Tariq Saeedi Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, unanimously recognised by UN General Assembly Resolution 50/80 of 12 December 1995, received its modern, active and operational character under Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who led the country as President from 2007 to 2022 and has since continued to shape its foreign policy as National Leader (Arkadag) and Chairman of the Halk … [Read more...]
The Inspiring Saga of Arkadag and Neutrality
Tariq Saeedi Executive Summary Immediately upon assuming the presidency in 2007, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov transformed Turkmenistan's neutrality—originally proclaimed during the first president's tenure in 1995—into an active, positive, and dynamic framework that fostered proactive international cooperation while maintaining non-alignment principles. His leadership … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Extend a Helping Hand to the Afghan People
On 21 October 2025, during a working visit to the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, announced Turkmenistan’s intention to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The statement was made in the context of his recent visit to Afghanistan, where the next phase of the TAPI gas … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Visits TAPI Site in Afghanistan, Meets DPM Baradar Akhund
On 20 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmenistan people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, accompanied by a high-level delegation, met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. The meeting took place at the TAPI project site on the territory of Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Meets with President of Azerbaijan
On 7 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, arrived in Gabala, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Upon arrival, he met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the People’s Council session, 19 September 2025
Dear participants of the meeting Halk Maslakhaty! Dear compatriots! In a matter of days, we will widely and solemnly celebrate the 34th anniversary of the sacred independence of our sovereign Fatherland, and on 12 December, the International Year of Peace and Trust, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality with the same scope. Independence and … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan met with the President of Uzbekistan
On 22 August 2025, a meeting was held in the "Awaza" National Tourist Zone between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan. President Mirziyoyev is on visit to Turkmenistan to attend a summit with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and President of Azerbaijan Hold Talks in Awaza (updated)
On 22 August 2025, a meeting took place in the Awaza National Tourism Zone between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in both one-on-one and expanded formats. Berdimuhamedov emphasized that interstate relations, rooted in centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
Dear members of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan! One of the original traditions of the Turkmen people is the joint discussion of important issues. This democratic tradition, which has been fundamental in the life of our people for thousands of years, in the modern historical era serves as the basis for the development of the country, the driving force of … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Prepares for International Forum Marking 30 Years of Neutrality – Turkmenistan to Enshrine Peace and Trust Policy in Constitutional Law
At a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty Presidium on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, discussed preparations for events in Ashgabat dedicated to the designation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” and to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent … [Read more...]
Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan to Convene in Ashgabat in September
On 20 August 2025, a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty [People’s Council] of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming Halk Maslahaty session and the celebration of the 30th anniversary … [Read more...]
Welcoming Ceremony for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries Held in Awaza (updated)
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova, Awaza, Turkmenistan On 5 August 2025, a solemn welcoming ceremony for delegates of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) took place in the National Tourism Zone “Awaza.” The event marked a significant milestone in global efforts to address the challenges faced by nations without access to sea … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Russia Strengthen Strategic Partnership: Russian Delegation Participates in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
On 5 August 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, received the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Patrushev, who led the Russian delegation during a working visit to Turkmenistan. The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment to strengthening the strategic … [Read more...]
Trilateral meeting in Awaza: A new stage of cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
On 5 August 2025, a trilateral meeting was held in Awaza with the participation of Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov. According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Meets with President of Kazakhstan
On 4 August 2025, in Turkmenbashi, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. It was noted that the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Leadership Congratulates the President of Uzbekistan on His Birthday
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan on the occasion of his 68th birthday. “We highly value your personal contribution to strengthening the traditionally friendly and strategic relations between our countries and look forward to further expanding bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” the … [Read more...]
Second Day of Turkmenistan’s National Leader’s Visit to Azerbaijan: Focus on Cultural Heritage and Infrastructure Development in Shusha and Fuzuli
On 17 July 2025, as part of his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, accompanied by President Ilham Aliyev, visited the cities of Fuzuli and Shusha. Exploring Modern Infrastructure in Fuzuli The visit began with a tour of the international airports in … [Read more...]
