News
British Ambassador emphasises importance of the neutrality of Turkmenistan
08.12.2025Stephen Conlon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent Neutrality, noting its key importance for foreign policy and national identity. This was reported by IIC. The Ambassador emphasised the role of British diplomats in preparing the 1995 UN Resolution that enshrined Turkmenistan's neutrality, as well as the international recognition of the country's neutrality, confirmed by subsequent Resolutions in 2015 and 2025. S. Conlon stressed that International Neutrality Day on 12 December symbolises the unique status of Turkmenistan, which over three decades has become a reliable partner and platform for peace initiatives. The Ambassador expressed confidence in Turkmenistan's continued adherence to the principles of international law and confirmed the UK's support for the country's course, hoping to strengthen the partnership based on mutual respect.
The President of Turkmenistan has pardoned a group of foreign nationals
08.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a Decree pardoning a group of foreign nationals convicted in the country, according to TDH. The pardon is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day. The document notes that this measure is aimed at strengthening friendly ties between states and reflects a commitment to the principles of humanism. Foreign citizens are exempt from further serving their sentences.
Ashgabat joins UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities
08.12.2025On 7 December, a ceremony was held in Ashgabat to present the capital with a certificate confirming its membership of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Ashgabat was accepted into the network on 4 December 2025. The city was included in the list along with 72 new participants from 46 countries. UNESCO noted the contribution of the capital of Turkmenistan to the development of education, science and the creation of conditions for the education of people of all ages. The Global Network of Learning Cities was established in 2013. It now includes 425 cities. They support the continuous education of nearly 500 million people in schools, workplaces, libraries, museums and public spaces. Ashgabat's accession is international recognition of the country's work to develop human potential and create conditions for lifelong learning.
A presentation of the new book by the President of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat
08.12.2025A new book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (The Neutrality of Turkmenistan — A Bright Way of Peace and Trust) was presented in Turkmenistan. The presentation took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and was one of the key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. Before the presentation began, participants viewed a thematic exhibition. The programme also included a literary and musical composition prepared by students of the Institute. The book consists of nine chapters and details the stages of Turkmenistan's neutrality, its contribution to peace, security and sustainable development. It was noted that over the past 30 years, Neutrality status has become an important tool for international stability and the basis for effective foreign policy interaction. The publication contains historical documents, speeches by the President of Turkmenistan at international forums and materials on Turkmenistan's cooperation with UN agencies. To date, about 30 agreements have been implemented with them in the areas of motherhood and childhood, health care, education and social support. As the participants in the presentation emphasised, the book is valuable for diplomats, specialists in the political and economic spheres, researchers and journalists. It is published in Turkmen, English and Russian and features extensive artwork. The publication highlights the importance of permanent Neutrality, which has been confirmed three times by the UN General Assembly, and reflects Turkmenistan's initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, trust and international cooperation.
President of Turkmenistan highlighted key initiatives in the Year of Peace and Trust
08.12.2025On 6 December, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of foreign diplomatic missions and representative offices to international organisations. This was reported by TDH. At the meeting, the Head of State recalled that the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, adopted the Resolution ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust.’ During this period, major international events were held, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The UN General Assembly also unanimously approved the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ - this is the third confirmation of the state's status. Thematic events were held in Turkmenistan and abroad, and accompanying documents were adopted. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan plans to expand international cooperation. The priorities are cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the Caspian region, partnership within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organisation, and the development of contacts with the states of South Asia, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Turkmenistan intends to strengthen ties with European countries in the fields of high technology, ‘green’ energy and artificial intelligence, as well as to develop partnerships with countries in North and South America and Africa. In 2026, Turkmenistan will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence, host the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and chair the CIS, where a meeting of the Council of Heads of State will be held. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for further work to implement UN resolutions and promote Turkmenistan's interests on the international stage.
The President of Turkmenistan pardoned 231 convicts on Neutrality Day
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree pardoning 231 convicts. The decision was timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day, which the country will celebrate on 12 December. This was reported by TDH. The Decree was signed at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The discussion was attended by Heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan abroad, as well as representatives of the country to international organisations. Foreign policy issues were on the agenda. Begench Gundogdyev, Secretary of the State Security Council and Chairman of the Commission for the Preparation of Proposals on Citizenship and Pardon, presented a report on the work done. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan approved the decision on pardons. He instructed the Commission and law enforcement agencies to ensure the speedy return of those released to their families.
