Policy
Turkmenistan and Palestine discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation
26.04.2026On 24 April, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Rana Abu Hijleh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side emphasised that the country attaches priority to the development of international cooperation, including interaction with Palestine both at the bilateral level and within the framework of authoritative international bodies, including the UN. In this context, the willingness to further strengthen the partnership on the basis of parliamentary diplomacy, grounded in the principles of mutual respect, equality and trust, was reaffirmed. The interlocutors discussed the current state of inter-state relations and the prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary dialogue. It was noted that such cooperation facilitates the exchange of experience in the field of law-making and parliamentary practice, and also allows for a deeper exploration of the potential for cooperation in various areas.
Preparations for the meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee were discussed in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026The 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation is due to take place in Tokyo in December 2026. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, on 24 April at a government meeting, according to the state news agency TDH. The meeting is expected to consolidate the agreements reached during the visits of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Japan last year. Preparations for the event include inter-ministerial consultations in Ashgabat in July, where the parties will discuss the implementation of joint projects and update the roadmap for cooperation. The previous meeting of the committee took place in December 2024 in Ashgabat and laid the foundations for expanding the partnership. Active preparations are currently underway, and the upcoming meetings in Ashgabat and Tokyo are expected to strengthen bilateral dialogue in the economic and political spheres.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the celebrations marking the National Holiday
26.04.2026On 25 April, celebrations marking the National Day of the Turkmen horse were held at the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the event, according to TDH. Before the start of the celebrations, a monument was unveiled to the Ahal-Teke horse Pyyada — a four-time winner of beauty contests in Ashgabat (1998–2001) and a two-time winner of the ‘Star of Turkestan’ competition in Tashkent (2008–2009). Today, the prize awarded to the winners of the 1,800-metre race for three-year-olds bears his name. The President of Turkmenistan inspected the exhibition stands of the velayats and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, where paintings, sculptures, jewellery, horse tack and photographs featuring Ahal-Teke horses were on display. The Head of State was presented with eight racehorses as gifts from the residents of the velayats, Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the security forces. Another racehorse — Daghan — was presented to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Ten horses took part in the final of the international competition ‘Ýylyň iň owadan ahalteke bedewi’ (The most beautiful Ahal-Teke horse of the year). The winner was the stallion Hankerwen, born in 2018 from the Gaplan line, belonging to the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. His trainer received a Toyota Fortuner, the challenge cup and a certificate. The horse Melegush (owned by B. Ballyev) won the endurance race, whilst Gudratly from the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan won the show jumping competition. Prizes for the creative competition were presented on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan to six winners in the following categories: carpet art, jewellery, painting, sculpture, photography and video.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General
25.04.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a brief meeting following the ceremony, V. Hajiyev conveyed greetings from the leadership of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, including issues related to strengthening international and regional security, as well as the development of preventive diplomacy and mediation. Attention was also given to the Sustainable Development Goals, including cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and environmental protection.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of Argentina
25.04.2026The Chairperson of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, received credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira. This was reported by TDH. During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, to the President of Turkmenistan. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The ambassador was briefed on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, its international initiatives, as well as the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The sides discussed Turkmen–Argentine relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the United Nations, and emphasized the importance of interparliamentary dialogue.
Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to combat desertification within ESCAP
25.04.2026On the sidelines of the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Perhat Yagshiev met with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics connectivity, energy, digitalization, and trade. They also considered the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, scheduled for 2027. ESCAP confirmed its readiness to provide advisory support in this work. The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat as a specialized ESCAP institution for Central Asian countries was also discussed. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana highly praised Turkmenistan’s international engagement, including the hosting of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Avaza.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the IMF Executive Director
25.04.2026On April 22, at the IMF headquarters, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, met with the IMF Executive Director Patrick Lejewski, according to the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The two sides discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Fund, including technical coordination with the country’s state financial institutions, and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to strengthening technical coordination between the IMF and Turkmenistan’s state financial institutions.
The delegation of Turkmenistan addressed the 82nd ESCAP session in Bangkok
25.04.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Bangkok, according to the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the sidelines of the session, a ministerial meeting of the participating countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held. A joint statement was adopted following the meeting. Participants discussed the “SPECA Development Concept until 2030,” as well as issues of transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and digitalization. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to participate in projects of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Addressing the ESCAP session, the head of the Turkmen delegation presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries as a specialized ESCAP institution. Initiatives by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the region’s climate resilience were also promoted. The 83rd ESCAP session will be held in Shanghai from April 26 to 30, 2027.
Turkmenistan and Argentina discussed the development of bilateral relations
25.04.2026On April 24, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira (with residence in Moscow). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the ambassador presented copies of his credentials and confirmed his readiness to work on developing Turkmen–Argentine cooperation. The sides discussed the bilateral agenda, including political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They also expressed interest in mutually supporting initiatives within the framework of the UN and UNESCO.
President of Turkmenistan held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting
25.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via videoconference on April 24. The agenda included a number of public administration issues, AsmanNews reports. Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova reported on the preparation of new draft laws: on establishing a jubilee medal for the 35th anniversary of independence, on state registration of real estate rights, as well as amendments to the Customs Code. Work is also underway on Turkmenistan’s accession to a number of international documents. A Mejlis delegation took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, as well as in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on measures to support agricultural producers, including financing projects in livestock breeding, poultry farming, and processing. The President approved the proposal to financially stimulate the sector and issued relevant instructions. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov reported on the modernization of the Seydi oil refinery. The head of state approved the proposal and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the progress of cotton sowing, wheat care, and preparations for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. The President instructed that sowing be completed on time and that a high level of festive events be ensured. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramguly Annammammedov then reported on preparations in Ashgabat for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, including park improvements, landscaping, and the decoration of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the development of the textile industry. The head of state instructed the launch of new wool yarn production at the textile complex in Bayramaly, Mary Province. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented an events plan for May: Victory Day, Constitution and State Flag Day, Ashgabat City Day, the Turkmen Carpet Festival, as well as the opening of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on preparations for the 81st anniversary of Victory in the World War II. Conferences, exhibitions, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the presentation of gifts to veterans are planned. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the development of cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region—primarily with China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The President approved a proposal to expand diplomatic presence: Turkmenistan’s ambassadors to India and Malaysia will also be concurrently accredited to the Maldives and the Brunei, respectively. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayram Annaev reported on the training of specialists in the field of communications in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union. The President approved the holding of a joint professional seminar. Concluding the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants and the entire Turkmen people on the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the CIS Economic Commission in Moscow
24.04.2026A meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council was held in Moscow, chaired by B.S. Berdiyev, the representative of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The participants reviewed the results of the first phase of the CIS Economic Development Strategy and analysed the macroeconomic indicators of the region’s countries for 2025. The Commission approved a number of documents on cooperation in the forestry industry, labour standards and innovative collaboration. The ‘Digital Platform’ project has been granted the status of a CIS technology platform. Recommendations on the mutual recognition of methods for identifying quarantine objects to facilitate trade between member states were also agreed. Most of the materials considered will be submitted for approval to the CIS Economic Council in June. The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for 26 May 2026.
The Turkmen Ambassador discussed digitalisation and the economy with the Japanese minister
24.04.2026On 23 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met in Tokyo with the Minister in charge for Growth Strategy and Social Security Reforms of Japan, Minoru Kiuchi, who is a member of the Japan-Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Minister noted the importance of joint economic projects involving Japanese companies in Turkmenistan, and also expressed interest in increasing the number of Turkmen youth studying the Japanese language. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, ‘green’ technologies, education, as well as economic and cyber security.
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