From 25 August to 5 September, New York hosted the second regular sessions of the executive boards of leading UN agencies, which resulted in the approval of new country programmes for Turkmenistan for the period 2026-2030. The documents, developed jointly with the Turkmen side, define the main areas of cooperation for the next five years. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The country programmes provide for the implementation of comprehensive projects and activities in partnership with the permanent missions of UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA in Turkmenistan. The approval of the new programmes marks the beginning of a new stage of fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the specialised agencies of the UN, aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and addressing key socio-economic challenges.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of the CIS Economic Council held in Tajikistan and chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Hokim Holikzoda. This was reported by IIC. Representatives of all CIS countries participated in the council's work. Turkmenistan was represented by Aymyrat Gochmyradov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan. The event was attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev. There were 27 items on the agenda: economic cooperation, digitalisation, scientific and technical development, healthcare, trade barriers and multimodal transport corridors. Key documents were approved: the Strategy for Cooperation in the Field of the Information Society and Digital Economy until 2035, the second stage of the CIS Economic Development Strategy (2026-2030), and the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development for 2026-2035. Programmes to support innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises, intellectual property protection, and initiatives to hold a Year of Health Protection in the CIS in 2026 were discussed, and a unified budget for the Commonwealth bodies for 2026 was proposed. The final documents will be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS on 29 September in Minsk, and the next meeting of the Economic Council will be held on 5 December 2025 in Moscow.
On 5 September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers via a digital system. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. First, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on the progress of modernising the country's legislation in accordance with socio-economic development programmes and proposals from ministries. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov presented the ‘Concept for the Development of the Labour Market of Turkmenistan until 2030’ and a plan for its implementation. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Amanov reported on the modernisation of ‘Türkmennebit’ Oil Refineries and the launch of new production facilities. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the progress of agricultural campaigns: the sowing of wheat, the cultivation of vegetables and preparations for the cotton harvest. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Baymyrat Annamammedov reported on the construction of new industrial enterprises, including a glass production facility in the Ahal velayat. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the preparation of the national pavilion of Turkmenistan for the ‘Halal Expo 2025’ exhibition in Istanbul. Next, Deputy Prime Minister Bahar Seyidova reported on preparations for the final round of the television competition ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’. Then, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva reported on the preparations for the final state round of the creative competition for children ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the results of the President of Turkmenistan's visit to the People's Republic of China. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Mammethan Chakiyev reported on the digitalisation of the economy and the introduction of innovative technologies. After hearing the reports, the President of Turkmenistan gave a number of specific instructions to each participant in the meeting.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Deputy President of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation Amakawa Kazuhiko. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, emphasising the high interest of Japanese business in the Turkmen market and the significant role of the President of Turkmenistan in the development of business relations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of cooperation with international financial institutions, as well as the development of macroeconomic policy and the expansion of investment opportunities. Particular attention was paid to partnership with Japanese companies in the field of efficient use of natural resources and the implementation of large-scale projects. Amakawa Kazuhiko stated the bank's readiness to expand cooperation, especially in the field of gas production and processing. The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the partnership with Japan will develop successfully on a mutually beneficial basis.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in connection with the tragedy in Lisbon, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the people and government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State conveyed his sincere sympathy and support to the families of the victims and those affected, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a series of decrees aimed at improving the national labour market and developing the digital economy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to one of the documents, the ‘Concept for the Development of the Labour Market of Turkmenistan until 2030’ and the Action Plan for its implementation have been approved. Ministries, industry departments, as well as the governors of the velayats and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag have been instructed to ensure the implementation of the tasks set out in the concept. Another decree defines measures for the further development of the digital economy. The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan has been appointed as the authorised body for electronic documents, document management, digital services and the functioning of the e-government system. Within a month, the ministry must prepare and submit to the Cabinet of Ministers proposals for amendments and additions to the current legislation arising from this resolution.
