Policy
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan met with the Ambassador of Japan
16.06.2026On June 15, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, Sasaki Hiroshi. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, which are of mutual interest. During the meeting, the importance of active high-level political dialogue and regular contacts between relevant agencies for the further development of bilateral partnership was emphasized.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Congratulates Xi Jinping on His Birthday
16.06.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his birthday and extended his best wishes. This was reported by the TDH. In his message, Hero-Arkadag highlighted Xi Jinping’s contribution to the development of friendship and strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized that Turkmen-Chinese relations, based on trust, mutual respect, and consideration of national interests, serve as an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in the further strengthening and expansion of ties between the two countries. Hero-Arkadag wished Xi Jinping good health, well-being, and success in his state activities, and wished the people of the People's Republic of China peace and prosperity.
President of Turkmenistan Sends Birthday Greetings to the President of China
16.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on his birthday and extended his best wishes. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. In his congratulatory message, the Turkmen leader highlighted China's achievements in socio-economic development, the strengthening of the country's international standing, and the improvement of the people's well-being. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan highly values its friendly relations with the People's Republic of China and attaches great importance to the further development of bilateral strategic cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of the interests of both sides. He expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of the Turkmen-Chinese strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. The head of state also wished Xi Jinping good health, happiness, and success in his state activities, and wished the people of China peace, prosperity, and well-being.
President of Turkmenistan Sends Congratulations to Donald Trump
15.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The state news agency TDH reported this. In his message, the head of state noted that Turkmenistan highly values its friendly relations with the United States of America and expressed confidence in their further development and strengthening in the interests of the peoples of both countries. The President of Turkmenistan also wished Donald Trump good health, happiness, well-being, and success in his activities aimed at the progress and prosperity of the people of the United States of America.
Turkmenistan Presented Its Climate Agenda at the UNFCCC SB64 Session in Germany
14.06.2026A delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection, is participating in the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64), taking place in Bonn, Germany, from June 8 to 18. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meetings, the country's representatives presented Turkmenistan’s national position on climate-related issues and provided updates on the implementation of its commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts to combat climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies, and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. It was noted that work on the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) is being finalized in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Regional initiatives were also presented, including the establishment of a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia in Ashgabat. The delegation reported on the progress of preparations for the center’s launch and expressed readiness to expand cooperation with international partners. On the sidelines of the session, bilateral meetings were held with representatives of participating countries and international organizations, during which climate policy, technology implementation, and joint projects aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. Turkmenistan’s participation in SB64 reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
Ashgabat and Tokyo Discuss New Areas of Partnership
14.06.2026A Turkmen delegation led by Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to Japan from June 10 to 12. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the leadership of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, as well as members of parliament and officials from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations. Both sides noted the steady development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation and emphasized the importance of high-level political dialogue, including the meetings held in Tokyo in 2025, which gave additional momentum to bilateral engagement. Special attention was paid to interparliamentary ties and the activities of friendship groups, as well as to the prospects for expanding contacts between the political parties of the two countries. The idea of establishing a direct party-to-party cooperation mechanism was also discussed. The parties further reviewed initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation, including the organization of the “Central Asia + Japan” Parliamentary Forum in Ashgabat in 2027, strengthening contacts between women parliamentarians, and expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas and chemical sectors. At the conclusion of the visit, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their multifaceted partnership.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan.
