Policy
Turkmenistan is preparing for a high-level meeting on the environment of the Caspian Sea
22.04.2026Turkmenistan will host a high-level meeting in early October 2026 dedicated to ecological issues concerning the Caspian Sea. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the plenary session of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Head of State, the aim of the upcoming meeting is to take cooperation between the Caspian littoral states to a new level in the field of protecting the sea’s ecosystem and preserving its natural wealth. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the Caspian environmental agenda, including an initiative within the UN and the preparation of a relevant concept aimed at the countries of the region. The President of Turkmenistan also recalled the meeting on Caspian ecological issues held in August 2025 at the level of deputy prime ministers of the littoral states, organised on the sidelines of a UN international conference. The summit in Astana is being held under the auspices of the UN from 22 to 24 April and has brought together several thousand participants, including representatives of states and international organisations.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing centres for climate technology and combating desertification
22.04.2026At the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, proposed the establishment of a regional centre for climate technologies, as well as a centre to combat desertification for the countries of Central Asia. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Head of State emphasised the importance of taking into account the region’s cultural traditions and centuries-old experience of treating nature with care when addressing environmental challenges. According to the President of Turkmenistan, discussing the environmental agenda at such a high level demonstrates the region’s countries’ readiness for more systematic cooperation in the field of climate and sustainable development. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the states face common challenges: climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, loss of biodiversity and rising environmental migration. In this context, he called for enhanced coordination between countries and expanded cooperation with the UN and its agencies. Separately, the President of Turkmenistan touched upon the issue of the Aral Sea, expressing hope for the adoption of joint decisions within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
The President of Turkmenistan outlined ecological initiatives at the summit in Astana
22.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is taking part in a summit as part of the Regional Ecological Forum, which is being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, where two major international events are taking place simultaneously today: the Regional Ecological Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). This was reported by the IIC, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The summit (RES 2026), held under the motto ‘Shared vision for resilient future’, is attended by the leaders of Central Asian states, the Presidents of Armenia, Georgia and Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of international organisations and leading experts in the field of ecology. Speaking at the plenary session chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Turkmenistan outlined Ashgabat’s position on key issues on the regional ecological agenda. The Head of State emphasised the historical significance of the current forum, noting that this was the first time such a wide range of environmental issues had been discussed at the highest level. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that this reflects the readiness of the region’s countries to move towards systematic and long-term measures in the field of environmental protection, combating climate change and ensuring social sustainability. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention to the urgency of global challenges — water scarcity, land degradation, desertification and biodiversity loss — which exacerbate migration processes and require coordinated action. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN. As practical steps, the President of Turkmenistan proposed establishing a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia in the region. The Head of State also noted the importance of drawing on the historical experience and traditions of the peoples of the region, who have demonstrated a careful approach to water and land resources for centuries. Speaking on transboundary water resources, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of their rational and equitable use. In the context of the status of a Caspian state, the President of Turkmenistan reiterated initiatives to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem, previously presented at the UN. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continuing relevance of the Aral Sea issue and expressed confidence that the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the IFAS founding members would enable the development of concrete solutions for the restoration of the Aral Sea region and the strengthening of joint coordination of actions.
Turkmenistan discussed priorities for women’s leadership with Central Asian countries
22.04.2026Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, took part in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian Countries, which was held via videoconference. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting, themed ‘Women of Central Asia: Priority Tasks and Joint Action’, was chaired by Uzbekistan. The discussion was attended by the heads of the parliaments of the region’s countries and Azerbaijan, as well as the Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Head of the regional office of UN Women. During the meeting, participants reviewed the action plan for the period of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Dialogue in 2026. The main focus was on issues of gender equality, increasing women’s participation in public administration and the economy, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Turkmenistan is taking part in the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok
22.04.2026The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has opened at the United Nations Conference Centre, which serves as the Commission’s headquarters. The forum is taking place in Bangkok and will run until 24 April. Turkmen delegation led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, is taking part in the session, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has been a full member of ESCAP since 1992. During this time, the country has established active cooperation with the Commission in the fields of statistics, economic analysis, energy and transport, and has also authored a number of ESCAP resolutions aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the transport and environmental sectors. The agenda of the 82nd session covers a wide range of issues: regional cooperation, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as issues relating to social development, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, energy, transport, macroeconomic policy, development finance, trade, investment and entrepreneurship. Issues relating to information and communication technologies, science and innovation will be given special attention. A Ministerial Meeting of SPECA member states is scheduled to take place during the session. It will focus on coordinated regional actions to establish a sustainable, efficient and environmentally-oriented transport and logistics system in the region. Participants will discuss the digitalisation and ‘green’ transformation of transit corridors, the development of e-commerce, the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises’ participation in value chains, as well as the development of human resource capacity in the transport, logistics and digital sectors.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has left for Kazakhstan
22.04.2026On 21 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, departed for Astana on a working visit. He was seen off by officials at the capital’s International Airport. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In Kazakhstan, the Head of State will take part in the Regional Ecological Summit and the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Founding Members of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. He was met at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, and members of the Turkmen delegation. The central theme of the summit is the region’s environmental problems, primarily the situation surrounding the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan has consistently promoted this issue at the international level. At the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed the development of a comprehensive UN environmental strategy for Central Asia. The working visit is continuing.
