News
Myanmar Prime Minister welcomed in Ashgabat
11.12.2025Myanmar Prime Minister Nyo Saw 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 of Turkmenistan. The visit of the Prime Minister of Myanmar reflects the growing attention of the international community to the upcoming event, which will bring together leaders of countries, representatives of international organisations and expert circles to discuss ways to strengthen trust, promote peace and sustainable development.
The President of Armenia arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Participants in high-level international events continue to arrive in Ashgabat. On 10 December, a plane carrying the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, landed at the capital's International Airport, according to IIC. The Armenian President arrived to participate in the International Forum, the central event of which will be the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. President Khachaturyan's visit confirms the consistent dynamics of Armenian-Turkmen cooperation, based on the principles of good neighbourliness, trust and mutual respect.
Turkmenistan and Monaco strengthen cooperation in the humanitarian sphere
11.12.2025On 10 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation and Advisor to Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. He arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events dedicated to International Neutrality Day, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, and the International Year of Peace and Trust, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Principality of Monaco. The consistent dynamics of contacts with the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation were noted. They spoke separately about projects aimed at promoting the ideas of Peace and Trust and strengthening international ties through sport. The proposal of the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation to hold a continental forum in Turkmenistan in 2026 was also considered.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group
11.12.2025On 10 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group Neda Berger, who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit ahead of International Neutrality Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. Neda Berger expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet and congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality, noting the high relevance of the peacekeeping initiatives that the country is promoting on the global arena. Hero Arkadag emphasised that Turkmenistan consistently implements a foreign policy based on its UN-recognised status of permanent neutrality, which serves as an instrument for strengthening trust, peace and international cooperation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that Neda Berger's visit and her participation in the celebrations would provide an additional stimulus for the development of Turkmen-Austrian dialogue. During the negotiations, the parties noted the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan and Austria actively cooperate in the fields of culture, art and scientific exchanges, and that joint projects strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the work of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group, which, according to the parties, is an effective mechanism for humanitarian diplomacy. At the end of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude to Neda Berger for her work and wished her further success in strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and Austria.
Hero Arkadag held a meeting with the Head of the Turkmen-Japanese Friendship Group
11.12.2025On 10 December, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the Head of the Turkmen-Japanese Friendship Group Hiroyuki Tsubai, who arrived in the country to participate in celebrations dedicated to International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by TDH. Hiroyuki Tsubai expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet in person and noted the significant contribution of the Hero Arkadag to the development of partnership between Turkmenistan and Japan. He also conveyed congratulations to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the significant dates associated with the country's neutral status. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for expanding interaction in the economic, industrial and humanitarian spheres. Hero Arkadag emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and Japan are traditionally based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. Particular attention was paid to the activities of Japanese companies that have been operating in the Turkmen market for a long time. The participation of ITOCHU in the implementation of major infrastructure and industrial projects was noted, including the construction of a plant for the production of gasoline from natural gas in Ovadandepe, a cement plant in Kelata and a urea complex in Mary velayat. The National Leader emphasised that Turkmenistan intends to continue supporting effective cooperation with Japanese investors. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening trade and economic ties and expressed their best wishes to each other.
