On 27 August, an online meeting was held between the Regional Training Centre of the World Customs Organisation in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen customs service. The main topic was the WCO's ‘CLiKC!’ distance learning platform, which is used to improve the qualifications of customs officials. The parties discussed their experience of using it, opportunities for expanding educational programmes and access to modern resources. The participants noted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions for the exchange of practices and strengthening human resources. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that the active use of ‘CLiKC!’ will contribute to improving the training of specialists and developing cooperation between the parties.
Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, enshrined in the Constitution and recognised by the international community, has become the foundation of the country's foreign policy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Since 1995, when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution on the country's neutral status, this doctrine has been regarded as an effective instrument of peace, stability and development. The UN has confirmed Turkmenistan's neutrality three times, including in resolutions in 2015 and 2025, noting its contribution to peaceful coexistence, preventive diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation. On Ashgabat's initiative, 12 December became International Neutrality Day, and 2025 was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust. Neutrality strengthens the country's position in the international arena and contributes to its economic development. Turkmenistan is promoting projects on energy transit and the development of transport corridors (including the TAPI gas pipeline and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power line), becoming an important energy and logistics centre in the region. The policy of neutrality is particularly important in the humanitarian sphere: Turkmenistan actively participates in providing assistance in emergency situations, supports environmental initiatives and serves as a platform for international negotiations. Neutrality has become part of the national identity, reflecting traditions of peacefulness and dialogue. It strengthens international cooperation, develops cultural and scientific ties, and creates conditions for sustainable development. The Turkmen model is seen as an example of how neutral status can contribute to the security and prosperity not only of an individual state, but of the entire region.
A memorable event organised by the diplomatic mission of the People's Republic of China was held at the ‘Archabil’ Hotel in the capital of Turkmenistan. The event was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. This was reported by IIC. The ceremony was attended by representatives of political circles, members of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group, as well as delegates from the media and business circles of Turkmenistan. The highlight of the evening was the speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the value of the historical heritage of the war years. The Head of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan stressed that preserving the memory of those events serves as a foundation for strengthening friendly ties between nations, promotes inter-state dialogue and upholds the principles of justice. As part of the programme, guests were shown a documentary film chronicle of the war and a photo exhibition depicting the heroic pages of the Chinese people's history and the importance of their contribution to the overall victory over the enemy.
In Turkmenistan, the Ombudsman's report on the agency's activities for 2024 has been published. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The document examines the conditions for the realisation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, citizens' appeals and measures to eliminate violations. It notes that in 2024, which was held under the motto ‘Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy,’ steps were taken to improve the well-being of the population, including increases in salaries, pensions and scholarships. In addition, 1,146 stateless persons were granted citizenship, and the development of industry and construction contributed to job creation and improved housing conditions. Particular attention is paid to supporting young people and developing education and healthcare — new schools are being built, and an International Health and Rehabilitation Centre is being constructed in Ashgabat.
On 28 August, negotiations between the Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation were held in Moscow. The meeting between Rashid Meredov and Sergey Lavrov allowed the parties to analyse in detail the state of inter-state cooperation in the context of strategic partnership. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, its participants emphasized the special importance of regular contacts at the highest levels, which determine the dynamics of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to the symbolism of 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. During the meeting, attention was paid to the implementation of the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries for 2025-2026. The parties confirmed the priority of increasing trade and economic cooperation through the mechanism of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The diplomats also discussed the humanitarian component of bilateral relations. Educational, scientific and cultural projects were described as an important factor in bringing the peoples of the two countries closer together. In the context of multilateral diplomacy, successful coordination was noted at the UN, CIS and Caspian Five platforms. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to develop a comprehensive international approach to resolving Caspian issues, with the United Nations playing a leading role.
