Policy
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held a telephone conversation
07.03.2026On 7 March, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasising that international disputes should be resolved exclusively by peaceful and diplomatic means based on international law. The interlocutors also exchanged views on humanitarian issues in the region.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan continues to work on improving legislation
07.03.2026On 6 March, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on the activities of the parliament for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was reported that work is continuing on amendments and additions to a number of regulatory acts, including the Code of Administrative Offences, the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, as well as laws on migration, fisheries, licensing of certain types of activities and accounting. It was noted that in the run-up to the elections of members of the Halk Maslahaty, scheduled for 29 March, electoral districts are being provided with organisational and methodological assistance and explanatory work is being carried out on issues of electoral legislation. In addition, during this period, the credentials of the Ambassadors of Chad and Indonesia were accepted, and five meetings were held with representatives of parliaments and diplomatic missions of foreign states. Deputies and specialists of the Mejlis took part in 14 specialised seminars and made three official trips abroad to study international experience. After hearing the information, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further improve national legislation.
The 9th interparliamentary meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Parliament was held in Brussels
07.03.2026On 5 March, the 9th interparliamentary meeting between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the European Parliament took place in Brussels. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Turkmen delegation presented the main directions of the country's foreign policy, based on the principles of peacefulness, humanism and an ‘open door’ policy, and also spoke about the current legislative activities of the national parliament. The parties noted the active participation of the Mejlis in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. It was emphasised that there are 15 inter-parliamentary friendship groups with the legislative bodies of the European Union states operating in the Turkmenistan parliament, and that cooperation between relevant committees is developing. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's geo-economic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which creates significant potential for expanding political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the regions. The meeting participants also noted the results of the 24th meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan-European Union’ Joint Committee, held in Ashgabat in November 2025. The meeting discussed issues related to the development of trade relations, the modernisation and digitalisation of transport infrastructure, cooperation in the energy sector, environmental protection, and the implementation of humanitarian and educational projects. In addition, joint initiatives to modernise the education system in Turkmenistan, introduce digital technologies into the educational process, and train qualified specialists were positively assessed.
In Turkmenistan, the public holiday on 8 March has been moved to 9 March
07.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree postponing the public holiday in connection with the celebration of International Women's Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. According to the document, the public holiday on 8 March will be moved to 9 March 2026, which is a Monday. The decision was made in order to create favourable conditions for festive events and recreation for the population. The Decree also requires all institutions, enterprises and organisations, regardless of their form of ownership, to ensure its implementation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the strategy for the development of scientific and medical diplomacy
07.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree aimed at developing medical science and strengthening international cooperation in this field. This was reported by TDH. The document approves the ‘National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2052’, as well as the Action Plan for its implementation for 2026-2030. According to the Decree, the relevant ministries and sectoral agencies, as well as the hakimliks of the velayats and cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, are instructed to ensure the implementation of the measures provided for in the plan. The adoption of the strategy is aimed at the comprehensive development of medical science and the expansion of international cooperation in the field of healthcare.
The President of Turkmenistan noted the role of women in the country's development
07.03.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the women of the country on International Women's Day, noting their contribution to the development of society, the preservation of national traditions and the upbringing of the younger generation. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his address, the Head of State emphasised that the holiday, celebrated at the beginning of spring, is accompanied by solemn events throughout the country and is intended to express respect and gratitude to mothers, women and girls. According to the President, conditions are being created in Turkmenistan for the active participation of women in public and professional life. They work in the state administration system, science, education, healthcare, culture, industry, agriculture, transport and other areas, making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. The role of women in preserving and developing national crafts, including carpet weaving, embroidery and traditional handicrafts, which are passed down from generation to generation, was highlighted separately. In honour of International Women's Day, cash gifts were presented in a solemn atmosphere to women working in various institutions and organisations, as well as to students, schoolgirls and kindergarten pupils. Mothers of large families were awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri’ for their contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation. The Head of State also noted that the country pays great attention to strengthening the institution of the family, raising educated and patriotic youth, and developing the healthcare and education systems. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished women good health, prosperity and further success.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan held an online meeting with Pakistani parliamentarians
06.03.2026On 5 March, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held a video conference with female parliamentarians from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. During the meeting, the parties presented the priorities of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, and discussed the activities of the national parliament and cooperation with international organisations, including the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for strengthening bilateral relations. It was noted that the creation of parliamentary friendship groups contributes to the exchange of legislative experience and the development of parliamentary diplomacy. Pakistani MPs drew attention to the high level of representation of women in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the role of young women in the system of public administration. Issues related to the promotion of gender equality and the protection of women's rights were also discussed. It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing national action plans in the field of human rights, gender equality and the protection of children's rights in cooperation with the UN. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts between young and female parliamentarians to further develop cooperation.
