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Turkmenistan is preparing for the first meeting of the joint commission with Slovakia
13.06.2026On June 12, a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan considered issues related to preparations for the first meeting of the Turkmen–Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov delivered a report on this matter, according to the TDH news agency. As reported, work is underway to establish the commission and ensure organizational arrangements for its first meeting. During the upcoming meeting, it is planned to discuss the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Slovak Republic in trade and economic affairs, fuel and energy, construction, transport and communications, as well as information technology. The agenda also includes issues of cooperation in agriculture, ecology, healthcare, medical science, education, culture, sports, and tourism. A corresponding proposal was submitted for consideration by the head of state. After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow emphasized that Turkmenistan is consistently developing cooperation with European countries, including the Slovak Republic. He signed the prepared document and instructed the deputy prime minister to continue work in this direction.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan.
13.06.2026The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan will take place as an official trip. Preparations for the upcoming visit were discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on June 12. According to the TDH news agency, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the progress of the organizational work. It was noted that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world is one of the key directions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s foreign policy. In this context, Turkmenistan continues to steadily expand its engagement with Asian states. Particular attention is given to relations with Malaysia. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 17, 1992. Malaysia is among the first countries to have supported Turkmenistan’s independence and its status of permanent neutrality. The legal framework of cooperation includes 43 intergovernmental, governmental, and interagency agreements. The importance of regular high-level visits was emphasized. In total, there have been nine such visits, including four visits by the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia and five visits by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia to Turkmenistan. The contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to the development of bilateral relations was also noted, including his visits to Malaysia in 2011 and 2016. Cooperation continues to develop today. Following the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia on December 18–19, 2024, bilateral relations have reached a new level. Regular contacts are maintained between governments and foreign ministries. Cooperation is also carried out within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In the trade and economic sphere, Malaysia remains a long-term partner of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reported that preparations for the upcoming visit of the Malaysian delegation led by the Prime Minister have been completed. It was emphasized that the results of the visit will contribute to further strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation. The head of state noted the steady development of relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and instructed that proper preparations be ensured for the upcoming visit.
The Turkmen-Austrian Commission discussed economic cooperation in Ashgabat
13.06.2026On June 12, the 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat. The event was attended by heads of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan and Austria, as well as representatives of business structures, the IIC reports. The parties discussed the development of bilateral economic relations and the increase of trade turnover. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of previously reached agreements and the introduction of Austrian experience in the field of digital economy into Turkmenistan’s industrial sector. During the talks, areas of further cooperation were considered, including tasks related to the digitalization of the economy and the expansion of industrial cooperation using innovative solutions. The Austrian side proposed holding training seminars for Turkmen specialists in the fields of medicine and innovation. A joint action plan in the areas of education and culture for 2026–2027 was also approved. Following the meeting, the Final Protocol of the 13th meeting of the Joint Commission was signed, consolidating the reached agreements and priority areas of cooperation.
Restoration of a Buddha statue fragment continues in Turkmenistan
13.06.2026Representatives of the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles, USA) have arrived in Turkmenistan on another official visit to continue a project focused on the conservation and restoration of fragments of a 5th-century Buddha head statue discovered in Ancient Merv. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The work has been ongoing for several years at the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented within the framework of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program and is significant for the study of Silk Road history and the preservation of cultural heritage. The expert team includes Dr. Suzanne Gansicke, head of the Antiquities Conservation Department at the Getty Museum, restorer Fabio Colombo, and 3D visualization specialist Giuseppe Salemi. At the current stage, the specialists have applied 3D printing technology and created a full-scale model of the Buddha’s head to strengthen the artifact and clarify missing elements. During the visit of U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, a delegation including Special Assistant Vanessa Vidal Castellanos, Special Advisor Joseph Gunnar Sidak, and U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood visited the State Museum laboratory. Professor Suzanne Gansicke presented the progress of the restoration work to participants and demonstrated the digital model and research results. The historical significance of the artifact was emphasized. The sculpture fragment was discovered in Ancient Merv in 1960 and dates back to the 5th century. It is part of a stupa—a Buddhist religious structure located in the city, which in antiquity was an important hub of the Great Silk Road. According to researchers, after the destruction of the stupa, Buddhist monks may have hidden the fragment to protect it from destruction. Suzanne Gansicke expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan and the United States for supporting the project, as well as to the U.S. State Department for its attention to the specialists’ work. The visit of American restorers will last until June 20. The joint work of specialists from both countries is aimed at preserving the archaeological monument and developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the celebration of the Independence Day of the Philippines
13.06.2026On June 12, 2026, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), A. Bayramov, participated in events dedicated to the 128th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. As part of the visit, the Ambassador met with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He also held talks with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa Lazaro, and the leadership of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, with particular attention given to the development of trade and economic ties and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The importance of strengthening coordination and mutual support within international organizations was noted. In this context, Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a dialogue format “Central Asia + ASEAN” was considered. During the visit, A. Bayramov also met with the Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, I. Young. The current state and prospects of cooperation were discussed, including the implementation of joint projects.
