Policy
The Head of Turkmenistan received the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to further develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. Xiaojun Grace Wang conveyed greetings and best wishes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations were discussed. The Head of State noted that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the key areas of the country’s foreign policy, emphasising the consistent nature of the partnership. The parties also reviewed joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030, as well as issues relating to peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, energy security and the development of transport and transit corridors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council as a platform for developing cooperation in key areas. Xiaojun Grace Wang stated that she would make every effort to further strengthen the partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN. At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the work of the new Resident Coordinator would contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held a telephone conversation
21.07.2026On 20 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Russian cooperation, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of joint educational and cultural projects. The Heads of the foreign ministries also reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings, including multilateral events at the highest and high levels planned to take place in Turkmenistan in October 2026. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side.
Turkey has appointed a new ambassador to Turkmenistan
21.07.2026The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has appointed a new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan. The relevant Decree was published on 18 July in the official gazette, ‘Resmi Gazete’, according to IIC. The new Head of the diplomatic mission in Ashgabat is Şener Cebeci, who previously served as Deputy Director-General for Central Asian Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has replaced Ahmet Demirok, who had headed the embassy since January 2024 and has now been recalled to the central office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Turkmenistan and the US highlighted the potential for further development of bilateral relations
21.07.2026From 17 to 18 July, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the US, in conjunction with the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN, held a series of events in Washington to mark the anniversaries of the two states. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The main event was a round-table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan – United States Partnership: Celebrating Independence, Friendship, and a Shared Future’, during which participants discussed the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, educational, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Representatives from Turkmenistan and the US noted the positive momentum in relations and emphasised the potential for their further expansion. The event was attended by representatives of the US State Department, the diplomatic corps, expert and business circles, as well as the Turkmen diaspora. The programme included an exhibition of Turkmen art, as well as a chess tournament and a friendly football match. Participants in the competitions received commemorative awards and souvenirs.
Preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit were discussed at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 18 July, the 65th meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Caspian Sea Issues was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the commission’s work for the first half of 2026, discussed preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit, which is to be held in October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, and considered organisational matters relating to events to mark Caspian Sea Day. The meeting also highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations in the field of protecting the Caspian Sea and safeguarding the environment, and discussed further improvements to the commission’s activities and the expansion of international cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the purchase of new equipment for two sectors
20.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed two decrees authorising the procurement of equipment for the oil and gas sector and the Turkmen State Publishing Service. This was reported by the news agency TDH. According to one of the documents, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ is authorised to enter into a contract with ‘VIETZ GmbH’ for the supply of the necessary technical equipment for its subordinate enterprises and institutions. Under the other decree, the Turkmen State Publishing Service is authorised to enter into a contract with ‘Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Eastern Europe GmbH’ for the procurement of the necessary equipment to strengthen its material and technical base and ensure modern production operations at the Service’s enterprises.
Turkmenistan intends to strengthen its position in climate diplomacy
19.07.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 July, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, presented proposals to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on strengthening Turkmenistan’s role in advancing the climate agenda in Central Asia. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State approved the initiatives and instructed that work begin on their implementation. One of the key projects will be the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue — a permanent international platform for discussing climate change issues. Plans also include the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Commission to liaise with foreign partners and international organisations, the development of work plans for the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Central Asia and the Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in coordination with the UN, as well as the promotion of Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives at international forums. Particular attention is paid to securing funding from international institutions, including the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Work on new draft laws is continuing in Turkmenistan
19.07.2026On 18 July, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve national legislation during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Work is currently underway to draft new bills and amend existing legislation in line with modern requirements. The Mejlis also accepted the credentials of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kenya to Turkmenistan. During the meeting, issues relating to the development of bilateral cooperation were discussed. Cooperation with international organisations and foreign parliaments is continuing. Members of Parliament took part in seminars organised by the UN and the OSCE in conjunction with relevant state agencies. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of continuing work on the drafting of new bills.
Turkmenistan and Georgia are developing cooperation in the media sector
19.07.2026Following negotiations between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, which took place as part of the Head of Turkmenistan’s official visit to Georgia, a package of bilateral documents aimed at developing cooperation in various fields was signed, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the documents signed is a Memorandum of Understanding between the editorial team of the online newspaper ‘Golden age’ (Turkmenistan) and the television company ‘Europe 24’ (Georgia). The document provides for the development of bilateral cooperation and the regular exchange of news content to expand information exchange between the two countries.
