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Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed prospects for cooperation
12.12.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit, AsmanNews reports. The guest expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that it was a great honor for him to take part in the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Feridun Sinirlioğlu congratulated the Hero-Arkadag on the anniversary and emphasized the country’s contribution to strengthening peace. The Hero-Arkadag warmly welcomed the Secretary General and noted that the International Forum in Ashgabat serves as an important platform for discussing cooperation in the areas of peace, sustainable development, and humanitarian initiatives. Both sides stressed that Turkmenistan maintains active partnerships on the international stage and views cooperation with the OSCE as one of its key directions. It was noted that bilateral relations are developing effectively. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized Turkmenistan’s role in ensuring international energy security and reaffirmed its readiness to expand cooperation with the OSCE. At the end of the meeting, the parties exchanged well-wishes for success.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation
12.12.2025On 11 December, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, AsmanNews reported. The two sides exchanged greetings and noted the high level of relations between their countries. The President of Azerbaijan congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the people of Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. He emphasized the importance of Turkmenistan’s peaceful policy and conveyed warm wishes to the head of state. Ilham Aliyev recalled the participation of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in the International Conference in Awaza, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Hero-Arkadag noted that Azerbaijan played an important role at all stages of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and highlighted the brotherly nature of relations between the two nations. The sides also mentioned the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation in the conference in Awaza and the visit of Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov to the celebrations marking the anniversary of neutrality. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the contribution of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the development of bilateral ties and confirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to expand cooperation. At the end of the conversation, both sides wished each other good health and success in their work.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the head of Toyo Engineering Corporation
12.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Representative Director of «Toyo Engineering Corporation», Eiji Hosoi, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. The meeting was reported by the state news agency TDH. Eiji Hosoi thanked the head of state for the reception and noted that he was taking part in events dedicated to the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. The guest recalled President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Japan in April and his participation in Turkmenistan’s National Day at the World Expo 2025, emphasizing the significance of the meetings held during that trip. The President of Turkmenistan welcomed the company representative and thanked him for participating in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality. Both sides noted that Turkmenistan considers Japan an important partner. Trade and economic cooperation is developing, and Japanese companies play a notable role in it. The President of Turkmenistan stressed that the country is implementing major programs to attract investment and develop the energy and chemical industries. He recalled joint projects with Toyo Engineering Corporation and expressed readiness to continue cooperation in the chemical sector, including the production of new products and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. Eiji Hosoi expressed gratitude for the working conditions provided and emphasized that the company intends to continue participating in projects aimed at Turkmenistan’s economic development. At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in the further expansion of cooperation and wished Eiji Hosoi success.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the forum
11.12.2025Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Ashgabat to participate in international events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC. The visit is timed to coincide with the International Forum, which will bring together representatives of a number of states and international organisations in the capital. The presence of the Head of the Pakistani government underscores the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality and its support at the international level.
Turkmenistan proposes creation of International Pact on Children's Health
11.12.2025Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, proposed the creation of an International Pact on Children's Health. The initiative aims to create a single space of responsibility for states and international organisations for children's health, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The proposal was made on 10 December at the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that Turkmenistan seeks to promote practical initiatives that can strengthen international cooperation mechanisms, including within the framework of the UN. According to her, the future pact should enshrine universal standards of paediatric medicine: vaccination, early diagnosis, rehabilitation, mental health support, as well as countries' access to technology and medical innovations. She stressed that the document would consolidate the efforts of states, international organisations and partners, regardless of socio-economic conditions. The Vice-President of the Foundation also noted the significant role of women in society, highlighting their contribution to working with parliamentarians, young people and local communities, as well as to humanitarian initiatives at the regional and global levels.
Turkmenistan proposes creation of international humanitarian support hub
11.12.2025Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, proposed the creation of an international humanitarian hub to support countries experiencing conflicts, natural disasters, migration crises or social instability. The initiative was presented on 10 December at the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’ held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Vice-President, such a hub could combine medical and psychological assistance to women and children, rehabilitation, educational programmes, temporary accommodation, humanitarian support and the work of mobile medical teams. Special attention would be paid to the social and legal protection of women in difficult situations. Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that a key element of the project should be an international coordination platform involving UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, charitable foundations and public organisations. She emphasised that humanitarian hubs could become not only a point of assistance, but also a centre for the exchange of experience and training of specialists, forming more rapid and systematic support for women and children in crisis situations.
