Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Atajan Movlamov held a meeting with former Federal Minister of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan Nadeem Jan on 20 May. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the conversation, N. Jan stressed the high level of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan and expressed interest in further expansion of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In turn, the Ambassador familiarised the interlocutor with the basics of Turkmenistan's foreign policy course based on the principles of positive neutrality. He also spoke about the current stages of the country's development, in particular, the implementation of the Arkadag ‘smart city’ project. Special emphasis was placed on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) regional energy project. At the end of the talks. N.Jan noted the importance of the country's peace-loving initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and stability.
Turkmen Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier on 21 May this year. During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for expanding partnership in the implementation of youth policy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Rashid Meredov noted the active participation of Turkmen youth in international initiatives of the UN, including UNICEF and UNESCO programmes. Special attention was paid to the role of the SDG Young Ambassadors, who represent the country at global platforms such as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The sides highly appreciated Turkmenistan's legal framework in the sphere of youth policy, including the Law ‘On State Youth Policy’ and the Strategy for International Youth Cooperation for 2023-2030. The prospects of implementation of the joint Programme ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ for 2025-2027 were also discussed. Special attention was paid to the upcoming LLDC3 Youth Forum, which will be held in August 2025 in the tourist zone ‘Avaza’ in the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova is on an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 21 to 24 May this year at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji. This is reported by the IIC. The visit is seen as a significant stage in strengthening the strategic partnership between the legislative bodies of the two countries. It demonstrates the active position of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in the development of inter-parliamentary ties and interaction with international organisations. Turkmenistan regards China as an important strategic partner and pays special attention to deepening comprehensive cooperation, including the parliamentary dimension of bilateral relations. The visit of the Turkmen parliamentary delegation is intended to contribute to the further development of fruitful dialogue between the two countries.
The 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held on 19-20 May 2025 in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The event was attended by representatives of relevant agencies and business circles of the two countries. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The commission was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd. The meeting addressed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation - from political and diplomatic, trade and economic to humanitarian aspects. Particular attention was paid to the elaboration of new areas of partnership and strengthening of the existing co-operation mechanisms. The sides reaffirmed the importance of the Commission's activities as a key instrument for the practical implementation of previously reached agreements. Among the priority topics of discussion are trade, transport and logistics cooperation, cooperation in the gas sector, industry, agriculture and water management, investment and standardisation. The implementation of the decisions taken at the previous meeting was also analysed. The Turkmen side came up with an initiative to create trade and economic zones in the border areas, which, according to the participants, will give an additional impetus to the development of trade turnover. In addition, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation in science and education, culture and healthcare, tourism, sports and environmental protection. The sides had a thorough exchange of views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda. Following the results of the meeting, the Protocol of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed. The source notes that the participants expressed confidence that the agreements reached will contribute to further strengthening of constructive dialogue and promotion of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Iran.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Mohammed Jalood in Ashgabat on 20 May this year. The talks discussed prospects of co-operation in the development of this Olympic sport. This is reported by the IIC. The IWF head expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and praised Turkmenistan's efforts to popularise the sport. He emphasised the successful experience of holding major international competitions in Ashgabat, including the 2017 Asian Games and the 2018 World Weightlifting Championship. During the conversation, the sides discussed further development of weightlifting in Turkmenistan, considered the possibilities of holding new international tournaments, and emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Successful cooperation with international sports organisations was noted. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked Mr Jalood for fruitful cooperation and expressed confidence in strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the IWF.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 20 May. During the talks, the sides discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov conveyed warm greetings from the leadership of Turkmenistan to the President of Iran. In turn, Mr Pezeshkian asked to convey warm wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The conversation focused on the development of trade and economic cooperation, implementation of joint projects in the transport and energy spheres, strengthening of cultural ties and preparations for the international conference. The Iranian President emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries, stressing its significance for regional stability and prosperity. The sides confirmed mutual interest in further expansion of bilateral interaction.
The Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Mazar-i-Sharif (Afghanistan) held a round table dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality on 19 May this year. This is reported on the website of the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry. The event was attended by representatives of international organisations, including the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, as well as diplomats from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The participants discussed topical issues of regional security and stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue in the current conditions. Special attention was paid to Turkmenistan's initiatives, including the proposal to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Roza Otunbayeva praised the country's contribution to strengthening stability, noting Turkmenistan's active participation in the Afghan settlement and regional projects. The round table participants unanimously recognised Turkmenistan's neutral status as an effective tool for maintaining peace and security in the region.
On 18 May 2025, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Tajikistan joined the international cultural initiative ‘Night at the Museum’ held at the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Embassy. The official opening of the event gathered a wide range of participants, including heads and staff of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organisations, as well as heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Education and Science of Tajikistan. Among the guests were representatives of scientific and creative intelligentsia, public associations and students. The Turkmen exposition, presenting the original culture and rich historical heritage of the country, was decorated in the traditional national style. The visitors were presented publications on the domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, samples of folk arts and crafts, including handmade carpets, jewellery and paintings. The cultural programme included a presentation on Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and its international initiatives. Of particular interest to the guests were the works of Hero Arkadag and Honourable President of Turkmenistan, reflecting the spiritual guidelines and historical traditions of the Turkmen people. The exhibition also featured a thematic stand dedicated to the Constitution Day and the State Flag of Turkmenistan.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent an official congratulation to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his enthronement. This is reported by IIC. In his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the new pontiff will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of spiritual values, development of interfaith dialogue, achievement of unity and global peace. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of continuing constructive interaction between Turkmenistan and the Vatican. In the final part of the congratulatory message, the Head of State wished Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom and success in fulfilling his high mission.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks on 19 May this year, during which they confirmed the dynamic development of bilateral relations. This is reported by IIC. The interlocutors noted the steady development of trade and economic cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects with leading UAE companies. Special attention was paid to the energy partnership, in particular, to the agreements involving ADNOC (UAE) and PETRONAS (Malaysia), which open new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. At the end of the conversation, the sides exchanged good wishes and expressed confidence in further strengthening of friendly ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Geneva took part in the solemn ceremony of enthronement of the new Pope Leo XIV held in the Vatican. This is reported by IIC. The presence of the Turkmen diplomat at this significant event underscores Turkmenistan's consistent position in the development of inter-religious dialogue, respect for spiritual values and strengthening international understanding. Participation in the ceremony was a confirmation of Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, openness and respect for cultural diversity of the world community. The ceremony gathered in the Vatican representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and heads of international organisations from all over the world.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This is reported by TDH news agency. According to the source, the document lays the foundation for deepening partnership in the field of energy, water supply and urban planning in Arkadag city - a pilot project of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city, implemented with the use of advanced technologies and digital solutions. The parties agreed to promote energy and water saving technologies, develop renewable energy sources, reuse water resources, as well as exchange expertise and best practices in the implementation of joint projects. The source notes that at the end of the ceremony, Director of the ADB Resident Mission in Turkmenistan Artur Andrysiak emphasised the contribution of the country's leadership to the successful development of investment initiatives with the Bank's participation. He also proposed to hold a solemn event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of co-operation between ADB and Turkmenistan.