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Peace and Trust policy: Turkmenistan's new legal guidelines
05.12.2025This year, Turkmenistan celebrates 30 years of Permanent Neutrality. The UN General Assembly Resolution of 12 December 1995 enshrined this status for the country, becoming the basis for its current foreign policy, according to TDH. After the status was recognised, the country intensified its peacekeeping efforts, promoting initiatives at the UN. These include resolutions on the role of neutrality, the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the creation of a zone of peace and cooperation in the region, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. All initiatives are aimed at strengthening international security, developing a culture of trust and supporting dialogue as a key tool for conflict resolution. The legal basis for foreign policy is enshrined in the Constitutional Law ‘On the Legal Basis of the Policy of Peace and Trust of Neutral Turkmenistan,’ signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on 19 September 2025. The document defines the principles of neutrality, equality, non-use of force, good neighbourliness and non-interference, as well as the goals of developing preventive diplomacy, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and creating favourable external conditions for the country's development. The policy includes promoting national initiatives for Peace and Trust, strengthening the role of the strategic ‘Turkmenistan-UN’ Consultative Council, supporting transport connectivity projects for landlocked countries, and expanding international cooperation in various areas, from ecology to water resources. Special attention is paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and the participation of young people and women in regional dialogue. The law enshrines the special role of preventive diplomacy, including cooperation with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. It also emphasises the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the work of the Group of Friends of Neutrality, created on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The country is strengthening its cooperation with international organisations, primarily the UN, and is preparing to host the International Forum on Peace and Trust in December. These steps confirm Turkmenistan's commitment to developing multilateral dialogue and participating in shaping the international peace and security agenda.
Turkmenistan and UNFPA summarised the year and presented plans for the period up to 2030
05.12.2025The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Turkmenistan held its annual meeting with national partners to review the results of 2025. The meeting took place at the ‘Yyldyz’ Hotel and brought together representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, according to IIC. Participants discussed the results of joint projects. The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the State Committee on Statistics, the State Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, and the National Red Crescent Society presented their reports. The parties separately reviewed plans for 2026-2030. UNFPA presented the directions of the new Country Programme. The focus is on reproductive health, gender equality, youth support and demographic sustainability issues. The discussion was aimed at preparing for a new cycle of cooperation. Participants noted the importance of multilateral partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan.
International publications devoted special issues to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality
05.12.2025A special issue of ‘ECO Heritage’ magazine, prepared by the ECO Cultural Institute, was published to mark the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. This was reported by TDH. The magazine contains articles on Turkmenistan's foreign policy. It highlights the country's participation in key international forums, including the Third UN Conference on LLDCs in Awaza, which concluded with the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action. The issue examines Turkmenistan's cooperation with the ECO and neighbouring countries in the region, the development of transport, energy and water diplomacy, as well as the implementation of infrastructure projects. The November issue of ‘Business Central Asia’ magazine (New Delhi) is also dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. It analyses the country's foreign policy and the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in key international summits. The economic section covers reforms, the investment climate and support for the manufacturing sector. The issue concludes with an article on cultural diplomacy. A separate special issue of ‘Foreign Business in Georgia’ (Georgia) focuses on bilateral cooperation and events of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The March meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze takes centre stage. The magazine reflects the results of the negotiations, Turkmenistan's participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Conference on LLDCs and participation in the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum. All three publications provide an overview of Turkmenistan's international initiatives and key events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality.
Turkmenistan invites Korean businesses to participate in events in 2026
05.12.2025Turkmenistan has invited business circles of the Republic of Korea to join trade and investment events planned for 2026. This was announced by A. Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, at the 6th Annual Meeting of the ‘Korea-Central Asia’ Business Council, which was held online, according to the ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea. The Turkmen side noted the long-term nature of its partnership with South Korea. A. Nazarov highlighted the growth in economic cooperation and recalled joint projects, including the construction of the Gyyanly Petrochemical Complex and the modernisation of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. The meeting was organised by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Central Asian countries and the Korea Foundation.
Vladimir Putin to visit Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum on Peace and Trust
04.12.2025On 12 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkmenistan to participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov at a briefing. He emphasised that the visit will be held at the invitation of the Turkmen side. Earlier it was reported that President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Vladimir Putin to Ashgabat to participate in the Peace and Trust Forum.