The First Day of the Official Visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen People to Azerbaijan
On 16 July 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed for a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan. The summit talks, meetings with Azerbaijani leadership, parliamentary representatives, and religious figures held on the first day of the visit affirmed the steady and progressive nature … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov: Turkmen-Azerbaijani Relations Rest on Brotherhood, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation
On 16 July 2025, the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had a one-on-one meeting in Baku. President Ilham Aliyev welcomed the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev … [Read more...]
Telephone conversation between the National Leader of Turkmenistan and the speaker of the upper house of the Russian Parliament
On 29 June 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. During the conversation, Valentina Matvienko congratulated Arkadag on his birthday. … [Read more...]
President of Türkiye and National Leader of Turkmenistan Hold Telephone Conversation
On 29 June 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. President Erdoğan extended his heartfelt congratulations to Hero-Arkadag on the occasion of his birthday, highlighting his significant contribution to the steady strengthening of … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan Congratulates National Leader of Turkmenistan on His Birthday
On 29 June 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, warmly congratulating him on his birthday. He extended heartfelt wishes for good health, family happiness, and well-being, as well as peace and prosperity for the … [Read more...]
Speech of National Leader of Turkmenistan at Turkmen-French Economic Forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov visited France on 5 May 2025. Among other engagements, he also addressed the Turkmen-French Economic Forum. Here is the unofficial, slightly paraphrased translation of his speech: Dear forum participants! Ladies and gentlemen! I am very pleased with today's meeting. The presentation will consist of three … [Read more...]
Official Visit by Turkmenistan’s National Leader to France
On May 5, 2025, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, embarked on an official visit to the French Republic. Known as Hero-Arkadag, his visit aimed to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Turkmenistan and France, encompassing political, economic, and cultural dimensions. The visit … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan at the Awarding Ceremony
Dear President of the Republic of Uzbekistan! Dear participants of today’s event! First and foremost, allow me to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, esteemed Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, for the great honor bestowed upon me – the award of the Order “Oliy Darajali Dustlik” (Friendship at the Highest Level). I would like to emphasize … [Read more...]
Arkadag in Uzbekistan after concluding visit to Kyrgyzstan
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, arrived in Uzbekistan on 23 April 2025 after wrapping up his 2-day visit of Kyrgyzstan. His regional tour started with Kazakhstan a few days ago. Here the coverage from the official websites of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan: President Sadyr Japarov Holds Talks with Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of … [Read more...]
The President of Kazakhstan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people held informal talks: energy and transport under the spotlight
On 22 April 2025, informal talks were held in Turkestan between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Head of Kazakhstan thanked Berdimuhamedov for visiting Turkestan, the spiritual capital of Kazakhstan, a city of sacred importance to all Turkic peoples. Tokayev congratulated Arkadag … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan arrives in Kyrgyzstan
The National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, having completed his visit to Kazakhstan, arrived in Kyrgyzstan on April 22 on a working visit. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov met the high guest at Issyk-Kul International Airport, the press service of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic reports. During the visit, Sadyr Japarov and … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan us on visit to Kazakhstan – Tokayev and Berdimuhamedov Explore Turkestan
On April 21, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left on a visit to Turkestan, Kazakhstan. "Kazakhstan is a time-tested and reliable partner of our country, whose relations are based on long-term and mutual benefit. In recent years, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have attached great importance to the … [Read more...]
The President of Kazakhstan and the National Leader of Turkmenistan will hold an informal meeting
On 21-22 April 2025, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will hold an informal meeting in Turkestan, reported the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. During the talks, prospects for further strengthening the Kazakh-Turkmen strategic … [Read more...]
Speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of interregional cooperation in ensuring sustainable development”
Here is slightly paraphrased translation of the speech by National Leader of Turkmenistan Arkadag Berdimuhamedov as given by Turkmen State News Agency TDH: Dear conference participants! I would like to thank you for participating in this forum and wish you a successful forum! Representatives of foreign countries, international organizations and large companies gathered … [Read more...]
