Policy
‘Awaza’ will host a meeting between the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan
06.08.2026At the end of July, the leaders of the six Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration in Cholpon-Ata, reaffirming the high level of trust between the states of the ‘CA-6’ format. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting served as preparation for the 8th official Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which is due to take place on 8 October 2026 in Turkmenistan’s ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea. This regional integration framework has taken shape over the past eight years. The first step was a meeting of Central Asian leaders in Astana, which laid the foundations for the ‘CA-5’ framework and aimed to strengthen trust between states, coordinate foreign policy and remove bureaucratic barriers. Over the course of the seven subsequent meetings, the countries resolved issues relating to the delimitation and demarcation of borders, established mechanisms for managing water and energy resources, increased trade, and established joint transport corridors. The second step was Azerbaijan’s accession to the platform. Baku was granted guest-of-honour status, and its full membership was subsequently announced at the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent — thus establishing the ‘CA-6’ format. This gave the countries of the region access to Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and European markets. The third step was an informal meeting of the leaders of the six countries in Cholpon-Ata. In addition to a joint declaration, the participants discussed issues relating to security, logistics, water management and energy. At the forthcoming meeting in Awaza, the leaders plan to discuss regional security, trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport logistics, the environment, water resources, as well as humanitarian and youth cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Vice-President of Switzerland
06.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and Switzerland. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Ignazio Cassis’s visit represents an important step towards further strengthening cooperation. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the OSCE on issues relating to the maintenance of peace, sustainable development and the implementation of joint programmes, which are drawn up annually by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The willingness to continue the partnership in the field of human rights and the study of international experience was also reaffirmed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that there were opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to Turkmen-Swiss relations. The Head of State reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in developing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as its readiness to consider proposals from the Swiss side. Ignazio Cassis confirmed the interest of the OSCE and Switzerland in further developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed prospects for cooperation
06.08.2026On 5 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the activities of the OSCE and the prospects for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Organisation, as well as with the Swiss Confederation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE takes place on a systematic basis within the framework of the annual Project Plan of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, covering all three areas of the Organisation’s activities. The participants emphasised the importance of holding high-level regional events in Ashgabat with the participation of the OSCE leadership. They also discussed preparations for upcoming joint events aimed at developing regional cooperation and exchanging experience. Particular attention was paid to the further development of cooperation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE, the Organisation’s Secretariat, its institutions and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador took part in the celebrations in California
05.08.2026Celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence took place in the San Diego area (California, USA). The event was organised by Fit International and attended by representatives of the local authorities, the public, the media and friends of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the US, Esen Aydogdyev, took part in the celebrations. He congratulated those present on the 250th anniversary of US independence and noted that celebrating the independence anniversaries of the two countries underscores the importance of sovereignty, national identity, peaceful development and mutual respect between states. The highlight of the programme was the presentation of a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’. The event was also attended by Kirt Edwards, Head of Fit International, who congratulated the people of Turkmenistan on Independence Day and wished them peace, well-being and prosperity. According to the embassy, the event once again demonstrated the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between Turkmenistan and the US.
A meeting between the Ambassadors of Turkmenistan and the State of Kuwait took place in Dushanbe
05.08.2026On 4 August in Dushanbe, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, A. Gochmyradov, met with the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, Mohammad Rashid Al-Amiri, who had arrived on a courtesy visit to mark the start of his diplomatic mission. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties noted the steady development of Turkmen-Kuwaiti relations with the support of the leaders of both states. The Kuwaiti Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for its assistance in ensuring the safe transit of Kuwaiti citizens through Turkmenistan due to the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of humanism, good neighbourliness and international cooperation was emphasised. The interlocutors also noted that the opening of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Dushanbe creates further opportunities for expanding cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The parties reaffirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan briefed the Kuwaiti diplomat on the events dedicated to the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, and presented a book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘A Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness’.
An international centre for legal affairs is to be established in Ashgabat
04.08.2026The Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ is to be established at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. It will serve as a permanent academic and diplomatic centre for discussing topical issues in international law, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The initiative is being implemented as part of the UN Resolution ‘International Year of International Law, 2028’, adopted at the initiative of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, R. Meredov, presented the project at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The platform will bring together domestic and foreign experts to exchange experience and conduct research. As part of this initiative, it is planned to hold the annual ‘Ashgabat International Legal Dialogue’, as well as educational programmes for young lawyers, diplomats and researchers.
Turkmenistan is to draw up a policy paper on international law and neutrality
04.08.2026Turkmenistan is to draw up a National Concept entitled ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, which will be submitted to UN Member States as an official document of the Organisation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, reported on the preparation of the document at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers as part of a report on the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’. The concept paper will reflect the interconnection between international law and Turkmenistan’s legal status of permanent neutrality. Between 2026 and 2028, a series of forums and expert meetings involving national and international specialists are planned in the country to prepare the programme and finalise the list of participants for the 2028 international forum.
Ashgabat will host the World Forum on International Law in 2028
04.08.2026In 2028, Ashgabat will host the High-Level World Forum on International Law, at the conclusion of which it is planned to adopt the Ashgabat Declaration. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry R. Meredov reported on preparations for the event, presenting to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov plans for the Year of International Law, proclaimed by the UN. The forum will take place with the support and participation of the United Nations. It will be attended by state representatives, diplomats and legal experts. Participants will consider the draft Ashgabat Declaration, which aims to reaffirm the role of international law in ensuring peace, security and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan and Thailand are expanding their political and diplomatic cooperation
04.08.2026On 31 July, during a working visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, held a meeting with Ms Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle Eastern and African Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Thailand. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The parties discussed the development of political and diplomatic cooperation, the preparation of high-level visits, the holding of political consultations, as well as cooperation in the fields of trade and economics, transport and logistics, investment, culture and humanitarian affairs, education and tourism. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their readiness for further cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international organisations.
The text of the UN resolution on the International Year of Law 2028 has been published
04.08.2026The website of the State Information Agency TDH has published the text of the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, adopted at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The document emphasises the role of international law, including the UN Charter, in maintaining peace, security and fostering cooperation between states. The Resolution proclaims 2028 as the Year of International Law and calls on UN Member States to organise activities aimed at promoting legal education, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in this field. It also highlights the need to expand access to information on international law through digital platforms and multilingual resources, as well as to engage young people and women in relevant initiatives. The document reflects Turkmenistan’s initiative to host the High-Level World Forum on International Law in Ashgabat in 2028. It is planned that the Ashgabat Declaration will be adopted following the forum.
The EU and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership
04.08.2026Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, and Nazar Agahanov, the Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, discussed the development of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties noted the positive momentum and mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between the EU and Turkmenistan, particularly in the areas of trade, economic development and business relations. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for cooperation. It was previously reported that Beata Peksa is concluding her tenure as EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
A delegation from Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Governor of Limburg
03.08.2026In Maastricht, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev, held a meeting with the King’s Commissioner and Governor of the Province of Limburg, Emile Roemer. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the Turkmen side presented the concept and the stages of preparation for an international event to be held on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. The parties discussed organisational matters relating to the event dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses, as well as issues concerning cooperation with local authorities and relevant provincial bodies. T. Atahallyev invited Emile Roemer and representatives of the Limburg administration to attend the event as guests of honour. The governor confirmed his willingness to assist with its organisation. Particular attention was paid to the development of inter-regional cooperation between the province of Limburg and one of Turkmenistan’s velayats. Potential areas for cooperation included trade, the economy and investment, industry, agriculture, science, education, culture and tourism. The parties expressed their interest in further strengthening ties between Turkmenistan and the province of Limburg, as well as in implementing joint projects and exchanging expertise.
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