Policy
Ashgabat marked the 94th anniversary of the founding of Saudi Arabia
27.09.2026On 25 September, a formal reception was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat to mark the 94th anniversary of the Kingdom’s founding. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in Turkmenistan, the business community, the media and the blogging community, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan, welcomed the guests and delivered a speech. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spoke about the Kingdom’s development and the implementation of the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ project, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The diplomat also highlighted the key principles of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and the development of bilateral relations with Turkmenistan. According to the Ambassador, Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. In 1997, the Kingdom opened its embassy in Ashgabat, which became the first embassy of an Arab state in Turkmenistan. The significance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2007 was also highlighted. Representing the Turkmen side at the event was Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan and the Government, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the spiritual and cultural ties between the two countries, including the visits to Mecca by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Particular attention was paid to energy cooperation. Guvanch Agajanov highlighted Saudi Arabia’s expertise in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors and the development of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry. He reported on the Saudi side’s interest in implementing the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) international gas pipeline project. Following the official proceedings, a reception featuring traditional Arabic cuisine was organised for the guests.
The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the development of regional cooperation
27.09.2026Turkmenistan’s policy of positive neutrality, endorsed by the UN General Assembly, contributes to strengthening stability in the region. This was stated by Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Iran’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, in an article marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to Turkmenportal. According to the diplomat, Turkmenistan’s location on the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ transit corridors, as well as the development of its energy infrastructure, are contributing to economic integration and the strengthening of regional security. Rouzbahani noted that Iran was one of the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence. He said that relations between the two countries are based on respect for sovereignty and a commitment to regional stability. Cooperation also contributes to the development of trade and transit freight transport. The Ambassador emphasised the shared cultural and civilisational heritage of the two nations. He stated that the historical ties and legacy of the Great Silk Road have formed the basis of modern relations between Iran and Turkmenistan. Having congratulated Turkmenistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence, Rouzbahani expressed Iran’s readiness to expand comprehensive cooperation with its neighbour.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed the development of inter-parliamentary relations
27.09.2026Gismet Gozalov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, met with Gahryman Rozyev, Deputy Speaker of the Turkmenistan Parliament, and Annamuhammet Sarjayev, Chair of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for inter-parliamentary cooperation, according to Turkmenportal. The participants noted the development of bilateral relations and partnership, as well as the role of historical, cultural and linguistic ties between the peoples of the two countries. Particular mention was made of the importance of high-level contacts, including the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Azerbaijan on 22–23 June 2026. Following the visit, the Presidents signed a Joint Statement, and the parties exchanged a number of bilateral documents. The participants also discussed the development of inter-parliamentary contacts. These included the signing in Ashgabat in 2022 of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, meetings between the heads of the legislative bodies, and the participation of parliamentary representatives in international and regional events. The parties reviewed cooperation within the framework of regional and international parliamentary platforms and agreed to continue consultations and mutual support. In conclusion, the participants exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
Turkmenistan set out its position at the OIC ministerial meeting
26.09.2026On 24 September, Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, addressed the Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This was reported by AsmanNews. During his address, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation and solidarity within the Islamic world, placing particular emphasis on its support for the Palestinian people and the continued provision of humanitarian aid to OIC member states. Vepa Hajiyev also thanked the OIC member states for their support for the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law. The statement emphasised the importance of this initiative for strengthening the principles of the UN Charter, the sovereign equality of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes and multilateral cooperation.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to the President of Kazakhstan
26.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following the tragic accident in the Mangystau region that resulted in casualties and injuries, according to the TDH news agency. The Head of State expressed his sincere sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and wished those injured a speedy recovery. The words of condolence were conveyed on behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, and on his own behalf.
The President of Turkmenistan received a letter of congratulations
26.09.2026Ivan Kuzmin, Chair of the CIS Inter-governmental Co-ordinating Council on Seed Production, congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, on his birthday. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message of congratulations on behalf of the plant breeders and seed producers of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Ivan Kuzmin wished the Head of State good health, happiness and success in his continued work for the benefit of the people of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan has granted residence permits to a group of foreign nationals
26.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution permitting a group of foreign nationals to reside in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The document was adopted in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Migration’ and universally recognised international standards in the field of the protection of human rights and freedoms.
The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree granting pardons to 1,054 convicted prisoners
26.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Decree granting pardons to convicted prisoners to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the TDH news agency. According to the document, 1,054 citizens have been pardoned. They have been released from further serving their main sentence of imprisonment, as well as the additional sentence requiring them to reside in a specific locality.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has been awarded the Turkmenistan Jubilee Medal
26.09.2026The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has adopted a Resolution to award the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Gurbangulyyevich Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmenistan commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’ (‘To the participant in the ceremonial military parade held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence’). This was reported by the TDH news agency. The decision was taken to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The Resolution highlights the President of Turkmenistan’s contributions to strengthening and defending the country’s state independence, defence capabilities and security, ensuring the rule of law and public order, as well as fostering peace and stability. Particular mention was made of his contribution to educating military personnel and young people in the spirit of love and loyalty to the Motherland, courage and honesty.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke at a forum on the Trans-Caspian route
26.09.2026On 23 September, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the US, took part in the event ‘Prosperity Through Peace: Investing in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route and TRIPP’, held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the panel discussion, Esen Aydogdyev outlined Turkmenistan’s position on issues relating to the development of regional transport connectivity. He highlighted the country’s role in facilitating transit and trade links between Central Asia, the Caspian region and international markets. Participants discussed the expansion of transport and trade cooperation, the development of regional connectivity, the attraction of private investment, as well as cooperation within the framework of the Trans-Caspian Trade Route and TRIPP. The event was organised on the initiative of the US Department of State. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff addressed the participants. The discussion was moderated by Senior Adviser Aryeh Lightstone. The event was attended by representatives from the US, Central Asian and South Caucasus countries, as well as over 40 companies.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the outcome of the Halk Maslahaty meeting
25.09.2026On 24 September, a working meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan to review the outcomes of the Halk Maslahaty session that had taken place the previous day, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Heads of the country’s diplomatic missions accredited abroad. The participants discussed further steps to implement the tasks set out in the documents adopted following the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan meeting. These include the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the State Protection of Ahal-Teke Horses in Turkmenistan’, the National Concept ‘International Law and the Neutrality of Turkmenistan’, the ‘National Strategy for Industrial Development of Turkmenistan for 2030–2045’, and the ‘State Programme on State Youth Policy in Turkmenistan for the period up to 2031’.
The President of Turkmenistan has received messages of congratulations
25.09.2026Letters of congratulations have been received by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of his birthday. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Congratulatory messages were sent by the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan; and the Governor of St Petersburg in the Russian Federation, Alexander Beglov. In their messages, the foreign leaders wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, well-being, success and further achievements.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
