Policy
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.
Turkmenistan and the ILO are strengthening inter-agency coordination of projects
18.04.2026On 18 April 2026, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and a delegation from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) led by Miranda Fajerman. Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan also took part in the meeting. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, practical activities within the framework of the ILO delegation’s visit were discussed, including the holding of joint round-table discussions in the country’s regions with the participation of state bodies and social partners. The parties noted the consistent nature of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the ILO, including work to improve the regulatory framework and implement international labour standards. The importance of inter-agency coordination in the implementation of joint initiatives was emphasised. The Roadmap for Cooperation for 2026 was reviewed, identified as the main tool for achieving concrete results. The outcomes of previously held events were noted, including the presentation of the results of the 2025 survey and the receipt of feedback from the field. The need to increase media coverage of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the ILO on international platforms was also emphasised. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue the dialogue and develop cooperation.
Turkmenistan took part in the 59th session of the UN Commission on Population and Development
18.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 59th session of the UN Commission on Population and Development, which was held at the UN headquarters in New York. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The UN Commission on Population and Development is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. It examines demographic trends and their impact on the socio-economic development of countries, and formulates recommendations for member states. During the session, issues relating to the quality of life of the population, access to education and healthcare, and the effective management of resources against the backdrop of global demographic changes were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on incorporating the demographic agenda into sustainable development strategies. Turkmenistan’s participation in the Commission’s work facilitates the exchange of experience in the areas of family support, maternal and child health, and the promotion of equal opportunities. The development of cooperation with international organisations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was also noted. The outcomes of the session will be taken into account when formulating long-term national strategies within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Turkmenistan is developing its transit capacity and transport infrastructure
18.04.2026Turkmenistan, historically situated on the Great Silk Road, continues to develop its transport infrastructure and strengthen its transit potential. The country is regarded as a key hub for modern routes between Europe and Asia and is working to expand its trade and economic ties, reports TDH. On 10 April, the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway was officially opened. The Head of State attended the ceremony. The project forms part of a large-scale road construction programme and the strengthening of the transport system. The ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. It ensures the rapid movement of transit cargo and connects the domestic road network with routes leading to the Asia-Pacific region. The route is designed to speed up transport and reduce logistics costs. Turkmenistan regularly raises transport issues at the UN as well. The country advocates for the development of global transport cooperation. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted a number of relevant resolutions, including the document on the ‘Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)’, adopted on 15 December 2025. Particular attention is being paid to the development of Central Asia as a transport hub on the Great Silk Road. Multimodal corridors are being established in the region, providing access to the Black and Baltic Seas, as well as to the countries of South and South-East Asia, including China, India and Pakistan. Turkmenistan supports international initiatives, including the ‘Modal Highway for Central Asia’ project and the ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey’ transport corridor. The country also participates in the TRACECA programme. The sector’s development is enshrined in long-term strategies — the socio-economic development programme up to 2026 and the national programme up to 2052. These provide for the modernisation of roads, growth in transit traffic and the expansion of logistics routes. In 2025, construction also began on the ‘Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan’ border section, and the bridge across Garabogazköl Bay was opened. The project strengthens the region’s transport connectivity and opens up additional international routes. At the same time, the transport fleet is being renewed and bus services modernised, including the purchase of new buses for the capital. Urban and regional transport systems are being developed, including in the new city of Arkadag. Particular attention is being paid to the legal regulation of the sector and improving the quality of services. The Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan is working to modernise standards and transport safety controls. Overall, the country’s transport strategy is aimed at expanding transit opportunities, attracting investment and integrating into international logistics chains.
Hero Arkadag: Turkmenistan is expanding cooperation in the gas sector
18.04.2026The fourth phase of commercial development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field has been launched in Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. Hero Arkadag noted that the project is of key importance for the development of the country’s gas industry. Turkmenistan continues to put forward initiatives aimed at ensuring stable supplies of natural gas and developing international trade. A course towards environmentally-oriented energy has also been outlined. It was emphasised that the country’s resources are utilised both in the interests of Turkmenistan and for external partners, which strengthens the economy and contributes to the growth of the population’s well-being. Cooperation with the People’s Republic of China was highlighted in particular. China was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan. During a recent visit, new agreements were reached, including on the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ development. The new phase involves the construction of facilities to process 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year, as well as the relevant wells. The general contractor is the China National Petroleum Corporation, commissioned by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. The project covers the full cycle of work – from drilling to the construction of infrastructure and social facilities. Upon completion, 1,041 jobs will be created. It is expected that the launch of the new facilities will increase gas exports and have a positive impact on the country’s economic development and the standard of living of the population. In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag congratulated those present at the ceremony on the start of the new phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field.
