Policy
Turkmenistan presented its priorities for the CIS chairmanship at a meeting in Moscow
23.01.2026On 22 January, Moscow hosted the first event within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS – a meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council. The meeting was held at the CIS Executive Committee Office. The report was presented by the Plenipotentiary Representative of Turkmenistan, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Commission on Economic Issues E. Aydogdyev, according to the press service of the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador presented the main directions of Turkmenistan's concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026. The political section outlines the priorities: strengthening regional security and trust, promoting the principles of neutrality and intensifying diplomatic dialogue. In the economic sphere, Turkmenistan intends to promote cooperation in transport, energy and trade, based on the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030. Particular emphasis is placed on the logistical potential of the CIS as a link between Eurasia, the Caspian, Central Asia and the Middle East. In this regard, it has been proposed to declare 2027 the Year of CIS Transport Connectivity. In the humanitarian sphere, the priorities are education, science, culture, tourism and cooperation in the media. The importance of the environmental agenda and sustainable development, including projects in the field of renewable energy and biodiversity conservation in the Caspian region, was also noted. Turkmenistan proposed to hold the Second Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. The participants congratulated the representative of Turkmenistan on the start of the chairmanship and expressed their support. On the same day, E. Aydogdyev held a meeting with CIS Secretary General S. Lebedev. The parties discussed plans for joint work and the preparation of events within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship.
Ashgabat hosted a conference on nutrition in the context of climate change
23.01.2026An International Conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan, FAO, other international organisations, as well as delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Russia. The main topic was the impact of climate change on food security, health and agricultural sustainability. It was reported that Turkmenistan is implementing a National Climate Change Strategy and a National Forest Programme. Attention is being paid to the rational use of water and land, the introduction of resource-saving technologies and the development of a ‘green’ economy. Special mention was made of water resource management practices, including the use of drainage water after the construction of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ lake in Turkmenistan. The sessions discussed the ‘One Health’ concept, which examines the relationship between the state of the environment and human and animal health. Participants emphasised that this approach should form the basis for reforms in the agricultural sector. Foreign delegates noted that Central Asian countries face common climate risks and need coordinated solutions. During the conference, project documents were signed between the relevant departments of Turkmenistan and the FAO, including: ‘A coordinated approach to land resource restoration...’ between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Strengthening integrated water resources management in the Amu Darya, Zarafshan and Panj rivers’ between the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Accelerating nature-positive reforms in the agricultural sector of Turkmenistan...’ – between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO; ‘Strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework...’ - between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO. Participants emphasised the need to continue regional dialogue and joint projects to adapt food systems to climate change.
Turkmenistan and UNECE discussed cooperation development in Ashgabat
23.01.2026On January 22, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Maryasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in Ashgabat. He arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the events of the SPECA High-Level Week, which runs from January 20 to 23. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UNECE. The focus was on issues of sustainable development, energy, transport and transit connectivity, and regional integration. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the UNECE mandate, noting the role of the Commission as an effective regional platform for promoting global UN initiatives. The importance of Turkmenistan's high-level participation in the 71st session of the UNECE, scheduled for April 2025, was also emphasised. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable energy, measures to reduce methane emissions, and the development of safe and sustainable transport corridors. In addition, the parties noted the importance of the practical implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3) and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034. In this context, the UNECE was named as one of the key regional partners. At the end of the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to further strengthen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Negotiations between the MFA of Turkmenistan and a representative of UNESCAP were held in Ashgabat
23.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Ashgabat on 22 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and ESCAP. The Turkmen side noted the high level of partnership and positively assessed the results of joint work in priority areas, including sustainable development, transport and energy, disaster risk reduction, as well as cooperation within the framework of SPECA. Turkmenistan's commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and actively participating in the activities of the UN Economic and Social Council and relevant forums was reaffirmed. Particular attention was paid to issues of digitalisation, the development of paperless trade, the introduction of the ‘Single Window’ principle and the expansion of practical cooperation with ESCAP institutions. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to ESCAP for supporting the country's international and regional initiatives, including resolutions aimed at sustainable development and addressing environmental issues, including the problems of the Aral Sea. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia
22.01.2026On 21 January, the Chairwoman of the Turkmenistan Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the priorities of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, the work of the national parliament and the development of cooperation with international organisations, including the EU. Particular attention was paid to new areas of cooperation: security, legal reform, human rights protection, gender equality, environmental protection, combating climate change, digitalisation and rational use of water resources. The importance of previously reached agreements, the exchange of experience in law-making and parliamentary initiatives, as well as the role of joint seminars and dialogues between the EU and Turkmenistan in strengthening the partnership were noted. In conclusion, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.
