On 5 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Mr. Amakawa Kazuhiko, Deputy Chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The negotiation was a logical continuation of the dialogue that began during President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's visit to Japan in April. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors noted the intensive development of bilateral relations, emphasising the role of regular high-level contacts in strengthening intergovernmental cooperation. Particular attention was paid to improving the legal framework that forms the basis for long-term partnership. During the meeting, the successful experience of implementing joint projects with the support of JBIC in key sectors of the Turkmen economy was noted. Japanese investments contribute to the development of oil and gas and energy infrastructure, the chemical industry and other strategic areas. The Japanese side confirmed its interest in further participation in Turkmenistan's national projects, highly appreciating the country's investment policy. The JBIC representative expressed readiness to expand financing for promising development programmes, strengthening the long-standing fruitful cooperation between the two countries.
The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the People's Republic of China confirmed the continuity of centuries-old traditions of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. Historical ties dating back to ancient times continue to be a solid foundation for the development of effective bilateral relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Even in the era of the Great Silk Road, the ancestors of the Turkmen people – the Oguz, Parthians and other peoples – maintained active ties with the Chinese Empire. A vivid testimony to the depth of these relations was the presentation of Ahal-Teke horses, known as ‘heavenly horses,’ as a gift to the Chinese emperor. This historical episode symbolises the centuries-old mutual interest and respect between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples. In the 8th century, Turkic influence reached such a level that Turkic music, clothing and cultural traditions became fashionable in China. Thousands of Oguz families moved to China, contributing to the mutual enrichment of cultures. Modern Turkmen-Chinese relations, based on this solid historical foundation, are developing as a comprehensive strategic partnership. As noted by the President of Turkmenistan, today the countries are not only loyal friends, but also like-minded partners, whose interaction encompasses political dialogue, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges.
On 4 September this year, in Georgia, the grand opening of the 7th Tsinandali Classical Music Festival was held, featuring musicians from the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatory. This was reported by IIC. As part of the festival, which will last until 14 September, special events dedicated to Turkmen musical culture are planned. On 9 September, the performance of works by the world-famous Turkmen composer Nury Halmammedov will be held, and 13 September will be dedicated to national Turkmen music, with the audience hearing works by famous Turkmen composers. Musicians from Turkmenistan will join the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, which also brings together young performers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and other countries. As part of the festival, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, D. Seyitmammedov, held meetings with the leadership of the Georgian Ministry of Culture and the festival organisers, during which they discussed the prospects for further development of cultural cooperation between the two countries.
A delegation from Turkmenistan, including representatives of the State Customs Service and the Transport and Logistics Centre, made a study visit to Germany from 24 to 30 August. The training was initiated by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) as part of a regional project to simplify trade processes in Central Asia. This was reported by IIC. The purpose of the trip was to learn about Germany's innovative approaches to logistics and supply chain management. Turkmen experts visited a number of leading market players, including the Rhenus Group and DHL Innovation Centre. Specialists from Turkmenistan were shown the use of AutoStore robotic warehouse systems, automated vehicles, mobile robots and ‘green’ distribution centres powered by renewable energy. The key topics of the visit were digital transformation, automation and the implementation of environmentally friendly practices in logistics. The experience gained and professional contacts established will be used to modernise the national infrastructure and optimise customs processes in Turkmenistan.
On 4 September this year, a multilateral meeting was held in Vienna between the heads of diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The Turkmen side was represented at the negotiation by Ambassador H. Amannazarov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting addressed issues of deepening trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects in the fields of energy and ecology. The representative of Turkmenistan focused on the principles of positive neutrality, which underpin the country's foreign policy strategy, emphasising the country's readiness for constructive cooperation with European partners. The parties reached a consensus on the need to increase cooperation to ensure sustainable development and stability in the region, identifying areas for further integration.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and participated in the SCO+ Summit as a guest of honour. The visit confirmed the strategic nature of the Turkmen-Chinese partnership, based on centuries-old traditions of trust and cooperation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to energy: the parties announced the preparation of a General Agreement on the Basic Principles of Cooperation in the Gas Sector. The document is symbolically linked to the ‘Oath Treaty,’ reflecting the historical depth of relations between the two peoples. Today, Turkmenistan and China, building on the legacy of the Great Silk Road, are developing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Trust-based contacts between the leaders of the two countries and regular high-level visits play an important role in strengthening the partnership, contributing to the realisation of the potential for bilateral cooperation.
