Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on the progress of scientific and medical diplomacy in the country during a government meeting on 27 February. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Under the leadership of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, experience is being introduced in the field of health care, construction of modern medical facilities, development of science and international cooperation, which contributes to improving the health of the population and strengthening the country's international authority. The Deputy Prime Minister presented a proposal to the President of Turkmenistan in this regard. After hearing the report, the Head of State instructed to prepare a National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2052.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in a regional seminar on combating gender-based violence in emergency situations, which was held from 25 to 27 February in Astana. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organised by UNFPA with the support of the British Government. The Turkmen delegation included specialists from the Ministries of Defence, Health and Medical Industry, Internal Affairs, as well as the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan. The aim of the event was to strengthen the readiness of state structures to respond to gender risks in crisis situations and to improve inter-agency coordination. Participants discussed the implementation of minimum protection standards, the development of a cluster approach, the creation of safe spaces for women and girls, and the provision of psychosocial support based on the principle of inclusiveness. Particular attention was paid to risk assessment, coordination of humanitarian action and the prevention of sexual exploitation in times of crisis. Experts emphasised the need to integrate these mechanisms into national preparedness and response plans. International expert Ana Araujo noted that effective referral systems for victims must be established in peacetime, as they provide rapid, safe and confidential support in emergency situations. At the end of the seminar, participants exchanged experiences with colleagues from Central Asian countries. The recommendations received will be used to improve national protocols for the protection of women's rights and safety in emergency situations.
On 27 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties noted the high level of bilateral relations. It was emphasised that due to the consistent efforts of the leadership of the two states, the friendly and fraternal ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have reached a qualitatively new level. The interlocutors pointed to the significant role of regular high-level contacts in maintaining a sustainable political dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding on key issues of the regional and international agenda, as well as in mutual support for initiatives in international structures. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation, which is identified as one of the priority areas of partnership. In this context, issues related to strengthening transport and logistics links, expanding multimodal corridors and simplifying cross-border procedures were discussed, which should contribute to the growth of mutual trade. The importance of cooperation in the fields of culture, science, education and sport was noted separately. The diplomats emphasised the significance of joint events, creative exchanges and educational programmes for further strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples.
On 27 February, inter-ministerial consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Baku. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan A. Gurbanov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan S. Sharifov. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and topical issues on the regional and international agenda. Particular attention was paid to the development of political and diplomatic dialogue, the expansion of trade and economic ties, cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian contacts. It was noted that high-level negotiations remain a key factor in strengthening the partnership. In this context, issues related to the preparation of upcoming meetings were discussed. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of interparliamentary cooperation and the role of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as a mechanism for promoting joint initiatives. The strategic potential of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as transit hubs between Asia and Europe for the implementation of international transport corridors was highlighted.
In Turkmenistan, preparations are underway for International Women's Day in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag. In particular, work is underway to organise high-level ceremonies to honour mothers who have given birth to and raised eight or more children and have been awarded the honorary title of Turkmenistan ‘Ene mähri’, as well as to present them with the keys to new flats, reports TDH. This information was announced by the Chair of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, on 27 February during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, it was reported that draft laws are currently being prepared covering the political, economic and cultural spheres, as well as aimed at further improving the living standards of the population. At the same time, work is continuing on amendments and additions to the current legislation. The Head of Parliament also presented information on the results of the visit of the Turkmenistan delegation to Georgia, which took place on 23–24 February this year.
On 27 February, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree awarding mothers of large families the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri,’ according to TDH. The Head of State emphasised the importance of mothers' role in preserving family values and raising children. According to him, their work strengthens the country's authority, which is why mothers in Turkmenistan are always treated with respect and honour. The President noted that International Women's Day will be widely celebrated. The Head of State emphasised the high level of organisation of the celebrations, including the honouring of women with the title ‘Ene mähri’ and the presentation of keys to new apartments.
