On 25 February 2026, a meeting was held at Lancaster House, the prestigious UK Foreign Office building, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the sides exchanged views on further strengthening Turkmen-British ties, highlighting their steady development, particularly in the fields of culture and education.
During a joint working lunch for the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, the significance of the upcoming inaugural “Central Asia – UK” ministerial meeting was emphasized as a major step toward enhancing multilateral cooperation.
The Turkmen delegation expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted its deep respect for the United Kingdom as a nation with a unique cultural and diplomatic heritage. Significant potential for expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres was underscored, alongside the development of political and economic engagement.
Particular note was made of the high level of interest in Turkmenistan regarding the study of the English language and British culture, as well as the importance of educational and academic exchanges, including the Chevening Scholarship programmes.
As examples of the intensifying cultural dialogue, the sides cited the “Ceilidh” Scottish dance evening held in Ashgabat, the installation of a monument to William Shakespeare in the Turkmen capital, and the release of a BBC documentary film about the leopards of the Kopetdag mountains.
Note: Lancaster House is a magnificent mansion built in 1825, located in the St James’s district of central London. The Grade I listed building is frequently used for high-level diplomatic receptions, summits, and international events. It is renowned for its neoclassical interiors and has served as a filming location for popular productions such as The Crown and Downton Abbey./// nCa, 26 February 2026