Policy
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Iran met with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute
02.02.2026On 29 January, Ilyas Gayipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with Muhammad Hassan, the newly appointed President of the ECO Cultural Institute. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting took place in Tehran on the premises of the university. During the negotiation process, the prospects for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. In addition, the participants discussed the possibility of jointly organising events under the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of CIS Ambassadors with Sergey Lavrov
02.02.2026On 27 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, took part in a meeting between Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ambassadors of CIS member states accredited in Moscow. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and heads of executive bodies of other Eurasian organisations. During the conversation, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, key international issues were discussed and the results of multilateral cooperation for 2025 were summarised. The participants identified priority tasks for the near future: strengthening foreign policy coordination, developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as joint measures to ensure regional security.
Hero Arkadag inspected the readiness of Ashgabat Olympic Stadium for the match
02.02.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat and familiarised himself with the preparations for the Olympic Stadium for the international football match. The arena will host the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ Football Club and ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag inspected the playing field, stands and infrastructure. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed that all organisational issues must be resolved on time and every detail taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions for fans, athletes, coaches and the work of the media. The Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, D. Orazov, reported that the field is fully ready. According to him, it complies with international standards and is suitable for year-round use. During the off-season, the turf is covered with a protective cover. Hero Arkadag also instructed to coordinate the work of all involved structures, ensure security, logistics and information support for the match. The Olympic Village was built on the initiative of Hero Arkadag. It hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, the World Weightlifting Championships in 2018, the World Kurash Championships in 2023 and other international tournaments. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 spectators and is the largest in Central Asia. Hero Arkadag noted that the match is of great importance for the development of football and international sports cooperation. At the end of his visit, he wished the ‘Arkadag’ team a successful and fair game.
Turkmenistan creates national strategy for artificial intelligence development
01.02.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev reported on measures to digitise economic sectors and introduce innovative technologies. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In accordance with the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028, a draft State Programme and an Action Plan for its implementation have been prepared. The documents are aimed at the transition to a digital economy, the development of a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence, the introduction of AI technologies in the industry, as well as the training and professional development of specialists. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft resolution. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the document and gave a number of instructions on the further development of digital technologies.
International portal to feature Year of Winged Horses in Turkmenistan
01.02.2026With the assistance of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, the ‘Turkic World’ portal is organising systematic and extensive coverage of events dedicated to the proclamation of 2026 as the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The information cooperation is aimed at providing a broad presentation of cultural, scientific and socio-political events that reflect the historical value of the country's independence, its unchanged status of permanent neutrality and rich spiritual heritage. Publications on the portal will help strengthen international information exchange, develop dialogue in the Turkic world and raise awareness among the global audience about Turkmenistan's modern achievements, its role in the region and global development.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed cooperation in the field of water resources
01.02.2026On 30 January, the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was held in Khiva. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Tangryguly Atahallyev, and the Uzbek delegation was headed by Shuhrat Ganiyev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Agricultural Development. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the two countries responsible for water resources management, irrigation and environmental protection. The co-chairs of the commission noted the high level of bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual trust and equality. They emphasised the parties' desire to expand cooperation not only in the water sector, but also in other areas of economic, infrastructural and humanitarian interaction. During the meeting, the parties discussed the introduction of modern technologies for rational water use, the improvement of mechanisms for monitoring and accounting for water resources, the development of human resources in the sector, as well as issues of adaptation to climate change and the reduction of associated risks. The parties confirmed their intention to continue regular bilateral consultations and commission meetings, as well as to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for cooperation. Following the meeting, the Protocol of the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues was signed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan presented a plan for preparations for the Year of International Law
31.01.2026On 30 January, during a government meeting, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the Year of International Law in 2028, initiated by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country's foreign policy priorities remain strengthening cooperation with the UN and its member states, participating in international initiatives on sustainable development, peace, security, transport, energy, ecology and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention is being paid to the proposal by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. The plan provides for cooperation with the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the preparation of a draft resolution for the UN General Assembly, and the development of a national concept on ‘International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ International and regional conferences, forums, round tables, educational events in schools and universities with the participation of experts, the preparation of training materials, competitions for young specialists and information support through the media and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website are also planned. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of the initiative for strengthening the international legal framework and instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ensure the implementation of the relevant measures.
Turkmen-German dialogue strengthens economic ties
31.01.2026On 30 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a video conference with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties noted the active development of trade and economic relations, which testifies to the high level of bilateral dialogue between Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the Turkmen-German Business Forum during his working visit to Germany in September 2023, which served as an impetus for further intensification of economic cooperation. The parties also emphasised the importance of the bilateral meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of the ‘Central Asia-Germany’ dialogue, as well as the negotiations with representatives of German business held in Astana in September 2024. Noting the regularity of cross-economic days, business forums and exhibitions, the participants discussed the role of the Joint Turkmen-German Working Group and the Eastern Committee of German Economy, whose activities contribute to the expansion of practical intergovernmental cooperation.