US Ambassador concludes diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan
19.07.2026On 18 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. It was noted that contacts and visits at the highest and senior levels are an important factor in strengthening bilateral ties. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for her contribution to the development of partnership relations between the two countries and wished her every success in her future endeavours. Elizabeth Rood, for her part, thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for their support and assistance during her diplomatic service in the country.
The President of Turkmenistan laid a wreath at the memorial in Tbilisi
18.07.2026As part of his state visit to Georgia, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, visited Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi. The Head of State laid a wreath at the memorial honouring the defenders who died for the country’s freedom and unity, reports IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The central monument of the memorial complex, standing 51 metres tall, consists of 16 marble slabs bearing the names of more than 4,000 citizens who died in the struggle for Georgia’s independence. The memorial was unveiled in May 2010.
The President of Turkmenistan has concluded his state visit to Georgia
18.07.2026On 17 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, held negotiations with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze as part of his state visit to Georgia. The two sides discussed the development of cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, energy, cultural and humanitarian, and scientific and educational fields, according to the news agency TDH. The Head of Turkmenistan arrived in Georgia on 16 July on a state visit. In Tbilisi, Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid flowers at the monument to Georgia’s national heroes on Heroes’ Square. Following the ceremony, negotiations were held with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. During the one-on-one meeting and the subsequent negotiations involving delegations from both countries, the parties noted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their interest in their further development. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his gratitude to the Georgian side for the invitation and the warm welcome. The Head of State emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia span the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. The President of Turkmenistan thanked Georgia for its support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and the country’s international initiatives. Trade and economic cooperation was one of the key areas of negotiation. The parties noted the growth in mutual trade and the important role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The need to further develop direct contacts between businesspeople from the two countries was also emphasised. In the transport and logistics sector, Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined prospects for cooperation within the framework of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, involving Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, the Caspian-Black Sea Corridor involving Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Romania, as well as the TRACECA transport corridor. The parties also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications, communications, tourism, agriculture, the textile industry and construction. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian ties. In 2024, a monument to the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli was unveiled in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage is also widely represented in Georgia, including the works of Magtymguly Pyragy. The parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding scientific and educational contacts, as well as cooperation between higher education institutions and academic bodies. The importance of developing twinning arrangements between cities was also highlighted. In this regard, Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed discussing the establishment of a sister-city relationship between Turkmenbashi and Batumi. A similar agreement had previously been concluded between the cities of Arkadag and Telavi. Following the negotiations, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia signed a Joint Statement. The parties also exchanged a number of bilateral documents. These included the Programme of Cooperation for 2027–2028 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, as well as memoranda of cooperation in the fields of management and privatisation of state property, financial monitoring, culture, healthcare, education, industry, maritime transport and rail transport. The documents also provide for cooperation between theatres, museums, libraries, conservatoires and higher education institutions in both countries. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the exchange of news content was signed by the editorial team of the online newspaper ‘Golden age’ and the television company ‘Europe 24’. Following the signing ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed representatives of the media. The Georgian Head of Government noted that the visit by the President of Turkmenistan and the agreements reached lay the foundations for further strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted the potential for development in trade, transport, logistics, tourism, science and education. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the business-oriented nature of the negotiations and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand political dialogue and trade and economic cooperation. According to him, particular importance is attached to the development of the transport sector and the diversification of mutual trade. The Head of State also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications, transport, tourism, agriculture, the textile industry and construction. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia. He proposed that the 35th anniversary of this event be celebrated on a grand scale in 2027. At the conclusion of the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to pay a visit to Turkmenistan. A Turkmen-Georgian business forum was also held as part of the state visit. More than 50 bilateral meetings took place between business organisations from the two countries, resulting in the conclusion of agreements and the signing of memoranda of understanding. In particular, agreements were reached in the fields of logistics, the export of confectionery and household chemical products, distribution, insurance and the supply of building materials. Following the visit, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their long-term partnership and expanding cooperation in key areas.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
