Policy
Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to combat desertification within ESCAP
25.04.2026On the sidelines of the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Perhat Yagshiev met with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics connectivity, energy, digitalization, and trade. They also considered the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, scheduled for 2027. ESCAP confirmed its readiness to provide advisory support in this work. The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat as a specialized ESCAP institution for Central Asian countries was also discussed. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana highly praised Turkmenistan’s international engagement, including the hosting of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Avaza.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the IMF Executive Director
25.04.2026On April 22, at the IMF headquarters, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, met with the IMF Executive Director Patrick Lejewski, according to the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The two sides discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Fund, including technical coordination with the country’s state financial institutions, and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to strengthening technical coordination between the IMF and Turkmenistan’s state financial institutions.
The delegation of Turkmenistan addressed the 82nd ESCAP session in Bangkok
25.04.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Bangkok, according to the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the sidelines of the session, a ministerial meeting of the participating countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held. A joint statement was adopted following the meeting. Participants discussed the “SPECA Development Concept until 2030,” as well as issues of transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and digitalization. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to participate in projects of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Addressing the ESCAP session, the head of the Turkmen delegation presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries as a specialized ESCAP institution. Initiatives by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the region’s climate resilience were also promoted. The 83rd ESCAP session will be held in Shanghai from April 26 to 30, 2027.
Turkmenistan and Argentina discussed the development of bilateral relations
25.04.2026On April 24, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira (with residence in Moscow). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the ambassador presented copies of his credentials and confirmed his readiness to work on developing Turkmen–Argentine cooperation. The sides discussed the bilateral agenda, including political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They also expressed interest in mutually supporting initiatives within the framework of the UN and UNESCO.
President of Turkmenistan held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting
25.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via videoconference on April 24. The agenda included a number of public administration issues, AsmanNews reports. Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova reported on the preparation of new draft laws: on establishing a jubilee medal for the 35th anniversary of independence, on state registration of real estate rights, as well as amendments to the Customs Code. Work is also underway on Turkmenistan’s accession to a number of international documents. A Mejlis delegation took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, as well as in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on measures to support agricultural producers, including financing projects in livestock breeding, poultry farming, and processing. The President approved the proposal to financially stimulate the sector and issued relevant instructions. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov reported on the modernization of the Seydi oil refinery. The head of state approved the proposal and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the progress of cotton sowing, wheat care, and preparations for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. The President instructed that sowing be completed on time and that a high level of festive events be ensured. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramguly Annammammedov then reported on preparations in Ashgabat for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, including park improvements, landscaping, and the decoration of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the development of the textile industry. The head of state instructed the launch of new wool yarn production at the textile complex in Bayramaly, Mary Province. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented an events plan for May: Victory Day, Constitution and State Flag Day, Ashgabat City Day, the Turkmen Carpet Festival, as well as the opening of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on preparations for the 81st anniversary of Victory in the World War II. Conferences, exhibitions, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the presentation of gifts to veterans are planned. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the development of cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region—primarily with China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The President approved a proposal to expand diplomatic presence: Turkmenistan’s ambassadors to India and Malaysia will also be concurrently accredited to the Maldives and the Brunei, respectively. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayram Annaev reported on the training of specialists in the field of communications in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union. The President approved the holding of a joint professional seminar. Concluding the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants and the entire Turkmen people on the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the CIS Economic Commission in Moscow
24.04.2026A meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council was held in Moscow, chaired by B.S. Berdiyev, the representative of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The participants reviewed the results of the first phase of the CIS Economic Development Strategy and analysed the macroeconomic indicators of the region’s countries for 2025. The Commission approved a number of documents on cooperation in the forestry industry, labour standards and innovative collaboration. The ‘Digital Platform’ project has been granted the status of a CIS technology platform. Recommendations on the mutual recognition of methods for identifying quarantine objects to facilitate trade between member states were also agreed. Most of the materials considered will be submitted for approval to the CIS Economic Council in June. The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for 26 May 2026.
The Turkmen Ambassador discussed digitalisation and the economy with the Japanese minister
24.04.2026On 23 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met in Tokyo with the Minister in charge for Growth Strategy and Social Security Reforms of Japan, Minoru Kiuchi, who is a member of the Japan-Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Minister noted the importance of joint economic projects involving Japanese companies in Turkmenistan, and also expressed interest in increasing the number of Turkmen youth studying the Japanese language. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, ‘green’ technologies, education, as well as economic and cyber security.
