Policy
The results of the 18th meeting of the Turkmen-Iranian Economic Commission are summed up
21.05.2025The 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held on 19-20 May 2025 in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The event was attended by representatives of relevant agencies and business circles of the two countries. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The commission was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd. The meeting addressed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation - from political and diplomatic, trade and economic to humanitarian aspects. Particular attention was paid to the elaboration of new areas of partnership and strengthening of the existing co-operation mechanisms. The sides reaffirmed the importance of the Commission's activities as a key instrument for the practical implementation of previously reached agreements. Among the priority topics of discussion are trade, transport and logistics cooperation, cooperation in the gas sector, industry, agriculture and water management, investment and standardisation. The implementation of the decisions taken at the previous meeting was also analysed. The Turkmen side came up with an initiative to create trade and economic zones in the border areas, which, according to the participants, will give an additional impetus to the development of trade turnover. In addition, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation in science and education, culture and healthcare, tourism, sports and environmental protection. The sides had a thorough exchange of views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda. Following the results of the meeting, the Protocol of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed. The source notes that the participants expressed confidence that the agreements reached will contribute to further strengthening of constructive dialogue and promotion of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Iran.
The President of Turkmenistan discussed the development of weightlifting with the head of the IWF
21.05.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Mohammed Jalood in Ashgabat on 20 May this year. The talks discussed prospects of co-operation in the development of this Olympic sport. This is reported by the IIC. The IWF head expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and praised Turkmenistan's efforts to popularise the sport. He emphasised the successful experience of holding major international competitions in Ashgabat, including the 2017 Asian Games and the 2018 World Weightlifting Championship. During the conversation, the sides discussed further development of weightlifting in Turkmenistan, considered the possibilities of holding new international tournaments, and emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Successful cooperation with international sports organisations was noted. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked Mr Jalood for fruitful cooperation and expressed confidence in strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the IWF.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held talks with the President of Iran
20.05.2025Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 20 May. During the talks, the sides discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov conveyed warm greetings from the leadership of Turkmenistan to the President of Iran. In turn, Mr Pezeshkian asked to convey warm wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The conversation focused on the development of trade and economic cooperation, implementation of joint projects in the transport and energy spheres, strengthening of cultural ties and preparations for the international conference. The Iranian President emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries, stressing its significance for regional stability and prosperity. The sides confirmed mutual interest in further expansion of bilateral interaction.
An event to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality was held in Mazar-i-Sharif
20.05.2025The Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Mazar-i-Sharif (Afghanistan) held a round table dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality on 19 May this year. This is reported on the website of the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry. The event was attended by representatives of international organisations, including the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, as well as diplomats from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The participants discussed topical issues of regional security and stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue in the current conditions. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives, including the proposal to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Roza Otunbayeva praised the country's contribution to strengthening stability, noting Turkmenistan's active participation in the Afghan settlement and regional projects. The round table participants unanimously recognised Turkmenistan's neutral status as an effective tool for maintaining peace and security in the region.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan participated in the ‘Night at the Museum’ event
20.05.2025On 18 May 2025, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Tajikistan joined the international cultural initiative ‘Night at the Museum’ held at the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Embassy. The official opening of the event gathered a wide range of participants, including heads and staff of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organisations, as well as heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Education and Science of Tajikistan. Among the guests were representatives of scientific and creative intelligentsia, public associations and students. The Turkmen exposition, presenting the original culture and rich historical heritage of the country, was decorated in the traditional national style. The visitors were presented publications on the domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, samples of folk arts and crafts, including handmade carpets, jewellery and paintings. The cultural programme included a presentation on Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and its international initiatives. Of particular interest to the guests were the works of Hero Arkadag and Honourable President of Turkmenistan, reflecting the spiritual guidelines and historical traditions of the Turkmen people. The exhibition also featured a thematic stand dedicated to the Constitution Day and the State Flag of Turkmenistan.