Turkmenistan participated in the Human Rights Forum in Beijing
13.06.2026On 11–12 June 2026, the High-Level Forum on Global Human Rights Governance was held in Beijing. The event brought together heads of relevant agencies, diplomats, and international experts, according to the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The forum was organized by the Press Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Yagmyr Nuryyev, Director of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, took part in the event. The forum agenda focused on the theme “Shared Development and Universal Human Rights: The 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development and a New Vision of Global Human Rights Governance.” More than 400 delegates from over 100 countries participated, along with representatives of international organizations, including the United Nations. Within the session “Green Development and Human Rights Protection,” the head of the Turkmen delegation presented a report on key areas of Turkmenistan’s state policy. He noted the country’s commitment to its internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality and the implementation of its foreign policy principle “Peace through Development.” It was emphasized that Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives are aimed at sustainable development, rational use of natural resources, and the protection of human rights. Participants of the sessions stated that environmental modernization and the protection of human rights contribute to strengthening global stability and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a number of key documents
13.06.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a series of documents aimed at developing international cooperation, the oil and gas sector, science, and improving the public procurement system. This was reported by the news website AsmanNews. In particular, the composition of the Turkmen side of the Turkmen–Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation has been approved, established within the framework of developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Slovak Republic. According to separate decrees, the State Concern Türkmengaz has been authorized to conclude a contract with the Chinese company Julong Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. for the purchase of steel pipes, while the State Concern Türkmennebit has been authorized to sign a contract with Wuxi SP. Steel Tube Manufacturing Co., Ltd. for the supply of casing and drilling pipes for production and exploration wells. The head of state also approved the State Program for the Promotion of Achievements in Science, Engineering, and Technology in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, as well as the Action Plan for its implementation. The Academy of Sciences, relevant ministries, and agencies have been instructed to ensure the implementation of the planned measures. In addition, the procedure for conducting tenders for selecting suppliers of goods, works, and services for the needs of ministries and agencies of the transport and communications complex has been approved.
Turkmenistan participated in an international trade union forum in Bishkek
13.06.2026Turkmenistan was represented at the 18th International Forum of Trade Union Organizations in the fields of education and science of Turkic-speaking countries, held in Bishkek. This was reported by the IIC. Participants discussed the development of social partnership, improving the quality of education, and protecting the rights of teachers and researchers in the context of digitalization and global changes. Representatives of Turkmenistan presented approaches to the development of the education sector, including infrastructure modernization, the introduction of digital technologies, and strengthening social protection for workers. Special attention was given to collective bargaining mechanisms, the exchange of experience, and the role of trade unions as active partners of the state and initiators of educational projects. Issues of teachers’ professional development and support for young specialists through internships and academic exchanges were also discussed. At the conclusion of the forum, participants confirmed their commitment to equal cooperation, noting the importance of international trade union collaboration for strengthening educational systems and the scientific environment in Turkic world countries.
Turkmenistan Represented at the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana
13.06.2026Turkmenistan’s Minister of Industry and Construction Production, Toyguly Nurov, took part in the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue held in Astana and co-chaired by representatives of Kazakhstan and the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. The information was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The meeting brought together delegations from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The participants discussed cooperation in geological exploration, extraction, processing, and supply of critical minerals, as well as the development of industrial projects and technological partnerships. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of processing facilities, cluster development, workforce training, scientific and technical cooperation, and logistics for supplying critical minerals to global markets. Following the talks, the participants reaffirmed their interest in expanding multilateral cooperation and implementing joint infrastructure and industrial initiatives.
Turkmenistan Presented Investment Opportunities at a Forum in Turkey
13.06.2026On June 11, 2026, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey organized a business forum at the building of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges in Denizli. This was reported by the “Turkmenistan: Golden Age” news agency. More than 100 executives of Turkish companies and representatives of the private sector took part in the event. The forum aimed to introduce the Turkish business community to Turkmenistan’s investment potential. During the presentations, speakers noted that Turkmenistan is pursuing a consistent policy of developing international trade and economic partnerships based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and trust in order to realize the country’s investment potential. It was emphasized that the state supports the development of the private sector and the attraction of foreign investment by providing favorable conditions for doing business. Special attention was given to the country’s commitment to introducing environmentally friendly and green technologies across all sectors of the economy. Forum participants discussed promising areas of investment cooperation, including the oil and gas chemical industry, the agro-industrial sector, transport and logistics, as well as telecommunications and information technologies. As part of the event, a video presentation highlighting Turkmenistan’s investment potential was shown.
Conference Dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence Held in Denizli
13.06.2026On June 11, 2026, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Türkiye, jointly with Pamukkale University in Denizli, organized a scientific conference dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence and the proclamation of 2026 under the motto: “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses.” This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was attended by Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Güngör, representatives of public and political organizations, members of Turkey’s academic and creative communities, students, and media representatives. During the conference, participants were presented with information on the significance of the 2026 motto. It was noted that the motto reflects Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of independence, permanent neutrality, peace, and constructive development. Conference participants discussed Turkmenistan’s achievements during the years of independence, the country’s international initiatives carried out under its status of permanent neutrality, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey in the fields of education, science, culture, and the economy. On the same day, a photo exhibition dedicated to the proclamation of the 2026 motto, “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan — the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” was opened in Denizli. In addition, as part of the program, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, M. Ishanguliyev, held meetings with Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, and Pamukkale University Rector Mahmut Güngör. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of education, culture and humanitarian affairs, trade, and the economy, as well as strengthening friendly ties between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey.
Turkmenistan and Iran Discussed the Development of Bilateral Relations
13.06.2026On June 12, 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehdi Sobhani. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing Turkmen-Iranian relations based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and trust. The meeting also reviewed further steps for implementing previously reached agreements.
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