Between 10 and 15 May 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Ata Serdarov, visited Kampala to attend the inauguration ceremony of the re-elected President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony took place at the Kololo Ceremonial … [Read more...]
US–China Summit: A strategic moment for stabilizing bilateral relations
Chen Ziqi, reporter from CGTN The flags of the United States and China flutter side by side. [Photo: VCG] US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a new round of face-to-face talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping from May 14 to 15, a meeting arriving at a particularly delicate moment in global politics and the international economy. It marks … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Rustam Minnikhanov Discuss IT Cooperation and Cultural Projects in Kazan
On 13 May, as part of his visit to Tatarstan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held talks with the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. The meeting took place at the Kazan Kremlin in both a narrow format and with the participation of government delegations, as reported by … [Read more...]
Uganda Eyes Turkmenistan’s Energy Expertise to Bolster Domestic Oil and Gas Sector
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has signaled a strategic intent to tap into Turkmenistan’s extensive experience in natural gas production, following high-level talks between the ruling party’s leadership and a delegation from the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan. The meeting, held in Kampala between NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and Ata Serdarov, head of … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Meets with the Rais of Tatarstan
On Wednesday, 13 May, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is currently visiting Kazan, met with the Rais of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. This was reported by the press service of the Head of Tatarstan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is leading the Turkmenistan delegation at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uganda Explore New Frontiers in Diplomatic and Economic Ties
Uganda and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following high-level diplomatic talks focused on trade, education, tourism, energy, and cultural cooperation. The meeting, organized by Ambassador Twaha Matata, Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran (which is also accredited to Turkmenistan), was hosted by a Ugandan … [Read more...]
The Rise and Fall of Superpowers — Lessons from History
Tariq Saeedi There is a particular kind of confidence that comes with dominance. It is the confidence of a power that has won — militarily, economically, culturally — and has begun, almost unconsciously, to regard its position as the natural order of things. Rome had it. Britain had it. And for much of the twentieth century, the United States has had it too. History, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Cambodia Open a New Chapter in Relations: Results of Inaugural Political Consultations in Phnom Penh
A milestone event in the history of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Cambodia took place in Phnom Penh as the two nations held their first-ever inter-ministerial political consultations on 8–9 May. Political Dialogue During the political consultations, where the Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet … [Read more...]
An Event Dedicated to the 103rd Anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s Birth Held in Turkmenistan
An event titled “Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan: Brotherhood and Strategic Partnership” was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan, on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. This was … [Read more...]
“Yerevan Dialogue 2026”: Turkmenistan Presents Energy Transformation Strategy
On 5 May 2026, the two-day international forum “Yerevan Dialogue 2026” commenced in Yerevan. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov, is participating in the forum, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Now in its third year, the forum has brought together high-ranking government officials, private … [Read more...]
The Beating Heart: How China Brings Human Warmth to the World’s Largest Economic Partnership
Tariq Saeedi Introduction When analysts examine China's remarkable ascent as the world's most sought-after development partner, they reach instinctively for the tools of macroeconomics: financing volumes, construction timelines, trade balances, and debt ratios. These metrics matter enormously, and they tell a compelling story. But they tell only part of it. Beneath … [Read more...]
The Question Before the Answer: Diplomacy and the Power of Words
Tariq Saeedi I once knew someone who was, simultaneously, my mentor and my tormentor. He had a habit of teaching through ambush. One afternoon, after a long stretch of silence between us, he shifted in his seat and said, almost casually, “We should not kill the horse in the afternoon.” The remark landed without context, abrupt and unsettling. I took the bait. “When … [Read more...]
Dynamic Triangular Partnership: Rethinking Diplomacy in an Unstable World
Tariq Saeedi For much of modern diplomatic history, the world has been explained through bilateral relationships. Two countries sign agreements, build pipelines, exchange goods, and manage tensions. The simplicity of this model has always been its strength—and its limitation. That world no longer exists. We now live in an era where connectivity is instantaneous, supply … [Read more...]
ESCAP Warns of Mounting Economic Pressures Across Asia-Pacific
A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has issued a stark warning: the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific is coming under increasing strain from geopolitical tensions, rising prices, and deepening global uncertainty. The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 finds that the ongoing Middle East … [Read more...]
Central Asia in 2025
Tariq Saeedi While much of the world spent 2025 navigating economic uncertainty and geopolitical turbulence, Central Asia quietly emerged as one of the year's most remarkable success stories. The five nations—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—achieved something increasingly rare in today's fractured global landscape: they maintained steady … [Read more...]
