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Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN expands in the humanitarian sphere
24.12.2025Turkmenistan considers its strategic partnership with the United Nations to be one of its foreign policy priorities. In the International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, cooperation has been further developed, according to TDH. In October 2025, the fourth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan - UN’ Strategic Advisory Council was held in Ashgabat. Joint projects in the socio-economic and humanitarian spheres are being implemented, and a number of long-term documents have been signed. On 23 October 2025, a Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for 2026-2030 was signed. UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA country programmes for Turkmenistan for this period were also approved. Cooperation with UNICEF continues. Work plans for 2026–2027 have been signed with the Mejlis, the Ombudsman's Office, and relevant ministries and agencies. The documents cover issues of child rights protection, education, social support, statistics, and information work. Turkmenistan is a member of the UNICEF Executive Board for 2024–2026. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship plays an active role in humanitarian cooperation. The Foundation implements medical and social programmes, cooperates with UNICEF and other international partners, and provides humanitarian assistance, including abroad. International contacts and visits were held in November and December 2025, including events in St. Petersburg and Doha, where issues of health protection, inclusive development, and child protection were discussed. Memoranda of Cooperation with foreign foundations and organisations were signed. A partnership with UNFPA is being developed. The Country Programme for 2026-2030 and the Work Plans for the implementation of the national gender policy have been adopted. Turkmenistan is a member of the UN Commission on Population and Development for 2024-2028. Cooperation with UNESCO covers the fields of education, science and culture. In 2025, the art of breeding Turkmen alabay dogs was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ashgabat is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and a number of schools and universities participate in the Organisation's relevant programmes. Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to expanding cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies on issues of sustainable development, humanitarian cooperation and international dialogue.
Turkmenistan increases container transport along the North-South corridor
24.12.2025The Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan is increasing freight traffic on the North-South international corridor and expanding transit and international routes. This was reported by TerraNews. Work is underway to improve the quality of rail services and create competitive tariff conditions for carriers. Container transport is actively used on the North-South, Lapis Lazuli and East-West corridors. In January–November 2025, 19,000 container shipments were completed, including 9,250 transits, 5,650 export and 4,100 import shipments. This is 9,405 containers more than in the same period in 2024. Following the negotiations on international multimodal routes Russia–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran, Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey–Europe, as well as routes through Uzbekistan, 63 container trains were transported during the reporting period.
Turkmenistan assessed the effectiveness of South Korea's advanced recycling technologies
24.12.2025Central Asia is actively studying South Korea's experience in recycling used solar panels, recognised as a world leader in the handling of complex waste. A webinar bringing together environmentalists from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed technologies that allow up to 95% of useful materials — aluminium, glass and rare metals — to be extracted with minimal CO₂ emissions, according to the Orient news agency. Mergen Kepbanov, director of the CAREC project office in Turkmenistan, noted that the Korean model combines high technology and economic efficiency, which is important for the formation of a circular economy in the region. The Kazakh office of CAREC is ready to expand cooperation by introducing Eastern innovations alongside existing German projects. For Turkmenistan, these recycling systems make it possible to build a ‘clean’ energy production cycle at hybrid solar-wind stations without accumulating environmental damage.
Turkish manufacturers will present their products at an exhibition in Ashgabat
24.12.2025An exhibition of export goods from the Republic of Turkey will be held in Ashgabat from 10 to 12 February 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will feature construction technologies and equipment, doors and windows, heating and air conditioning systems, heat and sound insulation materials, roofing, facade coatings, electrical and lighting equipment, tools, plumbing and ceramics. In addition, the exhibition will cover agricultural and packaging products, cosmetics and chemical goods, milling equipment, food products and equipment for the food industry, furniture, home textiles, accessories and equipment for hotels, according to the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board. The previous exhibition of this kind was held in Ashgabat from 4 to 6 December 2024.
The Turkmenistan national team won six medals at the Qatar Cup in weightlifting
23.12.2025Athletes from the Turkmenistan national weightlifting team won six medals at the 10th International Qatar Cup, which is being held in Doha from 19 to 27 December. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Bunyat Rashidov won two gold medals in the 67 kg category (snatch – 145 kg, total – 314 kg) and a silver medal in the clean and jerk (169 kg). Ogulshat Amanova in the 45 kg category won three bronze medals — in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total. The Qatar Cup combines three tournaments at once, including the international cup, the Arab and West Asian weightlifting championships.
Turkmen athlete wins six gold medals at Spartakiad
23.12.2025Turkmen athlete Ragitbek Bekchanov won six gold medals at the 21st International Martial Arts Spartakiad in Russia. The tournament took place from 18 to 22 December 2025, according to TerraNews. Ragitbek Bekchanov competed in the mas-wrestling discipline in the weight category up to 70 kg. He became the winner in several competitive programmes. The athlete's results added to Turkmenistan's medal count at international competitions. The Spartakiad brought together martial arts representatives from dozens of countries.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeded $1 billion in 11 months
23.12.2025In January–November 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan reached US$1.064 billion. This is US$33 million more than in the same period last year, according to AsmanNews. Over 11 months, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $926.2 million to the Uzbek market. The country ranked 8th in terms of the volume of imports to Uzbekistan. Imports of goods and services from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan amounted to $138.2 million. This figure increased by $27.8 million year-on-year. Earlier it was reported that in January-October, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $876.8 million. In November, the volume of mutual trade increased by $187.6 million.
