Policy
The President of Turkmenistan noted the significance of the “Turkmentravel – 2026” forum
14.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of greetings to the participants of the international tourism exhibition and conference “Turkmentravel – 2026,” which opened in Ashgabat, TDH reports. The head of state expressed confidence that the forum would become a significant event for the development of the tourism industry and the expansion of international cooperation. It was noted that consistent efforts are being made in the country to modernize the tourism sector and strengthen its legal and economic framework. The address emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the World Tourism Cities Federation. It was pointed out that the participation of foreign and domestic companies creates conditions for the exchange of experience and the implementation of new projects. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the country’s strong tourism potential. Key attractions mentioned include historical and cultural monuments and natural sites, such as Ancient Merv, Nisa, and Kunya-Urgench, as well as properties included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Special mention was made of the city of Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag, the Avaza National Tourist Zone, as well as the natural features of the Karakum Desert and the Koytendag mountains. The head of state underscored the importance of holding such events for promoting the country’s tourism potential and attracting foreign visitors. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan congratulated the participants on the opening of the forum and wished them success in developing the industry.
The head of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Iraq
14.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to Nizar Amedi on the occasion of his election as President of the Republic of Iraq. This was reported by the online outlet AsmanNews. The head of state wished Nizar Amedi good health, energy, and success in his public service aimed at the development and prosperity of the Republic of Iraq.
The President of Turkmenistan held a digital meeting on the agricultural sector
14.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting via a digital system on April 13 with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev and regional governors (hyakims). The main focus was on agricultural campaigns and construction projects in the regions, according to TDH. During the meeting, it was noted that in the regions, wheat fertilization and irrigation are ongoing, along with cotton sowing and the cultivation of potatoes and melons and vegetables. Work is also underway in sericulture, including the provision of silkworm eggs to producers and the care of silkworms. Due to rising temperatures, fire-prevention measures are being carried out in pastures, agricultural lands, and forest areas. The hyakims of the Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary regions reported on current fieldwork and the progress of construction of social, cultural, and industrial facilities scheduled for commissioning this year. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported that agricultural work is being carried out in accordance with agrotechnical standards, and measures are being taken to ensure the timely completion of cotton sowing and the efficient use of machinery. Summing up the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan instructed to ensure that cotton sowing is carried out within the established сроки, proper care is provided for wheat and other crops, and strict control is maintained over the quality and deadlines of construction projects. The head of state emphasized the importance of adhering to agrotechnical requirements and introducing advanced practices in agriculture, instructing that these issues remain under constant supervision.
Representatives from Turkmenistan spoke at the EU forum in Tashkent
13.04.2026Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the third regional parliamentary dialogue on the development of the circular economy. The event took place on 9–10 April in Tashkent as part of the European Union’s ‘SWITCH-Asia’ initiative. This was reported by the press service of the National Parliament of Turkmenistan. The forum served as a platform for discussing sustainable development issues and exchanging experiences among participants. During the dialogue, a representative of the Mejlis delivered a presentation on the implementation of ‘green economy’ principles in Turkmenistan. The use of international experience and the implementation of reforms aimed at transitioning to a circular model were highlighted. Particular attention was paid to measures to improve the environmental situation. These include fostering an environmental culture, reducing waste, introducing innovative technologies and attracting investment. The need for further development of state policy in the field of sustainable development and the rational use of resources was emphasised.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful status of the Caspian Sea
12.04.2026During the Middle East conflict, strikes have been recorded on territories in the Caspian region. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, commented on Turkmenistan’s position in an interview with Turkmen media, reports TDH. It was noted that for over 30 years, Turkmenistan, together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia, has been developing Caspian cooperation. In 2018, the countries signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which enshrined the region’s status as a zone of peace, harmony and good-neighbourliness. The document prohibits the deployment of armed forces and military activity by states that are not Caspian littoral states. This is regarded as the foundation of regional security. In this regard, Turkmenistan expressed concern over strikes on the territory of one of the Caspian littoral states and stated that military action in the region is unacceptable. It was noted that the country is considering a draft joint statement by the Caspian states. The document states that the spread of the conflict to the Caspian region intensifies the escalation and poses a threat to security. Turkmenistan will decide on its support after analysing the draft.
