Tariq Saeedi The international arena has long been dominated by a rigid, quasi-scientific obsession with classification. Foreign policy journals, academic treatises, and diplomatic summits routinely categorize the globe into a strict vertical pyramid: superpowers at the pinnacle, followed by great powers, middle powers, and an undifferentiated mass of small or minor … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets with Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
On 11 September 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kenji Yamada, TDH reports. During the talks, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Turkmenistan and Japan. Kenji Yamada conveyed greetings to the Head of State and the National … [Read more...]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan met with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
On 11 September 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.Kenji Yamada. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and favorable areas of development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, with particular emphasis on trade and economic relations. Noting the … [Read more...]
Exclusive: Interview with His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon
Stephen Conlon is His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan since May 2023. With a BSc and an MBA, fluency in Russian, French, Finnish, and Lithuanian, and a rich portfolio of accomplishments that would be the envy of any diplomat, Ambassador Conlon is widely recognized as a pragmatic leader who delivers tangible results on the global stage. He has a proven ability to turn … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meets with CIS Secretary-General
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the sides exchanged views on topical issues on the CIS … [Read more...]
“C5+1”: The US and Central Asian States Agree on Steps to Deepen Partnership
On 9 September 2026, Ashgabat hosted a regular meeting of the Secretariat for Multilateral Cooperation in the “C5+1” format, which brings together the Central Asian states and the United States of America, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting focused on the further development of the “C5+1” format, as well as practical aspects of interaction … [Read more...]
Time-tested friendship: Ashgabat marks 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence
On 8 September 2026, Ambassador Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek hosted a reception in Ashgabat to mark a milestone date — the 35th anniversary of Independence of Tajikistan. The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, and the public, standing as a vivid illustration of the growing bonds of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and deep strategic partnership … [Read more...]
Bishkek Declaration: SCO Rejects Bloc Confrontation, Emphasizes Security, Technology and Connectivity
Elvira Kadyrova In the Bishkek Declaration adopted at the SCO summit on 1 September 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, the member states emphasized that the organization is not a military-political bloc and rejected bloc-based confrontation in international relations. The document also sets out the SCO’s positions on Iran, Afghanistan, terrorism and technological threats, while outlining … [Read more...]
Tajikistan advances safe AI agenda at the UN level
Every year on 31 August, the international community will celebrate the International Day of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. This date was established in a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted at the initiative of Tajikistan. The observance will begin in 2027. A total of 144 member states voted in favor of the resolution. The choice of … [Read more...]
Xi Jinping–Sadyr Japarov Meeting in Bishkek: China and Kyrgyzstan Build a New System of Comprehensive Connectivity
Elvira Kadyrova The talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek on 31 August marked a new phase in China–Kyrgyzstan relations — from implementing individual infrastructure and investment projects to building a comprehensive system of economic connectivity spanning transport, border infrastructure, trade, standards, investment, … [Read more...]
Ambassador of Türkiye to Turkmenistan Şener Cebeci Intends to Firmly Support the Sovereignty and Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan
The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan, Şener Cebeci, addressed his compatriots and the Turkmen people on social media on the occasion of the official start of his diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. In his message, the Ambassador emphasized the special nature of ties between the two countries, recalling that … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Foreign Minister of Japan
On Sunday, 30 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reported. At the beginning of the meeting, Motegi said Japan attaches great importance to developing mutually beneficial relations with Turkmenistan, which it regards as a reliable partner. He conveyed … [Read more...]
Technology, Circular Economy and Artificial Intelligence: Turkmenistan and Japan Shape a New Partnership Agenda
Japan and Turkmenistan are expanding cooperation beyond traditional energy and infrastructure projects, exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence, data centers, circular economy initiatives and human-resource development. On 30 August, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held talks with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at the Ministry of Foreign … [Read more...]
Japan and Turkmenistan Seek to Deepen Strategic Ties Ahead of Foreign Minister’s Ashgabat Visit
Japan and Turkmenistan are entering a new stage in their bilateral relationship, with economic cooperation, regional connectivity, international diplomacy and emerging technologies set to feature prominently during Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit to Ashgabat on 29–30 August. Writing ahead of his visit in an article published by Turkmenistan’s … [Read more...]
Newly Appointed Ambassador of Türkiye Presents Credentials to the President of Turkmenistan
On 28 August 2026, in Ashgabat, the newly appointed Ambassador of Türkiye, Şener Cebeci, presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, TDH reports. Turkmenistan and the Republic of Türkiye are bound by the closest brotherly relations of a long-term, strategic nature, the Head of State emphasized while congratulating Şener Cebeci on his … [Read more...]
Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi to Visit Turkmenistan as Part of Four-Nation Diplomatic Tour
Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu will undertake an official visit to Turkmenistan, Slovakia, Austria, and Mongolia from 29 August to 4 September 2026. The upcoming diplomatic tour was announced in a statement released by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs). During his stop in Turkmenistan, Minister Motegi is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meets Newly Appointed Ambassador of Germany
On 27 August 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan Petra Dachtler. The Ambassador presented copies of her credentials to the Turkmen side, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Meredov congratulated the Ambassador on her appointment to the high post and wished … [Read more...]
The President of Kazakhstan Confirms Participation in the October Summits in Awaza – Kazakhstan Expects Turkmenistan’s Participation in the Aqaba Process Meeting
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend three regional summits to be hosted by Turkmenistan this coming October. This was confirmed during a telephone conversation between Tokayev and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. According to TDH news agency, Tokayev confirmed his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Welcomes Results of Kazakhstan’s First Elections to New Parliament
National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful holding of the first elections to the Kurultai, the country’s newly established unicameral parliament. The issue was discussed during a telephone conversation held on Tuesday, 25 August. The elections were the first to be held … [Read more...]
The Treaty of Eternal Friendship: How Baku and Tashkent Are Building a New Axis of Strategic Autonomy at the Crossroads of Asia and the Caucasus
Elvira Kadyrova On 23–24 August 2026, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. One of the key outcomes of the summit was the signing of the Treaty of Eternal Friendship with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Exactly two years earlier, on 23 August 2024, the two nations had inked the Treaty on Allied Relations, which also laid the … [Read more...]
SCO countries are making green development an engine of growth
Chen Ziqi, a reporter from CGTN Kazakhstan’s Akmola wind power cluster converts strong steppe winds into clean electricity. [Photo:CMG] Member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are navigating a common challenge: how to continue economic development and improve living standards while protecting the environment. To address this challenge, they … [Read more...]
Germany Is One of Turkmenistan’s Leading Partners in the EU, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Says
On Monday, 24 August 2026, newly appointed Ambassador of Germany to Turkmenistan Petra Dachtler presented her credentials to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reports the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Dachtler conveyed greetings to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President receives Tajik Foreign Minister
On Thursday, 20 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports. The talks focused on bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as preparations for upcoming regional summits. The Tajik Foreign Minister … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts Political Consultations Between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan
On 20 August 2026, Turkmen-Tajik political consultations were held in Ashgabat at the foreign minister level, co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin. During the talks, the parties focused on further refining the mechanisms of political and diplomatic interaction, according to … [Read more...]
Priority Positions of Turkmenistan at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
As a responsible member of the international community, Turkmenistan, consistently puts forward new international initiatives aimed at achieving the high ideals and goals of the United Nations. The upcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly is envisioned to serve as an important platform for consolidating the international community’s efforts to address current issues of … [Read more...]
Current issues of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation discussed in Tehran
On August 16, 2026, a meeting was held in Tehran between Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Y.Gayypov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehdi Sobhani. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for further development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation, as well as pressing issues of … [Read more...]
The Wakhan Corridor: A Buffer Whose Time Has Passed, and a Crossroads Whose Time Has Come
Tariq Saeedi The Wakhan Corridor is one of the strangest lines ever drawn on a map. --- A narrow finger of Afghan territory some 350 kilometres long and, in places, barely 13 kilometres wide, it reaches out from Badakhshan Province to touch China's Xinjiang region, separating Tajikistan to its north from Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan to its south. It was not born of trade, … [Read more...]
Bangladesh and Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral ties, cooperation in energy security
Bangladesh and Turkmenistan vowed to strengthen bilateral relations during the political consultations between the two countries held in Ashgabat on 15 August 2026. Ambassador Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Bilateral (East & West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan led their respective … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Met with the Delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
On August 15, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Secretary Bilateral (East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ambassador Nazrul Islam. During the meeting, the sides discussed current issues of cooperation between the two countries in the political, trade-economic, as … [Read more...]
Environmental Forum Held in Awaza to Mark Caspian Sea Day
On 12 August 2026, the National Tourist Zone of Awaza hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled “Protecting the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development.” The forum was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The event was held to mark Caspian Sea Day, which this year coincides with the … [Read more...]
Visa Waiver for Diplomats and Integration Experience: Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Meets with Benelux Secretary-General
Turkmenistan calls on the Benelux countries to consider introducing a mutual visa waiver regime for holders of diplomatic and service passports against the backdrop of dynamically developing cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan. This was discussed at a meeting between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, and the Secretary-General of the Benelux … [Read more...]
