Policy
Turkmenistan activates international ties and develops economy
25.06.2025Last week, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the second ‘Central Asia – China’ summit held in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, issues related to strengthening regional cooperation were discussed, including in the fields of transport, energy, innovation and culture. The Turkmen side proposed to discuss an initiative to develop a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN, according to the state news agency TDH. During the visit to Kazakhstan, bilateral talks were also held between the President of Turkmenistan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at which the development of trade, economic and humanitarian ties, as well as transport projects, were discussed. Following the summit, a number of documents were signed, including the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighbourliness and the Astana Declaration. In addition, sister city relations were established between the Ahal velayat and the Chinese province of Shaanxi. The domestic political agenda for the week included meetings and sessions devoted to agricultural policy, the development of science and education, the improvement of legislation, the modernisation of the customs system and the digitalisation of public administration. Cooperation with the IAEA and nuclear safety issues were also discussed. An important milestone was reached in agriculture, with more than 1 million tonnes of wheat harvested. Meetings were held with the newly appointed ambassadors of Palestine and Slovenia, during which the prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to healthcare issues. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, familiarised himself with the progress of construction of the Dental Centre in Ashgabat, which is being equipped with modern equipment. Cultural events included an international chess tournament in Ashgabat, where young Turkmen athletes took first place, as well as the opening of Culture Week in the Ahal velayat, dedicated to the Day of Workers of Culture and Art and the poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy. The week demonstrated active foreign policy, steady economic development and a commitment to modernising key areas of the country's life.
Russian Foreign Affairs Minister arrives in Ashgabat
25.06.2025Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Ashgabat on 24 June for an official visit, according to the news agency Orient. During the visit, Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. On the eve of the trip, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement emphasising that Russian-Turkmen relations are developing consistently in the spirit of deep strategic cooperation based on the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect. The close ties between the peoples of the two countries were highlighted, through their shared historical memory, cultural, humanitarian and economic ties, as well as their commitment to traditional spiritual values. During the visit, the parties intend to discuss key issues of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on the current regional and international agenda. The foreign ministers are expected to sign a cooperation programme for 2025–2026, which will serve as a guideline for further coordination between the two countries' Foreign Affairs Ministries.
Turkmenistan takes part in new format of dialogue with EU
25.06.2025The first meeting between Central Asian ambassadors and representatives of the European Union in the Political and Security Committee (PSC) took place in Brussels. The dialogue was initiated by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EU Special Representative for Central Asia also participated in the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. The main focus was on the implementation of the agreements reached at the ‘EU – Central Asia’ Summit and the Joint Roadmap for 2023. The participants emphasised the importance of Central Asia as a strategic region in ensuring stability, developing transport and logistics chains, and in matters of good neighbourliness. The key areas of cooperation were identified as transport, energy (including green technologies), water management, the climate agenda, digitalisation and security. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan announced that his country would provide its territory for the safe transit of citizens from Iran, which was seen as a sign of regional solidarity in times of crisis. The ambassadors of the Central Asian states expressed interest in further deepening partnership ties, including through visits by EU representatives to the region.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Slovenia on Statehood Day
25.06.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and the entire Slovenian people on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of Turkmenistan wished the President of Slovenia good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability, further development and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and the United States reviewed key areas of partnership
25.06.2025On 24 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The discussion covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides expressed their intention to hold a face-to-face meeting in the near future and to organise annual bilateral consultations. Particular attention was paid to pressing regional and international issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of neutrality and preventive diplomacy, as well as its conviction in the effectiveness of peaceful methods of settling international disputes. In addition, the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States were discussed during the talks.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom discussed bilateral cooperation and humanitarian issues
