On 28 July, the first political consultations took place between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand at the level of department heads. The negotiations were held via videoconference, according to the press office of the Turkmen Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The parties discussed the development of political and diplomatic dialogue, reaffirmed their readiness to continue mutually supporting initiatives within international organisations, primarily the UN, and noted their shared approaches to issues relating to the strengthening of peace and stability.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the areas of sustainable transport, energy and environmental security. The Turkmen side thanked New Zealand for co-sponsoring the resolution initiated by Turkmenistan entitled ‘Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation’. Prospects for cooperation within the framework of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) and possible joint projects were also discussed.

The Turkmen side presented initiatives to ensure global environmental security, including the promotion of the UN’s environmental strategy for Central Asia, the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia, and a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia.

The participants in the consultations examined the prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation. Among the promising areas identified were high technology, agriculture and water management, industry, and the development of direct contacts between representatives of the private sector.

The parties paid particular attention to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They discussed opportunities for inter-university collaboration, joint scientific research, virtual meetings, online festivals, exhibitions, Culture Days, cooperation between museums and libraries, as well as collaboration within the framework of UNESCO.

Following the consultations, the parties reaffirmed their intention to develop political dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, and trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.