The World has Forgotten What Matters
Tariq Saeedi There are moments in history when events accumulate so strangely that ordinary explanations no longer suffice. We watch one development follow another with the uneasy sense that somebody, somewhere, is stirring a gigantic cauldron without knowing — or caring — what will emerge from it. Something is deeply wrong with the way the world is being governed. Not … [Read more...]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Hosts Meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires
On 7 August 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the United States of America to Turkmenistan Christine Hawkins. During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of Turkmen-American cooperation and reviewed prospects for further engagement in areas of mutual interest. Particular … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets with Vice President of Switzerland, OSCE Chairman-in-Office
On 5 August, in the Awaza National Tourist Zone, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Ignazio Cassis, Vice President of Switzerland (the country currently chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). During the meeting, Cassis emphasized … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meets with OSCE Chairman-in-Office
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Ignazio Cassis. During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues regarding OSCE activities, the … [Read more...]
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Visits OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat upon his arrival in the Turkmen capital, expressing appreciation to its staff for their commitment and work in support of the organization's mission. In a post on X, Cassis emphasized that the OSCE's greatest strength lies in its field operations. Since 1999, the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Remind the World of the Importance of International Law
The UN General Assembly has declared 2028 the Year of International Law — and Turkmenistan is already preparing to ensure that this date resonates across the world and delivers tangible results. Amid the transformation of the international relations system and growing instability in various parts of the globe, Turkmenistan is taking steps to help bring the world back to the … [Read more...]
UN General Assembly Resolution “Year of International Law, 2028”
The General Assembly, Reaffirming the central role of international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, in the maintenance of peace, security and friendly relations among nations, Recognizing the importance of education, capacity-building and technical assistance in international law, in particular for developing countries, including least developed … [Read more...]
Turkmen Delegation holds meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the King of the Netherlands
As part of the working visit of a Turkmen delegation headed by Tangryguly Atahallyyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, meetings were held in The Hague with Joost Flamand, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Frans Prinsen, Director of the Office of His Majesty the King of … [Read more...]
Swiss Foreign Minister to Visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will pay official visits to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan from 3 to 5 August 2026. During the trip, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will hold high-level talks with the authorities of both countries, with a particular focus on bilateral relations. In his capacity as the current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, he … [Read more...]
The Architecture of a Unified Space: Key Outcomes of the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Informal Summit in Kyrgyzstan
Elvira Kadyrova An informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on 31 July 2026. The summit was attended by President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview – William Leaf – Head of OSCE Centre, Ashgabat
If we were to put a human face on versatile fortitude, it would be William Leaf, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Ambassador William R. Leaf is in his second year of tenure as the head of the OSCE mission. Backed by 30 years of rich experience, William Leaf is a kind of institutional memory for all the three dimensions of the OSCE: 1. The Politico-Military Dimension; … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Receives Credentials of New Algerian Ambassador
On 29 July, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan D. Gulmanova received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of Algeria to Turkmenistan, Boumediene Guennad, who is based in Ankara. On the same day, the ambassador met with Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, where he presented copies of his … [Read more...]
CIS Permanent Representatives Meet in Minsk to Prepare October Summits in Turkmenistan
The Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) convened in Minsk on 28 July to review preparations for upcoming CIS high-level meetings in Turkmenistan, assess the country's chairmanship of the organization, and discuss new initiatives in digital transformation and regional cooperation. According to the CIS Executive … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Iran Discuss Development of Economic Cooperation and Joint Intergovernmental Commission Activity
On 27 July 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, and transport spheres. The Minister … [Read more...]
The Geography That Will Still Be There
Tariq Saeedi The Middle Corridor has deservedly become one of the most discussed connectivity initiatives across Eurasia. It is attracting unprecedented political attention, financial commitments, and commercial interest. Much of this enthusiasm is justified. The corridor offers diversification of trade routes, strengthens the economic prospects of the countries along … [Read more...]
The SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cholpon-Ata (24 July 2026): Outcomes and Implications Ahead of the Bishkek Summit
1. Participants and Related Events The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (CMFA) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) met on 24 July 2026 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, under the Kyrgyz chairmanship. The meeting constituted the principal ministerial preparation for the Council of Heads of State Summit, scheduled for 1 September 2026 in Bishkek, which will … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Expanding Horizons for Women, Strengthening the Nation
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova When Turkmenistan celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence this year, the occasion naturally invites reflection on the country's economic transformation, its growing international engagement and its distinctive policy of permanent neutrality. Equally important, however, is another story that has unfolded over these three and … [Read more...]
UN Country Team in Turkmenistan to Focus on Four Key Priorities, Says New Resident Coordinator
The United Nations Country Team in Turkmenistan will guide its work around four key priority areas, announced the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Ms. Xiaojun Grace Wang, during her meeting with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Monday, 20 July. According to UNRCO’s press-release, presenting her credentials to the President, Ms. Wang officially … [Read more...]
New UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Presents Credentials to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
On Monday, 20 July 2026, the newly appointed Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, presented her credentials to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. At the beginning of the meeting, Xiaojun Grace Wang conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the President and the National Leader of … [Read more...]