issues on the bilateral agenda and confirmed the strategic nature of their relations. During the talks, it was noted that cooperation is actively developing in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including interaction within the UN, the CIS and the ‘Central Asia-Russia’ format. The diplomats confirmed their interest in expanding dialogue between foreign ministries within the framework of the Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for 2025–2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Georgia
30.01.2026On 29 January, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Turkmenistan Konstantin Sabiashvili at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda and noted the high level of political and diplomatic relations. During the meeting, issues of expanding trade and economic cooperation and prospects for the development of interparliamentary ties were discussed.
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