Universities in Turkmenistan and Japan have signed new memoranda
23.12.2025During the working visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Japan, a package of documents on cooperation in key economic sectors, including education, was signed. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the bilateral agreements are Memoranda of Understanding between Turkmen and Japanese universities. In particular, documents were signed between the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and the Engineering School of Tohoku University, including a Memorandum on student exchange, as well as between the same university and the Graduate School of Science and Technology of Hirosaki University. The signed documents are aimed at developing cooperation in the field of science and education and expanding academic ties between Turkmenistan and Japan. Currently, the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 10 Japanese educational institutions and companies. These agreements create the basis for the implementation of joint educational programmes, scientific cooperation and the training of specialists in priority areas of higher education.
For the 30th anniversary of neutrality, lists of awarded citizens of Turkmenistan have been published
23.12.2025On 22 December, the online newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ published extended lists of citizens awarded the jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality’) and commemorative badges ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’ (‘30 Years of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality’). The lists were published in accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on awarding the jubilee medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ and commemorative badges ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygy’. The documents note the contribution of citizens to strengthening state independence and permanent neutrality, developing the economy, enhancing defence capabilities, ensuring security and law and order, as well as implementing state programmes in the fields of science, education, culture, healthcare and other sectors. The awards are timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality status.
A book of Hero Arkadag was presented in Ashgabat in Azerbaijani language
23.12.2025At the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, a presentation of the book ‘Hakyda göwheri’ (‘Jewel of the Mind’) by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, was held, published in Azerbaijani. This was reported by TDH. The event was attended by the leadership of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, the Plenipotentiary Representative of Turkmenistan in Azerbaijan, representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, scientists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, teachers and students of the university. Before the presentation began, participants viewed a thematic exhibition in the foyer of the Institute. Speaking at the event, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Gismat Gozalov noted the importance of the publication for popularising the spiritual and historical heritage of the Turkmen people and expanding access to scientific works for Azerbaijani readers. It was emphasised that the book contains information about the contribution of the Turkmen people to world culture, the history of ancient states and the development of political and trade relations in the region. The relevance of the ideas of peace, justice and creativity reflected in the work was noted. The presentation also touched upon the development of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations. It was noted that cooperation between the two countries is actively developing at a high political level and is of a strategic nature. Special mention was made of the visits of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Azerbaijan in 2025 and contacts within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. Special attention was paid to humanitarian cooperation, including the initiatives of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation and joint projects with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The speakers emphasised that the translation of the book ‘Hakyda göwheri’ into Azerbaijani was further confirmation of the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The presentation of the book became part of the cultural dialogue between the two friendly states and expanded opportunities for mutual study of historical and spiritual heritage.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an informal CIS summit
23.12.2025During his working visit to the Russian Federation, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an informal summit meeting of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported by TDH. The event took place in St. Petersburg, at the State Hermitage Museum. The Head of Turkmenistan was met by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit was preceded by a joint tour of the museum halls by the leaders of the CIS countries. During the meeting, Heads of State summed up the work of the Commonwealth for the current year and discussed plans for the future. Positive dynamics in economic cooperation were noted. The exchange of views on current regional and international issues was also discussed. The Russian President congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan's upcoming chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and wished him success. The commitment of the Commonwealth countries to the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust was emphasised. As an associate member of the CIS, Turkmenistan is consistently developing cooperation in the fields of economy, transport and logistics. Particular attention is paid to the development of international North-South and East-West transport corridors, as well as cooperation in the energy sector. Humanitarian and environmental issues also remain on Turkmenistan's agenda, including participation in addressing the problems of the Aral region and promoting initiatives in the field of sustainable development and ‘green’ diplomacy. Special attention is paid to Turkmen-Russian relations. The parties are developing a strategic partnership in the trade, economic, transport and humanitarian spheres. At the end of the visit programme, an informal lunch and concert were held for the Heads of State. After that, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for Ashgabat, where he was met by officials. The participation of the Head of Turkmenistan in the informal CIS summit confirmed the country's readiness for open dialogue and practical cooperation within the Commonwealth.
The President of Turkmenistan participates in the CIS Heads of State Summit in Russia
22.12.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov is participating in an informal summit of CIS leaders, which is being held in the St. George Hall of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting is attended by the Heads of State of the CIS, and was opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders are discussing the development of cooperation within the Commonwealth, noting its strengthening on the international arena. The participants confirm their commitment to the formation of a multipolar world with the coordinating role of the UN, as well as their intention to jointly strengthen stability and security. The importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and the growth of economic integration is emphasised: the share of national currencies in mutual settlements between CIS countries exceeds 96%.
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