Policy
CIS Secretary General meets with Turkmen Ambassador in Moscow
12.03.2026An official meeting between CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev and Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Esen Aydogdyev took place in Moscow. The negotiations took place at the Commonwealth Executive Committee and were timed to coincide with the end of Aydogdyev's diplomatic mission in Russia and his appointment to a new government position, according to IIC. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of multilateral cooperation within the CIS, preparations for the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers and key aspects of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the organisation. Ashgabat's significant contribution to strengthening integration ties and constructive dialogue between the Commonwealth countries was noted. The Secretary General thanked Esen Aydogdyev for his effective work and wished him success in his future professional activities. Earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree transferring Aydogdyev to the post of Head of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the United States of America. The appointment to such a responsible position underscores the recognition of the diplomat's merits and the importance of the new tasks of the country's foreign policy department.
Turkmenistan and ILO discuss cooperation in the field of labour legislation
12.03.2026The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with Peter van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported on the website of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, as well as interaction with the International Labour Organisation on a multilateral basis. The participants reviewed the results of the implementation of the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2024-2025 and plans for joint work in 2026. The Turkmen side provided information on measures to modernise labour legislation, as well as laws in the field of human rights and social protection of children and the population, taking into account international standards and accumulated experience. Peter van Rooij noted the results of the work being done and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of the Portuguese Republic
12.03.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to António José Seguro on the occasion of his inauguration as President of the Portuguese Republic. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the President of Portugal good health, prosperity and success in his public activities for the development and prosperity of the country.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan met with the Governor of Istanbul
12.03.2026On 11 March, a meeting was held at the Istanbul Governorate between the Consul General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed the current state of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey. They noted the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural, scientific, educational, medical and sports spheres. The parties emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and mutual benefit. They also discussed preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Special attention was paid to events held under the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Turkmenistan's initiatives are aimed at strengthening international dialogue
11.03.2026Turkmenistan continues to promote initiatives aimed at developing regional and global cooperation. One of these is a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law.’ The initiative was announced by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 80th session of the United Nations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Head of State, the country's foreign policy steps are consistent with the UN Charter and its founding documents. Turkmenistan advocates strengthening the central role of the organisation in international affairs and developing the international legal framework. In preparation for the ‘Year of International Law,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with relevant agencies, has developed a plan of events for 2026. It includes scientific and practical conferences, educational programmes for young people, the preparation of training materials, and informational work in the media. Particular attention is paid to revealing the potential of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality as an instrument for strengthening peace and cooperation. Issues related to the implementation of the initiative were discussed at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan's International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants also considered the preparation of new national action plans on human rights and gender equality for 2026-2030. In 2026, Turkmenistan will carry out a number of international missions. The country will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State ‘Central Asia and Azerbaijan’. As part of its CIS chairmanship, special attention will be paid to regional security, economic cooperation, and the development of transport and energy projects. Turkmenistan has also proposed declaring 2027 the ‘Year of CIS Transport Connectivity’. Humanitarian cooperation remains a priority, including cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, tourism, sports and youth exchanges. Particular importance is attached to regional dialogue in Central Asia. In 2026, Turkmenistan will chair a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The initiative to include Azerbaijan in this format was proposed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Transport, energy, trade and industrial cooperation are among the key areas of regional cooperation. Issues of rational use of water resources, the environmental agenda and the development of humanitarian ties are also being discussed. According to the country's leadership, the promotion of such initiatives contributes to the strengthening of international dialogue, the expansion of economic partnership and the development of multilateral cooperation.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan congratulated the Supreme Leader of Iran
11.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on his election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his address, the Hero Arkadag expressed his sincere wishes for good health and success in state activities aimed at ensuring peace, stability and prosperity for the Iranian people.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended the inauguration ceremony of the President of Portugal
10.03.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to France and Portugal, Maksat Charyev, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The inauguration took place on 9 March at the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon. António José Seguro became the first representative of the Socialist Party to hold the post of Head of State in the last two decades. In the first round of the presidential election, held on 18 January 2026, Seguro received the most support from voters, with about 31% of the vote. Since none of the candidates received more than 50% of the vote, a second round was scheduled. In the second round, his opponent was the leader of the far-right Chega party, André Ventura. In the second round, held on 8 February, Seguro won a landslide victory, receiving 66.7% of the vote. André Ventura secured the support of 33.3% of voters. With this result, Seguro set a record for the number of votes received by a candidate in a presidential election in the history of Portugal.