Arkadag explains some policy directions of Turkmenistan in speech at international forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, spotlighted some policy direction of Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of the “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development.” In his speech, Arkadag highlighted the … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan and Russian Federation Council Chair discuss strategic partnership and humanitarian ties in telephone talks
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, held telephone talks on Tuesday, March 18, during which they discussed the strategic partnership between two countries. During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
(UPDATED) The National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of Kyrgyzstan held telephone talks
On 29 January 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov had a telephone conversation, during which an interested exchange of views took place on a number of important issues of bilateral cooperation. Noting the dynamic nature of cooperation … [Read more...]
(UPDATED) The National Leader of the Turkmen people held telephone talks with the President of Kazakhstan
On Wednesday, 22 January 2025, telephone talks were held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This was reported by the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. During the conversation, the sides discussed issues of further strengthening the strategic … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan is ready to continue providing full support to Turkmenistan to achieve noble goals in the interests of universal progress, says President Tokayev
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a letter to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in which he expressed his deep respect and recognition of his contribution to the development of relations between the two countries. In his letter, Tokayev noted the high … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people is on a visit to Monaco
On 19 January, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left on a visit to the Principality of Monaco. At the airport of the capital, he spoke with media representatives, saying that Monaco had been declared the "Sports Capital of the World in 2025." Berdimuhamedov stressed the important role of sport … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the UN Secretary General discussed security initiatives and plans for the International Year of Peace and Trust – Turkmenistan proposes to host two peacekeeping centers
On 14 January 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the UN Secretary General. During the conversation, the National Leader discussed Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
The International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th Anniversary of Neutrality: Turkmenistan outlines key areas of preparation for national and international events
On 9 January, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the Organizing State Committee for High-level events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the declaration of 2025 by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Peace and Trust. The meeting was … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed topical issues of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation
During a telephone conversation on 30 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated each other and the fraternal peoples of the two countries on the coming 2025, sincerely wishing health, happiness, well-being, peace and prosperity, … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people held telephone talks with the Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia – the Second Dialogue of Women of Central Asian states and Russia may take place in Avaza in May 2025
On 28 December 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had a telephone conversation with Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported. The sides exchanged warm congratulations … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people met with the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the OTS
On Tuesday, 10 December, the National leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yildirim. Yildirim noted that Türkiye internationally supports the legal status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, twice recognized by the UN. He conveyed greetings and best wishes from … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care reports successes and outlines future goals
On Saturday, 7 December, in the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the Board of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care. It was attended by members of the Board, as well as Chairman of the State Committee for the … [Read more...]
Water issues, gas supplies and upcoming high-level meetings – The President of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people discussed key issues of cooperation
On 5 December 2024, a telephone conversation took place between the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the conversation, the sides discussed in detail topical issues of further strengthening the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership relations … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people met with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
On 4 December 2024, as part of a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the meeting, the parties expressed satisfaction with the rapid growth of mutually beneficial bilateral … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people participated in the One Water Summit in Riyadh
On 3 December 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the One Water summit. At the beginning of the visit, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov performed Umrah (small pilgrimage) to the holy Kaaba, visiting Makkah. Participation in the … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people met with the head of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States
As part of a working visit to Hungary, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yildirim. Yildirim thanked Berdimuhamedov for his active participation in the activities of the OTS Council of Elders and noted that the implementation of the initiatives announced by … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the 16th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech at the 16th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of promoting people's diplomacy based on the principles of prosperity, peace, mutual respect, and … [Read more...]
The OTS Council of Elders invites the National Leader of the Turkmen people for its meeting in Budapest
On Monday, 25 November, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yildirim. During the conversation, Yildirim invited Arkadag to participate in the 16th meeting of the Council … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader met with the President of Iran
On 11 October, in Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. The President of Turkmenistan once again warmly congratulated President Masoud Pezeshkian on his election to a high state post, wishing him great success in his activities. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that strengthening relations with Iran … [Read more...]