The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has arrived in Ashgabat. He is participating in an International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, according to IIC. He was met at the International Airport by official representatives of Turkmenistan. Ali Asadov will take part in the main sessions of the forum and hold bilateral meetings. His visit underscores the sustained cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the energy, transport, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres.
‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ included in UNESCO list
11.12.2025At the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, on 11 December 2025, a decision was made to include Turkmenistan's nomination ‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was supported by all 24 members of the Committee, according to TDH. The nomination dossier was prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO and the International Association ‘Turkmen Alabay’. Masters and families of dog breeders, researchers and breed specialists participated in the work. Their broad participation was noted as an example of proper preparation of the application and emphasising the role of women in preserving the tradition. The Committee highly appreciated the measures taken by the state to preserve the element — joint work with local administrations, public organisations and tradition bearers. This helps to maintain the sustainability of ancient practices and pass on knowledge to new generations. The session is considering 66 national and multinational applications: 54 for inclusion in the Representative List, 11 in the List of Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and 1 in the List of Best Practices. The Committee's work will continue until 13 December.
The Prime Minister of Georgia arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has arrived at Ashgabat International Airport. He is participating in an International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, according to IIC. The forum will bring together representatives of various countries, international organisations and the expert community. The agenda includes topics such as peace, security and sustainable development, as well as the role of neutral states in global dialogue. Irakli Kobakhidze's visit highlights the active pace of Georgian-Turkmen contacts and the parties' interest in expanding political and economic cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: new prospects for cooperation
11.12.2025Economic cooperation between Ashgabat and Tashkent has reached a new level: bilateral relations have moved from one-off projects and declarations to systematic industrial cooperation, trade expansion, and consistent investment ties. This was reported by the Orient news agency. This course is supported by regular inter-governmental dialogue and concrete infrastructure decisions. The institutionalisation of cooperation was confirmed by the meeting of the Joint Inter-governmental Commission in July 2025, which confirmed the priorities for the development of key economic sectors. The basis for consistent growth is the legal framework: agreements on long-term trade and economic cooperation, investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation create transparent conditions for business and encourage private sector participation. The effectiveness of this framework is reflected in the growth of trade turnover: from $209 million in 2016 to $1.148 billion in 2024. Turkmenistan supplies fuel, chemical products and lubricants, while imports from Uzbekistan in January-October 2025 grew by 23.7%, including finished products, services and machinery. The ‘Shavat-Dashoguz’ border trade zone speeds up deliveries, reduces transaction costs and turns the region into a business and logistics centre. In 2024, freight traffic reached 1.11 million tonnes, with transit growing by almost 40%. Industrial and transport cooperation is becoming an independent direction: 200 enterprises with Turkmen capital operate in Uzbekistan. Further prospects include the development of industrial clusters, logistics centres, agro-industrial projects and new investment mechanisms. The partnership is forming a sustainable regional model that strengthens economic security and the role of countries in trade and transit chains.
The Monument of Neutrality – a reflection of Turkmenistan's peacemaking efforts
11.12.2025The opening of a monument commemorating 30 years of neutrality was held in Ashgabat to mark International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutral status. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. Located in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, the 95-metre-high monument symbolises the country's commitment to the principles of peace, humanism and creativity. The architecture of the structure is unique: it is supported by three columns resembling a traditional hearth stand, or ‘tagan,’ while carpet ornaments from the country's five regions symbolise the unity of the Turkmen tribes. The columns are decorated with bas-reliefs reflecting the history of Turkmenistan from ancient times to the present day. The reconstruction projects were approved by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who personally supervised the process. Inside the monument, there is a branch of the Museum of Neutrality, where interactive LED screens in Turkmen, English and Russian display documents, photographs and exhibits demonstrating the role of neutrality in ensuring security, peace and international cooperation. The opening of the monument was a symbolic prelude to the International Forum ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’, which will be held on 12 December with the participation of Heads of State, international organisations and foreign delegations.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini has arrived in Turkmenistan
11.12.2025Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Russell Dlamini arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. He was met at Ashgabat International Airport by officials from Turkmenistan. The visit of the Prime Minister of Eswatini demonstrates the high level of interest among foreign partners in the platform for dialogue created by Turkmenistan to discuss key issues on the international agenda. Eswatini's presence at the forum underscores its importance as a universal platform for promoting the ideas of peace, stability and sustainable development.
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