Policy
Turkmenistan is considering the introduction of personalised scholarships
03.05.2026Turkmenistan is considering the introduction of new personalised scholarships for students. The instruction was given by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at a working meeting in the city of Arkadag, reports Turkmenportal. The need to encourage young people through the development of the education system and support for students was highlighted. It was proposed that the issue of scholarships be addressed using a comprehensive approach. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development, D. Orazov, and the Mayor of Arkadag, G. Mammedova. Issues relating to the development of Arkadag were also discussed. According to the Mayor, housing for 7,368 families has been built as part of the first phase. The second phase involves the construction of homes for 4,284 families, as well as schools, nurseries and social facilities. It is noted that since the city’s foundation, thousands of families have moved into new flats and jobs have been created.
A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will be held in Ashgabat
03.05.2026Ashgabat will host a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May. Preparations for the event were discussed at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives in Minsk, according to the Executive Committee’s press service, as reported by Turkmenportal. According to Igor Petrishenko, First Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS, invitations have been sent to participants and the agenda has been agreed. It includes 12 items on economic cooperation and improving the effectiveness of interaction. Key topics include the development of the conference and exhibition sector, the interconnection of transport corridors, the digitalisation of the mining and metallurgical complex, and cooperation in the field of radio navigation. The permanent representatives also summarised the results of the meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, held on 17 April in Moscow, and discussed the implementation of the decisions adopted. Separate consideration was given to issues concerning the development of rail transport and the report by the Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Centre, Yevgeny Sysoev, on the programme for 2023–2025. It is noted that Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS in 2026.
Diplomats from Turkmenistan and the US have outlined priorities for cooperation
03.05.2026On 1 May, Esen Aydogdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, held talks with US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the main areas of development for bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. Following the meeting, the diplomats confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening and expanding Turkmen-American relations. Earlier, on 9 April 2026, a ceremony was held at Blair House in Washington, during which Esen Aydogdyev presented copies of his credentials to US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley.
A meeting was held in Ankara to discuss the development of business ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey
02.05.2026On 1 May, Mekan Ishangulyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, held a meeting with Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. They specifically considered the expansion of business contacts in light of current conditions and the possible implementation of new joint projects. They also noted the potential for growth in mutual trade and the strengthening of ties between business organisations in the two countries. The role of the Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council was emphasised. Exhibitions and business forums were cited as key instruments for cooperation.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan is to purchase laptops for first-year pupils
02.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the provision of laptops to first-year pupils in the 2026–2027 academic year. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The document is aimed at developing the education system, creating modern learning environments and training specialists proficient in innovative technologies. Under the Resolution, the Ministry of Education is authorised to enter into contracts with the joint venture ‘Agzybirlik tilsimaty’ and the commercial company ‘Aýdyň gijeler’. This involves the procurement of domestically manufactured laptops, their installation in schools by 1 August 2026, and subsequent technical maintenance.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan reviewed the results of its work for January–April
02.05.2026On 1 May, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet meeting via a digital platform. The results of work carried out between January and April 2026 were reviewed, reports TDH. Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova reported on the laws that had been passed. These relate to the protection of citizens’ rights, industrial safety, accounting, licensing, road transport, the environment, water resources and migration. Letters of credence from ambassadors of a number of countries were accepted. International meetings and conferences were held, and the Assembly took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Over the four months, 13 meetings and 37 specialist seminars took place. The President instructed that the modernisation of legislation should continue. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the macroeconomy. GDP growth stood at 6.3 per cent. Industry grew by 2.4 per cent, construction by 6.2 per cent, transport and communications by 10.3 per cent, trade by 7.9 per cent, agriculture by 2.2 per cent, and services by 8.4 per cent. Production increased by 10.4 per cent. Retail trade turnover rose by 9.9 per cent, and foreign trade turnover by 9.2 per cent. Budget revenue was met at 100.2 per cent, and expenditure at 97.6 per cent. Wages, pensions and benefits were paid on time. Investment rose by 5 per cent. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov reported on the fuel and energy sector. The oil production target was met at 107.1 per cent. Refining was at 104.9 per cent. Output of petrol stood at 113.7 per cent, diesel fuel at 108.7 per cent, and liquefied gas at 122.1 per cent. Gas production stood at 106.7 per cent. The President instructed that production be ramped up and the efficiency of geological exploration improved. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on agriculture. Production growth stood at 107.5 per cent. Seasonal field work and preparations for the grain harvest are underway. Crop maintenance and the development of livestock farming continue. The President emphasised the need to adhere to the schedules for agricultural work. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on construction and industry. The plan has been fulfilled by 128.4 per cent. Growth has been noted across key departments and sectors. The Head of State instructed that the timelines and quality of construction be monitored. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on trade and entrepreneurship. Trade turnover grew by 109.2 per cent. Ninety-seven exchange auctions were held, and over 10,000 contracts were concluded. Exhibitions and conferences were organised. The President instructed that markets be supplied with goods and that prices be monitored. Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova reported on the cultural sector. International events were held, including the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition and an archaeological exhibition in Rome. The Head of State instructed that a high standard of events be ensured. Deputy Prime Minister B. Mammedov reported on the social sector. Students won 807 medals. National teams won 169 medals. Olympiads and conferences were held. A resolution was signed on the provision of laptops to first-year pupils. The President instructed that education and healthcare be developed. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov reported on foreign policy. Over four months, 711 meetings took place and 57 documents were signed. 220 delegations visited Turkmenistan, and 400 were sent abroad. Participation in international events in Kazan, London and Baku is planned for May. The President instructed that international cooperation be expanded. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev reported on transport. The growth in services stood at 113.8 per cent. Freight transport increased by 101 per cent, and passenger transport by 102.7 per cent. The Head of State instructed that transit potential be developed. Summing up, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted steady GDP growth of 6.3 per cent and the continued implementation of state programmes. Construction projects and infrastructure development are continuing in the country. Following the meeting, the relevant decisions were adopted.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a discussion on the implementation of the decisions of the ‘EU–Central Asia’ Summit
01.05.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in a meeting on the implementation of the agreements reached at the ‘EU–Central Asia’ Summit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Representatives of the European External Action Service, the European Commission and ambassadors from countries in the region took part in the discussion. The parties assessed the political situation, outlined further steps and preparations for the ministerial meeting. An intensification of dialogue and expansion of cooperation were noted. The European Commission presented progress in key areas — transport, energy, climate, raw materials and digitalisation. Central Asian ambassadors spoke about national initiatives, emphasising infrastructure, connectivity and investment. The coordination of upcoming bilateral formats was also discussed. Following the meeting, participants stressed the need to maintain the pace of cooperation and focus on achieving practical results.
