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The President of Turkmenistan outlined priorities at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov named the ‘green’ transition, hydrogen energy and transport connectivity as priorities for multilateral cooperation at the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ summit in Tokyo. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the electronic newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The summit was attended by the leaders of five Central Asian states. In his speech, the Head of State focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation. He noted the experience of cooperation with Japanese companies ITOCHU, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Sumitomo, Toyo, Sojitz, Komatsu and Toyota. Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed to the resource potential of the countries in the region for deepening partnership with Japan. Other priorities include human capital development, cooperation in education, and teaching Japanese to young people. The summit participants discussed the further development of the six-party format, including political dialogue, interregional cooperation, business ties, and humanitarian exchanges.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Prime Minister of Japan in Tokyo
21.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. The negotiations were held within the framework of the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the electronic newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of bilateral relations and further cooperation in the political, diplomatic and economic spheres. The Head of State noted the participation of Japanese businesses, financial institutions and relevant agencies in the economy of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to accelerating the implementation of joint projects to create new production facilities. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to expand cooperation in the field of ‘green’ transition, including renewable energy sources and hydrogen technologies. Interest in developing ties in science, education, culture, youth policy and sport was also confirmed.
Turkmenistan emphasised the role of neutrality at the OSCE meeting in Vienna
20.12.2025On 18 December 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan spoke at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, noting the significance of International Neutrality Day, which is celebrated annually on 12 December. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The speech emphasised that neutrality contributes to strengthening trust, preventing conflicts, dialogue and cooperation, which is particularly relevant in the current regional and global context. The Turkmen side reported on the results of the High-Level International Conference in Ashgabat on dialogue, preventive diplomacy and comprehensive security. The delegation also noted the recent visit of OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu to Ashgabat, who confirmed his readiness for further cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, regional interconnectedness and environmental security. Turkmenistan expressed its hope for continued attention to the ideas of neutrality and positive non-alignment in the future, including during the Swiss Chairmanship in 2026, and thanked the Finnish Chairmanship for its work in 2025. In conclusion, the delegation expressed its readiness to continue promoting the values of neutrality, Peace and Trust within the OSCE and beyond.
Turkmenistan expands partnerships with foreign companies
20.12.2025During the working visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Tokyo, the parties signed an extensive package of bilateral documents. The agreements were reached following negotiations between representatives of Turkmenistan and Japan, according to AsmanNews. Head of State held meetings with the Heads of ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Muroosystems Corporation’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Tokyo Boeki Eurasia Limited’, ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’, ‘ARGONAVT Corporation’, ‘Çalık Holding’ and ‘Gap Inşaat ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş.’ As a result of the negotiations, memoranda and agreements were signed in the fields of transport, energy, communications, finance, education, and industry. These included documents between the Ministry of Automobile Transport of Turkmenistan and ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited’, as well as between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and ‘Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery, Inc.’ on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Agreements were also signed between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and ‘Sony Middle East and Africa FZE’, an Agreement between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and ‘Mizuho Bank, Ltd.’ and several memoranda between the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and Tohoku and Hirosaki Universities. Some of the documents relate to industrial cooperation. Memoranda were signed between the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, LTD’ on the extension of technical maintenance of the plant in Ahal velayat, with ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’ and ‘Rönesans Endüstri Tesisleri Inşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.’ for the second phase of the polymer plant in Gyyanly, and with ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’ and ‘Gap Inşaat Yatirim ve Diş Ticaret Anonim Şirketi’ for the construction of a urea production complex in Balkan velayat.
A conference on Turkmenistan's neutrality was held in Italy
20.12.2025An international conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was held in Florence. The forum was organised by the International University for the Humanities and Development (Turkmenistan) and a branch of Kent State University (USA), according to IIC. Participants from academic and expert circles discussed the role of neutral states in ensuring global stability. Special attention was paid to the Turkmen model of neutrality, its significance for preventive diplomacy and adaptation to modern challenges. The role of humanitarian education in strengthening international trust was also considered. During the visit, the IUHD delegation held negotiations with the leadership of the Florence branch of Kent State University. The meeting was held in continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024. The parties discussed expanding their partnership. The agenda included the launch of joint educational programmes, including an MBA programme with double degrees, student and teacher exchanges, as well as summer schools and scientific seminars. The Turkmen delegation familiarised itself with the branch's infrastructure and digital platforms for interdisciplinary education. An agreement was also reached on joint research in the fields of international relations, digital technologies and sustainable development. Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Director of the Florence branch, noted the importance of systematic dialogue with the Turkmen university. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science emphasised that integration into the global educational space and the introduction of international standards remain key tasks for the development of higher education in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Japan strengthen inter-parliamentary ties based on trust
20.12.2025During his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Fukushiro Nukaga noted the importance of Turkmenistan as one of Japan's key partners in Central Asia and expressed confidence that the visit of the Head of Turkmenistan would contribute to the further development of bilateral relations. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the meeting for strengthening Turkmen-Japanese interparliamentary ties based on trust and mutual respect. During the conversation, it was noted that cooperation between the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the House of Representatives of the Japanese Parliament has been developing steadily in recent years. The existing parliamentary friendship groups are seen as an effective mechanism for exchanging experience in the legislative and humanitarian spheres. Emphasis was placed on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the current international environment. Fukushiro Nukaga also recalled his meeting with the President of Turkmenistan in April this year and noted his interest in the Turkmenistan pavilion at the World Expo 2025. He congratulated the Head of State on the successful holding of the International Forum for Peace and Trust, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. In conclusion, the parties expressed confidence in the further expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation and exchanged good wishes.