Tokyo discussed plans for Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in 2026
22.01.2026On 21 January, a meeting was held in Tokyo between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Hiroyuki Tsubai, Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Economic Cooperation Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026, including the implementation of joint economic projects in Turkmenistan aimed at further strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The Japanese side confirmed its interest in continuing work on the projects announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which took place on 20 December 2025 in Tokyo. Initiatives in the field of the circular economy were named among the priority areas. During the meeting, the importance of further developing the medical cluster in the city of Arkadag, in which the Japanese company ‘Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.’ is participating, was also noted. At the end of the negotiations, the parties agreed to set a date for the 16th Joint Meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Tokyo in 2026.
Ashgabat hosts the Economic Forum of the SPECA countries
22.01.2026On 21 January, the Economic Forum, held as part of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) week, began at the “Ýyldyz’ Hotel in the capital. This was reported by TDH. The event is attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, India, as well as delegations from international organisations, including specialised UN agencies, the European Union and the World Bank. The main purpose of the forum is to discuss the prospects for forming a new architecture of economic cooperation in the Eurasian space. After the opening ceremony, a plenary session was held in a hybrid format. Participants noted the strategic importance of Turkmenistan's initiatives and the role of SPECA in the development of transport, logistics and energy ties in the Eurasian space. During the discussions, the need to strengthen regional connectivity in the fields of energy, transport and trade, expand transit routes and simplify procedures was emphasised. Issues of digital transformation, the introduction of UN standards in customs and trade processes, and the creation of a multilateral partnership fund to support cross-border projects were also discussed. Special attention was paid to environmental sustainability, the use of renewable energy sources and the introduction of clean technologies. Representatives of international organisations noted that economic integration must be combined with measures to protect the environment. The forum continued with thematic sessions on energy and transport connectivity, as well as a strategic vision for sustainable development. Issues such as the diversification of export routes, the development of multimodal corridors, the digitalisation of infrastructure and the harmonisation of the regulatory frameworks of participating countries were discussed. The forum continues its work on 22 January in the format of thematic sessions.
The Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Chad expand dialogue
22.01.2026On 21 January, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chad to Turkmenistan (residing in Moscow) Mahamoud Adam Bechir, who presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. They noted their experience of cooperation in multilateral forums, including within the framework of the UN. They confirmed their readiness to continue mutual support for initiatives. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral ties.
Turkmenistan and India strengthen foreign policy dialogue
22.01.2026On 21 January, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Secretary for Western Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of India Sibi George. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The role of high-level contacts in the development of bilateral relations, including within regional and international formats, was emphasised. The Diplomats confirmed their readiness to strengthen dialogue between the foreign ministries. The possibility of holding a meeting between the heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries was discussed. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation and the expansion of cooperation mechanisms ahead of the next meeting of the Turkmen-Indian Inter-governmental Commission. The results of the partnership in the field of education and culture were also noted.
A credential presentation ceremony by the Ambassador of Chad was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
22.01.2026Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, accepted the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chad to Turkmenistan, Mahamoud Adam Béchir. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the Head of State, she congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and expressed readiness to develop bilateral relations. The Ambassador thanked her for the reception and conveyed greetings from the leadership of the Republic of Chad to the President of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people. During the meeting, they discussed the structure and activities of the Mejlis, the country's domestic and foreign policy directions, as well as Turkmenistan's interest in cooperation with African states. The parties exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations. The Ambassador confirmed his readiness to promote the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Chad.
The cooperation programme between Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026–2030 was discussed
22.01.2026On 21 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in developing cooperation and their readiness to expand joint programmes and projects. The results of cooperation in 2025 and the importance of opening a FAO office in Turkmenistan for strengthening bilateral ties were noted. They discussed the role of joint regional conferences on food security, taking into account climate change, as a platform for coordination among countries in the region. Special attention was paid to issues of sustainable development, ecology and climate risks. Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries and a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia were highlighted. The development of a new Country Programming Framework for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026-2030 was also discussed. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO on the establishment of an FAO office and the provision of technical assistance.
Cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan reaches a new level
22.01.2026On January 20, a meeting was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the Rector of TSU, O. Ovezsahedov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, N. Nogayev, as well as A. Naimanbayev, Doctor of Philosophy and Director of the Department of Career Guidance and Development of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting was dedicated to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral interaction between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres. The meeting was devoted to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres, as well as potential joint projects. The participants emphasised the importance of strengthening academic ties and expressed their readiness to continue developing the partnership.
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