13.06.2026The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan will take place as an official trip. Preparations for the upcoming visit were discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on June 12. According to the TDH news agency, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the progress of the organizational work. It was noted that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world is one of the key directions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s foreign policy. In this context, Turkmenistan continues to steadily expand its engagement with Asian states. Particular attention is given to relations with Malaysia. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 17, 1992. Malaysia is among the first countries to have supported Turkmenistan’s independence and its status of permanent neutrality. The legal framework of cooperation includes 43 intergovernmental, governmental, and interagency agreements. The importance of regular high-level visits was emphasized. In total, there have been nine such visits, including four visits by the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia and five visits by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia to Turkmenistan. The contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to the development of bilateral relations was also noted, including his visits to Malaysia in 2011 and 2016. Cooperation continues to develop today. Following the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia on December 18–19, 2024, bilateral relations have reached a new level. Regular contacts are maintained between governments and foreign ministries. Cooperation is also carried out within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In the trade and economic sphere, Malaysia remains a long-term partner of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reported that preparations for the upcoming visit of the Malaysian delegation led by the Prime Minister have been completed. It was emphasized that the results of the visit will contribute to further strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation. The head of state noted the steady development of relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and instructed that proper preparations be ensured for the upcoming visit.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of key documents
13.06.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a series of documents aimed at developing international cooperation, the oil and gas sector, science, and improving the public procurement system. This was reported by the news website AsmanNews. In particular, the composition of the Turkmen side of the Turkmen–Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation has been approved, established within the framework of developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Slovak Republic. According to separate decrees, the State Concern Türkmengaz has been authorized to conclude a contract with the Chinese company Julong Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. for the purchase of steel pipes, while the State Concern Türkmennebit has been authorized to sign a contract with Wuxi SP. Steel Tube Manufacturing Co., Ltd. for the supply of casing and drilling pipes for production and exploration wells. The head of state also approved the State Program for the Promotion of Achievements in Science, Engineering, and Technology in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, as well as the Action Plan for its implementation. The Academy of Sciences, relevant ministries, and agencies have been instructed to ensure the implementation of the planned measures. In addition, the procedure for conducting tenders for selecting suppliers of goods, works, and services for the needs of ministries and agencies of the transport and communications complex has been approved.
Turkmenistan Represented at the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana
13.06.2026Turkmenistan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Production, Toyguly Nurov, took part in the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue held in Astana and co-chaired by representatives of Kazakhstan and the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. The information was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The meeting brought together delegations from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The participants discussed cooperation in geological exploration, extraction, processing, and supply of critical minerals, as well as the development of industrial projects and technological partnerships. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of processing facilities, cluster development, workforce training, scientific and technical cooperation, and logistics for supplying critical minerals to global markets. Following the talks, the participants reaffirmed their interest in expanding multilateral cooperation and implementing joint infrastructure and industrial initiatives.
Turkmenistan and Iran Discussed the Development of Bilateral Relations
13.06.2026On June 12, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehdi Sobhani. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing Turkmen-Iranian relations based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and trust. The meeting also reviewed further steps for implementing previously reached agreements.
Turkmenistan and Austria discussed the development of bilateral relations
12.06.2026On June 11, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, M. Byashimova, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Turkmenistan (resident in Baku), Thomas Schuller-Götzburg, and the Director of the Department for International Economic Relations of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Austria, Elisabeth Weissenböck. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen side congratulated Elisabeth Weissenböck on her appointment as co-chair of the Austrian part of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The thirteenth session of the commission will take place on June 12 in Ashgabat. The sides noted the high level of cooperation within international organizations, primarily the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Special emphasis was placed on the significance of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Austria, which gave additional momentum to the development of bilateral partnership. The parties also discussed the expansion of mutual trade and the strengthening of economic cooperation, including within the framework of the European Union’s “Global Gateway” initiative. The role of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission in promoting these areas was underlined. The need to expand cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries in order to develop educational and scientific ties was also noted.
Judges from Turkmenistan participated in an OSCE visit to Ankara
12.06.2026From June 8 to 10, 2026, a study visit organized by the OSCE took place in Ankara (Türkiye). The event served as a platform for exchanging experience in the field of judicial reforms, AsmanNews reports. The delegation included seven judges from the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions of Turkmenistan. Participants held meetings with their Turkish counterparts and discussed improving the efficiency of court operations, case management, and the handling of specific categories of cases, including family law. A separate meeting was held with the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, Kadir Özkaya. The parties discussed improving the judicial system and introducing modern approaches to justice. The delegation also visited the Ankara Court of Appeal, the Court of Cassation, and the Family Court under the Ankara District Court. Issues related to the work of specialized courts and the exchange of practical experience were reviewed. In addition, participants became familiar with the system for training judges and prosecutors at the Justice Academy of Türkiye and the work of the Western Ankara Court. The Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, William Leaf, noted that the visit aims to support the development of the legal and regulatory framework in Turkmenistan and to increase the efficiency and trust in the judicial system. It is expected that the visit will contribute to strengthening professional dialogue between the judicial authorities of Turkmenistan and Türkiye and to the development of international cooperation in the field of judicial reform.
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