Policy
Turkmenistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership
19.04.2026On 18 April, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a brief meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed expanding cooperation in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April, negotiations were held in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Hakan Fidan, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the start of the meeting, Rashid Meredov congratulated the Turkish side on the successful hosting of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF-2026) and the high standard of its organisation. The parties noted the consistently high level of bilateral relations, which are developing due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. Issues of political and diplomatic cooperation, the expansion of economic cooperation and the strengthening of the legal framework were discussed. At the conclusion of the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the international agenda and reaffirmed their similar approaches to issues of regional stability and security.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have coordinated their positions on regional issues
19.04.2026On 18 April, a meeting took place in Antalya between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations. Particular attention was paid to preparations for high-level meetings scheduled for this year in both countries. The Heads of the foreign ministries also exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Foreign ministers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Antalya
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a meeting took place between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the high level of bilateral cooperation, which is maintained through regular dialogue at the highest level. Key areas of political and diplomatic cooperation were discussed. Preparations for international events scheduled for the coming months were also touched upon. Separately, an exchange of views took place on the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilisations
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, on the sidelines of the 5th Diplomacy Forum, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in promoting a culture of peace, intercivilisational dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding between countries. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of peace and trust, good-neighbourliness and equal international cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality serves as a tool for developing constructive dialogue at the international level. Turkmenistan’s readiness to continue cooperation and participate in efforts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence was confirmed.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position within the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Adem Kula, Secretary General of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of trade and economic cooperation between the Turkic states. The significance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan joining the Union in March 2024 was noted. Prospects for further partnership were considered. Among the priorities is the formation of joint production chains. Following the meeting, interest in developing cooperation was reaffirmed.
Turkmenistan and the CTBTO discussed cooperation in the field of security
19.04.2026On 18 April in Antalya, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). The negotiations took place as part of a visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for collaboration between Turkmenistan and the CTBTO. The importance of strengthening international efforts in the field of global security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament was noted. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was reaffirmed. The possibility of hosting regional events in the country to mark the 30th anniversary of the Treaty’s opening for signature was considered. Issues relating to international monitoring, as well as the development of scientific and technical capacity and the training of national specialists, were discussed separately. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding practical cooperation.
Turkmenistan and the Inter-Parliamentary Union discussed initiatives in the field of international law
19.04.2026On 17 April in Istanbul, as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a meeting took place between a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Zeina Hilal, the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Programme Director for Gender Cooperation and Youth Participation. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed expanding Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as part of the country’s foreign policy. Particular attention was paid to the initiative to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and the planned international events to mark the occasion. The IPU representative noted the importance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives for strengthening peace, stability and global development, and also emphasised the significance of developing cooperation between women leaders of parliaments from different countries.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of youth policy at a forum in Istanbul
19.04.2026On 16 April, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the Youth Forum held as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. In his speech, it was noted that the country is creating extensive opportunities for young people and supports their participation in law-making. The role of young parliamentarians and the significance of initiatives put forward at international forums in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in 2025 were also highlighted. Forum participants spoke highly of Turkmenistan’s state youth policy, the active involvement of young MPs and the dialogue with young people. Particular mention was made of the importance of support for initiatives from international organisations, including funding, access to education and technology, as well as youth participation in environmental and climate adaptation issues.
Rashid Meredov presented Turkmenistan’s position at ADF-2026
19.04.2026On 17–18 April, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, took part in the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF-2026). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The forum was held in Antalya under the motto ‘Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties’. Participants discussed issues of international cooperation, sustainable development, security and economic ties. Speaking at the session on Central Asia, Rashid Meredov presented Turkmenistan’s position on strengthening regional stability and developing infrastructure. Projects in the fields of energy, international transport corridors and Eurasian cooperation were highlighted. It was emphasised that stability and security remain key conditions for the region’s development. In this regard, the role of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, with the participation of Azerbaijan, was noted as a new format for political interaction. Particular attention was paid to energy strategy. Issues of supply diversification were discussed, including the TAPI gas pipeline project and the expansion of electricity exports. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s approach takes into account the interests of producers, transit countries and consumers. Initiatives within the UN framework on energy security were touched upon. It was noted that the UN General Assembly had adopted three resolutions on energy sustainability at the initiative of Turkmenistan. Their implementation is being carried out at the national level, including through existing export projects. Issues relating to the development of the transport and logistics sector were also discussed. The importance of Central Asia as a key hub on the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ routes was noted. The need for coordination of efforts by countries in the region to ensure the effective operation of transport corridors between Asia and Europe was emphasised.
The President of Turkmenistan has signed a document establishing ‘Galkynyşgaz’
19.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution aimed at developing the oil and gas sector and developing the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field. This was reported by AsmanNews. According to the document, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ has been tasked with establishing the state-owned enterprise ‘Galkynyşgaz’ on a self-financing basis. The development and approval of the new enterprise’s articles of association are also provided for.
The Turkmen delegation took part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers
18.04.2026On 17 April 2026, the regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place in Moscow. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee. The parties discussed topical issues on the international and regional agenda, the current state and prospects of cooperation within the CIS, including in connection with the 35th anniversary of the organisation. The discussions took place in both a restricted and an expanded format. Ahmet Gurbanov outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities and noted the constructive nature of cooperation within the CIS framework, emphasising the potential for expanding joint efforts. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the foreign ministries of the CIS countries. The results of the implementation of the Plan for Multilevel Inter-Ministerial Consultations for 2025 and the Programme for Strengthening Partnership between the Foreign Ministries of the CIS States were reviewed. Following the meeting, decisions were adopted aimed at strengthening foreign policy coordination and expanding cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers is scheduled for October 2026 in Turkmenistan.
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