Policy
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan accepted copies of the credentials of the Ambassador of India
21.10.2025On 20 October, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, who presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Rashid Meredov congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in his work. The parties noted the high level of political dialogue and the active development of trade, economic and cultural ties, emphasising the importance of mutual visits at the highest level. Cooperation in international and regional organisations was discussed. The Indian side reiterated its support for Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and its peace initiatives. Prospects for cooperation in the field of culture and education were also discussed. The Indian Ambassador thanked the Turkmen side for the warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of the TAPI gas pipeline for the region
20.10.2025At a solemn meeting marking the start of the next stage of the ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’ gas pipeline the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale projects are being successfully implemented, contributing to the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations and an increase in Turkmen gas exports. This was reported by the online news resource AsmanNews. The Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of international gas pipelines, especially the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ project, which contributes to the modernisation of Turkmenistan's energy complex and the development of the region as a whole. The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that on 11 September last year, the laying of the key Serhetabat-Herat section began in the Mary velayat, which was a significant event for Turkmen-Afghan relations. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening, and the implementation of major projects is having a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the region. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty reported that the 214 km Turkmen section of the gas pipeline has been successfully laid, and the new stage to the Afghan province of Herat (153 km) will be carried out with the involvement of equipment and specialists from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the project will create jobs and bring Afghanistan annual revenues of over a billion dollars, contributing to the long-term development of both countries and the region. The Hero Arkadag thanked the Turkmen gas workers for their participation in the project and the Afghan side for their cooperation, and also blessed the start of the next stage of the gas pipeline construction. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the United States was one of the first to support the project, and that bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States covers trade, investment and business contacts. Hero Arkadag highlighted the contribution of the American company ‘Brownstein’, which is advising on the project. In addition, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty recalled the significance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, for the authority of Turkmenistan and thanked US President Donald Trump for his support for the events and the gas pipeline project.
Turkmenistan continues implementation of TAPI project
20.10.2025On 20 October, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave his blessing to the implementation of a new stage of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline project — the Serhetabat–Herat section, called ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the initiatives of the Hero Arkadag and continued by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation with countries in the region and strengthening good-neighbourly relations. Joint Turkmen-Afghan projects in the transport and energy sectors contribute to the restoration of Afghanistan's economy and its integration into global ties. In September 2024, with the participation of Hero Arkadag, the Serhetabat-Turgundi railway bridge was opened, construction began on the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline and the ‘Arkadagyň Ak ýoly’ fibre-optic communication line, and a warehouse complex in Turgundi and the ‘Nur-el-Jahad’ power plant in Herat were put into operation. Following the principles of neutrality, peacefulness and good neighbourliness, Turkmenistan continues to support efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Turkmenistan develops new joint projects with the UN
20.10.2025Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov presented the results of the 4th meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan – UN’ Strategic Advisory Council, which was held on 16 October, during a government meeting on 17 October. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The main outcome of the meeting was the preliminary approval of the Framework Programme for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN in the field of sustainable development for 2026-2030, the fifth since 2005. The document covers national, regional and international priorities in the socio-economic, environmental and political spheres. An Interdepartmental Commission is planned to be established to coordinate joint projects, with its first meeting to be held in November. Among the proposed initiatives are the preparation of a Programme of Joint Action with the UN in the context of Turkmenistan's priorities at the 80th session of the General Assembly, the development of a National Roadmap for the implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries, and the holding of a seminar on SDG reporting at the end of October. In addition, cooperation in the areas of youth policy, ecology, digitalisation and energy was discussed. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out the necessary work.
Turkmenistan and SEforALL intend to develop partnership in ‘green’ energy
19.10.2025On 17 October, Hemra Amannazarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria, met with Stefano Marguccio, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), at the organisation's headquarters. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The interlocutors discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of sustainable energy, in particular support for national and regional initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The parties agreed to continue the dialogue on joint projects, including participation in international energy forums and regional programmes to expand access to energy. The meeting confirmed the shared commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of sustainable energy development.
The Awaza Political Declaration was approved by a UN General Assembly Resolution.
18.10.2025Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the significant success of Turkmen diplomacy at the UN at a government meeting on 17 October. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Awaza Political Declaration, adopted at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), has gained international recognition: on 14 October 2025, the UN General Assembly unanimously approved it as a Resolution. The declaration enshrines measures for the development of vulnerable countries, including science, education, innovation, sustainable infrastructure, international trade, combating climate change and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The adoption of the Resolution underscores Turkmenistan's contribution to international cooperation and the promotion of the global sustainable development agenda.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the President's initiatives on the world stage
18.10.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the Turkmen people and the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the adoption of the ‘Awaza Political Declaration’ Resolution at the 18th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Hero Arkadag emphasised that this event, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, was an important step in strengthening the country's international authority and promoting its peaceful foreign policy. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that under the leadership of the Head of State, Turkmenistan demonstrates its commitment to the principles of friendship and trust, and the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the adoption of the ‘Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034’ and the ‘Awaza Political Declaration’ confirmed the active role of the state in solving global problems. The National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that the initiatives put forward by the President of Turkmenistan in the fields of ecology, energy and humanitarian cooperation will contribute to the further strengthening of multilateral partnerships and the growth of Turkmenistan's international authority.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan reaffirm commitment to developing cooperation
18.10.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Galymzhan Koishybayev, who arrived on a visit to Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Galymzhan Koishybayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noting the significant contribution of the Turkmen leadership to the development of bilateral relations. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to strengthening its partnership with Kazakhstan, which is successfully developing in the political, diplomatic, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The President of Turkmenistan also noted the active dynamics of political dialogue between the countries. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the trade, economic, transport and logistics fields, including the development of international corridors along the North-South route. Among the priority areas are digitalisation, innovation, the ‘green’ economy and environmental protection. Special attention was paid to the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties that contribute to strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries. A special role in this process is assigned to the Inter-governmental Turkmen-Kazakh Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. At the end of the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that Galymzhan Koishybayev's visit would give new impetus to the development of a mutually beneficial partnership between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and wished his guest success in his work.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a telephone conversation with his counterpart from Eswatini
18.10.2025A telephone conversation was held on 17 October between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Eswatini, Pholile Shakantu. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of political dialogue and high-level contacts for strengthening trust between the countries. They noted the meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and King Mswati III of Eswatini on the sidelines of the LLDC3 conference and the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where diplomatic relations were established. The ministers confirmed their intention to continue cooperation within international organisations, primarily the UN, and discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held in Ashgabat in December 2025.
New areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO discussed in Ashgabat
18.10.2025On 17 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Chynar Rustemova, as well as representatives of relevant ministries and departments. Opening the meeting, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stressed that cooperation with UNESCO is an important direction of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the expansion of cooperation in the areas of climate change, water resources and digital technologies. Participants discussed the commission's report for January-September 2025 and proposals for its improvement. Reports were presented on the implementation of UNESCO's International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the activities of UNESCO clubs in the country. Initiatives to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and prepare Turkmenistan's candidacy for the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2026-2030 were also considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks for the rest of the year were identified and steps were outlined to further strengthen the partnership with UNESCO.
Turkmenistan discussed cooperation in maritime infrastructure with ‘Van Oord’
18.10.2025Saparmyrat Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Paul Voortmeijer, Director of ‘Van Oord’. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of maritime infrastructure, including projects related to the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. Paul Voortmeijer expressed interest in visiting Turkmenistan to participate in the International Oil and Gas Conference and explore opportunities for joint projects.
Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur discussed developing cooperation
18.10.2025On 17 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The interlocutors discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within regional and international organisations. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held in Turkmenistan in December this year.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