On 5 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Mr. Amakawa Kazuhiko, Deputy Chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The negotiation was a logical continuation of the dialogue that began during President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's visit to Japan in April. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors noted the intensive development of bilateral relations, emphasising the role of regular high-level contacts in strengthening intergovernmental cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving the legal framework that forms the basis for long-term partnership. During the meeting, the successful experience of implementing joint projects with the support of JBIC in key sectors of the Turkmen economy was noted. Japanese investments contribute to the development of oil and gas and energy infrastructure, the chemical industry and other strategic areas. The Japanese side confirmed its interest in further participation in Turkmenistan's national projects, highly appreciating the country's investment policy. The JBIC representative expressed readiness to expand financing for promising development programmes, strengthening the long-standing fruitful cooperation between the two countries.
The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the People's Republic of China confirmed the continuity of centuries-old traditions of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. Historical ties dating back to ancient times continue to be a solid foundation for the development of effective bilateral relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Even in the era of the Great Silk Road, the ancestors of the Turkmen people – the Oguz, Parthians and other peoples – maintained active ties with the Chinese Empire. A vivid testimony to the depth of these relations was the presentation of Ahal-Teke horses, known as ‘heavenly horses,’ as a gift to the Chinese emperor. This historical episode symbolises the centuries-old mutual interest and respect between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples. In the 8th century, Turkic influence reached such a level that Turkic music, clothing and cultural traditions became fashionable in China. Thousands of Oguz families moved to China, contributing to the mutual enrichment of cultures. Modern Turkmen-Chinese relations, based on this solid historical foundation, are developing as a comprehensive strategic partnership. As noted by the President of Turkmenistan, today the countries are not only loyal friends, but also like-minded partners, whose interaction encompasses political dialogue, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges.
On 4 September this year, a multilateral meeting was held in Vienna between the heads of diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The Turkmen side was represented at the negotiation by Ambassador H. Amannazarov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting addressed issues of deepening trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects in the fields of energy and ecology. The representative of Turkmenistan focused on the principles of positive neutrality, which underpin the country's foreign policy strategy, emphasising the country's readiness for constructive cooperation with European partners. The parties reached a consensus on the need to increase cooperation to ensure sustainable development and stability in the region, identifying areas for further integration.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and participated in the SCO+ Summit as a guest of honour. The visit confirmed the strategic nature of the Turkmen-Chinese partnership, based on centuries-old traditions of trust and cooperation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to energy: the parties announced the preparation of a General Agreement on the Basic Principles of Cooperation in the Gas Sector. The document is symbolically linked to the ‘Oath Treaty,’ reflecting the historical depth of relations between the two peoples. Today, Turkmenistan and China, building on the legacy of the Great Silk Road, are developing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Trust-based contacts between the leaders of the two countries and regular high-level visits play an important role in strengthening the partnership, contributing to the realisation of the potential for bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Italy continue to strengthen relations as they prepare for two important events. As part of this process, a meeting was held between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Italy Toyli Komekov and Italy's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, according to the news website Asmannews. The main topics of negotiation were preparations for a state visit and a large-scale archaeological exhibition. The parties discussed strengthening political, diplomatic, trade and economic ties, as well as expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the preparation of an exhibition of unique artefacts at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the priceless finds of the ancient civilisations of Margiana and Nisa. Among the exhibits, items discovered during joint Turkmen-Italian archaeological expeditions are of particular value. This exhibition will be an important milestone in many years of cooperation and one of the key cultural events of the year. The main topic of the meeting was the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Italy, which is planned for this year. This visit is seen as an important step in giving new impetus to bilateral relations. The diplomats agreed to hold a series of events with the participation of the heads of relevant departments. The upcoming events demonstrate the growing importance of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Italy and open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, took part in the ‘2025 KNDA Dialogues with Ambassadors’ forum, held on 4 September at the National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting was dedicated to familiarising foreign diplomats with the foreign policy course of the new government of the Republic of Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted the active diplomatic activity of the country's President Lee Jae-myung, who held negotiations with more than 18 world leaders, and also reported on the country's chairmanship of three UN bodies. Among the priorities of Korea's foreign policy, he highlighted peace on the Korean Peninsula, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the climate agenda and cultural diplomacy. The Minister also spoke about preparations for the APEC summit in Gyeongju in October. In a separate conversation with the South Korean Foreign Minister, Ambassador Durdyev discussed the results of a telephone conversation between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of South Korea, and also expressed his gratitude for the assistance and confirmed his readiness to develop bilateral cooperation.