Policy
Ashgabat and Tokyo Discuss New Areas of Partnership
14.06.2026A Turkmen delegation led by Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to Japan from June 10 to 12. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the leadership of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, as well as members of parliament and officials from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations. Both sides noted the steady development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation and emphasized the importance of high-level political dialogue, including the meetings held in Tokyo in 2025, which gave additional momentum to bilateral engagement. Special attention was paid to interparliamentary ties and the activities of friendship groups, as well as to the prospects for expanding contacts between the political parties of the two countries. The idea of establishing a direct party-to-party cooperation mechanism was also discussed. The parties further reviewed initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation, including the organization of the “Central Asia + Japan” Parliamentary Forum in Ashgabat in 2027, strengthening contacts between women parliamentarians, and expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas and chemical sectors. At the conclusion of the visit, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their multifaceted partnership.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan.
13.06.2026The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan will take place as an official trip. Preparations for the upcoming visit were discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on June 12. According to the TDH news agency, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the progress of the organizational work. It was noted that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world is one of the key directions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s foreign policy. In this context, Turkmenistan continues to steadily expand its engagement with Asian states. Particular attention is given to relations with Malaysia. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 17, 1992. Malaysia is among the first countries to have supported Turkmenistan’s independence and its status of permanent neutrality. The legal framework of cooperation includes 43 intergovernmental, governmental, and interagency agreements. The importance of regular high-level visits was emphasized. In total, there have been nine such visits, including four visits by the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia and five visits by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia to Turkmenistan. The contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to the development of bilateral relations was also noted, including his visits to Malaysia in 2011 and 2016. Cooperation continues to develop today. Following the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia on December 18–19, 2024, bilateral relations have reached a new level. Regular contacts are maintained between governments and foreign ministries. Cooperation is also carried out within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In the trade and economic sphere, Malaysia remains a long-term partner of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reported that preparations for the upcoming visit of the Malaysian delegation led by the Prime Minister have been completed. It was emphasized that the results of the visit will contribute to further strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation. The head of state noted the steady development of relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and instructed that proper preparations be ensured for the upcoming visit.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of key documents
13.06.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a series of documents aimed at developing international cooperation, the oil and gas sector, science, and improving the public procurement system. This was reported by the news website AsmanNews. In particular, the composition of the Turkmen side of the Turkmen–Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation has been approved, established within the framework of developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Slovak Republic. According to separate decrees, the State Concern Türkmengaz has been authorized to conclude a contract with the Chinese company Julong Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. for the purchase of steel pipes, while the State Concern Türkmennebit has been authorized to sign a contract with Wuxi SP. Steel Tube Manufacturing Co., Ltd. for the supply of casing and drilling pipes for production and exploration wells. The head of state also approved the State Program for the Promotion of Achievements in Science, Engineering, and Technology in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, as well as the Action Plan for its implementation. The Academy of Sciences, relevant ministries, and agencies have been instructed to ensure the implementation of the planned measures. In addition, the procedure for conducting tenders for selecting suppliers of goods, works, and services for the needs of ministries and agencies of the transport and communications complex has been approved.
Turkmenistan Represented at the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana
13.06.2026Turkmenistan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Production, Toyguly Nurov, took part in the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue held in Astana and co-chaired by representatives of Kazakhstan and the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. The information was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The meeting brought together delegations from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The participants discussed cooperation in geological exploration, extraction, processing, and supply of critical minerals, as well as the development of industrial projects and technological partnerships. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of processing facilities, cluster development, workforce training, scientific and technical cooperation, and logistics for supplying critical minerals to global markets. Following the talks, the participants reaffirmed their interest in expanding multilateral cooperation and implementing joint infrastructure and industrial initiatives.
Turkmenistan and Iran Discussed the Development of Bilateral Relations
13.06.2026On June 12, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehdi Sobhani. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing Turkmen-Iranian relations based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and trust. The meeting also reviewed further steps for implementing previously reached agreements.
Turkmenistan and Austria discussed the development of bilateral relations
12.06.2026On June 11, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, M. Byashimova, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Turkmenistan (resident in Baku), Thomas Schuller-Götzburg, and the Director of the Department for International Economic Relations of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Austria, Elisabeth Weissenböck. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen side congratulated Elisabeth Weissenböck on her appointment as co-chair of the Austrian part of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The thirteenth session of the commission will take place on June 12 in Ashgabat. The sides noted the high level of cooperation within international organizations, primarily the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Special emphasis was placed on the significance of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Austria, which gave additional momentum to the development of bilateral partnership. The parties also discussed the expansion of mutual trade and the strengthening of economic cooperation, including within the framework of the European Union’s “Global Gateway” initiative. The role of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission in promoting these areas was underlined. The need to expand cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries in order to develop educational and scientific ties was also noted.
