On 13 March, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, reported on the expansion of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

It is noted that one of the country’s foreign policy priorities is cooperation with international organisations, including UN bodies and the IMO. Turkmenistan, a member of the Organisation since 26 August 1993, has acceded to 14 of its conventions and is working to bring national legislation into line with them.

The Deputy Prime Minister proposed a number of initiatives to implement the country’s transport diplomacy and strengthen its partnership with the IMO. There are plans to establish a working group comprising relevant ministries to facilitate accession to conventions, including the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.

Visits by IMO officials, seminars and practical conferences are also planned for 2026 in Turkmenistan to discuss prospects for cooperation.

Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the country’s productive work in meeting the requirements of the IMO conventions and approved the proposals, instructing the Minister of Foreign Affairs to implement them.