Policy
Hero Arkadag held a meeting with the Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society
10.04.2026On 9 April, during his visit to Austria, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Neda Berger, Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of inter-state ties. The contribution of the Turkmen-Austrian Society to the expansion of partnership, including in the trade, economic and investment spheres, was noted. During the negotiations, the role of cultural and humanitarian cooperation was emphasised. In this context, the activities of the Turkmen-Austrian symphony orchestra ‘Galkynysh’, which brings together representatives of the creative communities of both countries, were highlighted. The interlocutors confirmed the potential for further development of cooperation and expressed their readiness to strengthen it. Following the meeting, the parties noted the importance of cultural dialogue as one of the key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Austria.
Cultural and educational ties between Turkmenistan and Austria are growing stronger
09.04.2026Turkmenistan is showing a keen interest in introducing Austrian technologies into the construction sector. This was reported by TDH in connection with the visit to Austria by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. Austrian companies are already involved in major urban development and industrial projects in Turkmenistan, introducing modern technologies that meet international standards for quality and environmental safety. Particular attention is being paid to the transport and communications sector. As part of the Revival of the Great Silk Road and the development of ‘East–West’ routes, the experience of Austrian partners in managing logistics centres and railway infrastructure is of strategic importance for Turkmenistan as a transport hub in Eurasia. The parties are also exploring cooperation in the energy sector and the transition to a ‘green’ economy. Joint projects in the fields of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions open up new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Cultural cooperation is also developing. The Turkmen-Austrian Society organises Cultural Days, exhibitions and creative meetings, promoting the exchange of cultural heritage. Traditional Viennese balls in Turkmenistan and performances by the Turkmen-Austrian symphony orchestra ‘Galkynysh’ have become symbols of the partnership. In addition, scientific and educational ties are being strengthened. Universities in both countries hold joint seminars and student and teacher exchanges, introducing advanced European methodologies into Turkmenistan’s education system.
Development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field continues in Turkmenistan
09.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has announced the imminent start of the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new settlement in the Ymambaba village of the Yoloten etrap in the Mary velayat, according to TDH. The Head of State noted that priority is being given to the development of the Mary velayat. Construction and commissioning of industrial enterprises, as well as cultural and social facilities, are continuing in the region. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that work on the comprehensive development of the regions will be consistently continued. Among the key tasks are the construction of modern facilities and the establishment of new production facilities aimed at improving the standard of living of the population.
Italy has appointed a new Ambassador to Turkmenistan
09.04.2026Martin Brook has been appointed Italy’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan. Commenting on his appointment, the diplomat noted that he considers it a great honour to represent Italy in Turkmenistan — a friendly nation which, in his words, shares Rome’s commitment to dialogue for the sake of strengthening peace and international security, according to the news website Turkmenportal. He also emphasised that one of the key areas of his work will be the development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. In this post, Brook succeeds Luigi Ferrari, who had headed Italy’s diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan since December 2022. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Italy were established on 9 June 1992. The Italian Embassy in Ashgabat has been operational since December 2013, and Turkmenistan’s diplomatic mission in Rome since December 2016.
Turkmenistan and South Korea have agreed on ways to strengthen their cooperation
09.04.2026On 9 April, political consultations were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Ms Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties emphasised the high level of bilateral relations and the importance of regular high-level contacts. Political and diplomatic ties, inter-parliamentary cooperation and the strengthening of the legal framework were discussed. The agenda also included trade and economic partnership and cooperation in the energy sector, industry, shipbuilding, transport, water management, infrastructure and environmental protection. The role of the Turkmen-Korean Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the Joint Turkmen-Korean Business Council in expanding economic interaction was noted. The parties exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed their intention to continue constructive cooperation. The strengthening of humanitarian cooperation – in science, education, healthcare, culture, tourism and sport – was discussed separately. The consultations concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual interest in the further development of the Turkmen-Korean partnership.
Mikhail Mishustin will attend the meeting of CIS Heads of Government in Ashgabat
09.04.2026Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government on 22 May in Ashgabat. This was announced by Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reports IIC. According to the diplomat, preparations for the visits are in full swing and reflect the high level of strategic partnership between Moscow and Ashgabat. Organisational work is nearing completion. Earlier, a protocol was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan regarding preparations for a meeting between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyev and CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit on 9 October to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast. In 2026, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS, heading the Council of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Economic Council. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will act as co-chairs. Ashgabat’s active participation in the organisation’s work is seen as a factor in strengthening multilateral dialogue and stability in the region.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent a message to the President of Vietnam
09.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a congratulatory message to To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State expressed his best wishes and noted the significance of this event. In his message, the President of Turkmenistan wished To Lam good health, energy and success in his state duties for the benefit of the Vietnamese people.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people has arrived in Austria on a visit
09.04.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 8 April for a visit to the Republic of Austria. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. He was seen off by officials at Ashgabat International Airport. A few hours later, the plane arrived in Vienna, where the delegation was met by representatives from both the Austrian and Turkmen sides. Turkmen-Austrian cooperation covers the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, transport and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Contacts between the countries are maintained on a regular basis. Austria supports Turkmenistan’s international initiatives in the fields of security, energy and the development of transport corridors. Economic cooperation is developing within the framework of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission. Projects in industry, construction and the investment sector are being considered. Austrian companies are involved in the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects in Turkmenistan. Priorities include transport and logistics, including the development of transcontinental routes, as well as energy and the implementation of environmental solutions. The parties are also developing cooperation in education, science and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan spoke at the ceremony marking the start of construction of the settlement
09.04.2026On 8 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the ceremony marking the start of construction of a new settlement in the Ymambaba gengeshlik of the Yoloten etrap of Mary velayat. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that large-scale projects to build towns, villages and industrial facilities are continuing across the country. Particular attention is being paid to providing the population with modern and affordable housing. The President emphasised that, as part of national programmes, the construction of new settlements is being carried out consistently across all regions. According to him, this contributes to raising living standards and creating jobs. It was noted that the new settlement will cover more than 800 hectares. Plans are in place to build 4,500 residential buildings, designed to accommodate more than 22,500 residents. Schools, nurseries, a health centre, a community centre, administrative buildings and a mosque are also planned. The Head of State separately highlighted the importance of the socio-economic development of the Mary velayat and the implementation of major projects, including the forthcoming launch of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development. In conclusion, the President confirmed that regional development and improving the well-being of the population remain key objectives of state policy.
Discussions on the development of bilateral cooperation with the EU took place in Ashgabat
08.04.2026On 8 April, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Beata Peksa, the European Union’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the effectiveness of cooperation with the EU Delegation in Ashgabat. They discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation and a number of joint initiatives. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen their partnership.
Turkmenistan and South Korea held consular consultations in Seoul
08.04.2026On 8 April, consultations on consular matters were held in Seoul between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, whilst the Korean delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo. During the meeting, topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation between consular services and emphasised the importance of regular consultations for studying best practices and further intensifying cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving and updating the legal framework. The participants confirmed their readiness to continue strengthening their partnership across the full spectrum of consular matters.
Turkmenistan discussed with its partners the development of cooperation with Afghanistan
07.04.2026On 5 April, the first meeting of the ‘Afghanistan – Central Asia’ Consultative Dialogue took place in Kabul. The Turkmen delegation was led by Hoja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed opportunities and challenges in Afghanistan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia, the expansion of economic and transit cooperation, and the development of a roadmap for regional integration. H. Ovezov outlined Turkmenistan’s practical steps to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy. The parties supported the continuation of the Consultative Dialogue and expressed interest in joint projects aimed at the country’s reconstruction and its integration into global economic ties.
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