On 25-26 August 2025, Y. Seryayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Ireland (residing in London), paid a working visit to Dublin. During the visit, official meetings were held with representatives of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. On the first day of the visit, the Ambassador met with Ralph Victory, Deputy Head of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, to whom he presented copies of his credentials. The Irish side confirmed its readiness to assist in the implementation of the diplomatic mission. On 26 August, a meeting was held with Ms.Fiona Nic Dhonnacha, Deputy Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, and Mr. Colm Hayes, Director General of the Global Ireland and Economic Division. The talks focused on the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and energy spheres, as well as cooperation within international organisations. During the meetings, the Ambassador informed the Irish side about the main directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the country's economic development. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening intergovernmental relations.
On 26 August, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan hosted a round table discussion on the outcomes of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion. The diplomats noted the importance of the conference, emphasising the need to develop transport and energy links, expand transit potential and implement infrastructure projects. Particular attention was paid to regional integration, digitalisation and innovation. The participants stressed that the successful implementation of decisions is possible through close cooperation with transit countries and international financial institutions. Following the meeting, they confirmed their readiness for further cooperation and joint implementation of the tasks outlined at the UN conference.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In his message, the UN Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his leadership in organising the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone from 5 to 8 August, according to the state news agency TDH. António Guterres noted Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening peace and multilateral dialogue, and emphasised the importance of the forum for coordinating national actions, regional cooperation and global frameworks for sustainable and inclusive development. The UN Secretary-General called the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action an ambitious plan for the next decade, linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. According to António Guterres, this will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on trade, transport connectivity, technology, climate resilience and international support. The UN Secretary-General also thanked the leadership and people of Turkmenistan for their warm welcome and confirmed his readiness to cooperate in implementing the Awaza Programme of Action.
On 22 August, a trilateral meeting was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, TDH reports. Issues of political dialogue, energy, transport, trade and humanitarian cooperation were discussed. The parties noted the importance of developing energy supplies, including electricity and gas exports, and the potential for creating a sustainable energy partnership. In the transport sector, a unified strategy and the development of transit corridors along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route were discussed. A trilateral Memorandum on Cooperation in logistics was signed. In the economic sphere, the parties expressed their intention to increase trade turnover, develop cross-border trade and industrial cooperation. Turkmenistan proposed a joint investment programme for 2026-2035. An agreement was also reached on humanitarian cooperation, including the establishment of twinning relations between Arkadag and Fizuli in Azerbaijan, as well as cooperation in education, science, healthcare, sports and tourism. Following the meeting, a joint statement was signed, defining key areas of partnership, including climate initiatives, environmental protection and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, met with Peteris Ustubs, Director of International Partnerships for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed preparations for the ‘EU-Turkmenistan’ Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Ashgabat in 2026, as well as the ‘EU-Central Asia’ Economic and Investment Forums, which will be held in Tashkent in November this year. The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Investors' Forum will be held as part of the events. In addition, the parties discussed Turkmenistan's participation in the ‘Global Gateway’ forum in Brussels. During the talks, the diplomats emphasised the priority of developing connectivity in the transport, education and humanitarian spheres.
On 22 August, a trilateral meeting was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, TDH reports. Issues of political dialogue, energy, transport, trade and humanitarian cooperation were discussed. The parties noted the importance of developing energy supplies, including electricity and gas exports, and the potential for creating a sustainable energy partnership. In the transport sector, a unified strategy and the development of transit corridors along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route were discussed. A trilateral Memorandum on Cooperation in logistics was signed. In the economic sphere, the parties expressed their intention to increase trade turnover, develop cross-border trade and industrial cooperation. Turkmenistan proposed a joint investment programme for 2026-2035. An agreement was also reached on humanitarian cooperation, including the establishment of twinning relations between Arkadag and Fizuli in Azerbaijan, as well as cooperation in education, science, healthcare, sports and tourism. Following the meeting, a joint statement was signed, defining key areas of partnership, including climate initiatives, environmental protection and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan has announced an international tender for the reconstruction of Ankara Street in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Applications from companies and organisations are being accepted through the Ministry's Marketing and Foreign Economic Relations Department. The deadline for submitting documents is 8 October 2025, address: Ashgabat, Archabil avenue, 84.