Policy
Turkmenistan and the Seychelles have agreed to expand their cooperation
30.04.2026On 29 April in Ashgabat, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held negotiations with Barry Faure, Foreign Affairs Minister and Head of the Seychelles Diaspora, who is on his first official visit to the country. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the intensification of political and diplomatic dialogue and the expansion of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side invited the Seychelles to join the Group of Friends of Neutrality and expressed gratitude for the Seychelles’ support for Turkmenistan’s international initiatives at the UN. In the sphere of trade and economic cooperation, the parties considered holding joint business forums and exhibitions, as well as establishing direct contacts between business circles — primarily in transport, the textile industry and tourism. In addition, the Heads of the ministries discussed cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere and agreed to explore the possibility of holding Culture Days in Ashgabat and Victoria.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Seychelles
30.04.2026On 29 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Barry Faure, Foreign Affairs Minister and Head of the Diaspora of the Republic of the Seychelles, who was visiting Turkmenistan. This was reported by TDH. The guest conveyed greetings to the Head of State from Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, and emphasised his country’s interest in developing relations with Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation within the framework of the UN. The President of Turkmenistan thanked the Seychelles for their support of Turkmen initiatives and for co-sponsoring resolutions at the UN General Assembly. The parties agreed to continue coordination between their foreign ministries on the international stage. Prospects for trade and economic cooperation were also considered. Among the priority areas are the fuel and energy sector, the chemical and textile industries, and agriculture. The President of Turkmenistan invited the Seychelles to participate in exhibitions and conferences held in Turkmenistan. The development of tourism and humanitarian ties was discussed separately.
Ashgabat and Chișinău are committed to deepening their political and economic dialogue
29.04.2026On 28 April, a meeting took place in Chișinău between Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, and Serghei Mihov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, along with representatives of the ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, confirming their readiness to strengthen political dialogue and expand the legal framework. Particular attention was paid to coordination within international organisations, including the UN, as well as to trade and economic cooperation. The agenda included issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the revitalisation of friendship groups. The participants emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, scientific and educational exchanges, and the strengthening of mutual understanding. In conclusion, the Moldovan side was invited to participate in international events in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are stepping up their cooperation in the field of sport
29.04.2026Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Allaberdi Saparov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During the talks, the parties discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of sport. In particular, the Pakistani Ambassador proposed organising exchange visits between teams, as well as holding friendly matches and joint training camps in sports such as football, hockey, volleyball, martial arts, swimming and gymnastics. In addition, the Ambassador invited the Turkmen side to take part in the annual Shandur Polo Festival, which traditionally takes place in the first week of July on a high-altitude plateau at an elevation of around 3,700–3,800 metres. Particular attention was paid to the development of equestrian sports: F. Leghari proposed cooperation in disciplines such as tent pegging, polo, equestrian dancing and horse racing.
The Egyptian Ambassador has taken up his post in Turkmenistan
29.04.2026The Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. This was reported by TDH. D. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan from the Egyptian leadership. During the meeting, the Ambassador was briefed on the priorities of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as on the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Egyptian relations, including within the framework of the UN.
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–China’ meeting
29.04.2026A meeting of senior officials from the foreign ministries of the member states of the ‘Central Asia–China’ format took place in Xi’an (PRC) on 27–28 April. A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the meeting, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the results of their joint work for 2025 and discussed the progress of initiatives from the Second ‘Central Asia–China’ Summit in Astana, including work on the format’s Long-Term Development Strategy for 2026–2030. The meeting reviewed draft concepts for an interregional council on investment and trade, a programme for a new economic partnership, a ‘green’ development plan up to 2030, and a unified digital portal entitled ‘Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road’. The participants also discussed preparations for the 7th meeting of foreign ministers and the schedule of joint events for 2026.
Turkmenistan and China have identified priorities for cooperation in the gas and logistics sectors
29.04.2026On 28 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ji Shumin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the implementation of agreements reached at state and government level in March–April 2026. The gas sector, transport and logistics, and the production of mineral fertilisers were highlighted as priorities for the bilateral partnership. The importance of cooperation in education, science and medicine was also noted. The parties agreed to continue their political and diplomatic dialogue on a regular basis regarding the implementation of the instructions issued by the leadership of both countries.
Turkmenistan and Egypt have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation
29.04.2026On 28 April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan S. Muhammetdurdyev met with the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. The Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue political consultations, hold meetings of the Turkmen-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, organise Culture Days in Ashgabat and Cairo, and develop cooperation in medicine, education and tourism.
The MFA of Turkmenistan held a briefing for foreign diplomats
29.04.2026On 28 April, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Head of the foreign ministry spoke about key developments in Turkmenistan’s international activities since the start of 2026. Particular emphasis was placed on the overseas visits of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag. Rashid Meredov highlighted the outcomes of Hero Arkadag’s visits to the US, China and Austria. The trip to the US gave impetus to bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the visit to the PRC, talks were held with President Xi Jinping, resulting in concrete steps to develop cooperation in the gas sector. In Austria, Hero Arkadag met with the country’s top leadership and representatives of UN bodies, and also spoke at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. The Minister also spoke about the President of Turkmenistan’s participation in the Regional Ecological Summit and the Summit of the Founding Countries of the IFAS in Kazakhstan, where the country’s position on the region’s water issues was reaffirmed. The significance of the Turkmen delegation’s participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum was highlighted separately. The briefing also reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and mutually beneficial cooperation. Ambassadors from foreign states and representatives of international organisations made comments.
Turkmenistan presented its partnership priorities at the UNECE forum
28.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 10th International Forum on Public-Private Partnership, which is being held from 27 to 29 April in Barcelona. The forum is organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side will present information on the development of the market economy and the private sector in the country. Participants will be briefed on promising areas for partnership: transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, the agro-industrial complex, the digital economy, urban infrastructure and tourism. The ‘Awaza’ National Tourism Zone will be presented separately as a platform for private investment. As a landlocked country, Turkmenistan emphasises the importance of partnership in the interests of the LLDC group and promotes the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for 2024–2034.
The MFA of Turkmenistan discussed oil cooperation with Malaysia
28.04.2026On 27 April, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia, Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres. It was noted separately that this year marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Petronas’s operations in Turkmenistan. The diplomats also touched upon the topic of education: hundreds of Turkmen students are studying at universities in Malaysia, and under an agreement with ‘PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd’, cooperation is underway with the Petronas University of Technology. Turkmen specialists are taking part in training courses under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. The meeting also addressed issues relating to forthcoming contacts at the highest state and government levels.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the business forum
28.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, which opens on 28 April. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. In his address, the Head of State noted that China is a major trade and economic partner of Turkmenistan. The priority areas of cooperation are the oil and gas sector, transport and logistics, digital technologies, science and education, and tourism. The President emphasised that the alignment of the ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road’ strategy with China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative serves as a key factor in the development of both countries’ economies. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the forum and exhibition would help unlock the potential for bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology and high technology.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