International conference on strengthening the role of women concludes in Awaza
11.12.2025On 10 December, in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, an International Conference titled ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ was held. The event was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship with the support of the United Nations. This was reported by AsmanNews. The conference aimed to develop international cooperation in the field of expanding women's rights and opportunities, protecting motherhood and childhood, ensuring the rights of women and children, and strengthening their social and economic well-being. Before the start of the plenary session, participants viewed an exhibition reflecting Turkmenistan's achievements in foreign policy over the past three decades, as well as the rich traditions of women's decorative and applied arts. The forum was opened under the chairmanship of Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation. Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that modern women are a key factor in the sustainability of society — from family and education to healthcare and the humanitarian sphere. ‘Women are a source of creativity and spiritual support,’ she emphasised, adding that the practical implementation of this role requires systematic international solutions. The Vice-President of the Foundation presented two initiatives from Turkmenistan: 1. Global Compact on Child Health. The document proposes the formation of an international mechanism for state responsibility for child health, the development of uniform standards for medical care, support for early development programmes and the creation of child-oriented infrastructure. 2. International network of support centres for women and children, ‘Humanitarian Hubs’. It is proposed to deploy a global network of assistance centres in countries facing crises. The hubs will be able to provide medical, social and legal support, as well as educational programmes and emergency humanitarian aid. Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised the readiness of the Turkmen side to develop initiatives jointly with international partners. ‘Children teach us courage and purity of thought. The task of adults is to protect and preserve their world,’ she said, summarising her speech. The plenary session featured speeches by UN Deputy Secretary-General Tatyana Valovaya, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, President of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe Celmira do Sacramento, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Mansuri Dilrabo Saidullo, and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Aksoltan Atayeva. The conference continued in the format of thematic sessions, where participants focused on practical mechanisms for integrating the gender agenda into international initiatives, developing humanitarian projects and strengthening regional cooperation. The International Conference in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone continued in the format of three thematic sessions devoted to issues of state support for women and children, expanding economic opportunities for women and increasing their social activity in the fields of education, health care and ecology. Participants – representatives of government agencies, public and international organisations – noted the importance of the role of state institutions in strengthening family values, ensuring gender equality and developing the activities of social institutions, including charitable foundations. The need to expand multilateral cooperation to increase access to education and healthcare for women and to promote the development of women's entrepreneurship was emphasised separately. Following the forum, an extensive package of documents was signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and UNICEF, as well as a series of work plans for 2026–2030 with the Mejlis, the Supreme Court, relevant ministries and state committees of Turkmenistan. The documents cover areas such as the promotion of gender equality, the development of the social protection system, support for young people, the improvement of statistical and information systems, and the strengthening of mechanisms for women's participation in economic and social life. The conference in Awaza gave additional impetus to international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to humanistic and neutral principles.
The President of Iraq arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum. The event is timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC. He was met at Ashgabat International Airport by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Hojamyrat Geldimyradov. The forum will bring together representatives from different countries. Their participation is linked to discussions on issues of peace, stability and security in the region and the world.
Turkmenistan and Spain discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation
11.12.2025On 10 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met in Ashgabat with Ricardo Martinez Vazquez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to Turkmenistan, who arrived to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral relations and plans for further cooperation. It was noted that Turkmenistan and Spain interact in international structures, primarily in the UN, and support each other's initiatives. The Diplomats also pointed out the importance of developing partnerships in priority areas, including educational programmes and the study of Spanish.
The President of São Tomé and Príncipe arrived in Ashgabat
10.12.2025The President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, has arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in a series of international events in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The visit is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, International Neutrality Day and the Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. The participation of the President of São Tomé and Príncipe underscores the international authority of the country's peacekeeping policy. The distinguished guest was met at Ashgabat Airport by Mammethan Chakyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova has previously visited Turkmenistan: in August, he participated in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone.
China announced new initiatives to support women at the forum in Awaza
10.12.2025Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President and First Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation, Deputy Chairperson of the National Working Committee on Children and Women Affairs under the State Council of China, speaking at the conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, emphasised the importance of empowering women. This was reported by IIC. She noted that the current meeting is devoted to issues of enhancing the role of women in society. According to her, China is actively promoting global initiatives for the development of women. Recently, the country hosted the Global Women's Summit, where ways to promote their comprehensive development and involvement in all spheres of life were discussed. More than 100 laws are being implemented in the country to protect women's rights, ensure equal opportunities and improve their quality of life. ‘We strive for high-quality development of women so that each of them can realise their potential and contribute to the socio-economic and cultural development of the country,’ said Huang Xiaowei.
At a forum in Turkmenistan, programmes to support women leaders in Russia were presented
10.12.2025First Deputy Chairwoman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Zhanna Chefranova, speaking at the conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, noted the importance of women's active participation in the social, economic and cultural life of society. This was reported by IIC. Chefranova noted the growth in the number of women in leadership positions and their influence on the country's development. According to her, the educational programmes of the Eurasian Women's Forum help women unlock their potential, and many of its graduates have already become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields. To support women's initiatives, there are plans to hold a regional All-Russian competition and an international programme called ‘Women Leaders,’ aimed at developing leadership qualities.
Eswatini's Minister of Home Affairs highlighted the role of women in social progress at a forum in Awaza
10.12.2025The Minister of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Princess Lindiwe, speaking at the conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, emphasised the importance of women's participation in sustainable development. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The country operates on the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of gender, which formed the basis for the law on expanding women's rights in parliament. According to the Minister of Home Affairs, women's leadership is not only symbolic, but also contributes to professional and social progress. The combination of tradition and modern approaches creates opportunities for the economic and social empowerment of women. Government programmes are aimed at promoting women's active participation in the economy, culture and society, as well as supporting their role in the family and strengthening partnerships, which lays the foundation for future development.
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