The Turkmenistan team won two gold medals at the ‘Platinum Cup’ international tournament, which was held in Almaty. This was reported by IIC. The winners were Alexey Voronin and Sanjar Yolamanov, who went through the tournament without a single defeat. Their confident performances brought the Turkmenistan team the highest awards, and the national anthem was played for the athletes during the award ceremony. In the 40+ category, team coach Vyacheslav Voronin won the gold medal, confirming the high class of the Turkmen fencing school and strengthening the country's reputation on the international arena. This success was an important milestone in preparation for future competitions. The next major event for Turkmen fencers will be the Asian Cup, which will be held in Tashkent from 7 to 13 September. The athletes are expected to continue to perform well at this prestigious tournament.
Andrea Stegher, President of the International Gas Union (IGU), will be a keynote speaker at the OGT 2025 conference, which will take place from 22 to 24 October in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. His participation is intended to strengthen the discussion on the role of gas in the global energy transition and highlight the strategic importance of Turkmenistan in the Eurasian energy sector. The IGU brings together more than 130 organisations from 70 countries, representing over 90% of the global gas market and promoting safe and low-carbon solutions. OGT 2025 is expected to attract more than 300 delegates from 40 countries, including ministers, oil and gas company executives, technology experts and representatives of financial institutions. The conference programme covers energy security, gas monetisation, emissions reduction, digitalisation, financing and human resource development.
Turkmenistan and Italy continue to strengthen relations as they prepare for two important events. As part of this process, a meeting was held between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Italy Toyli Komekov and Italy's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, according to the news website Asmannews. The main topics of negotiation were preparations for a state visit and a large-scale archaeological exhibition. The parties discussed strengthening political, diplomatic, trade and economic ties, as well as expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the preparation of an exhibition of unique artefacts at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the priceless finds of the ancient civilisations of Margiana and Nisa. Among the exhibits, items discovered during joint Turkmen-Italian archaeological expeditions are of particular value. This exhibition will be an important milestone in many years of cooperation and one of the key cultural events of the year. The main topic of the meeting was the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Italy, which is planned for this year. This visit is seen as an important step in giving new impetus to bilateral relations. The diplomats agreed to hold a series of events with the participation of the heads of relevant departments. The upcoming events demonstrate the growing importance of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Italy and open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
Begench Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea, took part in the ‘2025 KNDA Dialogues with Ambassadors’ forum, held on 4 September at the National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The meeting was dedicated to familiarising foreign diplomats with the foreign policy course of the new government of the Republic of Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted the active diplomatic activity of the country's President Lee Jae-myung, who held negotiations with more than 18 world leaders, and also reported on the country's chairmanship of three UN bodies. Among the priorities of Korea's foreign policy, he highlighted peace on the Korean Peninsula, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the climate agenda and cultural diplomacy. The Minister also spoke about preparations for the APEC summit in Gyeongju in October. In a separate conversation with the South Korean Foreign Minister, Ambassador Durdyev discussed the results of a telephone conversation between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of South Korea, and also expressed his gratitude for the assistance and confirmed his readiness to develop bilateral cooperation.
From 2 to 3 September, the Training Centre of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan hosted simulation exercises on the legal regulation of illegal maritime trade. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Customs Service. The event was organised by the UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan. This is the centre's first international event since it was granted regional status. Representatives of key state bodies of Turkmenistan and a delegation of specialists from Kazakhstan took part in the exercise. The programme covered the international legal framework for maritime law enforcement, surveillance and monitoring methods, the use of radar and satellite systems, and the practice of gathering evidence for prosecution. The training demonstrated an innovative approach to training specialists and contributed to the exchange of experience and the strengthening of regional security.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed an order to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which was hit by an earthquake. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, medicines, food, textiles and other necessary goods will be sent. The humanitarian initiative is linked to the tradition of providing support to neighbouring peoples, especially children and vulnerable groups. The foundation provides assistance not only within the country, but also beyond its borders. The decision to send aid is not only practical, but also spiritual support for the people of Afghanistan, as well as confirmation of Turkmenistan's desire to strengthen good-neighbourly relations and friendship.