Policy
Turkmenistan will send 289 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj
06.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed an order to send 289 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The state service “Türkmenhowaýollary” has been tasked with organizing a special flight to transport the pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and back. The trip will take place from May 21 to June 11, 2026. The expenses will be covered by the state service.
In Turkmenistan, veterans will be presented with gifts on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Victory
05.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a decree on honoring veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The document is dedicated to the 81st anniversary of Victory, according to the online resource AsmanNews. Under the decree, the administrations of the velayats, cities, and etraps have been instructed to ceremonially present war veterans with cash and valuable gifts on behalf of the head of state. The decision was made in consideration of the veterans’ and home front workers’ contributions, as well as their role in fostering patriotic education among young people and strengthening social unity. The President of Turkmenistan has also signed a resolution on preparations for the 2026 grain harvest. The document provides for the establishment of a State Commission and approval of its membership. The commission is tasked with ensuring the organized conduct of the harvest, the transportation of grain to storage facilities and elevators without losses, as well as timely settlements with grain producers.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan met with the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly
05.05.2026On May 4, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a meeting with the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock. This was reported by the IIC. During the conversation, the sides discussed key areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, paying attention to current issues on the international agenda. The discussion focused on strengthening peace and security, measures to address climate change, and the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals. Special attention was given to steps for implementing Turkmenistan’s national priorities in cooperation with the UN. The parties reaffirmed their intention to continue and deepen constructive dialogue and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.
Turkmenistan and Armenia are expanding political and economic cooperation
05.05.2026Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov held a meeting on May 4 in Yerevan with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Mnatsakan Safaryan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side expressed gratitude for the invitation to the “Yerevan Dialogue 2026” forum. The parties noted the high level of political dialogue based on regular high-level contacts and inter-ministerial consultations, as well as close cooperation in international platforms. In the economic sphere, the need to expand trade and intensify the work of the intergovernmental commission was discussed, along with the development of direct contacts between business entities. In the humanitarian field, good cooperation was emphasized. The Turkmen side proposed holding new Days of Turkmen Culture in Armenia.
The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Iran discussed regional security
05.05.2026On May 4, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Iran, Rashid Meredov and Seyed Abbas Araghchi. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional security. The role of political and diplomatic tools, as well as preventive diplomacy, was emphasized in order to avoid conflicts and crisis situations. Special attention was given to issues related to the Caspian region. It was noted that the Caspian Sea is regarded as a space of peace, harmony, and good neighborliness. The need to strengthen multilateral cooperation on the environmental agenda was also highlighted. The foreign ministers agreed to continue regular contacts and to further develop diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. The conversation was initiated by the Iranian side.
The museum in Arkadag is scheduled to open once the finishing work has been completed
04.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, inspected the progress of construction work on the museum on the grounds of the mosque in the city of Arkadag. The project is in its final stages, according to TDH. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, reported that work is underway on the exterior finishing of the building. The museum is set to house an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Hero Arkadag, including state and international awards, photographs and his written works. Having inspected the architectural design and decorative elements, Hero Arkadag noted that the museum would form part of the mosque’s unified complex. He instructed that the pace of construction be accelerated and the work completed within the set timeframe. Regarding the curation of the exhibition, it was recommended that the matter be referred to the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
The second phase of Arkadag's development will provide housing for thousands of families
04.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a working meeting in the city of Arkadag attended by relevant officials. The Mayor of Arkadag, G. Mammedova, reported that as part of the first phase of construction, residential buildings for 7,368 families have been erected. The second phase involves plans to build housing for 4,284 families, as well as social and cultural facilities, schools and nurseries, reports TDH. It was noted that the residential buildings are being fitted out in accordance with modern standards. Since the town’s opening, thousands of families have moved into new flats and jobs have been created. Hero Arkadag instructed that the settlement of residents should continue, as well as the modernisation of educational institutions. The need to explore the establishment of named scholarships for young students was highlighted separately.
Turkmenistan is considering the introduction of personalised scholarships
03.05.2026Turkmenistan is considering the introduction of new personalised scholarships for students. The instruction was given by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at a working meeting in the city of Arkadag, reports Turkmenportal. The need to encourage young people through the development of the education system and support for students was highlighted. It was proposed that the issue of scholarships be addressed using a comprehensive approach. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development, D. Orazov, and the Mayor of Arkadag, G. Mammedova. Issues relating to the development of Arkadag were also discussed. According to the Mayor, housing for 7,368 families has been built as part of the first phase. The second phase involves the construction of homes for 4,284 families, as well as schools, nurseries and social facilities. It is noted that since the city’s foundation, thousands of families have moved into new flats and jobs have been created.
A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will be held in Ashgabat
03.05.2026Ashgabat will host a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May. Preparations for the event were discussed at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives in Minsk, according to the Executive Committee’s press service, as reported by Turkmenportal. According to Igor Petrishenko, First Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS, invitations have been sent to participants and the agenda has been agreed. It includes 12 items on economic cooperation and improving the effectiveness of interaction. Key topics include the development of the conference and exhibition sector, the interconnection of transport corridors, the digitalisation of the mining and metallurgical complex, and cooperation in the field of radio navigation. The permanent representatives also summarised the results of the meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, held on 17 April in Moscow, and discussed the implementation of the decisions adopted. Separate consideration was given to issues concerning the development of rail transport and the report by the Head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Centre, Yevgeny Sysoev, on the programme for 2023–2025. It is noted that Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS in 2026.
Diplomats from Turkmenistan and the US have outlined priorities for cooperation
03.05.2026On 1 May, Esen Aydogdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, held talks with US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the main areas of development for bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. Following the meeting, the diplomats confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening and expanding Turkmen-American relations. Earlier, on 9 April 2026, a ceremony was held at Blair House in Washington, during which Esen Aydogdyev presented copies of his credentials to US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley.
A meeting was held in Ankara to discuss the development of business ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey
02.05.2026On 1 May, Mekan Ishangulyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, held a meeting with Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. They specifically considered the expansion of business contacts in light of current conditions and the possible implementation of new joint projects. They also noted the potential for growth in mutual trade and the strengthening of ties between business organisations in the two countries. The role of the Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council was emphasised. Exhibitions and business forums were cited as key instruments for cooperation.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan is to purchase laptops for first-year pupils
02.05.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the provision of laptops to first-year pupils in the 2026–2027 academic year. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The document is aimed at developing the education system, creating modern learning environments and training specialists proficient in innovative technologies. Under the Resolution, the Ministry of Education is authorised to enter into contracts with the joint venture ‘Agzybirlik tilsimaty’ and the commercial company ‘Aýdyň gijeler’. This involves the procurement of domestically manufactured laptops, their installation in schools by 1 August 2026, and subsequent technical maintenance.
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