Policy
Turkmenistan took part in an anti-drug forum in Samarkand
23.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs O. Kakalyev, took part in the International Forum ‘Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security’, which took place on 20–21 April in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Agency for the Control of Narcotics and Firearms under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Forum participants discussed key global and regional trends in the illicit drug trade, as well as preventive measures targeting young people. Particular attention was paid to the development of treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration systems, as well as the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence-based solutions to counter drug-related threats. During the discussions, the importance of further strengthening international cooperation in this area was emphasised.
Turkmenistan has called for the IFAS to play a greater role in addressing ecological issues
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State described the rescue of the Aral Sea as a matter of political and moral responsibility for all countries in the region and called for these tasks not to be allowed to take a back seat. The President of Turkmenistan recalled Turkmenistan’s role during its chairmanship of the IFAS in 2017–2019. At that time, on Ashgabat’s initiative, two UN General Assembly resolutions on cooperation with the IFAS were adopted, a draft UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin countries was presented, and the fourth phase of the Programme of Action to assist the Aral Sea Basin countries was developed. The President also announced that the UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies would soon begin operations in Ashgabat. The Head of State proposed three steps. The first is to harmonise national approaches to environmental challenges and strengthen the coordinating role of the IFAS. The second is to accelerate the modernisation of the Fund’s legal framework in order to more actively engage international financial institutions and donors. The third is to jointly draft a new UN General Assembly resolution on IFAS’s cooperation with the UN, taking into account current geopolitical and economic realities. In conclusion, the President congratulated the Head of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on assuming the chairmanship of IFAS and thanked Kazakhstan for hosting the meeting.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the eco-summit and announced a meeting on the Caspian Sea
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State described the forum as an extraordinary event – for the first time, countries in the region are discussing the environmental agenda at the highest level in a comprehensive and pan-regional context. Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the main challenges: climate change, dwindling water resources, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and increased migration from disadvantaged areas. According to him, the response must be to consolidate the efforts of the region’s states and expand cooperation with the UN. Turkmenistan put forward two initiatives: to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Ashgabat also proposed setting up a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. Regarding transboundary rivers, Turkmenistan insists on three principles: compliance with international conventions, equal consideration of the interests of all riparian states, and broad UN participation. Regarding the Caspian Sea, the President of Turkmenistan recalled the environmental initiative addressed to all Caspian littoral states and announced the next high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. In conclusion, the Head of State expressed the hope that the summit would serve as a platform for developing coordinated solutions and would provide impetus for systematic work in the region.
The President of Turkmenistan concluded his working visit to Kazakhstan by attending an eco-summit
23.04.2026During a working visit to Kazakhstan on 22 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, 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) in Astana. This was reported by TDH. The summit took place at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre. The theme of the forum was ‘Shared vision for resilient future’. It was attended by Heads of State, leaders and representatives of international organisations. Before the meeting, the delegations visited the ‘RES 2026 EXPO’ exhibition, which showcased developments in the fields of energy transition and environmental protection. Turkmenistan presented its own pavilion with an exhibition on the country’s environmental initiatives. At the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan put forward a number of initiatives. Turkmenistan proposed the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Regarding transboundary water resources, Ashgabat advocates the creation of a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. The President also announced a high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. Following the summit, the Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia, ‘Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia’, was adopted. In the afternoon, a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members took place at the Akorda Palace. The President of Turkmenistan called for strengthening the coordinating role of the Fund and modernising its legal framework. Turkmenistan proposed jointly drafting a new UN General Assembly resolution on cooperation between the IFAS and the UN. Following the meeting, a number of documents were signed, including the Astana Statement of the Heads of State of the IFAS Founding Member States. The chairmanship of the Fund passed to Uzbekistan. A decision was also taken to declare 26 March as International Day of the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. Following the conclusion of the visit’s programme, the Head of State flew to Ashgabat. The visit reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to active participation in the regional ecological agenda and the country’s readiness to promote specific initiatives at the international level.
Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative for a regional council on water resources
23.04.2026Turkmenistan has proposed the establishment of a regional council on water management in Central Asian countries under the auspices of the United Nations. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the proposed body could serve as an effective coordination platform for uniting the efforts of the region’s states in the water sector. The Head of State emphasised that issues relating to the rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources require special attention. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan’s official position on this matter is clear and transparent. ‘We advocate that water issues concerning transboundary rivers and watercourses be resolved on the basis of the following three fundamental principles,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Among these, the Head of State cited strict adherence to fundamental international conventions and agreements on water use, equal consideration of the interests of all states located in the basins of transboundary rivers, and the broad participation of international organisations, primarily the UN.
