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The Prime Minister of Pakistan arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the forum
11.12.2025Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Ashgabat to participate in international events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC. The visit is timed to coincide with the International Forum, which will bring together representatives of a number of states and international organisations in the capital. The presence of the Head of the Pakistani government underscores the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality and its support at the international level.
Turkmenistan proposes creation of International Pact on Children's Health
11.12.2025Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, proposed the creation of an International Pact on Children's Health. The initiative aims to create a single space of responsibility for states and international organisations for children's health, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The proposal was made on 10 December at the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that Turkmenistan seeks to promote practical initiatives that can strengthen international cooperation mechanisms, including within the framework of the UN. According to her, the future pact should enshrine universal standards of paediatric medicine: vaccination, early diagnosis, rehabilitation, mental health support, as well as countries' access to technology and medical innovations. She stressed that the document would consolidate the efforts of states, international organisations and partners, regardless of socio-economic conditions. The Vice-President of the Foundation also noted the significant role of women in society, highlighting their contribution to working with parliamentarians, young people and local communities, as well as to humanitarian initiatives at the regional and global levels.
Turkmenistan proposes creation of international humanitarian support hub
11.12.2025Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, proposed the creation of an international humanitarian hub to support countries experiencing conflicts, natural disasters, migration crises or social instability. The initiative was presented on 10 December at the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society’ held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Vice-President, such a hub could combine medical and psychological assistance to women and children, rehabilitation, educational programmes, temporary accommodation, humanitarian support and the work of mobile medical teams. Special attention would be paid to the social and legal protection of women in difficult situations. Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that a key element of the project should be an international coordination platform involving UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, charitable foundations and public organisations. She emphasised that humanitarian hubs could become not only a point of assistance, but also a centre for the exchange of experience and training of specialists, forming more rapid and systematic support for women and children in crisis situations.
The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has arrived in Ashgabat. He is participating in an International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, according to IIC. He was met at the International Airport by official representatives of Turkmenistan. Ali Asadov will take part in the main sessions of the forum and hold bilateral meetings. His visit underscores the sustained cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the energy, transport, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres.
‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ included in UNESCO list
11.12.2025At the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, on 11 December 2025, a decision was made to include Turkmenistan's nomination ‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was supported by all 24 members of the Committee, according to TDH. The nomination dossier was prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO and the International Association ‘Turkmen Alabay’. Masters and families of dog breeders, researchers and breed specialists participated in the work. Their broad participation was noted as an example of proper preparation of the application and emphasising the role of women in preserving the tradition. The Committee highly appreciated the measures taken by the state to preserve the element — joint work with local administrations, public organisations and tradition bearers. This helps to maintain the sustainability of ancient practices and pass on knowledge to new generations. The session is considering 66 national and multinational applications: 54 for inclusion in the Representative List, 11 in the List of Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and 1 in the List of Best Practices. The Committee's work will continue until 13 December.
The Prime Minister of Georgia arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has arrived at Ashgabat International Airport. He is participating in an International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, according to IIC. The forum will bring together representatives of various countries, international organisations and the expert community. The agenda includes topics such as peace, security and sustainable development, as well as the role of neutral states in global dialogue. Irakli Kobakhidze's visit highlights the active pace of Georgian-Turkmen contacts and the parties' interest in expanding political and economic cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: new prospects for cooperation
11.12.2025Economic cooperation between Ashgabat and Tashkent has reached a new level: bilateral relations have moved from one-off projects and declarations to systematic industrial cooperation, trade expansion, and consistent investment ties. This was reported by the Orient news agency. This course is supported by regular inter-governmental dialogue and concrete infrastructure decisions. The institutionalisation of cooperation was confirmed by the meeting of the Joint Inter-governmental Commission in July 2025, which confirmed the priorities for the development of key economic sectors. The basis for consistent growth is the legal framework: agreements on long-term trade and economic cooperation, investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation create transparent conditions for business and encourage private sector participation. The effectiveness of this framework is reflected in the growth of trade turnover: from $209 million in 2016 to $1.148 billion in 2024. Turkmenistan supplies fuel, chemical products and lubricants, while imports from Uzbekistan in January-October 2025 grew by 23.7%, including finished products, services and machinery. The ‘Shavat-Dashoguz’ border trade zone speeds up deliveries, reduces transaction costs and turns the region into a business and logistics centre. In 2024, freight traffic reached 1.11 million tonnes, with transit growing by almost 40%. Industrial and transport cooperation is becoming an independent direction: 200 enterprises with Turkmen capital operate in Uzbekistan. Further prospects include the development of industrial clusters, logistics centres, agro-industrial projects and new investment mechanisms. The partnership is forming a sustainable regional model that strengthens economic security and the role of countries in trade and transit chains.
The Monument of Neutrality – a reflection of Turkmenistan's peacemaking efforts
11.12.2025The opening of a monument commemorating 30 years of neutrality was held in Ashgabat to mark International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutral status. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. Located in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, the 95-metre-high monument symbolises the country's commitment to the principles of peace, humanism and creativity. The architecture of the structure is unique: it is supported by three columns resembling a traditional hearth stand, or ‘tagan,’ while carpet ornaments from the country's five regions symbolise the unity of the Turkmen tribes. The columns are decorated with bas-reliefs reflecting the history of Turkmenistan from ancient times to the present day. The reconstruction projects were approved by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who personally supervised the process. Inside the monument, there is a branch of the Museum of Neutrality, where interactive LED screens in Turkmen, English and Russian display documents, photographs and exhibits demonstrating the role of neutrality in ensuring security, peace and international cooperation. The opening of the monument was a symbolic prelude to the International Forum ‘Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future’, which will be held on 12 December with the participation of Heads of State, international organisations and foreign delegations.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini has arrived in Turkmenistan
11.12.2025Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Russell Dlamini arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. He was met at Ashgabat International Airport by officials from Turkmenistan. The visit of the Prime Minister of Eswatini demonstrates the high level of interest among foreign partners in the platform for dialogue created by Turkmenistan to discuss key issues on the international agenda. Eswatini's presence at the forum underscores its importance as a universal platform for promoting the ideas of peace, stability and sustainable development.
Myanmar Prime Minister welcomed in Ashgabat
11.12.2025Myanmar Prime Minister Nyo Saw arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The visit of the Prime Minister of Myanmar reflects the growing attention of the international community to the upcoming event, which will bring together leaders of countries, representatives of international organisations and expert circles to discuss ways to strengthen trust, promote peace and sustainable development.
The President of Armenia arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Forum
11.12.2025Participants in high-level international events continue to arrive in Ashgabat. On 10 December, a plane carrying the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, landed at the capital's International Airport, according to IIC. The Armenian President arrived to participate in the International Forum, the central event of which will be the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality. President Khachaturyan's visit confirms the consistent dynamics of Armenian-Turkmen cooperation, based on the principles of good neighbourliness, trust and mutual respect.
Turkmenistan and Monaco strengthen cooperation in the humanitarian sphere
11.12.2025On 10 December, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation and Advisor to Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. He arrived in Ashgabat to participate in events dedicated to International Neutrality Day, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality, and the International Year of Peace and Trust, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Principality of Monaco. The consistent dynamics of contacts with the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation were noted. They spoke separately about projects aimed at promoting the ideas of Peace and Trust and strengthening international ties through sport. The proposal of the ‘Peace and Sport’ organisation to hold a continental forum in Turkmenistan in 2026 was also considered.
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