Policy
A meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Council was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026The fifth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan on 31 March. This was reported by AsmanNews. The meeting was attended by members of the government, representatives of ministries and departments, as well as UN agencies in the country. Issues relating to the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. The document is being drafted on a systematic basis with the participation of relevant bodies. Turkmenistan previously submitted reviews in 2019 and 2023. Cooperation projects with UN agencies were also discussed, including a programme to reduce methane emissions and initiatives in the field of youth policy. It was noted that Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions. Particular attention was paid to the draft ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ programme for 2026–2028, aimed at expanding youth participation in the international agenda. Following the meeting, a number of documents for 2026 were signed, including work plans with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund in the fields of the economy, health and education.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the holding of competitions to mark the Horse Festival
01.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on organising events to mark the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. According to the document, an international beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses will take place in Ashgabat on 25 April 2026, reports TDH. Creative competitions are also planned for artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, jewellers, photographers, designers, cameramen and publishing professionals. They will present works dedicated to the image of Ahal-Teke horses in fine and decorative arts, print media, photography and television. The document also approves the composition of the competition jury.
Turkmenistan and the EU are moving towards a deeper partnership
31.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held meetings with Iulia Matei, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU, and Petros Mavrikios, Ambassador of Cyprus to the EU Political Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The diplomats discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations, reaffirming their interest in strengthening them. Particular attention was paid to the role of Turkmenistan and Central Asia as a consistent bridge between Europe and Asia and to the development of intercontinental ties. The parties emphasised the importance of intensifying cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, as well as improving the legal and institutional framework for more effective interaction. Following the meetings, the diplomats agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen contacts at ambassadorial level to further develop a mutually beneficial partnership.
Turkmenistan and the Philippines are strengthening their diplomatic ties
31.03.2026On 27 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), held a meeting with Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including the preparation of high-level visits, the expansion of the legal framework, and cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to issues of energy security and cooperation on international platforms. The diplomats also agreed to jointly work on Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format in connection with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Turkmenistan and Mongolia held an online meeting of their parliamentary friendship groups
31.03.2026On 30 March, the first online meeting was held between the parliamentary friendship groups established under the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Great State Khural of Mongolia. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the development of bilateral relations, including in the inter-parliamentary sphere, due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of the country’s foreign policy, the structure of the national parliament and legislative work to ensure socio-economic reforms. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for expanding cooperation, exchanging experience in legislative activities and strengthening contacts between relevant committees, young and female parliamentarians, as well as business representatives. The Turkmen side also outlined upcoming events during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, including a women’s dialogue, a session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, and meetings on demographic issues.
Delegations from Turkmenistan and Georgia have agreed on steps to strengthen ties
31.03.2026On 30 March in Tbilisi, as part of an official visit by a Turkmen delegation, a meeting took place between N. Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and I. Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. N. Atagulyev conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The parties noted the steady development of bilateral relations and constructive cooperation, including interaction within the framework of the UN. Prospects for expanding trade and economic, transport and energy, and cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the role of high-level visits in building trust and deepening political dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain regular contacts and consistently implement the agreements reached.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed projects in the fields of education and social protection
31.03.2026On 30 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, met with Jalpa Ratna, Head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed areas of cooperation in the fields of education, social protection and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the objectives of the UNICEF Country Programme for Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. Issues relating to the development of pre-school education and the social work system were discussed, including the training of specialists, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of institutional mechanisms. The importance of adopting the National Strategy for Early Childhood Development for 2026–2030 was emphasised. In addition, projects on the development of inclusive educational infrastructure and the preparation of the National Programme on Child Protection and Child Justice were reviewed.
Ashgabat discusses the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Belgium
31.03.2026On 30 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Julien De Fraipont, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Turkmenistan (resident in Baku). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic dialogue, interaction between foreign ministries, and the improvement of the legal framework for relations. Particular attention was paid to strengthening Turkmenistan’s partnership with European countries and Belgium’s role in developing cooperation with the European Union. Issues of cooperation on international platforms, primarily within the framework of the UN, were also discussed. In the trade and economic sphere, the interlocutors supported the intensification of business contacts and the holding of joint events involving the business community. The prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the development of inter-university ties, were considered separately.
The US President has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan
31.03.2026The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of the Nowruz holiday. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, Mr. Trump conveyed his best wishes and noted that Nowruz symbolises peace both in the US and throughout the world. He expressed the hope that the coming year would be filled with noble deeds and offered his congratulations on the holiday.
Turkmenistan and the EU have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation
30.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, held a meeting in Brussels with Sylwia Kosinska, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the European Parliament. This was reported by the press service of the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union, emphasising the importance of high-level contacts, the development of bilateral cooperation and the ‘EU–Central Asia’ format. Particular attention was paid to the international agenda, including climate issues. It was noted that Turkmenistan, as an energy producer, has joined the Global Methane Pledge. The participants also gave a positive assessment of the inter-parliamentary dialogue held in Brussels in March, describing it as an important platform for discussing economic and humanitarian issues. Energy, transport, critical raw materials and climate were identified as priority areas for cooperation. The need to further modernise the legal framework for cooperation was also emphasised. Furthermore, the parties noted the growing role of Turkmenistan and the Central Asian region as a consistent transport bridge between Europe and Asia. Following the meeting, mutual interest in continuing the dialogue and expanding practical cooperation was reaffirmed.
Chinese Ambassador: Relations with Turkmenistan have reached the level of a strategic partnership
30.03.2026Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, emphasised that Chinese-Turkmen relations have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that the visit to Beijing by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, had opened a new chapter in the development of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Ambassador recalled that from 17 to 19 March, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a friendly visit to China. This was the first visit by a foreign leader following the conclusion of the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, key events in the socio-political life of the PRC. ‘The visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Beijing was an important step which, by linking the past and the future, opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping held a cordial meeting with Hero Arkadag. The sides discussed in detail the strengthening of cooperation in various fields, reached broad consensus and gave a powerful impetus to joint work,’ emphasised Ji Shumin. The Ambassador also spoke highly of the current level of relations between the two countries, noting that the dynamic development of Chinese-Turkmen relations serves as a model of political cooperation. ‘Political mutual trust between China and Turkmenistan is steadily strengthening. The friendly ties between our peoples have deep historical roots. Our countries are good friends, brothers and partners who support one another. Over the 34 years of diplomatic relations, Chinese-Turkmen ties have maintained steady, sound and consistent development, reaching a new level of comprehensive strategic partnership,’ noted Ji Shumin.
Judges of Turkmenistan discussed the development of the judicial system and legal reform
29.03.2026On March 28, the VIII Conference of Judges of Turkmenistan was held at the “Adalat” Palace, with participation from representatives of the Supreme Court, the Arbitration Court, as well as judges from provincial, city, and district courts. The main topic of discussion was the challenges facing the country’s judicial system, AsmanNews reports. Conference participants reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan for the Development Program of the Judicial System for 2022–2028. In particular, discussions focused on improving judicial proceedings, ensuring transparency in the administration of justice, and aligning court decisions with national legislation and international standards. The event also summarized the results of the “Exemplary Court” competition of the International Year of Peace and Trust, examined the “Exemplary Court” review among courts across the country, and considered the “Best Judge” award for first-instance judges. Other topics included enhancing judicial procedures, amending legal acts, preparing methodological guides, and improving the qualifications of judges and court staff. Special attention was given to implementing the directives of the country’s President, adopting advanced practices and modern methodologies, and organizing specialized training courses. Among the discussed subjects were the implementation of the 2026 Work Plan and the new edition of the Code of Judicial Ethics. Following the conference, corresponding decisions were adopted.
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