Turkmenistan has called for a ban on weapons of mass destruction
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, commented on the situation in the Middle East in an interview with the Turkmen media. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is concerned about developments in the region due to its geographical proximity. According to him, a possible escalation, including the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction, could affect neighbouring countries and the entire region. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, as a neutral state, advocates the resolution of conflicts solely through political and diplomatic means. This position remains unchanged. It was also noted that the country is a party to international arms control treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Turkmenistan is a party to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia. It was stated separately that Turkmenistan advocates a total ban on weapons of mass destruction. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a doctor by training, emphasised that their use could lead to serious consequences for the population, the environment and the socio-economic sphere, and requires the utmost responsibility.
Hero Arkadag outlined new approaches to the climate agenda
12.04.2026At the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined Turkmenistan’s consistent and practical approach to the climate agenda. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the country’s full commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and noted its readiness to develop projects in the field of ‘green energy’, including the use of wind and solar power. The National Leader of the Turkmen people announced the start of practical work on the development of hydrogen energy based on natural gas. Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to cooperate with international partners in this area. In this regard, it was proposed to establish a Global Programme for the Transition to Hydrogen Energy for a ten-year period and to discuss its parameters with the UN. The importance of regional cooperation, scientific research and the introduction of new technologies was highlighted separately. The UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia will soon begin operations in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan will provide the necessary conditions for its activities. The topic of support for vulnerable countries, including landlocked states, was raised. It was emphasised that these countries must be guaranteed equal access to water resources and waterways as an important condition for sustainable development. It was noted that in August 2025, Turkmenistan hosted the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries. The adopted Awaza Declaration has been granted the status of an official UN document. Turkmenistan declared its intention to seek the implementation of its provisions. It was also emphasised that the country continues to work with the UN to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to promote previously initiated General Assembly resolutions in the fields of energy, the environment and transport. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag thanked the forum organisers and expressed his confidence in the need for practical results. The forum moderator noted the significance of the initiatives presented. Turkmenistan’s initiatives have identified new directions in addressing global environmental and energy challenges and confirmed the country’s commitment to participating in shaping the international sustainable development agenda.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Austria to visit Ashgabat
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, invited the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, to visit Ashgabat at his convenience. This was reported by TDH. Hero Arkadag noted that Turkmenistan is open to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with Austria. Alexander Van der Bellen expressed his gratitude for the invitation. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are taking on a new dimension and developing in the interests of the friendly peoples. It was specifically emphasised that, in the current circumstances, disagreements must be resolved solely through political and diplomatic means. Austria’s support for Turkmenistan’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032 was also noted. This reflects the high level of trust between the countries. In the humanitarian sphere, cooperation is developing through academic exchanges. Turkmen universities are collaborating with Graz University of Technology and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. This forms the basis for training a new generation of specialists.
Turkmenistan promotes climate initiatives at a meeting with UNIDO
12.04.2026The climate agenda was a key topic of discussion during the meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller. This was reported by TDH. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to consider the preparation of a Roadmap for cooperation with UNIDO for 2026–2030. The document will cover issues relating to the ‘green’ industrial transition and measures to combat climate change. Particular attention has been paid to Turkmenistan’s regional initiatives. These include a proposal to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. The project aims to coordinate efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability. International legal mechanisms for regulating transboundary water resources are also being discussed. This involves the preparation of regional conventions for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. In parallel, the Caspian Environmental Initiative is being promoted, aimed at preserving the Caspian Sea ecosystem. In addition, the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia is being initiated. It will serve as a platform for the implementation of climate solutions and the development of technological cooperation. Gerd Müller noted the significance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and emphasised that UNIDO regards its cooperation with the country as strategic and long-term.