Turkmenistan took part in an anti-drug forum in Samarkand
23.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs O. Kakalyev, took part in the International Forum ‘Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security’, which took place on 20–21 April in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Agency for the Control of Narcotics and Firearms under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Forum participants discussed key global and regional trends in the illicit drug trade, as well as preventive measures targeting young people. Particular attention was paid to the development of treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration systems, as well as the introduction of digital technologies and artificial intelligence-based solutions to counter drug-related threats. During the discussions, the importance of further strengthening international cooperation in this area was emphasised.
Turkmenistan has called for the IFAS to play a greater role in addressing ecological issues
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by TDH. The Head of State described the rescue of the Aral Sea as a matter of political and moral responsibility for all countries in the region and called for these tasks not to be allowed to take a back seat. The President of Turkmenistan recalled Turkmenistan’s role during its chairmanship of the IFAS in 2017–2019. At that time, on Ashgabat’s initiative, two UN General Assembly resolutions on cooperation with the IFAS were adopted, a draft UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin countries was presented, and the fourth phase of the Programme of Action to assist the Aral Sea Basin countries was developed. The President also announced that the UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies would soon begin operations in Ashgabat. The Head of State proposed three steps. The first is to harmonise national approaches to environmental challenges and strengthen the coordinating role of the IFAS. The second is to accelerate the modernisation of the Fund’s legal framework in order to more actively engage international financial institutions and donors. The third is to jointly draft a new UN General Assembly resolution on IFAS’s cooperation with the UN, taking into account current geopolitical and economic realities. In conclusion, the President congratulated the Head of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on assuming the chairmanship of IFAS and thanked Kazakhstan for hosting the meeting.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at the eco-summit and announced a meeting on the Caspian Sea
23.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana on 22 April. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. The Head of State described the forum as an extraordinary event – for the first time, countries in the region are discussing the environmental agenda at the highest level in a comprehensive and pan-regional context. Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified the main challenges: climate change, dwindling water resources, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and increased migration from disadvantaged areas. According to him, the response must be to consolidate the efforts of the region’s states and expand cooperation with the UN. Turkmenistan put forward two initiatives: to establish a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Ashgabat also proposed setting up a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. Regarding transboundary rivers, Turkmenistan insists on three principles: compliance with international conventions, equal consideration of the interests of all riparian states, and broad UN participation. Regarding the Caspian Sea, the President of Turkmenistan recalled the environmental initiative addressed to all Caspian littoral states and announced the next high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. In conclusion, the Head of State expressed the hope that the summit would serve as a platform for developing coordinated solutions and would provide impetus for systematic work in the region.
The President of Turkmenistan concluded his working visit to Kazakhstan by attending an eco-summit
23.04.2026During a working visit to Kazakhstan on 22 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana. This was reported by TDH. The summit took place at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre. The theme of the forum was ‘Shared vision for resilient future’. It was attended by Heads of State, leaders and representatives of international organisations. Before the meeting, the delegations visited the ‘RES 2026 EXPO’ exhibition, which showcased developments in the fields of energy transition and environmental protection. Turkmenistan presented its own pavilion with an exhibition on the country’s environmental initiatives. At the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan put forward a number of initiatives. Turkmenistan proposed the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia. Regarding transboundary water resources, Ashgabat advocates the creation of a Regional Council on Water Use under the auspices of the UN. The President also announced a high-level meeting on the ecology of the Caspian Sea in early October. Following the summit, the Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia, ‘Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia’, was adopted. In the afternoon, a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members took place at the Akorda Palace. The President of Turkmenistan called for strengthening the coordinating role of the Fund and modernising its legal framework. Turkmenistan proposed jointly drafting a new UN General Assembly resolution on cooperation between the IFAS and the UN. Following the meeting, a number of documents were signed, including the Astana Statement of the Heads of State of the IFAS Founding Member States. The chairmanship of the Fund passed to Uzbekistan. A decision was also taken to declare 26 March as International Day of the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. Following the conclusion of the visit’s programme, the Head of State flew to Ashgabat. The visit reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to active participation in the regional ecological agenda and the country’s readiness to promote specific initiatives at the international level.
Turkmenistan has put forward an initiative for a regional council on water resources
23.04.2026Turkmenistan has proposed the establishment of a regional council on water management in Central Asian countries under the auspices of the United Nations. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the proposed body could serve as an effective coordination platform for uniting the efforts of the region’s states in the water sector. The Head of State emphasised that issues relating to the rational and equitable use of transboundary water resources require special attention. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan’s official position on this matter is clear and transparent. ‘We advocate that water issues concerning transboundary rivers and watercourses be resolved on the basis of the following three fundamental principles,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Among these, the Head of State cited strict adherence to fundamental international conventions and agreements on water use, equal consideration of the interests of all states located in the basins of transboundary rivers, and the broad participation of international organisations, primarily the UN.
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