25.06.2025On 24 June 2025, a telephone conversation took place between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The British side expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for assisting in the evacuation of British citizens from Iran amid the escalating situation in the Middle East. This step was noted as a vivid manifestation of Turkmenistan's commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity. During the conversation, the interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to the participation of British companies in the IFT-2025 investment forum in Ashgabat and the development of trade and economic partnership. The diplomats also exchanged views on the regional agenda and outlined plans for joint events in the second half of 2025. The importance of maintaining regular dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries was emphasised. Concluding the conversation, the British minister once again thanked Turkmenistan for its prompt humanitarian assistance, confirming mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
Sergey Lavrov is expected to visit Turkmenistan as part of an official trip
24.06.2025On 24–25 June, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. The programme includes high-level talks and discussions on topical aspects of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by IIC. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Head is scheduled to meet with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. It is noteworthy that Lavrov will be accompanied by a representative delegation of Russian media outlets. Among those accredited are journalists and cameramen from leading federal television channels and news agencies, including Channel One, Russia 1, MIR 24, NTV, RT, TASS, RIA Novosti, Interfax, Kommersant, Izvestia, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia Today, Solovyov Live and Eurasia Daily. The scale of media coverage underscores the importance of the upcoming visit and the interest in strengthening strategic dialogue between the two countries. The visit is further significant given that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is ready to assist in resolving the conflict in the Middle East
24.06.2025On 22 June 2025, at the initiative of the American side, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the First Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, Christopher Landau. During the conversation, the parties noted the stable nature of the Turkmen-American partnership, which covers political, trade, economic, social, cultural and other areas. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors exchanged views on topical international and regional issues of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Middle East and humanitarian aspects related to current events. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan, with its neutral status recognised by the United Nations, consistently adheres to a policy of peaceful settlement of conflicts and constructive participation in international affairs. In this context, the Turkmen side expressed its readiness to contribute to de-escalating the situation in the Middle East, using the full range of diplomatic tools. The conversation took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, openness and constructiveness.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Oleg Kononenko on his achievements in the space sector
24.06.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Hero of Turkmenistan, instructor-cosmonaut-tester and commander of the detachment of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre Oleg Kononenko. This was reported by TerraNews. In his message, the Head of State expressed his sincere wishes for good health, longevity, happiness and family well-being. The significance of Oleg Kononenko's contribution to the development of the space industry and space exploration was particularly emphasised. The President also wished the cosmonaut new achievements and success in his professional activities.
Turkmenistan approves State Flight Safety Programme
24.06.2025In accordance with Article 81 of the Air Code of Turkmenistan and with a view to the gradual implementation of measures to ensure aviation safety, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved a Decree introducing a State Programme for Flight Safety in Civil Aviation, according to the state news agency TDH. The programme aims to strengthen the organisational, legal and technical foundations for the consistent and safe operation of the country's aviation industry.
Turkmenistan facilitates the transit of foreigners through humanitarian corridors
24.06.2025Turkmenistan continues to ensure the safe transit of foreign citizens from Iran via organised humanitarian routes. This was reported by the online resource TerraNews. According to the source, 52 countries have asked Turkmenistan for assistance in returning their citizens home due to the escalating situation in the Middle East. All requests are being promptly reviewed in coordination with diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat.
Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Iran discussed regional issues and cooperation
24.06.2025On 23 June, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. During the talks, the sides discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the two sides exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East. It was also noted that Turkmenistan was one of the first to take a position on the situation between Israel and Iran, emphasising that, as a state with UN-recognised status of positive permanent neutrality, it does not accept the use or threat of force to resolve political or other issues. Special attention was paid to the need to use exclusively political and diplomatic measures to resolve conflicts peacefully on the basis of the UN Charter and universally recognised norms of international law. In this regard, the Turkmen side, guided by the principles of peaceful resolution of international problems, expressed its readiness to participate in the settlement of the current situation in the Middle East through negotiations with all interested parties with a view to achieving peace, security and stability in the region as soon as possible. The Iranian Foreign Minister thanked brotherly Turkmenistan, its leadership and people for their constant support and confirmed his readiness to continue constructive political dialogue with the Turkmen side.
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