French politician and diplomat Yasmine Gouédard, the first Director of the Secretariat of the Intelligence College in Europe, is currently in Ashgabat on a fact-finding visit.
On 13 May, Ms. Gouédard was received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan by Deputy Minister Mahri Bashimova. The parties highly commended the ongoing dialogue between Turkmenistan and European nations, emphasizing the significance of the peaceful policy of neutrality pursued by the Turkmen state.
Yasmine Gouédard presented her projects aimed at strengthening humanitarian cooperation. In particular, she expressed a readiness to conduct specialized lectures and seminars for Turkmen students and experts in fields such as:
- Preventive diplomacy;
- Polemology (the study of conflict);
- Political analysis.
Special attention was given to professional exchange at the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations (IIR). The French diplomat—a Knight of the Legion of Honor and a profound expert on Central Asia with prior diplomatic experience in Tajikistan, China, India, and Vietnam—met with the university’s expert community.
The Director of the Center, Ambassador Shiri Shiriev, and leading staff members discussed pressing regional issues with the guest. The discussion focused on:
- New integration platforms in Central Asia;
- Transport and logistics hubs and cross-border economic projects;
- Energy security and regional integration.
During her visit, Yasmine Gouédard addressed students at the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) as part of the conference titled “Turkmenistan and International Law: Experience of Neutrality and Cooperation.” The experienced diplomat shared practical knowledge with future international relations specialists, noting the importance of the values of good-neighborliness.
Beyond the official agenda, the visit includes an extensive cultural component, including visits to the State Museum and the “Ancient Nisa” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, highlighting the French side’s interest in Turkmenistan’s rich historical heritage. ///nCa, 13 May 2026 (Based on materials from the MFA of Turkmenistan and TDH)