On 26 February 2025, during a working visit to the United Kingdom by a delegation from Turkmenistan led by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, several bilateral documents were signed in the field of education, science and training. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the following organisations: AQA Assessment Services Ltd; Pearson National Computer Systems on skills development, certification and qualifications; Norwich Institute of Language Education; Nottingham Trent University with the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages on cooperation in science and education. The documents are aimed at expanding academic cooperation, introducing modern educational standards and strengthening partnerships between educational and scientific institutions in Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom.
On 26 February, at Lancaster House, a Turkmen delegation led by Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in a business reception with representatives of the British business community. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties with Central Asia and developing sustainable partnership projects. The Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian countries then made brief statements. In his speech, Rashid Meredov noted that the global trade and energy system is undergoing a transformation. New transport corridors and centres of economic growth are being formed. According to him, Central Asia and Turkmenistan occupy a significant place in these processes. Special attention was paid to the country's energy potential. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan has large reserves of natural gas and has proven itself to be a reliable partner over many years. In the context of European countries revising their energy strategies, Turkmenistan has expressed its readiness for substantive dialogue on new supply routes, long-term contracts and joint projects, including renewable energy. The Turkmen side also noted the country's role in the development of the Middle Corridor and the modernisation of transport infrastructure, including the port of Turkmenbashi, which expands opportunities for British business. It is reported that Turkmenistan is consistently creating a favourable investment environment with legal guarantees, international arbitration mechanisms and special economic regimes. The priority areas include energy, petrochemicals, the agro-industrial sector, technology and infrastructure. In conclusion, the readiness for long-term partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit was confirmed.
Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Jan Dusik, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action. This was reported by the IIC. During the meeting, issues of cooperation in the field of ecology and energy were discussed. The parties noted that cooperation with the EU remains a priority of Turkmenistan's foreign policy for 2026, and that the climate agenda serves as the basis for bilateral dialogue. The Turkmen side confirmed its commitment to international obligations, including the Global Methane Pledge and the Paris Agreement, and expressed its readiness to develop cooperation in reducing methane emissions, adapting to climate change and introducing environmental technologies. Particular attention was paid to the potential of solar energy, the development of electricity interconnections and the implementation of the ‘EU for a Green Turkmenistan’ programme. The parties agreed that joint projects create opportunities for sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation in the long term.
On 25 February, Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, met with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, in Islamabad. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation, emphasising their interest in developing dialogue between parliaments. The focus was also on joint infrastructure and energy projects of mutual interest. Following the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that deepening bilateral cooperation would contribute to strengthening regional stability and expanding mutually beneficial ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
The Turkmenistan youth boxing team (U19) has begun intensive preparations for the international season. From 8 to 15 March, the team will hold training camps in Almaty at the ‘Zhanasar’ centre, where they will train jointly with their peers from the Kazakhstan national team, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. This stage of preparation is aimed at successful performance at the World Cup in Bangkok. During the training camp, special attention will be paid to the exchange of experience between coaches. The coaches of the Turkmen national team, together with their Kazakh colleagues, will discuss modern training methods, which will contribute to the growth of the coaching staff's professionalism and improve the technical and tactical level of young boxers. The World Cup in Thailand is a qualifying tournament for the Summer Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in November 2026 in Dakar (Senegal). Training at one of the world's leading boxing centres is aimed at ensuring that Turkmen athletes are as ready as possible to compete for Olympic tickets.
From 14 to 30 March, the ‘Circus Sea Breeze’ venue in Baku will host a major show called ‘Oriental Circus’. The centrepiece of the show will be a performance by the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian group from the State Circus of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The artists will present a well-known equestrian act that has gained international recognition. In 2025, the troupe won the highest award at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, confirming their high level of skill. The programme includes acrobatic stunts on Ahal-Teke horses, as well as a demonstration of the traditions of Turkmen equestrian art. The show will also feature performances by acrobats, artists of the original genre and acts with animals. The ‘Galkynysh’ tour is timed to coincide with the celebration of International Nowruz Day.