Turkmen-Japanese economic cooperation enters a new phase
20.12.2025During his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the heads of leading Japanese companies. This was reported by TDH. The meeting was attended by representatives of ‘Sumitomo Corporation’, ‘Toyo Engineering Corporation’, ‘Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’, ‘Mitsubishi Corporation’, ‘ITOCHU Corporation’, ‘Tokyo Boeki Eurasia Limited’, ‘Muroosystems Corporation’, ‘ARGONAVT Corporation’, as well as ‘Çalık Holding’ and ‘Gap Inşaat ve Diş Ticaret A.Ş.’ During the negotiations, the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Japanese economic cooperation were discussed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan's interest in expanding its partnership with Japanese businesses and utilising Japan's advanced technologies. The Head of State noted that Japan is a benchmark in the field of high technology, industrial development and environmental responsibility. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector, including renewable sources, gas and petrochemicals, transport and logistics, the agro-industrial complex, mechanical engineering, electronics and the chemical industry. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Turkmenistan's readiness to promote Japanese technologies and products on the national market, as well as to draw on Japanese experience in the fields of ‘green’ and hydrogen energy, water resource management, water treatment, waste processing and the transition to a circular economy. Specific proposals included projects to build plants for processing household, construction and electronic waste, recycling plastic PET bottles, and reusing treated wastewater. Following the meeting, the signing of a number of bilateral documents was held between ministries, government agencies of Turkmenistan and Japanese companies and financial institutions. The documents cover cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, chemical industry, digital technologies, banking and education. Japanese business circles expressed their readiness for further cooperation and supported the initiatives announced.
Turkmenistan expands cooperation with Japan in the field of technology
20.12.2025During his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by TDH. During the conversation, the Head of State emphasised Turkmenistan's interest in utilising Japanese technological solutions and industrial experience. It was noted that the country is focusing on Japan's advanced technologies for the rational development of natural resources. It was also stated that Turkmenistan attaches importance to cooperation in the field of ‘green’ energy, water resource management and environmental technologies, where Japanese developments are considered promising. Emperor Naruhito expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral relations and noted the significance of Turkmenistan's initiatives in the international arena. He conveyed greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked him for the reception and conveyed greetings from the Hero Arkadag. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to deepen the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Japan.
The President of Turkmenistan spoke at a meeting with the Japanese business community
20.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke in Tokyo at a meeting with representatives of the Japanese business community. The event was held with the participation of the Japan-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee, according to AsmanNews. The Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan's interest in expanding economic partnership with Japan and noted the long-term and sustainable nature of bilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and benefit. The President highlighted the contribution of Japanese companies to the development of key sectors of Turkmenistan's economy. Among the partners named were ‘Itochu’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Sojitz’, ‘Toyo’, ‘Mitsui’, ‘Sumitomo’, ‘Komatsu’, ‘Toyota’ and others. With their participation, large-scale projects have been implemented in the country in the energy, gas chemistry, industry and transport sectors, including plants in Mary, Garabogaz, Gyyanly and Ovadandepe, as well as a gas turbine power plant in the Charjew etrap. Special attention was paid to economic development priorities. These include industrialisation, energy diversification, the ‘green transition,’ and the development of transport and logistics. The President noted Turkmenistan's readiness to attract Japanese investment and technology, including in the fields of renewable energy, water resources, ecology, and personnel training. Specific initiatives were proposed during the speech. These included possible projects for the processing of household and construction waste, wastewater treatment with reuse, recycling of plastic PET bottles, and disposal of household appliances. In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to support Japanese business and expressed confidence in the further development of joint projects.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Head of the Japan-Turkmensistan Friendship Group
20.12.2025During his visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Toshiaki Endo, Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, according to TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. Endo Toshiaki noted the high level of political dialogue and expressed confidence that the visit of the Head of Turkmenistan would contribute to the further development of cooperation. The Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group conveyed greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also recalled his meeting with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in April this year and noted the visitors' interest in the Turkmenistan pavilion at the World Expo 2025. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and Japan are based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. He confirmed Ashgabat's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation. Special attention was paid to parliamentary diplomacy as one of the key areas of partnership. It was noted that regular contacts between inter-parliamentary groups contribute to strengthening ties between the legislative bodies of the two countries. In this context, the importance of the initiative to hold a Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian countries and Japan in Ashgabat was emphasised. The Head of State also noted the stable nature of economic cooperation and the contribution of Japanese companies to the development of Turkmenistan's economy. In addition, the parties emphasised the importance of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, including healthcare, education and culture. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Japanese-Turkmen relations and exchanged best wishes.
Turkmenistan assessed the state of water supply and sanitation as part of a UN-WHO project
19.12.2025A national meeting organised by the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat at the UN building to discuss the results of an analysis of baseline data in the areas of water supply, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and health, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The event was held as part of the UNECE-WHO/Europe project aimed at expanding access to safe water and sanitation and protecting public health. The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant ministries, government agencies and international organisations, including WHO, UNECE and UNICEF. Participants discussed the current state of water resources, the country's priorities and the benefits of implementing the Protocol on Water and Health. The results of data analysis were presented, as well as the experience of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in setting national targets under the Protocol. Following the meeting, the parties exchanged views on further steps to improve WASH and health care in Turkmenistan, reaffirming their commitment to international standards and cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Emperor of Japan
19.12.2025During his working visit to Tokyo, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of dialogue for strengthening bilateral cooperation and congratulated the Emperor on the successful completion of EXPO 2025 in Osaka. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of high technology, renewable energy, information solutions and sustainable development. The Turkmen side was particularly interested in Japan's experience in environmental safety, ‘green’ energy and water resource management. In addition, they confirmed their readiness to intensify cooperation in science, education, culture and academic exchange.
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