Policy
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of the Heads of Parliaments of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea
18.12.2025On 16 December, the Third Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Central Asian States and the Republic of Korea was held in Tashkent, with the Turkmen side taking part. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by leaders and representatives of the parliaments of the countries of the region and the Republic of Korea, as well as representatives of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the meeting, issues of developing inter-parliamentary dialogue and expanding multilateral cooperation between the states of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea were discussed. Within the framework of plenary meetings and thematic sessions, areas of cooperation in the field of social justice, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, rational use of natural resources and improvement of environmental legislation were considered. The participants also noted the significance of previous meetings held in Seoul in September 2023 and Ashgabat in October 2024, which confirmed the relevance of this format of interparliamentary cooperation, including with the participation of Turkmenistan. Following the meeting, a Joint Declaration of the Third Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Central Asian States and the Republic of Korea was adopted.
Turkmenistan and ‘FIT International’ discussed plans for cooperation in 2026
18.12.2025On 17 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with Kurt Edwards, founder and President of the consulting company ‘FIT International’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed current cooperation and the results of ‘FIT International’s participation in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The work of the High-Level International Forum, which was held on 12 December in Ashgabat, was noted separately. The interlocutors emphasised their long-standing experience of cooperation with ‘FIT International’ in organising thematic events related to key events in Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparing a plan for joint cultural and educational events scheduled for 2026 in honour of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the development of humanitarian cooperation, including the establishment of contacts between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and relevant US organisations.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Emir of Qatar on National Day
18.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of Qatar National Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the high level of Turkmen-Qatari relations and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries. The President of Turkmenistan also wished the Emir of Qatar good health and success, and the people of Qatar peace, progress and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan arrived in Japan on a working visit
18.12.2025On 17 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for a working visit to Japan to participate in the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit. The Head of State was seen off at Ashgabat International Airport by officials, according to the state news agency TDH. Turkmen-Japanese relations are developing on the basis of a strategic partnership. The parties are consistently implementing joint projects in industry, energy and ecology, as well as interacting in international formats, including the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ dialogue. With the participation of Japanese companies ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’ and ‘Itochu’ and ‘Sojitz’, large industrial projects have been implemented in Turkmenistan. These include a plant for the production of petrol from natural gas in Ovadandepe, a polymer plant in Gyyanly and a urea plant in Garabogaz. Special attention is paid to humanitarian cooperation. Ashgabat is home to the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology, where teaching is conducted according to Japanese standards. Japanese is taught in educational institutions in Turkmenistan, and students undergo internships at universities in Japan. This is the second visit by the President of Turkmenistan to Japan in 2025. In April, the Head of State visited Osaka to participate in the events of Turkmenistan's National Day at the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition and held a series of bilateral meetings. A few hours later, the Presidential plane arrived at Tokyo Haneda International Airport. The working visit continues.
The United States has lifted restrictions on the issuance of non-immigrant visas to citizens of Turkmenistan
17.12.2025The US administration has eased visa restrictions for citizens of Turkmenistan. US President Donald Trump signed the relevant Decree on 16 December 2025. The document was published by the White House and will come into force on 1 January 2026, according to Turkmenportal. According to the document, the ban on issuing non-immigrant visas of categories B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J to citizens of Turkmenistan has been lifted. These visas cover business, tourist, student and exchange trips. At the same time, the suspension of immigration visas for Turkmen citizens remains in force. The White House said that the decision to ease restrictions was made in light of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United States and progress in the area of identity management and information sharing. It is noted that improvements have been recorded since the previous proclamation issued in June 2025. The Decree also provides for the expansion of the list of countries whose citizens are subject to entry restrictions into the United States by another 20 states and territories.
Final Declaration adopted following the International Forum in Ashgabat
17.12.2025On 12 December, Ashgabat hosted an International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The forum was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the United Nations, according to IIC. The key outcome of the event was the adoption of a final Declaration. The document reaffirms commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, a multilateral approach and the norms of international law. It highlights the role of neutrality as an effective mechanism for preventing conflicts, building trust and ensuring sustainable development. The Declaration emphasises the importance of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality as a factor in regional and global stability. It stresses the need to develop a culture of peace, dialogue, preventive diplomacy and mediation, as well as to make more active use of the potential of neutral states in peace negotiations. The document welcomes Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Chamber of Mediation for Peace under the auspices of the UN and to develop a Concept of Global Security based on neutrality. It supports the idea of expanding educational and scientific cooperation, including the creation of a University of Peace and Neutrality. Separate provisions of the Declaration are devoted to the interconnection between peace, security and sustainable development, the humanitarian dimension of neutrality, the involvement of women and youth in peacebuilding processes, as well as issues of ethical use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude to Turkmenistan for hosting the forum and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation within the framework of the UN and other international formats for the practical implementation of the provisions of the Declaration.