Turkmenistan prepares to celebrate International Neutrality Day
04.12.2025At the beginning of winter, Turkmenistan enters a period of some of the most significant and solemn events of the year. During these days, the country is filled with a festive atmosphere, and the people are filled with enthusiasm in anticipation of International Neutrality Day, according to the IIC. Large-scale preparations are underway in Ashgabat and other regions of the country ahead of 12 December. This date, which plays an important role in the socio-political life of the country, is accompanied by high-level international meetings, scientific and practical conferences and exhibitions. According to tradition, on this festive day, the celebration of peace and friendship will be marked by a ceremony of laying flowers at the Monument of Neutrality with the participation of government representatives, foreign diplomats and public figures.
An advanced research centre for training athletes has opened in Ashgabat
04.12.2025A new-level research centre for the Central Asian region has begun operating at the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan. Its equipment corresponds to the technologies used in the Olympic academies of leading sports countries, according to the online publication Arzuw News. The centre's laboratories are equipped with Italian ‘BOD POD’ and ‘Cosmed’ systems, which allow for detailed analysis of body composition. The ‘SpeedCourt’ system, known from the academies of ‘Bayern Munich’ and ‘Real Madrid’ football clubs, is used to assess speed and coordination. In addition, specialists have access to the ‘Höhenbalance’ installation, which creates high-altitude conditions and allows for specialised training. The centre's infrastructure includes departments for restorative massage and psychological training, which use modern approaches ranging from visual therapy to stress management training. The complex is complemented by physiotherapy rooms designed for the rehabilitation of athletes after injuries.
Turkmenistan has begun accepting applications for study at Chinese universities
04.12.2025From 1 to 15 December, the International University for the Humanities and Development is accepting applications for study at higher education institutions in the People's Republic of China. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Citizens of Turkmenistan aged 18 to 25 with a complete secondary education and fluent English can submit their documents. Information about specialities, the number of applicants and the terms of study can be obtained from the admissions committee.
Turkmenistan and Global Gas Centre discuss expansion of exports
04.12.2025Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov held a meeting with Executive Director of the Global Gas Centre (GGC) Valérie Ducrot. The negotiations were held on 1 December in Ashgabat and focused on expanding export routes for Turkmen gas, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva. According to the source, the parties also exchanged views on the increasing importance of security of gas supplies to international markets and the development of regional energy cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening long-term partnerships and diversifying export destinations. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to actively cooperate with international energy structures, emphasising its role as a reliable and predictable partner in the regional and global energy space.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Somalia discussed cooperation and preparations for the forum
04.12.2025On December 3, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov had a phone talk with Somalia's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. This was shared by the press service of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in international organisations, primarily in the UN. They noted the coincidence of the positions of Turkmenistan and Somalia on issues of global peace and sustainable development. They also discussed preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality.
Turkmenistan has begun accepting applications for study at Hungarian universities
04.12.2025From 1 to 15 December, the International University for the Humanities and Development in Ashgabat is accepting applications for admission to Hungarian higher education institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Citizens of Turkmenistan with a complete secondary education, as well as those who will graduate from school in the 2025-2026 academic year and will reach the age of 18 by 31 August 2026, are eligible to apply. A list of specialities, information on the number of applicants and conditions of study can be obtained from the admissions committee. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis based on the results of certification tests.
The Turkmen pavilion became one of the most visited at the fair in Tashkent
04.12.2025The Turkmenistan pavilion at the International Tourism Fair ‘Tourism on the Silk Road’, which took place on 27-29 November in Tashkent, attracted a large number of visitors. Guests learned about the history, culture and nature of the country, took a keen interest in tourist routes and expressed their desire to include Turkmenistan in future trips, according to Orient. Turkmen travel companies held a series of meetings with foreign partners. As a result of the negotiations, preliminary agreements were reached on cooperation and the participation of foreign companies in exhibitions in Turkmenistan. The country also presented its opportunities at a business session, where inbound tourism and the prospects for the exhibition industry were discussed. A cultural programme was held at the venue. Among the most discussed moments were performances by creative groups and a dancing robot, which became the main entertainment of the event. In addition, there were competitions between chefs from different countries. Turkmenistan's participation in the fair provided an opportunity to increase international interest in the tourism sector and expand partnerships.
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