Hero Arkadag noted the contribution of Turkmen women to strengthening the Motherland
10.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the women of the country on International Women's Day. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In his address, he noted that in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State, the dignity, moral purity and creative talent of Turkmen women are honoured at the state level. Hero Arkadag emphasised the continuity of traditions and the contribution of women to the development of the country. Particular attention is paid to respect for mothers, loyalty to the family hearth and social support for large families, including the improvement of their living conditions. ‘A prosperous life, self-realisation and creative work of women in Turkmenistan are a priority of state policy,’ emphasised the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. He assured that all conditions for a comfortable and productive life for women would be created in the country.
Turkmenistan and Iraq expand diplomatic and economic ties
10.03.2026On 9 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serdar Muhammetdurdyev met with Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen side warmly welcomed Iraq's decision to open an embassy in Ashgabat and confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary support for its full-fledged operation. Both sides noted that the opening of a diplomatic mission would strengthen bilateral relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the development of high-level contacts and political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, the latest of which took place in October 2025 in Baghdad. The prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation and cultural and humanitarian ties, including science, education, sports and tourism, were also discussed. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2009, contacts between Turkmenistan and Iraq have been actively developing, especially in the international arena.
Women as a Spiritual Force of Society and a Strategic Resource for Development
09.03.2026In the contemporary era, the question of women’s place in society has ceased to be viewed solely as a social issue and has evolved into a significant component of strategic development, public governance, and international cooperation. Within the global political landscape, gender equality is recognized as one of the key prerequisites for economic growth, social stability, and sustainable peace. For this reason, recent years have witnessed a growing number of conferences, forums, and international dialogue platforms across various countries aimed at expanding opportunities for women. The international events held in Turkmenistan in 2025 – particularly the forums organized in Awaza – became a national reflection of this global trend. The issue of women’s rights and opportunities today is largely shaped by economic factors. According to data from the United Nations, increasing women’s economic participation has a direct impact on the growth of gross domestic product. Academic research confirms that in the absence of gender equality, economic potential remains underutilized. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 included gender equality as a standalone objective (SDG 5). However, this goal is closely interconnected with other priorities, such as poverty reduction, quality education, healthcare, economic growth, and strong institutions. The achievement of these objectives is impossible without the active participation of women. Observed annually on March 8, International Women’s Day, supported by the United Nations, serves not only as a symbolic celebration but also as a platform for reporting and strategic planning. In addition, the annual sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York provide states with an opportunity to assess gender policies and adopt new commitments. The work of these international structures demonstrates that the women’s agenda is not an ideological or narrowly social issue, but rather an indicator of a state’s development capacity. In Turkmenistan’s public policy, the role of women is developed in harmony with national values. A distinctive feature of this model is that gender equality is not viewed in opposition to traditions, but rather as a process grounded in them. The International Forum ‘From Commitment to Change: Women Driving the Awaza Programme of Action,’ held in August 2025 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, was not merely an official event but a manifestation of the state’s strategic priorities. The discussions focused extensively on women’s economic opportunities, healthcare development, youth upbringing, and civic engagement. The events held on December 10 in Awaza further confirmed the systemic nature of this agenda. The International Conference titled ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development,’ concluded with the adoption of a Final Declaration reaffirming commitment to the UN Charter, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The document particularly emphasized the strategic role of women in social and economic development and in ensuring a sustainable future. Special attention was devoted to expanding women’s participation in public administration and civil society, developing their leadership potential, and strengthening the role of women’s organizations. The Declaration also highlighted women’s economic empowerment, support for entrepreneurship, the reduction of the digital gender gap, and ensuring equal access for girls and women to quality education and healthcare. It underscored women’s contributions to science, culture, ecology, and the fight against climate change, as well as their importance in the development of human capital. The need to expand international cooperation, exchange best practices, and create new dialogue platforms was also emphasized. The regular organization of such forums throughout the year demonstrates that this work is systemic rather than episodic. In 2024–2025, in cooperation with UN country offices, a number of projects were implemented to expand women’s economic opportunities, develop small businesses, and increase the participation of young girls in STEM fields. In this context, the