Building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation
CGTN podcast In October 2013, at a conference on work related to neighboring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward China's fundamental policy guideline for diplomacy with neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Amity” stands for close and friendly relations, “sincerity” for mutual trust and honesty, “mutual benefit” … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership Between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Further Strengthened in 2025 – Ambassador Gozalov
In 2025, the friendly, fraternal, and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan developed significantly, becoming even stronger and broader on the basis of mutual trust and friendship. In line with the spirit of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2017, the continued deepening of cooperation and the launch of mutually beneficial initiatives in new … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-Qatar Relations
nCa Report Key Points on Turkmenistan-Qatar Relations Historical and Diplomatic Overview Turkmenistan and Qatar, both energy-rich nations, have built ties based on mutual interests in natural gas and regional stability. The relationship has evolved steadily since independence-era engagements. Key Exchanges and Outcomes Visits at presidential and ministerial … [Read more...]
Erdogan at the Forum in Ashgabat: Türkiye is Ready to Take Responsibility for Peace and Dialogue
In an era of global conflicts and uncertainty, Ashgabat has become a platform for a powerful call for peace: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” emphasized Ankara's readiness to take responsibility for dialogue and stability. Speaking at the plenary session of the Forum, … [Read more...]
Pezeshkian Calls for Rethinking Peace, Citing Inequality as Root of War at Neutrality Forum in Ashgabat
Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, addressed the inaugural session of the international conference on neutrality, held on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat. The conference was the flagship event, marking the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This is also the year of peace and trust, as declared by the UN under a resolution initiated by … [Read more...]
On the Sidelines of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat: Meeting of the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Türkiye
On the sidelines of the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed the distinguished guest, thanking him for accepting the invitation to the forum timed to coincide with the … [Read more...]
On the Sidelines of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat: Meeting of the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Russia
In the lively atmosphere following the conclusion of the international forum on peace and trust in Ashgabat, President Vladimir Putin and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov found time for a personal conversation that underscored the enduring warmth between Moscow and Ashgabat. This meeting, which took place immediately after the plenary session of the forum “Peace and Trust: Unity … [Read more...]
On the Sidelines of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat: Arkadag-Putin Meeting
ASHGABAT — Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the former president of Turkmenistan known as Arkadag, personally greeted President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia at the airport here on Friday in a warm display of the longstanding ties between the two countries. The brief encounter at Ashgabat International Airport's presidential terminal, which included a guard of honor, … [Read more...]
On the Sidelines of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat: Putin-Pezeshkian Meeting
ASHGABAT — President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran met here on Friday to accelerate implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership, with both leaders emphasizing mutual support against Western sanctions. The meeting on the sidelines of an international peace forum highlighted growing economic ties between Moscow and … [Read more...]
On the Sidelines of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat: Putin-Erdoğan Meeting
Ashgabat – Russian President Vladimir V. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an hourlong meeting here on Friday, focusing on a number of issues including the Ukraine conflict and the European actions against frozen Russian assets. The meeting took place on the margins of the International Peace and Trust Forum, which commemorated the 30th anniversary of … [Read more...]
Tokayev at the International Forum in Ashgabat: Kazakhstan Proposes to Expand the UN Security Council and Create an International Water Organization
President of Kazakhstan Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev, addressing the International Forum on Peace and Trust, underscored the urgent need for reform of the United Nations. He called for the expansion of the Security Council and the strengthening of the role of the General Assembly in global decision‑making. “Despite certain successes in resolving individual conflicts, the overall … [Read more...]
Putin at the Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat: Russia and Turkmenistan Develop Partnership in the Spirit of Friendship and Good Neighborliness
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin participated in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. Russian President Vladimir Putin opened his address with warm congratulations to President of Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
European Union Says It Seeks No Expansion in Central Asia
The European Union’s special representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, rejected suggestions that Brussels is pursuing political or economic expansion in the region, emphasizing that the bloc’s growing engagement is driven solely by mutual benefit and a desire for stability. “We are not immediate neighbors, so it is very difficult to accuse us of any attempts at … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Evolution of Turkmenistan’s Policy of Permanent Neutrality
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...]
Neutrality of Turkmenistan and its Kaleidoscopic Nature
Tariq Saeedi On December 12, 2025, delegates from around the world will gather in Ashgabat to mark three decades of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. But this is no ordinary anniversary. What began as a simple commitment to non-alignment has evolved into something far more remarkable—a living demonstration of how a small nation can become a force for peace not by standing … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Neutrality and Women
Tariq Saeedi For thirty years, Turkmenistan has lived its neutrality not as a quiet diplomatic footnote, but as a living, breathing conviction—one that begins in the home and reaches all the way to the world stage. And at the very heart of that conviction stands the Turkmen woman. --- She is not a symbol. She is the architect. While much of the world still treats … [Read more...]
Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bit of Historical Context and Halk Maslahaty
Tariq Saeedi In an era when the world seems perpetually pulled toward extremes, true neutrality shines as something far more profound than simple non-alignment. When it is active, positive, and dynamic—when it refuses to be passive or static—neutrality reveals its deepest essence: it is another name for balance and harmony. It is the courageous choice to occupy the center, … [Read more...]