Turkmen businessmen are preparing for a business visit to London
21.04.2026Businesspeople from Turkmenistan will visit London from 9 to 16 May 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The trip is being organised at the invitation of the West London Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UK). During the visit, talks are planned on developing business cooperation in sectors such as the textile industry, agriculture, construction, education, tourism and attracting investment. According to official statistics, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and the UK for the period from September 2024 to September 2025 amounted to £102 million.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its role as a transit hub between Europe and Asia
21.04.2026An event entitled ‘Bridging Continents: Turkmenistan’s Evolving Transit and Logistics Potential’ was held in Brussels, focusing on the country’s role in strengthening transport links between Europe and Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The discussion was attended by diplomats, representatives of European institutions, the business community and the media, and was moderated by Alberto Turkstra, Project Director of ‘Diplomatic World’. The Turkmen delegation presented achievements in modernising the customs system, digitalisation and the streamlining of freight procedures. It was noted that the introduction of modern standards enhances the efficiency of transit and the transparency of logistics. Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, emphasised that transport and logistics are becoming a key element of the global economy’s resilience, and that the country’s geographical location obliges it to play the role of a reliable transit hub. He also highlighted infrastructure development, including the port of Turkmenbashi and transport corridors. European participants, including representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, highlighted the growing interest in cooperation with Central Asia, particularly in the context of supply chain resilience and the development of the Trans-Caspian route. Participants agreed that the effectiveness of transport corridors depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the quality of procedures, digitalisation and predictability. In this context, Turkmenistan’s efforts were positively assessed. The event served as a platform for dialogue between diplomats, experts and the business community on issues relating to the development of the Eurasian transport system.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the election of the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
21.04.2026On 19 April, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the election of the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The procedure took place during the organisation’s 152nd Assembly, held in Istanbul. Following the vote, the post of Secretary General was taken up by the representative of Romania, Anda Cristina Filip. The participation of the Turkmen parliamentary delegation in this process demonstrates the country’s active involvement in international parliamentary and legislative activities.
Turkmenistan and Iran are strengthening ties against a backdrop of active dialogue
21.04.2026On 20 April, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed the progress made in implementing the agreements reached at the 18th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in May 2025 in Tehran. In addition, the participants reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and the prospects for its further development during the negotiations process. Separately, the interlocutors noted the importance of the cultural and humanitarian dimension of Turkmen-Iranian relations, emphasising its priority status on the overall agenda of bilateral dialogue. The Iranian side expressed its sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the humanitarian aid provided to the Iranian people on 14 March 2026 on behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. This gesture was regarded as a genuine expression of friendship and fraternal ties between the two nations.
Ashgabat and the WHO aligned their positions ahead of the Geneva Assembly
21.04.2026On 20 April, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Egor Zaitsev, Head of the WHO Country Office in Ashgabat. A delegation from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister Azat Ovezov, also took part in the negotiations, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current state of Turkmen-NATO cooperation and identified priority areas for its further development. Separately, they discussed the promotion of bilateral and multilateral project documents, as well as preparations for upcoming international events in the field of healthcare. Among the key topics was preparation for the event in Geneva, which will take place as part of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly. Following the negotiations, both sides confirmed their readiness to deepen their partnership and expand regional cooperation in the field of public health.
Negotiations on strengthening Turkmen-Tajik business ties were held in Dushanbe
20.04.2026On 15 April 2026, a meeting took place in Dushanbe between Aymyrat Gochmyradov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan, and Farhodshokh Rakhmonali, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The interlocutors reviewed the current state and possible directions for the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, noting the consistently friendly and good-neighbourly nature of relations between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding practical cooperation. In particular, they discussed the organisation of business forums and exhibitions, the exchange of business delegations, and the establishment of trading houses in both countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in increasing mutual trade, boosting investment cooperation and further developing transport and logistics infrastructure.
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