advisory and analytical support provided by UN Women was of particular significance. The growing attention to women’s role at the state level is not accidental but represents a strategic necessity shaped by a complex set of systemic factors. First and foremost, this trend is directly linked to demographic characteristics. Women constitute a significant portion of the young population, and limiting their educational and professional opportunities may lead not only to social inequality but also to the underutilization of human capital. In a context where human capital is recognized as a key driver of modern development, restricting the potential of half the population hampers the full realization of a country’s intellectual, economic, and innovative capacity. Therefore, expanding women’s opportunities is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial condition for a long-term development strategy. The economic factor is equally important. International studies confirm that increasing women’s participation in managerial and leadership positions positively influences the quality of decision-making. Diversity of professional and social experience contributes to more comprehensive strategic planning, more accurate risk assessment, and the development of effective solutions. In an era marked by economic diversification, technological innovation, and enhanced competitiveness, the inclusion of diverse perspectives becomes an essential condition for sustainable growth. In this regard, expanding women’s economic activity should be viewed as a rational step aimed at increasing overall efficiency. A third factor relates to international image and foreign policy dimensions. The level of gender equality development is included in various international rankings and analytical reports as an important indicator of a country’s progress. This criterion reflects not only the state of domestic social policy but also a country’s commitment to international obligations and modern development standards. Consequently, the gender agenda has become an important element of foreign policy positioning. From the perspective of sociological theory, the role of women in society passes through three stages: traditional, transitional, and transformational. Today, many countries are in the transformational stage, where women are perceived not only as guardians of the family institution but also as full participants in economic and political life. The Turkmen model seeks to harmonize transformational processes with national characteristics. Women retain their status as custodians of family values while simultaneously acting as active agents of social development. Such a dual model contributes to ensuring social stability. Today, the strategic role of women in social development is viewed not merely as an issue of equal opportunity but as a fundamental condition for long-term national development and international authority. The digital economy, ‘green’ growth, and the transformation of the education system all require the participation of highly qualified and active women. Therefore, the systemic measures undertaken in this direction demonstrate the modern and comprehensive nature of Turkmenistan’s development strategy.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan strengthens interparliamentary ties with Belgium
09.03.2026On 6 March, in Brussels, as part of the 9th meeting of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with the European Parliament, a meeting was held between the interparliamentary friendship groups of Turkmenistan and Belgium. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the main directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, trust, equality and humanism, were presented, as well as information on the structure of the national parliament and the work being done to provide legislative support for large-scale socio-economic reforms being implemented in various areas. During the exchange of views on the prospects for bilateral cooperation, it was noted that there is significant potential for expanding effective relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The importance of interparliamentary cooperation in the development of intergovernmental cooperation was also emphasised, and it was noted that interparliamentary friendship groups established on a bilateral basis play a significant role in increasing its effectiveness. In addition, it was emphasised that inter-parliamentary friendship groups contribute to the exchange of experience in legislative activities between the two countries, familiarisation with opportunities for cooperation in various fields, and the strengthening of friendly relations between the peoples.
A delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held interparliamentary talks in Brussels
09.03.2026A meeting between a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Belgian parliamentarians took place in Brussels. The negotiations were led by Belgian Senator and Member of the Flemish Parliament Stephanie D'Hose, who previously served as President of the Senate. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Maksat Kulyev, Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on International and Interparliamentary Relations. It included deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation. The Turkmen delegation emphasised the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and presented information on socio-economic reforms in Turkmenistan, the activities of the Mejlis and the country's priorities in the areas of sustainable development, digitalisation, industry, ecology and international cooperation. Turkmenistan's interest in expanding interparliamentary and trade and economic ties with European partners was also noted. Belgian parliamentarians expressed interest in issues of Turkmenistan's economic development, key sectors of the economy and prospects for bilateral cooperation. They supported the strengthening of trade relations between Belgium and Turkmenistan and spoke in favour of developing direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue interparliamentary dialogue. The Belgian parliamentary delegation received an invitation to visit Turkmenistan for the next round of consultations.
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