Turkish coffee brought guests together at a reception in Ashgabat
07.12.2025December 5 marks World Turkish Coffee Day, a date associated with its inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. A reception with coffee tasting was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Turkmenistan, according to TerraNews. Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok noted that Turkish coffee has been part of the country's social life for centuries and is associated with respect and friendly communication. Guests were told about the peculiarities of preparing the drink. The coffee is ground into powder and boiled in a ‘cezve’ (coffee pot) over low heat or hot sand, which gives it a thick texture and rich aroma. Traditionally, coffee is served with water, and the remaining grounds are used for fortune telling. It was noted that the drink is rich in antioxidants and, when consumed in moderation, helps to maintain concentration and alertness.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a book dedicated to the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality
07.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the completion of the book ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Turkmenistan's Neutrality – The Clear Path to Peace and Trust). The publication is dedicated to the results of the year and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality, according to TDH. The announcement was made at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers with the participation of Heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices and representatives of Turkmenistan to international organisations. Key areas of foreign policy were discussed at the meeting. The President congratulated the participants of the meeting and the residents of the country on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality. According to the Head of State, the book reveals the role of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the UN General Assembly. It reflects initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and trust, as well as the country's achievements over the current year. The President noted that the book will be a gift to the people.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan presented commemorative medals to mark the 30th anniversary of neutrality
07.12.2025On 6 December, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, a ceremony was held to award anniversary medals ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) to diplomatic service employees. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted that the events marking the 30th anniversary of permanent Neutrality include a number of international events, including a forum to be held on 12 December in Ashgabat. The Head of the Foreign Ministry stressed that the diplomatic service faces the tasks of strengthening the country's position in the international arena and developing foreign policy dialogue. After that, the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on awarding the medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ was announced. Diplomats were presented with state awards and commemorative medals. The medals were awarded to employees who contributed to strengthening the independence and legal status of neutrality, as well as to enhancing the country's international authority.
The President of Turkmenistan was awarded a commemorative medal for the 30th anniversary of Neutrality
07.12.2025The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted a Resolution on awarding the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the Turkmenistan’s anniversary medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘To the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) and a set of commemorative badges. The decision is timed to coincide with International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, reports AsmanNews. The document notes that the status of permanent Neutrality remains as a key element of the country's foreign policy. It also highlights the contribution of the President of Turkmenistan to strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the state, developing international cooperation, promoting an ‘open door’ policy and the doctrine of ‘Dialogue - a Guarantee of Peace’. The Resolution was signed by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan expand cooperation in higher education
06.12.2025On 3 December in Ashgabat, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan Faryal Leghari discussed the development of cooperation between universities in the two countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties considered issues related to the implementation of existing agreements and the possibility of expanding them. The minister spoke about measures to improve the quality of education and the achievements of the national system, noting the active participation of Pakistani youth in international events held by Turkmen universities. The Ambassador gave a positive assessment of the reforms in Turkmen education and expressed interest in further expanding exchanges. In particular, they discussed scholarships for Turkmen students and mutual visits by educational delegations.
GIZ has provided Turkmenistan with equipment to launch electronic phytosanitary certificates
06.12.2025On 5 December, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) handed over a new batch of equipment to the State Plant Quarantine Service of Turkmenistan under the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan. The delivery included a server, laptops, monitors, a printer and other devices, according to the news website Asmannews. The cooperation is aimed at introducing the ‘ePhyto Solution’ system in the country, developed under the auspices of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to transition to electronic phytosanitary certificates and improve data exchange between services in Central Asia and other regions. The project is designed to increase phytosanitary security, speed up paperwork and reduce barriers to trade in agricultural products. The next stage involves the creation of national software, a trial exchange of electronic certificates and training for State Plant Quarantine Service specialists. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between GIZ and the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan on the regional project ‘Trade Facilitation in Central Asia’ (TFCA) for 2024-2026.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