Turkmenistan is preparing for a high-level meeting on the environment of the Caspian Sea
22.04.2026Turkmenistan will host a high-level meeting in early October 2026 dedicated to ecological issues concerning the Caspian Sea. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the aim of the upcoming meeting is to take cooperation between the Caspian littoral states to a new level in the field of protecting the sea’s ecosystem and preserving its natural wealth. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the Caspian environmental agenda, including an initiative within the UN and the preparation of a relevant concept aimed at the countries of the region. The President of Turkmenistan also recalled the meeting on Caspian ecological issues held in August 2025 at the level of deputy prime ministers of the littoral states, organised on the sidelines of a UN international conference. The summit in Astana is being held under the auspices of the UN from 22 to 24 April and has brought together several thousand participants, including representatives of states and international organisations.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing centres for climate technology and combating desertification
22.04.2026At the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, proposed the establishment of a regional centre for climate technologies, as well as a centre to combat desertification for the countries of Central Asia. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Head of State emphasised the importance of taking into account the region’s cultural traditions and centuries-old experience of treating nature with care when addressing environmental challenges. According to the President of Turkmenistan, discussing the environmental agenda at such a high level demonstrates the region’s countries’ readiness for more systematic cooperation in the field of climate and sustainable development. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the states face common challenges: climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and rising environmental migration. In this context, he called for enhanced coordination between countries and expanded cooperation with the UN and its agencies. Separately, the President of Turkmenistan touched upon the issue of the Aral Sea, expressing hope for the adoption of joint decisions within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined ecological initiatives at the summit in Astana
22.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is taking part in a summit as part of the Regional Ecological Forum, which is being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, where two major international events are taking place simultaneously today: 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). This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The summit (RES 2026), held under the motto ‘Shared vision for resilient future’, is attended by the leaders of Central Asian states, the Presidents of Armenia, Georgia and Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of international organisations and leading experts in the field of ecology. Speaking at the plenary session chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Turkmenistan outlined Ashgabat’s position on key issues on the regional ecological agenda. The Head of State emphasised the historical significance of the current forum, noting that this was the first time such a wide range of environmental issues had been discussed at the highest level. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that this reflects the readiness of the region’s countries to move towards systematic and long-term measures in the field of environmental protection, combating climate change and ensuring social sustainability. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention to the urgency of global challenges — water scarcity, land degradation, desertification and biodiversity loss — which exacerbate migration processes and require coordinated action. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN. As practical steps, the President of Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia in the region. The Head of State also noted the importance of drawing on the historical experience and traditions of the peoples of the region, who have demonstrated a careful approach to water and land resources for centuries. Speaking on transboundary water resources, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of their rational and equitable use. In the context of the status of a Caspian state, the President of Turkmenistan reiterated initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem, previously presented at the UN. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continuing relevance of the Aral Sea issue and expressed confidence that the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members would enable the development of concrete solutions for the restoration of the Aral Sea region and the strengthening of joint coordination of actions.
Turkmenistan discussed priorities for women’s leadership with Central Asian countries
22.04.2026Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, took part in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries, which was held via videoconference. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting, themed ‘Women of Central Asia: Priority Tasks and Joint Action’, was chaired by Uzbekistan. The discussion was attended by the heads of the parliaments of the region’s countries and Azerbaijan, as well as the Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Head of the regional office of UN Women. During the meeting, participants reviewed the action plan for the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Dialogue in 2026. The main focus was on issues of gender equality, increasing women’s participation in public administration and the economy, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan is taking part in the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok
22.04.2026The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has opened at the United Nations Conference Centre, which serves as the Commission’s headquarters. The forum is taking place in Bangkok and will run until 24 April. Turkmen delegation led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, is taking part in the session, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has been a full member of ESCAP since 1992. During this time, the country has established active cooperation with the Commission in the fields of statistics, economic analysis, energy and transport, and has also authored a number of ESCAP resolutions aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the transport and environmental sectors. The agenda of the 82nd session covers a wide range of issues: regional cooperation, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as issues relating to social development, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, energy, transport, macroeconomic policy, development finance, trade, investment and entrepreneurship. Issues relating to information and communication technologies, science and innovation will be given special attention. A Ministerial Meeting of SPECA member states is scheduled to take place during the session. It will focus on coordinated regional actions to establish a sustainable, efficient and environmentally-oriented transport and logistics system in the region. Participants will discuss the digitalisation and ‘green’ transformation of transit corridors, the development of e-commerce, the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises’ participation in value chains, as well as the development of human resource capacity in the transport, logistics and digital sectors.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has left for Kazakhstan
22.04.2026On 21 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, departed for Astana on a working visit. He was seen off by officials at the capital’s International Airport. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In Kazakhstan, the Head of State will take part in the Regional Ecological Summit and the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. He was met at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, and members of the Turkmen delegation. The central theme of the summit is the region’s environmental problems, primarily the situation surrounding the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan has consistently promoted this issue at the international level. At the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed the development of a comprehensive UN environmental strategy for Central Asia. The working visit is continuing.
Turkmen businessmen are preparing for a business visit to London
21.04.2026Businesspeople from Turkmenistan will visit London from 9 to 16 May 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The trip is being organised at the invitation of the West London Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UK). During the visit, talks are planned on developing business cooperation in sectors such as the textile industry, agriculture, construction, education, tourism and attracting investment. According to official statistics, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and the UK for the period from September 2024 to September 2025 amounted to £102 million.
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