54th Anniversary of the UAE National Day Celebrated in Ashgabat: Ambassador Alhameli Announces Record Trade Growth with Turkmenistan
On 28 November 2025, UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmed Alhay Alhameli hosted a grand reception in Ashgabat to mark the 54th anniversary of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates. The event was attended by heads and staff of diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat, representatives of Turkmen business circles, journalists, public figures, well-known bloggers, and … [Read more...]
Neutrality: A Shield for Childhood, A Foundation for Future Generations
Tariq Saeedi Have you seen the pictures of children in a conflict zone? They haunt the conscience of every generation touched by conflict: a child's eyes, old beyond their years, reflecting a world where playgrounds have become battlegrounds and lullabies have been replaced by air raid sirens. This is not merely a tragedy of war—it is the theft of childhood itself, the … [Read more...]
C5 is now C6 – What will change?
Tariq Saeedi The transformation of Central Asia's consultative mechanism from C5 to C6 with Azerbaijan's formal inclusion represents far more than a diplomatic courtesy. At the November 2025 Tashkent summit, Central Asian leaders agreed that Azerbaijan would participate as a full member in future meetings, marking a strategic realignment that recognizes existing realities … [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...]
State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan: A New Chapter in Strategic Partnership
On 24–25 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The summit talks were held at the Akorda Palace on 25 November, in a narrow and an expanded formats with the participation of official delegations. Both leaders emphasized the special closeness of … [Read more...]
Neutrality’s Quiet Power: Unlocking Africa-Central Asia Partnerships for a Multipolar Future
Tariq Saeedi As the world gathers in Ashgabat on December 12 to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, it's a moment not just for reflection but for envisioning bolder horizons. This milestone underscores how neutrality isn't merely a stance of abstention—it's a strategic choice that fosters peace, stability, and unencumbered collaboration in an … [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...]
Neutrality of Turkmenistan – Dynamic harmony of a living organism
A personal exploration of whether three decades of evolution have brought Turkmenistan's neutrality to a state of natural balance Tariq Saeedi Many years ago, traveling near the borders of Iran and Pakistan, I witnessed something that has stayed with me ever since—a perfect demonstration of harmony in its purest form. --- A teenage shepherd was tending his small … [Read more...]
The Evolution of Fairness: A Nation’s Journey to Neutrality
Tariq Saeedi Anyone who judges before they listen is considered a fool. We know this. A person who chooses sides before understanding both is diminished. We accept this too. Yet when nations do the same, we call it foreign policy. --- Paradox? The child is born without prejudice. Watch her in the playground. She does not ask the color of the hand that offers her a toy, … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Gears Up for Historic C5+1 Summit with Trump: A Mix of Optimism and Caution
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2025, is generating significant buzz across Central Asia and beyond. This gathering, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format that brings together the United States and the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
US-China Summit in Busan: Comprehensive Report
nCa Report Overview On October 30, 2025, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for approximately one hour and forty minutes at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, marking their first face-to-face meeting in six years. The summit took place at the conclusion of Trump's three-country Asia tour, which also included stops in Malaysia and … [Read more...]
Equality and Mutual Respect
Tariq Saeedi ‘Equality and mutual respect’ is more than a utopian concept in international relations. It is an important and useful instrument in the modern diplomacy. Where Did the Idea of Equality and Mutual Respect Between Nations Come From? The idea that all countries should be treated as equals goes back to 1648 and … [Read more...]
Central Asia and the Law of Proximity
Tariq Saeedi Have you ever noticed how you're more likely to strike up a friendship with the person sitting next to you in class or the neighbor across the street than someone halfway across the world? It's not just coincidence—it's this fascinating idea called the ‘Law of Proximity’ from social psychology. Basically, it boils down to the fact that physical closeness … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan receives invitation for US-Central Asia summit in Washington DC
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan has received the invitation from President Donald Trump of the USA for participation in the US-Central Asia summit. The summit will take place in Washington DC on 6 November 2025. According to the Watan news show of Turkmenistan, the message from Trump reads: “I would like to invite you to the White House for a meeting with … [Read more...]
Speaker of Turkmenistan Parliament visits Moscow: Gulmanova and Matviyenko discuss strategic partnership and sign inter-parliamentary agreement
On 21 October 2025, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, met with Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly, Valentina Matviyenko, as part of an official visit to Moscow. During the meeting, the Speaker of the Federation Council stated that Dunyagozel Gulmanova’s visit to Moscow is of particular importance. "This is your first … [Read more...]
Global Recognition: UN Adopts Resolution on Awaza Political Declaration for Landlocked Countries
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution titled “Awaza Political Declaration” during the 18th plenary meeting of the 80th session. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov during a government meeting on Friday, 17 Oct. The Awaza Political Declaration was one of the outcomes of the Third UN Conference on … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan: Focus on Trade, Economic, and Transport Cooperation
On 17 October 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Galymzhan Koishybayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Government Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the beginning of the meeting, Koishybayev conveyed greetings from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people. In turn, … [Read more...]