President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday – Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development and strengthening of Turkmen-Indian relations, expressing readiness to further expand bilateral cooperation and achieve new milestones in this direction. Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President and Prime Minister of India good health and success, and the people of the country peace, well-being and prosperity.
On 14 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Hiroshi Sasaki, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the importance of high-level visits, which contribute to the strengthening of inter-state relations. In this context, the diplomats reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings in both bilateral and multilateral formats, confirming their intention to develop constructive dialogue between Turkmenistan and Japan.
On 14 August, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the participants expressed satisfaction with the high level of Turkmen-Chinese relations, which are developing in various promising areas. Particular attention was paid to the importance of regular high-level contacts, which play a key role in deepening the partnership between the two countries. In addition, the diplomats discussed the organisation of upcoming visits and events to be held in bilateral and multilateral formats.
On 13 August, a meeting was held at the Permanent Mission of the United Nations in Tajikistan between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan, Aymyrat Gochmyradov, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Ramaswamy Parvati. This was reported by the online publication ArzuwNews. The interlocutors noted Turkmenistan's active participation in the work of the UN and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of neutrality, peaceful coexistence and preventive diplomacy. They discussed joint activities within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. In addition, the parties discussed the organisation of an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the participation of young people, the diplomatic corps and international organisations, where the role of neutrality and preventive diplomacy in ensuring peace and sustainable development will be emphasised.
The Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, approved by the UN General Assembly, is an updated plan to support 32 landlocked developing countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme builds on the experience of the Vienna Programme of Action for 2014–2024 and aims to accelerate development by simplifying trade, strengthening transport connectivity, introducing technological innovations, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening international cooperation. The document covers the structural transformation of economies, the development of science and technology, the reduction of trade and transit costs, the modernisation of transport infrastructure and improved access to the sea, as well as adaptation to climate change and the mobilisation of financial and institutional resources. The programme provides for productivity growth, industrial and service development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, investment in quality education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and gender equality. Particular attention is paid to international partnerships, including ‘North-South’ and ‘South-South’ formats, as well as digital transformation as a tool for integration into the global economy. Its successful implementation requires concerted efforts by governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society to remove structural constraints, enhance the competitiveness of these countries and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the entire people of the country on the occasion of the National Holiday – Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to friendly relations with Pakistan and is confident of their further steady development for the benefit of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the high level of inter-state cooperation, which is being consistently strengthened and improved, expressing confidence in its further successful and mutually beneficial development. Taking the opportunity, the President of Turkmenistan wished the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stability and prosperity.
Representatives of Turkmenistan are participating in the second conference of the Working Group on Cooperation in Civil Aviation between the Central Asian countries and China. The event is also attended by delegations from aviation administrations, national carriers and major airports in China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This was reported by the IIC. The main topics of discussion include the development of regional airlines, improving the quality of cargo and passenger transportation, upgrading airport infrastructure and strengthening aviation security. Special attention is paid to the prospects for the formation of a common aviation space in Eurasia. Due to its location on the North-South and East-West routes, Turkmenistan has great potential to become an important link in the regional aviation network. The development of air traffic through Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi could increase passenger and cargo traffic and attract more tourists. The meeting of the working group contributes to the economic and technical integration of the Central Asian countries and China, as well as to the creation of a single aviation market with competitive and safe services for passengers and cargo carriers.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, held a meeting with the Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, during which issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, A. Movlamov extended an invitation to the Pakistani side to participate in the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF-2025), scheduled for 18–19 September in Ashgabat. The parties discussed the expansion of trade and economic ties and opportunities for developing joint projects in the fields of energy, transport and construction. The Pakistani finance minister confirmed his country's interest in strengthening cooperation and recalled the high-level ministerial meetings held last year. The Turkmen ambassador noted the importance of Pakistan as a key trading partner and strategic transit hub for regional trade. The invitation to the forum was conveyed on behalf of Turkmenistan's Minister of Finance and Economy, Mammetguly Astanagulov.
On 11 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Pakistan, Wolfgang Oliver Kuchera. This was reported by the online publication ArzuwNews. The parties discussed the regional situation and Turkmenistan's foreign policy priorities, including neutrality, good neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation. Special attention was paid to the international energy projects TAPI and TAP, which are important for diversifying exports and strengthening energy security in the region. Following the meeting, the diplomats expressed their readiness to develop multilateral cooperation and strengthen relations between Turkmenistan and Austria.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, Esen Aydogdyev, sent greetings to participants and guests of the Russian-Turkmen concert ‘Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood,’ which will take place in Moscow on 15 August. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his address, E. Aydogdyev noted that the concert is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. It is important for Turkmen diplomats that these events are widely celebrated in Russia and supported by Russian partners, reflecting the strong friendly relations between the countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasised that cultural cooperation is one of the key areas of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, embodied in the ‘Dialogue through Culture’ initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Joint concerts and acquaintance with Turkmen music strengthen the traditions of mutual cultural enrichment. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the Moscow Conservatory for supporting the concert and noted that its graduates include well-known Turkmen composers and performers. The diplomat also thanked the musicians, organisers and author of the project, Mamed Guseynov, for their contribution to the event.
A meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas with a delegation from the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of China on the development of cooperation in the teaching of Chinese in Turkmenistan. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Employees of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the PRC presented their own work aimed at improving Chinese language teaching methods and the use of advanced modern technologies in the educational process. The Centre's delegation offered its Turkmen colleagues assistance in developing teaching aids and materials, as well as in improving the qualifications of the university's teaching staff. During the meeting, the delegation from the PRC visited the Oil and Gas Faculty of the Turkmen university and familiarised themselves with the work of the Department of Foreign Languages. It should be recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the study of the Chinese language between the Y. Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas and the China University of Petroleum was signed in 2023.
An international scientific and practical conference dedicated to Caspian Sea Day was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The large-scale event entitled ‘The Caspian Sea – A Sea of Friendship and Peace’ is attended by representatives of diplomatic missions of the Caspian littoral states, as well as members of authoritative international organisations (UN, OSCE, UNEP, UNDP, EU). This was reported by IIC. The agenda includes topical issues related to the implementation of the Tehran Convention, the importance of the Hazar State Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan for the preservation of the region's biological diversity, and the role of the Caspian Sea for ornithology. Conference delegates plan to focus on the development of eco-tourism in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and discuss environmental standards in the work of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port. In addition, participants will consider the importance of the Caspian Sea for strengthening good-neighbourly relations between the Caspian littoral states. Experts from the World Bank, FAO and the International Maritime Law Institute will join the event via videoconference.