On 14 July, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos. This was reported on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Cyprus. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is of mutual interest to both countries. The telephone conversations between the Heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening dialogue and developing cooperation in multilateral international forums.
On 14 July this year, a two-week training course entitled ‘The Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management’ opened in Ashgabat, organised by Turkmen authorities in conjunction with the International Ocean Institute (IOI). The training is attended by specialists from all Caspian littoral states – Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Russia – representing various fields ranging from ecology and oil and gas to transport and fisheries. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The course programme includes innovative modules on maritime spatial planning and a special seminar on the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction. Representatives of the IOI and the UN delivered welcoming speeches at the opening ceremony, noting Turkmenistan's leading role in promoting sustainable development in the Caspian region. The event continues the tradition of international cooperation among the Caspian littoral states in addressing pressing environmental, economic and security issues in this unique water basin.
Today, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myakhri Byashimova held a meeting with Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan Zhong Hua. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). During the discussion, the Turkmen side invited representatives of the Chinese delegation to participate in the Meeting of Women Leaders, which will be held within the framework of LLDC 3. This initiative highlights the important role of women in international diplomacy and the development of global cooperation. The meeting demonstrated the mutual interest of Turkmenistan and China in strengthening bilateral relations and working together in multilateral international forums.
On 11 July this year, the 12th meeting of the High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security between the European Union and Central Asian countries took place in Dushanbe. The meeting at the level of deputy foreign ministers brought together representatives of the European External Action Service and diplomats from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the IIC. During the talks, the parties discussed topical issues of regional and interregional cooperation, as well as topics of mutual interest. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Tajikistan A. Gochmyradov. The EU – Central Asia Dialogue serves as an important platform for strengthening cooperation in the field of security and political interaction between Europe and the countries of the region.
Last week in Turkmenistan was marked by an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which summarised the economic results for the first half of 2025. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country continues to develop steadily within the framework of the strategy of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the economy and improving the standard of living of the population. GDP grew by 6.3%, with particularly notable growth in the transport and communications (+10.8%), trade (+9.9%) and construction (+5.1%) sectors. Industrial production increased by 9.9% compared to the same period in 2024. State budget revenues amounted to 101.5%, while expenditures amounted to 97.6%. Average wages increased by 11.4%. More than half of the investments made were directed to social facilities. Almost 270,000 square metres of housing was built in the regions, and infrastructure and energy projects are continuing. In total, investments worth more than 17.8 billion manats were made in the first half of the year, 15.6% more than a year earlier. The agricultural sector saw growth in the production of grain, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. The country's grain farmers harvested over 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, fulfilling the grain delivery plan. The meeting also discussed preparations for the new academic year, university admission plans, the development of education and the construction of new educational facilities. One of the key decisions was the approval of a new version of the Programme of Social and Regional Reforms in Villages until 2028. Special attention was paid to preparations for upcoming international events, including the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Year of Peace and Trust Forum scheduled for December. The President stressed that consistent economic results create conditions for further development, strengthening of neutrality and international authority of Turkmenistan.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent congratulations to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of the national holiday, Bastille Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the positive dynamics in the development of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and France, emphasising the desire to further strengthen and expand cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan wished Emmanuel Macron good health and happiness, and the French people peace, stability and prosperity.
On 13 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting of the State Organising Committee dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The event will take place from 4 to 8 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the meeting, issues related to the organisation of the event, the current state of affairs and upcoming tasks were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the international significance of the forum and noted that the resolution on its holding was adopted by the UN General Assembly with the support of 57 states. Political, economic and humanitarian events are planned as part of the conference, including round tables, forums, exhibitions, national days of Central Asian countries and a cultural programme. Representatives of 32 countries, the UN, international organisations, the private sector and NGOs are expected to attend. Hero Arkadag gave instructions to ensure a high level of organisation: to complete construction and improvement works, prepare transport and hotels, ensure the safety and catering of delegations, organise cultural events and decorate the city. Special attention was paid to the work of volunteers and their uniform standards. At the end of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the participants success and inspected the infrastructure and design elements of the future forum.
On 12 July, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of children's health care. The Ambassador handed O. Atabayeva a letter on behalf of the Chairperson of the Board of the Belarusian Children's Fund Lyudmila Kondrashova, and a specially designed developmental complex for children. O. Atabayeva expressed her gratitude for the attention and the gift, which was handed over to the Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Arkadag city. The interlocutors expressed hope for the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Belarus.
On 11 July, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, met with Mihail Fradkov, Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISI), in Moscow. This was reported by the online publication Orient. According to the source, during the meeting, the interlocutors discussed a wide range of topical issues related to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations. Particular attention was paid to strengthening cooperation between the analytical centres of the two countries, which reflects a common interest in a deep and comprehensive study of the directions of bilateral partnership. The meeting between the Turkmen ambassador and Mihail Fradkov confirmed the mutual interest of Ashgabat and Moscow in expanding strategic dialogue and strengthening trust at the expert and state levels.
On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a law establishing a commemorative medal, ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’). The draft law was presented on 11 July at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, the establishment of the medal was initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The medal will be awarded for contributions to strengthening independence and international stability, as well as for achievements in politics, economics and culture.
On 11 July, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on the work of the Mejlis during the first half of the year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During this period, 13 laws were adopted, including acts on the enactment of the laws ‘On the Approval and Enactment of the Civil Code of Turkmenistan’, ‘On the Court’, ‘On the Unified State Register of Voters’, ‘On Accession to the Relevant Protocol to the International Convention on Cargo Marks’. Amendments were also made to a number of existing laws concerning criminal, arbitration, civil, family and labour law, taxation, migration and other areas. Eleven resolutions were adopted. As part of educational activities, seminars were organised for students of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan with the participation of members of parliament. The Mejlis accepted the credentials of seven foreign ambassadors, held 32 meetings with foreign parliaments and international organisations, participated in 62 joint seminars and made 21 foreign trips. Separately, D. Gulmanova reported on the preparation of a draft law on the establishment of the ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) medal. The relevant law was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who emphasised the importance of further strengthening Turkmenistan's legislative framework.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the results of the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan for the first half of 2025 during a government meeting on 11 July. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country continues to consistently pursue a policy of neutrality, developing friendly and constructive relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats. In January-June 2025, the President of Turkmenistan made a number of important visits to Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan and Mongolia. Turkmenistan also received high-ranking foreign guests, including representatives of international organisations and financial institutions. During this period, more than 1,800 negotiations and meetings with foreign partners were held, and 97 international documents were signed. Bilateral consultations and contacts with the EU and other international structures are actively developing. Considerable attention is being paid to strengthening diplomatic relations through a network of embassies. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised that Turkmenistan will continue its foreign policy activities aimed at strengthening cooperation in politics, economics, culture and science. The Head of State also noted that 2025 has been declared by the UN as the International Year of Peace and Trust, instructing the Foreign Affairs Ministry to organize relevant international events in the country.