The international conference in Awaza concluded with the adoption of a final Declaration
17.12.2025On 10 December, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development.’ The forum was organised on the initiative of the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the United Nations and timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust, according to IIC. The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of a final Declaration. The document reaffirms commitment to the UN Charter, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It highlights the role of women in ensuring social progress, economic growth and sustainable development. The Declaration emphasises expanding women's participation in public administration and civil society, developing their leadership potential and strengthening the role of women's organisations. Separate mention is made of issues such as the economic empowerment of women, support for women's entrepreneurship and reducing the gender digital divide. The document also emphasises the importance of equal access for women and girls to quality education and healthcare, the role of women in science, culture, ecology and the fight against climate change, as well as their contribution to the development of human capital. A separate section of the Declaration is devoted to strengthening international cooperation. It emphasises the need to expand dialogue, exchange best practices and create new platforms to promote gender equality, including within the UN and regional formats. In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan, UN structures and partners for organising the conference and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation to implement the provisions of the final Declaration.
The next meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality will take place in February 2026
17.12.2025The next meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development is scheduled for February 2026. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. According to the regulations, meetings at the ambassadorial level are held in New York at least once every six months. Meetings at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers are also held annually. The Group of Friends of Neutrality was established on the initiative of Turkmenistan and operates under the auspices of the UN. The platform is used for multilateral dialogue on the practical application of the peacekeeping potential of neutral states.
New members join the Group of Friends of Neutrality at the UN
17.12.2025In 2025, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Eswatini joined the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development. Thus, the number of participants in the international platform has reached 29 states, according to Turkmenportal, citing the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The press service of the diplomatic mission noted that the expansion of the Group reflects the growing interest in neutrality as a tool for strengthening peace, trust, security and sustainable development within the framework of the UN Charter. The Group of Friends of Neutrality operates under the auspices of the UN and serves as a platform for multilateral dialogue on the practical application of the principles of neutrality. Its agenda includes conflict prevention, elimination of their consequences and resolution of humanitarian issues.
Ashgabat summarises the work of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group for 2025
17.12.2025A meeting of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group was held at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel, where the results of its work for 2025 were summarised. The meeting was held in a hybrid format with the participation of representatives from the Turkmen and Austrian sides, according to TDH. Opening the meeting, the Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group, N. Berger, noted the significance of the recent meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. She stressed that the creation of the Group in 2008 was linked to the first official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Austria, and recalled the joint projects implemented in the field of culture and information exchange. Representatives of the Turkmen side noted the stable level of bilateral relations based on mutual trust and respect for interests. The parties' readiness to develop cooperation and implement joint projects was emphasised. The participants discussed issues related to expanding the activities of the Friendship Group, strengthening economic partnership and business ties, as well as the role of cultural diplomacy. Special attention was paid to promising projects for 2026 and proposals to intensify joint work with the participation of Turkmen companies. During the meeting, the merits of individual members of the Friendship Group were noted in connection with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality and the 17th anniversary of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group for their contribution to the development of economic and business cooperation. The participants emphasised that in 2025, the Friendship Group continued its work on developing bilateral dialogue and participating in the implementation of the tasks of the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea presented his credentials in Ashgabat
16.12.2025In Ashgabat, on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova accepted the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to Turkmenistan Luciano Nkogo Ndong Ayekaba. This was reported by TDH. On behalf of the head of state, the head of the national parliament congratulated the diplomat on his appointment to this high position and wished him success in developing and strengthening bilateral relations. In turn, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and conveyed greetings and best wishes from the leadership of Equatorial Guinea to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as congratulations to the Turkmen people on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. During the meeting, the diplomat was informed about the priorities of Turkmenistan's socially oriented domestic policy and its peaceful foreign strategy based on the principles of positive neutrality and constructive international cooperation, including with countries on the African continent. The parties exchanged views on the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The ambassador was also provided with information on the structure and activities of the Mejlis, as well as on the large-scale socio-economic reforms being implemented in the country. At the end of the meeting, Luciano Nkogo Ndong Ayekaba emphasized that it was a great honor for him to represent the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in neutral Turkmenistan, and assured his readiness to make every effort to further develop friendly relations between the two states.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Kazakhstan on Independence Day
16.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the people of the country on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message notes that over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has strengthened its state institutions and achieved growth in the well-being of its population, consistently realizing its potential in various fields. The head of state also emphasized the importance of the meeting held in Astana as part of the state visit, noting the atmosphere of trust and the parties' commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan. In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev health and success in his state activities, and the people of Kazakhstan peace, progress, and prosperity.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
