On 14 July 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and ASEAN. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its interest in further expanding engagement … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-Philippines Engagement Points to Wider Central Asia–ASEAN Opportunity
nCa Commentary The recent meeting in Manila between Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Leo Herrera-Lim may appear at first glance as a routine diplomatic engagement. Yet a closer look suggests that it could be part of a much broader strategic development: the gradual opening of a new channel between Central … [Read more...]
Neutrality as the Bridge: Why Central Asia and ASEAN Are Natural Partners in a Divided World
Tariq Saeedi In just over two weeks, on 12 December 2025, Ashgabat will host the high-level International Forum "Peace and Trust", the flagship event marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality – a status uniquely recognized by the United Nations in 1995 and reaffirmed ever since. The UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust … [Read more...]
“Engines of opportunity, centres of vulnerability” – UN forum calls for urgent action to tackle growing challenges in Asian and Pacific cities
As Asia and the Pacific faces an unprecedented urban transformation, with cities preparing to absorb 1.2 billion more people by 2050 – roughly twice the population of ASEAN – government leaders, city planners and development experts opened the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) today, calling for stronger regional … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan intends to strengthen relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region
During a cabinet of ministers meeting on Saturday (25 May), the Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov reported on the measures being implemented to further develop Turkmenistan's relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia took a special place in the report. China: Regarding … [Read more...]
Tokayev delivered a lecture in Singapore on the theme “Kazakhstan and the role of the Middle Powers: promoting security, stability and sustainable development”
During the state visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore lecture, in which he expressed his vision of the role of the middle powers in ensuring global security, stability and sustainable development. The Singapore lectures, organized by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) since the 1980s, provide a unique opportunity for academics, political … [Read more...]