Turkmenistan has begun the fourth phase of development of its largest gas field
18.04.2026On 17 April, in the presence of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang, a ceremony was held to mark the start of work on drilling production wells and constructing a commercial gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year as part of the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the morning, Hero Arkadag arrived at the capital’s International Airport, from where the National Leader of the Turkmen people’s airliner took off for the Mary velayat. Shortly afterwards, Hero Arkadag’s aircraft landed at Mary International Airport. He then travelled by helicopter to the venue of the launch ceremony for the fourth phase of the field’s development, located in the Yoloten etrap. Ding Xuexiang’s plane also landed at Mary Airport, after which the Chinese delegation proceeded to the venue of the celebrations. An atmosphere of great enthusiasm prevailed at the ceremony site. Hero Arkadag was warmly welcomed by the participants and greeted the Head of the Chinese delegation. The celebration was accompanied by a literary and musical performance reflecting the long history of Turkmen-Chinese relations. The delegations viewed an exhibition featuring examples of national decorative and applied arts, costumes, jewellery and paintings. The exhibition showcased Turkmenistan’s historical heritage and modern achievements. The displayed examples of machinery and equipment highlighted the introduction of innovative technologies and compliance with international standards of industrial production. During the meeting, Hero Arkadag noted the strategic importance of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ development programme for the development of the country’s energy sector and the strengthening of international cooperation. The importance of the partnership with China was highlighted as one of the key areas of Turkmenistan’s foreign economic strategy. Joint projects in the oil and gas sector are seen as a factor in the long-term strengthening of bilateral relations. A representative of the Chinese side noted the strategic importance of the cooperation and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the new phase of the project. Following the speeches, the drilling rig was launched, and a ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone and mark the start of construction of the new facility. At the conclusion of the event, a celebratory sadaqah was held. Afterwards, Ding Xuexiang departed for China, whilst Hero Arkadag returned to Ashgabat. Thus, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development forms a long-term foundation for strengthening Turkmenistan’s energy independence, expanding export routes and the country’s industrial development, whilst contributing to the sustainable economic growth of the entire region.
A contract has been signed in Ashgabat for the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field
17.04.2026A contract for the turnkey development of phase IV of the ‘Galkynysh’ field has been signed in Ashgabat. The ceremony took place as part of the International Scientific and Practical Conference marking the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector, reports Turkmenportal. The document was signed by Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern, and Du Yumin, Chairman of ‘CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd.’ The ‘Galkynysh’ field is one of the largest in the world. It plays a significant role in shaping the country’s export potential. Its development is proceeding in stages as part of the long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the energy sector.
The Turkmen Ambassador to Japan discussed cooperation with ITOCHU
17.04.2026On 6 April, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with H. Tsubai, a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice-President of ITOCHU Corporation, President of the Machinery and Equipment Division, and Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Committee on Economic Cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ITOCHU Corporation’s projects in Turkmenistan and other issues of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japan-Turkmen Inter-governmental Committees on Economic Cooperation. It is scheduled to take place in December 2026 in Tokyo.
Turkmenistan and China signed a series of agreements following the meeting
17.04.2026The seventh meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation took place in the capital of Turkmenistan. Following the meeting, a package of documents aimed at expanding cooperation in various fields was signed, reports TDH. These include an Agreement on the establishment of a Turkmen-Chinese Energy Training Centre between the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the PRC, and the China University of Petroleum. A Memorandum was also signed between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the China Foreign Affairs University. The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China approved a programme of scientific, technical and innovative cooperation for 2026–2028. A separate Memorandum concerns the development of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China. In addition, documents were signed on cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, on the mutual establishment of cultural centres, and on the creation of a Turkmen-Chinese Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine based at the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The parties also approved a cooperation programme for 2026–2030 and a general agreement on the basic principles of cooperation in the gas sector. A protocol of the meeting was signed. Following the meeting, the parties noted the results of the work and stated that the agreements reached would be aimed at developing relations and supporting the well-being of the peoples of both countries.
Turkmenistan is taking part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul
17.04.2026A delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan is taking part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is being held in Istanbul. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. Key topics are being discussed, including the strengthening of global peace, sustainable economic development, the protection of human rights, the impact of digital technologies on democratic processes, as well as the development of environmental diplomacy and the introduction of digital solutions into the legislative sphere. The representative of Turkmenistan spoke at the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, highlighting reforms aimed at empowering women and increasing their participation in state and socio-political governance. Improvements to legislation on equal rights and the implementation of national programmes were noted. The increase in women’s representation in government bodies was also highlighted, as was the country’s initiative to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’, which is seen as a contribution to the promotion of gender equality and a culture of peace. Participation in the forum reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of democracy and gender equality.
France highlighted Turkmenistan’s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia
17.04.2026France supports the development of EU cooperation with Central Asia and highlights the role of the region and Turkmenistan as a consistent and secure bridge between Europe and Asia. This was stated by France’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Philippe Leglise-Costa, during negotiations with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for its expansion, emphasising the importance of the practical implementation of interregional partnership at the bilateral level. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its role in developing ties between Europe and Central Asia. Issues relating to energy, critical resources and climate change were also raised. The participants noted the positive momentum in Turkmenistan’s relations with France and expressed interest in further deepening cooperation.
Turkmenistan took part in a UN event on the development of public services in New York
17.04.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Vepa Hajiyev, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, took part in a side event on the theme ‘Excellence for Public Service Delivery to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals’, held on 14 April at the UN Headquarters in New York as part of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the State Agency for Public Services and Social Innovation under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Participants discussed the improvement of public services, building trust in government institutions, and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Particular attention was paid to the quality criteria for public services and the practical application of the ASAN Service Index. Turkmenistan’s participation underscored the country’s interest in developing international cooperation and modernising the public administration system.
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