Turkmenistan presented its concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan presented its concept for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The presentation took place on 29 January in Minsk at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS, according to IIC. The priorities were announced by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus. According to him, the programme is based on the principles of Peace and Trust. Ashgabat proposed to declare 2027 the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS. The initiative is aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure and international transport corridors. There are also plans to strengthen digital interaction and innovative cooperation as factors in the region's competitiveness. In the political sphere, Turkmenistan advocates coordinating actions to protect international law. CIS countries have been asked to develop a coordinated position within the UN. Ashgabat also hopes to gain support for its initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. The humanitarian part of the concept covers youth exchanges, sports, the promotion of multilingualism and environmental projects. Separate emphasis is placed on the ‘green economy’ and scientific and technical cooperation. The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, which will be held in Kaliningrad in April, and reviewed a report on the development of Commonwealth statistics.
Turkmenistan officially assumed the chairmanship of the CIS
31.01.2026Turkmenistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The concept of the chairmanship and the plan for its implementation were presented by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, before the first meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS in Minsk in 2026. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador noted that Turkmenistan considers the CIS an important platform for cooperation between states with common economic and humanitarian interests. Work during the chairmanship will be carried out in accordance with the organisation's statutory documents and will be aimed at developing multilateral cooperation. As part of its mandate, Turkmenistan will head the activities of key CIS bodies, including the Councils of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. In 2026, meetings and forums are planned both in Turkmenistan and in other countries of the Commonwealth. The meeting in Minsk also approved the working plan of the Council of Permanent Representatives and the draft agenda for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the CIS. Separate consideration was given to the implementation of the CIS statistics development project, aimed at improving the effectiveness of integration processes.
A Resolution on the development of the digital economy has been signed in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution approving the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and its implementation plan, according to the news resource AsmanNews. The programme aims to introduce modern digital solutions and create a high-tech, competitive digital environment in the country. Ministries, departments and local authorities in the provinces, Ashgabat and Arkadag have been tasked with ensuring its implementation.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan reviewed plans for digitalisation and industry development
31.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held another meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. The discussion focused on issues of legislation, economics, digitalisation, industry, culture and foreign policy. This was reported by TDH. Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova said that the country continues to update its legal framework. Amendments are currently being prepared to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, the Code of Administrative Offences, as well as the laws ‘On Migration’ and ‘On Fisheries and the Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources’. The work is being carried out taking into account the proposals of the ministries and an analysis of international practice. At the same time, she said, the Mejlis is expanding its international contacts. The credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Chad were accepted, a meeting was held with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and deputies took part in UN events. The President of Turkmenistan noted the importance of the laws being adopted and instructed that the preparation of new drafts should continue. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the development of the banking system. He said that as part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2028,’ information and communication technologies are being introduced and the technical base of the Central Bank, the State Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenistan’ and the Joint-Stock Commercial Bank ‘Türkmenbaşy’ is being updated. The proposal was approved. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov spoke about the work to ensure the consistent operation of the oil refineries of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. He reported on measures for oil processing, supplying the domestic market and exporting products abroad. The proposals presented were also supported. After that, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on plans to commission new facilities in 2026 in the velayats and Ashgabat. These were social and industrial buildings. The list of facilities was approved. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the preparation of an exhibition of export products from the Republic of Turkey, which will be held in Ashgabat. About 100 companies have registered to participate. The President of Turkmenistan instructed that the event be organised to a high standard. Deputy Prime Minister B. Seyidova then presented information about the festival ‘Dünýäde ýaňlanýar ajap dessanym, toý tutýar Garaşsyz Türkmenistanym’, which will take place in March in Dashoguz velayat. The programme includes concerts, master classes and a scientific and practical conference. Preparations for the festival were approved. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Orazdurdyeva reported on the establishment of the electronic journal ‘Scientific Research and Innovation’ at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The journal will be published in Turkmen, English and Russian. The President supported the initiative. Next, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov presented the Action Plan for 2026 to prepare for the proclamation of 2028 as the Year of International Law. The document provides for cooperation with the UN, the holding of international forums and educational programmes. The plan was approved. Concluding the main reports, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on measures to digitise the economy. He presented drafts of the State Programme and the Plan for its implementation. The President of Turkmenistan signed the relevant Resolution. During the meeting, other issues were also considered, on which decisions were taken.
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