Turkmenistan and the IAEA are stepping up cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy
12.04.2026Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency are preparing a new Country Framework Programme for 2026–2030. The document will set out the priorities for technical cooperation. This was announced following a meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, reports TDH. The programme will serve as a basis for future projects. This involves the introduction of technologies in nuclear medicine and the enhancement of safety across various sectors of the economy. Cooperation in the healthcare sector was discussed separately. With the Agency’s support, modern diagnostic and treatment methods are being introduced in the country. Consultations with international experts have helped to improve approaches to combating dangerous diseases and to enhance the quality of medical services. The topic of support for landlocked developing countries was also raised. It was emphasised that peaceful nuclear energy could become an important tool for their development. Hero Arkadag thanked Rafael Grossi for the IAEA delegation’s participation in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which took place last August in Awaza.
Turkmenistan and China are preparing for a new meeting of the inter-governmental committee
12.04.2026The seventh meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation will take place on 16 April in Ashgabat. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, reported on preparations for the meeting at an off-site government session, according to TDH. Rashid Meredov noted that cooperation with China remains a key priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy. Recent high-level visits have made a significant contribution to the development of relations. These include President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to the PRC in August–September 2025 to attend the SCO summit, and the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Beijing on 17–19 March 2026. The meeting is expected to discuss the further development of the strategic partnership. The agenda includes energy, including new projects for the development of gas fields, the modernisation of railway infrastructure and the development of logistics routes between China–Turkmenistan–the Caspian Sea–Europe and Turkmenistan–China–the Asia-Pacific region. Topics such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, agriculture and training in the scientific and educational sectors will also be addressed. The Committee comprises six subcommittees that meet on a regular basis. Meetings on humanitarian and transport-logistics issues have already taken place this year. Meetings on energy and scientific and technical cooperation are scheduled for the second half of 2026. Following the meeting, it is planned to sign a protocol and a number of documents aimed at strengthening the legal framework of bilateral relations. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to ensure a high standard of organisation for the event. He signed a Resolution appointing the heads of the committee and subcommittees on the Turkmen side and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue with the preparations.
Hero Arkadag spoke at the Vienna Energy and Climate Forum
12.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. This was reported by TDH. At the outset, Hero Arkadag thanked the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, the leadership of UNIDO and the Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry for the invitation and for organising the forum. It was noted that the broad range of participants reflects the high level of interest in energy and climate issues. The National Leader of the Turkmen people stated that Turkmenistan is participating in the implementation of UN strategies in the field of energy sustainability and the climate agenda. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that the current global situation makes energy and climate issues particularly sensitive. Separately, Hero Arkadag outlined Turkmenistan’s approach as one of the major energy producers. According to him, the country is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at developing equal international cooperation in the energy sector. Key initiatives were presented in the speech. These include the development of a Global Security Strategy, in which the energy component is regarded as one of the fundamental elements. It was also proposed to promote the idea of a UN ‘Energy Code’, which would enshrine the rejection of the politicisation of energy cooperation. Special mention was made of the initiative to create a universal international legal document on the production, transit and consumption of energy resources. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need for guaranteed and non-discriminatory access to energy for all countries, regardless of their economic and political situation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that Turkmenistan had already sponsored three UN General Assembly resolutions on energy issues, and announced the preparation of a new initiative on energy connectivity. In the climate section of the speech, commitment to the Paris Agreement was reaffirmed. The development of projects in the fields of solar, wind and hydrogen energy was highlighted. An initiative was also proposed to establish a 10-year global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy. It was announced that preparations were underway to launch the UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in Ashgabat. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting landlocked developing countries. The need for equal access to water resources and international support for such states was emphasised. Hero Arkadag recalled the holding of the Third UN Conference for such countries in 2025 and the adoption of the Awaza Declaration, stating Turkmenistan’s intention to work towards its implementation. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag noted the country’s readiness to continue working with the UN and international organisations, including UNIDO, on the implementation of climate and energy initiatives.
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