On 8 September 2025, a meeting took place between Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Ms. Terhi Hakala, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
At the start of the meeting, R. Meredov expressed gratitude to Ambassador Terhi Hakala for her personal contribution to fostering constructive partnership and highlighted Finland’s role in enhancing the effectiveness of the OSCE.
During the talks, the parties discussed the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE in the political, economic-environmental, and humanitarian dimensions. They emphasized the importance of projects and programs implemented in these areas.
It was noted that in recent years, Turkmenistan’s ties with OSCE institutions, such as the Parliamentary Assembly, the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, have significantly intensified.
The symbolic significance of Finland chairing the OSCE in the year marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act was particularly highlighted, as Finland is the country where this historic document was adopted.
In this context, the sides agreed that the priorities of Finland’s OSCE chairmanship this year, focused on strengthening dialogue and trust, align with Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy and its international initiatives, including the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The parties underscored the importance of coordinating joint efforts in ensuring security, energy development, and transport connectivity. Additionally, they highlighted the need to continue sharing experiences in protecting human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and upholding the rule of law.
Meeting in Parliament
On 8 September 2025, a meeting was held between the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy Terhi Hakala.
The Speaker of the Mejlis expressed gratitude to Ambassador Hakala for her contribution to furthering friendly cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union during her tenure as the EU Special Representative for Central Asia.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of the third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which served as another testament to the international community’s recognition of Turkmenistan’s initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
It was noted that Turkmenistan supports cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the European Union, including at the parliamentary level.
Since 2014, Turkmenistan’s parliament, as a member of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, has maintained close cooperation with this organization.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the protection of women’s rights in Turkmenistan, including ensuring gender equality and creating opportunities for youth, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in environmental security and to foster future relations based on principles of equality and trust through parliamentary diplomacy. ///nCa, 9 September 2025