President of Turkmenistan sends congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
20.05.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent an official congratulation to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his enthronement. This is reported by IIC. In his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the new pontiff will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of spiritual values, development of interfaith dialogue, achievement of unity and global peace. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of continuing constructive interaction between Turkmenistan and the Vatican. In the final part of the congratulatory message, the Head of State wished Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom and success in fulfilling his high mission.
Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan had telephone talks with Vice-President of the UAE
20.05.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks on 19 May this year, during which they confirmed the dynamic development of bilateral relations. This is reported by IIC. The interlocutors noted the steady development of trade and economic cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects with leading UAE companies. Special attention was paid to the energy partnership, in particular, to the agreements involving ADNOC (UAE) and PETRONAS (Malaysia), which open new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. At the end of the conversation, the sides exchanged good wishes and expressed confidence in further strengthening of friendly ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE.
The Turkmen Ambassador participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Pope
20.05.2025Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Geneva took part in the solemn ceremony of enthronement of the new Pope Leo XIV held in the Vatican. This is reported by IIC. The presence of the Turkmen diplomat at this significant event underscores Turkmenistan's consistent position in the development of inter-religious dialogue, respect for spiritual values and strengthening international understanding. Participation in the ceremony was a confirmation of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, openness and respect for cultural diversity of the world community. The ceremony gathered in the Vatican representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and heads of international organisations from all over the world.
Memorandum of Partnership with Asian Development Bank signed in Arkadag city
19.05.2025The Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This is reported by TDH news agency. According to the source, the document lays the foundation for deepening partnership in the field of energy, water supply and urban planning in Arkadag city - a pilot project of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city, implemented with the use of advanced technologies and digital solutions. The parties agreed to promote energy and water saving technologies, develop renewable energy sources, reuse water resources, as well as exchange expertise and best practices in the implementation of joint projects. The source notes that at the end of the ceremony, Director of the ADB Resident Mission in Turkmenistan Artur Andrysiak emphasised the contribution of the country's leadership to the successful development of investment initiatives with the Bank's participation. He also proposed to hold a solemn event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of co-operation between ADB and Turkmenistan.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan in Herat met with the head of the UNAMA
19.05.2025Consul General of Turkmenistan in Herat (Afghanistan) Batyr Yolov held a meeting with the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Herat Tomoko Kutoba on 15 May. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen consulate. According to the source, the importance of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNAMA was emphasised during the talks. The sides also highlighted the measures taken by the Government of Turkmenistan to promote the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission systems and fibre-optic communication Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan, as well as to intensify railway traffic. At the end of the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their intention to continue strengthening the partnership.
The President of Turkmenistan sent a congratulatory message to the participants of the Music of the World festival
19.05.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent a congratulatory message to the participants and guests of the International Festival ‘Music of the World’, which will be held from 19 to 21 May in Ashgabat. This is reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of state noted Turkmenistan's achievements in various spheres, stressing that the state programmes contribute to the well-being of the people. The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to the initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, supported by the UN General Assembly. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of cultural cooperation and called the festival an important step in strengthening friendship and humanitarian ties with other states. The head of state recalled the role of art as a unifying force and noted that the festival demonstrates Turkmenistan's openness to the world. The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the festival would strengthen international creative ties and promote cultural values, wishing the participants new achievements in art.
Parliamentarians of Turkmenistan and Iran discuss strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties
18.05.2025Members of the Turkmen-Iranian friendship group met in the building of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on 16 May 2025. This was reported by the press service of the national parliament. During the talks, the sides discussed ways to improve the activities of bilateral inter-parliamentary groups and establish closer contacts between the relevant committees. It was emphasised that the Turkmen-Iranian relations, dynamically developing in various spheres, are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and benefit. Within the framework of the meeting, the Iranian side was presented information on the structure of the national parliament of Turkmenistan, as well as on the lawmaking activities aimed at supporting the priority directions of the state policy in the field of education, science, social protection and ecology. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed satisfaction with the current level of interstate dialogue and stressed the availability of ample opportunities for further expansion of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation based on the principles of respect and good-neighborliness.
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