President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed a decree expanding the diplomatic responsibilities of Mukhammetnyyaz Mashalov, who serves as Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia. This was reported by the IIC. The diplomat has now also been appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Brunei Darussalam. He will combine his duties in Brunei with his primary residence in Kuala Lumpur.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, held a meeting with Turkmen students who completed their studies in American schools under the FLEX exchange program. This was reported by the IIC. Esen Aydogdyev congratulated the graduates on the completion of the academic year. The Ambassador noted the importance of educational exchanges in strengthening friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two countries. Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy Meret Orazov presented an overview of key stages in the development of Turkmenistan ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence. Participants were informed about the country’s foreign policy course, high-level contacts, and the “C5+1” cooperation format. Particular attention was given to the Embassy’s work in developing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural-educational spheres. The meeting concluded with a discussion. Students shared their experiences of participating in the program and discussed prospects for further education. The Embassy expressed confidence that the experience gained will serve as a foundation for the participants’ future academic and professional achievements.
On June 18, 2026, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmed Gurbanov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Šimonjak, and Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Turkmenistan Viktor Boretsky. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and reviewed the results of the first meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation, which took place the previous day in Ashgabat. It was noted that the commission’s work expands opportunities for trade and economic cooperation and strengthens the partnership. Both sides confirmed mutual interest in developing political dialogue and intensifying high-level contacts, including reciprocal visits between the institutions of the two countries. Prospects for cooperation were discussed in the fields of transport, energy, information technologies, and agriculture. Special attention was given to strengthening ties between business communities, organizing business missions, and encouraging the participation of Slovak companies in exhibitions and forums in Turkmenistan. The meeting also considered opportunities to expand cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including education and culture.
A meeting was held in The Hague between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, and Germany’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Thomas Schieb. The event was also attended by ambassadors and permanent representatives of Central Asian states to the OPCW, according to the IIC. The participants discussed the OPCW’s current activities and its role in strengthening international security, as well as the contributions of Germany and Central Asian countries to the implementation of the organisation’s objectives. Particular attention was given to prospects for cooperation in the field of chemical safety, including the exchange of experience, the development of expert capacity, and the expansion of professional contacts. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants confirmed their interest in continuing a multilateral dialogue on issues of mutual concern.
On 18 June 2026, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Representative Office in Turkmenistan, Eric Livny. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The two sides discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD. The role of regular consultations in expanding practical engagement and advancing joint initiatives was highlighted. Mutual interest in developing the partnership was reaffirmed. The cooperation is aimed at supporting economic reforms, attracting investment, and implementing projects in strategically important sectors.
This year, Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states. This was announced by the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiev, at the International Conference on the Development of Creative Industries in St. Petersburg, according to the IIC. During the event, participants are expected to discuss priority areas of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the development of creative exchanges among CIS countries. The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan noted that the country, acting as the CIS chair, places special emphasis on implementing humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation. According to the head of the Turkmen delegation, culture is seen as a key tool for strengthening trust and mutual understanding between peoples. The meeting in Ashgabat is expected to contribute to the development of cultural dialogue and the strengthening of friendly relations within the CIS.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, speaking at a specialized conference in New York, stated that ensuring peace, justice, and effective institutions is a key condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This was reported by the IIC. According to him, stability and capable state institutions create the foundation for implementing the global agenda. Vepa Hajiyev noted that, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan promotes preventive diplomacy mechanisms and cooperates with the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN also emphasized the importance of transparent governance institutions in strengthening public trust and ensuring a fair distribution of the outcomes of economic development. In this context, he recalled the UN General Assembly resolution affirming the role of neutrality policy in strengthening international security. In conclusion, the diplomat noted that Turkmenistan intends to further develop dialogue with international partners within the framework of preparations for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
On June 18, the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation was held at the Ýyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat. The event brought together representatives of ministries and government agencies from both countries, as well as a delegation from the Slovak Republic headed by Deputy Minister of Economy Vladimir Šimoňák, according to the news website AsmanNews. The establishment of the commission was approved by a decree signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on June 12 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and measures to increase trade turnover. It was noted that the Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Slovak Republic, signed in Awaza in August 2025, had provided additional momentum to the development of the partnership. Particular attention was given to cooperation in trade and economics, the fuel and energy sector, construction, transport and communications, information technologies, agriculture, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and tourism. The participants also reviewed issues related to the implementation of joint investment projects, cooperation in the oil and gas industry, the development of transport and logistics links, the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture, the expansion of educational exchanges, and cooperation in the field of digital healthcare. Following the meeting, the parties signed the Protocol of the First Meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation and outlined further steps to strengthen bilateral economic partnership.
On June 16–18, 2026, a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations N. Agakhanov took part in the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF 2026) held in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The forum’s opening ceremony was attended by the President of Uzbekistan, the President of Albania, the Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of governments from other countries, the U.S. business community, and international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank, and the Eurasian Development Bank. Participants discussed the development of the energy sector, transport connectivity, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the exploration of mineral resources, food security, and the improvement of financial and investment instruments. The participation of the Turkmen delegation reflects the country’s interest in developing international economic cooperation and expanding investment partnerships.
Events dedicated to the legacy of the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi were held in Tehran, according to the IIC. On June 17, the conference “The Voice of Unity and Cultural Revival in the ECO Region” was held at the Cultural Institute of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The event brought together diplomats, researchers, and cultural figures. Speakers highlighted the significance of the poet’s works for both national and world literature, as well as his ideas of patriotism, unity, and humanism. Video presentations about his life and literary heritage were also shown. On June 16, a separate cultural program dedicated to the poetry of Magtymguly Fragi was held at Kharazmi University. The event was attended by diplomats from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, as well as representatives of Iranian institutions. The program featured presentations, poetry readings, musical performances, and theatrical productions based on Turkmen literature.
The UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ahmed Al-Hameli, held meetings with representatives of the country's business and sports sectors to discuss prospects for cooperation. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The diplomat met with the head of the trading company “Hayran,” where the parties discussed developing cooperation and expanding business ties. A separate meeting was held with the sporting director of the “Karakum” football club in Ashgabat, focusing on potential collaboration in the field of sports. Following the talks, the participants expressed their interest in strengthening partnership ties between Turkmenistan and the UAE across various areas.
A foundation-laying ceremony for the production complex of the Turkmen company Aýdyň Gijeler was held in Eswatini, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The event was attended by company representatives and officials of the Kingdom, including Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Mancoba Khumalo, as well as representatives of relevant government agencies. The project is a continuation of agreements being implemented with the support of King Mswati III. Earlier, on June 10, 2026, two Aýdyň Gijeler enterprises were officially inaugurated in the country. The first facility will produce ID cards and biometric passports, while the second will manufacture electrical and infrastructure products, including cables, traffic lights, and road construction components. As part of the projects, the company has been allocated a 4-hectare plot of land. The initiative is expected to create jobs and contribute to the development of a local manufacturing supply chain. Founded in 2016, Aýdyň Gijeler is one of Turkmenistan’s leading high-tech manufacturers, producing a wide range of electronic and electrical engineering products.