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Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar Ibrahim Addressed a Conference in Ashgabat
20.06.2026On June 19, an international scientific and practical conference titled "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Industry" and an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen-Malaysian partnership were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. This was reported by the online news outlet AsmanNews. The events brought together executives of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector and representatives of international energy companies. Speaking at the plenary session, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. According to him, the Malaysian company Petronas has invested approximately USD 12 billion in the country’s oil and gas industry over the years. The head of state emphasized that joint projects on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast have resulted in the construction of a gas processing plant, an onshore gas terminal, and a marine structures fabrication yard. During the years of cooperation, more than 44 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 16 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons have been produced. The President of Turkmenistan also announced the continuation of development activities at the Magtymguly, Diyarbekir, and Garagöl Deňiz fields, as well as plans for the industrial development of the Öwez and Maşrykow fields. Additional momentum is expected from operations on offshore Blocks 19 and 20 and the implementation of 2D seismic surveys on Blocks 11–14 in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently highlighted the high level of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Malaysia’s interest in further expanding cooperation. In addition to the oil and gas sector, the two countries intend to strengthen collaboration in education, workforce training, and high technologies. Following the plenary session, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia toured the exhibition, which featured displays from ministries, government agencies, higher educational institutions, and specialized companies from both countries. The forum concluded with a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents. These included a Production Sharing Agreement between the State Concern Türkmennebit, Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd., and the state enterprise Hazarnebit; a Cooperation Agreement on conducting 2D seismic surveys between Türkmennebit and Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.; an agreement between the State Concern Türkmengaz and Petronas Carigali International Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; and a Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources. The forum was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Petronas and served as a platform for discussing future areas of collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
President of Turkmenistan Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia
20.06.2026On June 19, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in the country on an official visit. This was reported by the TDH. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the oil and gas sector, where Petronas remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners. During the talks, it was noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia maintain an active political dialogue and cooperate within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international organizations. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on issues related to international security, sustainable development, energy, and transport. Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced plans to expand cooperation in high technologies, the financial and banking sector, transport, communications, agriculture, education, and tourism. The parties also discussed projects for the development of new hydrocarbon fields in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of Petronas. “We are ready to work closely with Malaysia in promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening international security and jointly support programs to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the President of Turkmenistan stated. Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Malaysia’s interest in further developing its partnership with Turkmenistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation in energy, education, investment activities, and professional training. Following the talks, a ceremony was held for the signing of bilateral documents. These included memorandums of cooperation between scientific institutions of the two countries, as well as agreements in the fields of transport, civil aviation, diplomatic training, and student academic mobility. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also signed a Joint Statement following the official visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Turkmenistan. After the negotiations, the leaders addressed the media, reaffirming their intention to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, transport, education, and humanitarian affairs. As part of his visit, Anwar Ibrahim visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in the village of Kipchak, where he paid tribute to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the visit program, the Prime Minister of Malaysia departed for his homeland.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia granted additional accreditation in Brunei
19.06.2026President 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 of Turkmenistan to the United States met with graduates of the FLEX program
19.06.2026The 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.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Slovakia
19.06.2026On 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.
Turkmen Ambassador takes part in chemical safety talks
19.06.2026A 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.
Turkmen Foreign Minister meets with EBRD representative
19.06.2026On 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.
A meeting of the CIS Council for Cultural Cooperation will be held in Ashgabat
19.06.2026This 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 outlined sustainable development priorities
19.06.2026The 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.
First Meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Commission Held in Ashgabat
19.06.2026On 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.
Turkmenistan Participated in the TIIF 2026 Investment Forum in Tashkent
19.06.2026On 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.
Iran Discusses the Cultural Heritage of Turkmen Poet Magtymguly Fragi
19.06.2026Events 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.
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