Judges from Turkmenistan participated in an OSCE visit to Ankara
12.06.2026From June 8 to 10, 2026, a study visit organized by the OSCE took place in Ankara (Türkiye). The event served as a platform for exchanging experience in the field of judicial reforms, AsmanNews reports. The delegation included seven judges from the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions of Turkmenistan. Participants held meetings with their Turkish counterparts and discussed improving the efficiency of court operations, case management, and the handling of specific categories of cases, including family law. A separate meeting was held with the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, Kadir Özkaya. The parties discussed improving the judicial system and introducing modern approaches to justice. The delegation also visited the Ankara Court of Appeal, the Court of Cassation, and the Family Court under the Ankara District Court. Issues related to the work of specialized courts and the exchange of practical experience were reviewed. In addition, participants became familiar with the system for training judges and prosecutors at the Justice Academy of Türkiye and the work of the Western Ankara Court. The Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, William Leaf, noted that the visit aims to support the development of the legal and regulatory framework in Turkmenistan and to increase the efficiency and trust in the judicial system. It is expected that the visit will contribute to strengthening professional dialogue between the judicial authorities of Turkmenistan and Türkiye and to the development of international cooperation in the field of judicial reform.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to India has been appointed head of the diplomatic mission in the Maldives
12.06.2026By decree of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to India, Shalar Geldynazarov, has also been appointed as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Maldives. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Maldives were established on 25 September 1992. The practice of appointing one ambassador concurrently to another country is widely used in international diplomacy and is aimed at optimizing foreign policy presence, as well as expanding engagement in the South Asian region. Despite the significant geographical distance, Ashgabat and Male maintain a constructive political dialogue, primarily within the framework of the United Nations. The sides largely share similar approaches to key issues on the global agenda, such as climate change, environmental protection, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This creates a foundation for further development of political and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov Awarded the Academic Title of Professor
12.06.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Doctor of Political Sciences Serdar Gurbangulyyevich Berdimuhamedov, has been awarded the academic title of Professor in the fields of economics and political science. This was reported by TDH. The decision was made by the Presidium of the Higher Attestation Commission of Turkmenistan based on materials submitted by academic councils and the conclusions of the Commission’s councils for humanities and economics, as well as legal and sociological sciences. In awarding the title, special note was taken of the President’s scientific activities, his contribution to the development of the scientific, technological, socio-economic spheres, and his efforts to expand international cooperation.
President of Turkmenistan Sends Congratulatory Message to Russian Leadership
12.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent congratulations to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, and the people of Russia on the occasion of Russia Day. This was reported by the TDH. In his message, the head of state noted the steady development of the Turkmen-Russian strategic partnership and the effective cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of areas. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia. The President of Turkmenistan also wished Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Mishustin good health and well-being, and peace and prosperity to the people of the Russian Federation.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of Finland
11.06.2026On June 10, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D. Gulmanova accepted the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to Turkmenistan, Maria Agren. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Chairperson of the Mejlis congratulated the diplomat on her appointment and wished her success in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries. Maria Agren conveyed greetings and best wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov from the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, expressing gratitude for the warm reception. During the meeting, the ambassador was briefed on the main directions of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, which is aimed at developing equal international cooperation in the interests of peace, security, and sustainable development. The country’s commitment to expanding mutually beneficial dialogue with international partners was emphasized. Information was also provided on the structure of the Mejlis and its activities aimed at improving national legislation. The sides discussed issues of Turkmen-Finnish relations, including cooperation in multilateral formats within the UN and other international organizations. At the end of the meeting, Maria Agren stated her readiness to contribute to the further development of cooperation based on mutual trust and respect.
An American diplomat noted the prospects for partnership with Turkmenistan
11.06.2026The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Sarah B. Rogers, summarized the results of her visit to Turkmenistan during an online press briefing for the media, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. She said that one of the key topics of the talks was high technology, including artificial intelligence and the development of data centers. Rogers noted Turkmenistan’s interest in cooperation in this area and stated that American companies are ready to take part in technological projects. Education issues were also discussed during the visit. In particular, the possibility of launching a joint MBA program between Kent State University and the Turkmen side is being considered. The diplomat also paid special attention to meetings with Turkmen journalists and digital content creators. She highlighted young people’s interest in new media and modern technologies. As part of the cultural program, Sarah Rogers visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan, where she learned about the restoration project of a 5th-century Buddha head being carried out with the participation of the Paul Getty Museum in California. She also visited an equestrian sports complex and became acquainted with the traditions of breeding Akhal-Teke horses. Summing up the visit, Rogers expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States.
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