Moscow discusses development of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia
06.03.2026On 5 March, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, held a meeting in Moscow with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main topic of the talks was the development of strategic partnership between the two countries and the implementation of Turkmenistan's programme for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The parties emphasised the important role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening relations between states. Particular attention was paid to the international agenda and Ashgabat's initiatives within the framework of its chairmanship of the Commonwealth. K. Kosachev highly appreciated the concept of the chairmanship prepared by Turkmenistan, noting its substance and expressing Russia's readiness to support the proposed initiatives, including at the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. The interlocutors also noted the steady development of bilateral cooperation, which covers the economic, political and humanitarian spheres.
Turkmenistan prepares international events and major projects for 2026
06.03.2026The year 2026 in Turkmenistan is marked by the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. It marks the 35th anniversary of the country's independence and continues the tradition of annually determining the symbol of the year and the priority areas of the state's development, according to TDH. Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale socio-economic programmes are being implemented in the country, aimed at strengthening the national economy and improving the standard of living of the population. As noted at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, a significant amount of work is planned to be carried out as part of the ‘Programme of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2026’. This year, the construction and commissioning of numerous social and industrial facilities is planned in Ashgabat and the velayats. These include modern residential buildings, educational institutions, shopping centres and other infrastructure facilities. In the capital, it is planned to open an International Paediatrics Centre, an International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre. A new 400-bed medical and health complex is planned to be commissioned at the ‘Archman’ sanatorium. The completion of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat-Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway, as well as a number of energy and infrastructure facilities, is also planned. Significant investments will be directed towards the modernisation of transport, communications and engineering infrastructure, including the construction of roads, the development of communications systems, and water, gas and energy supply facilities. The year 2026 will also be filled with international events. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and will host a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Special attention will be paid throughout the year to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses, which are a national treasure. International competitions, horse marathons, exhibitions, scientific conferences and cultural events are planned. Key events include the 16th meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, the 18th International Scientific Conference ‘Türkmen bedewi we dünýäniň seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘Turkmen Horses and the World Art of Horse Breeding’) and the ‘Ýylyň iň owadan ahalteke bedewi’ (‘The Most Beautiful Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’) competition. As part of the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of independence, there are also plans to hold the Amul-Hazar horse race, in which 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses from different regions of the country will take part. Turkmen horse breeders and athletes are also scheduled to participate in a number of international events, including prestigious equestrian tournaments and exhibitions. The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group will continue its international tour, whose performances at the world's largest circus venues contribute to the popularisation of the cultural heritage and traditions of Turkmen horse breeding. The planned events are intended to further strengthen international cooperation, develop cultural and sports diplomacy, and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan strengthen cooperation in equestrian sports
06.03.2026On 4 March, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in equestrian sports and horse breeding was signed in Baku between the State Association ‘Türkmen Atlary’ and the Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The document was signed as part of a cultural programme held at the ‘Bina’ Equestrian Centre, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The agreement aims to develop bilateral cooperation in equestrian sports, exchange experience in horse breeding and strengthen professional contacts between relevant organisations in the two countries. The event was accompanied by a performance by the legendary National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’ from Turkmenistan. The renowned troupe, which was awarded the highest prize at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2025, presented its programme to the Azerbaijani public for the first time. The artists demonstrated complex elements of horse riding, acrobatic tricks and synchronised performances reflecting the traditions of the Turkmen school of horsemanship and the skill of the riders. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of riders carrying the national flags of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, symbolically emphasising the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The signing of the Memorandum was an important step in strengthening partnership in the field of equestrian sports and promoting national horse breeding traditions.
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Bulgaria discussed expanding bilateral cooperation
05.03.2026In early March 2026, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Bulgaria, residing in Moscow, visited Sofia to participate in events marking Bulgaria's national holiday, Liberation Day. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, E. Aydogdyev met with Petko Doykov, Director General of the Directorate General for Bilateral Relations of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, including trade and economic relations, transport, healthcare, tourism and other sectors. The Ambassador also informed about the planned celebration of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse in 2026 and invited the Bulgarian side to participate in the events. The interlocutors emphasised the potential of the Turkmen-Bulgarian partnership and confirmed the need to intensify it both at the intergovernmental level and through international organisations, including the UN and the ‘Turkmenistan-EU’ dialogue. In addition, they discussed the timing of bilateral consultations and the organisation of the next meeting of the Turkmen-Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Particular attention was paid to joint work in the fields of science, education and culture, as well as to continuing the practice of holding joint events in these areas.
MFA of Turkmenistan reports on the safety of transit across the border with Iran
05.03.2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has announced that the country is allowing foreign citizens, road transport and rolling stock to cross the Turkmen-Iranian border. The decision was made in connection with the current situation in the Middle East, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. All international checkpoints on the border are operating as usual. As of 4 March, more than 200 people from 16 countries, including Central Asian states, China, Russia, the United States, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have entered Turkmenistan.
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