Turkmenistan promotes international initiatives on the global stage
01.05.2026Turkmenistan continues to develop its foreign policy cooperation with international partners. This year’s key events have included foreign visits by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In February, Hero Arkadag visited the USA. Meetings were held with representatives of the business community and company executives. Investments, trade development and the expansion of business contacts were discussed. Projects in the field of sport, including golf and equestrian sports, were considered separately. On 27 March, a meeting of the bilateral Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation with the US was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed investment cooperation and the growth of trade turnover. In March, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the People’s Republic of China. A meeting took place in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The high level of cooperation in politics, the economy and the humanitarian sphere was reaffirmed. Joint projects in the gas sector were discussed, including the development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field. Prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector were also considered. On 18 March, negotiations were held with the management of CNPC. Further stages of the field’s development were discussed. On 17 April, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ project was launched in the Mary velayat, including the construction of a gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year. In April, Hero Arkadag visited Austria. In Vienna, he took part in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. Turkmenistan’s position on the development of international energy cooperation and the climate agenda was reaffirmed. During the visit, meetings were held with the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as with representatives of the UN, UNIDO and the IAEA. Issues relating to industrial development, energy and international cooperation were discussed. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the development of ‘green’ energy. A willingness to cooperate in the field of hydrogen energy was noted. Particular attention was paid to initiatives on energy security. A proposal was made to consider drafting an ‘Energy Code’ under the auspices of the UN and an international document on energy cooperation. In April, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Kazakhstan. In Astana, he took part in the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Issues relating to climate change, water resources and environmental security were discussed. Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Centre to combat desertification in Central Asia. The creation of a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN was also initiated. The need to comply with international standards and take into account the interests of all countries in the region was emphasised. The issue of the Aral Sea was addressed separately. Turkmenistan advocates strengthening the role of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and developing cooperation with the UN. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies will soon begin operations in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan outlined its approach to regional security at the forum
01.05.2026A Central Asian forum was held in Dushanbe, attended by representatives of think tanks, international organisations, the expert community and diplomatic missions from countries across the region. The event was organised by the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum focused on issues of regional security and its development in the near future. The programme included a plenary session and four thematic panels. Participants discussed intra-regional and external challenges, as well as opportunities for cooperation. Following the event, recommendations were drawn up on strengthening cooperation and mitigating risks. During one of the sessions, Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, noted that the countries of Central Asia are strengthening cooperation and forming a new foundation for the regional security architecture. According to him, dialogue, trust and the equal consideration of the interests of the region’s states remain key.
Representatives from Turkmenistan and Iran discussed cooperation at the UN
01.05.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, and Amir Saeid Iravani, Head of the Permanent Mission of Iran, held a bilateral negotiation. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of intergovernmental cooperation and the coordination of actions within the framework of the UN. The importance of regular political dialogue was noted. The need for joint work to strengthen regional and global security in accordance with the UN Charter was also emphasised.
Turkmenistan and TURKSOY discussed their cooperation plan for 2026
01.05.2026On 30 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s current cooperation with TURKSOY. The main focus was on the implementation of the Joint Work Plan for 2026. They considered issues relating to the organisation of joint cultural events and projects aimed at preserving and promoting the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples. Prospects for expanding cooperation within the organisation were also discussed.
Turkmenistan and Moldova have outlined plans for parliamentary cooperation
30.04.2026On 28 April 2026, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Toyly Atayev paid a working visit to Chișinău. He held negotiations at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the Parliament, Toyly Atayev met with Petru Burduja, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, agreed to organise reciprocal visits and expand contacts between relevant committees. Issues relating to trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation were also addressed. At a meeting with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – President Sergiu Haria and Vice-President Mihai Bilba – the parties considered prospects for increasing trade turnover and business contacts. The Ambassador provided information on Turkmenistan’s economic potential and invited Moldovan partners to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions in the country. The Moldovan side expressed interest in cooperation in the energy and chemical industries.
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