[Final Version] The state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan has emerged as a landmark event in the modern history of relations between the two Caspian neighbors, producing a broad package of agreements, new transport and maritime initiatives, and a strong reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between Ashgabat and Baku. Hosted by … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov Begins State Visit to Azerbaijan, Signaling New Momentum in Strategic Caspian Partnership
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Azerbaijan on Monday for a state visit that both sides are expected to use to deepen cooperation across energy, transport, trade, and cultural exchanges. His aircraft landed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where he was welcomed by Azerbaijani officials and members of the Turkmen delegation. According to … [Read more...]
Beyond Moscow and Kabul: What the Russia-Taliban Agreement Means for Central Asia
nCa Commentary The military-technical cooperation agreement signed between Russia and the Taliban on 27 May 2026 has, understandably, been read mainly through the lens of Moscow's deepening recognition of the Taliban government and the broader reconfiguration of Eurasian security after the US withdrawal. Less attention has gone to a narrower but practical question: does … [Read more...]
Pakistan–Turkmenistan Partnership Enters a Proactive Phase, Strengthening the Central Asia–South Asia Connection
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova A notable shift is taking place in Pakistan–Turkmenistan relations. What was once a partnership largely associated with strategic visions and flagship connectivity projects is increasingly evolving into a broad-based and action-oriented relationship, marked by a steady stream of initiatives across trade, investment, education, healthcare, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Deepen Strategic Partnership Through High-Level Dialogue and Joint Commission
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took another significant step toward strengthening their strategic partnership as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and the two countries convened the 19th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation in Ashgabat. The … [Read more...]
JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN TURKMENISTAN AND MALAYSIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE DATO’ SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM, PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA TO TURKMENISTAN
1. His Excellency Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, undertook an official visit to Turkmenistan on 18 -19 June 2026 at the invitation of of His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan. 2. During the visit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in … [Read more...]
Beyond Oil and Gas: Why Anwar Ibrahim’s Turkmenistan Visit May Redefine Malaysia–Turkmenistan Relations
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Turkmenistan on 18–19 June 2026 was, on the surface, centered on energy cooperation. The visit coincided with the celebration of three decades of PETRONAS operations in Turkmenistan and produced a number of important agreements in the oil and gas sector. Yet a closer look reveals … [Read more...]
Kabul Think-Tank Forum Reflects Growing Economic Convergence Between Afghanistan and Central Asia
nCa Report The first Forum of Strategic Studies Centers and Think Tanks of Afghanistan, Central Asia and Azerbaijan, held in Kabul on 16 June, has provided another indication that relations between Afghanistan and its northern neighbours are entering a more structured and institutional phase. While official information on the forum remains limited and a complete list of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Completes Legal Groundwork for UN Regional SDG Centre as Tokayev Signs Ratification Law
nCa Report President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan's government and the United Nations on the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan, the presidential press service Akorda announced. Tokayev also separately ratified a Memorandum of Understanding … [Read more...]
The US-Iran Understanding: A Breakthrough, a Pause, or Simply Another Chapter?
Tariq Saeedi For the first time in months, perhaps years, there is a discernible sense that the United States and Iran may have stepped back from the brink. Yet anyone seeking certainty would be wise to wait. What appears to have emerged is not a final agreement but a framework, a memorandum of understanding, and a roadmap toward negotiations. The parties themselves … [Read more...]
SRSG Kaha Imnadze participates in the Eighth Meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan
On 15 June 2026, Kaha Imnadze, the SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, took part in the “8th Meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian Countries on Afghanistan”. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan at the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participates in Preparations for Landmark Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit
Turkmenistan joined the latest round of preparations for what is expected to become a milestone event in relations between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea, as Deputy Foreign Minister A. Gurbanov participated in the second meeting of senior officials preparing for the inaugural Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit. The meeting took place on 16 June in Tashkent … [Read more...]
Kabul Forum Highlights Growing Role of Regional Think Tanks in Central Asia–Afghanistan Cooperation
Research institutions and strategic studies centers from Afghanistan, the five Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan gathered in Kabul on Tuesday for a high-level regional forum aimed at strengthening cooperation on connectivity, trade, energy, transit, investment, and regional stability. The meeting underscored the growing role of expert and analytical communities in … [Read more...]
On the meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan
On June 16, 2026, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan Nurlan Nogayev. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the further development of bilateral relations. In particular, the importance of … [Read more...]
Participation of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in the regular meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian countries for Afghanistan
On June 15, 2026, the next meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian countries for Afghanistan was held in Almaty, in which Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov participated. During the meeting, participants discussed a wide range of issues related to the current situation in Afghanistan, prospects … [Read more...]
A meeting with the Ambassador of Japan was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On June 15, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan Sasaki Hiroshi. During the meeting, the parties noted the progressive development of Turkmen-Japanese relations and discussed promising areas of cooperation of mutual interest. It was noted that maintaining active … [Read more...]
Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov to Visit Azerbaijan, Ambassador Confirms
Preparations are underway for an official visit by Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Baku, Gurbanmammed Elyasov, announced on June 15. The ambassador made the announcement during a panel discussion on party diplomacy and peacebuilding mechanisms, part of an international conference focused on the South Caucasus … [Read more...]
Evolving Geopolitical Reality: Central Asia in the Focus of the European Union’s Strategic Interests
Elvira Kadyrova The recently concluded Central Asia Press Trip to Brussels for journalists from the five Central Asian nations provided a valuable opportunity to look behind the scenes of European diplomacy, enriching existing knowledge with fresh insights and perspectives. Expert discussions and briefings in the EU capital clearly indicate that the European approach to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Intensifies Preparations for Official Visit of Malaysian Prime Minister
Turkmenistan is making final preparations for the upcoming official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, a trip expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations between the two countries. Preparatory measures were reviewed during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Foreign Minister Rashid … [Read more...]
Inaugural session of Joint Turkmenistan-Slovakia Economic Cooperation Commission planned
Turkmenistan and Slovakia are preparing to deepen bilateral economic engagement through the establishment of a Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation. Preparations for the commission’s inaugural meeting were reviewed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported that the necessary organizational … [Read more...]
The 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission was held in Ashgabat
On June 12, 2026, the 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of domestic government agencies and business circles participated, as well as a visiting delegation led by Elisabeth Weissenböck, Director of the Foreign Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry for Economic … [Read more...]
Russian Ambassador Highlights Turkmen Neutrality as Pillar of Regional Stability
Russia’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin, has described Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality as an important factor contributing to global stability and geopolitical balance in the region. Speaking at a reception marking Russia Day, Volynkin said Moscow highly values its political dialogue with Ashgabat and maintains regular consultations on a broad range … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts 9th Meeting of Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission: Comprehensive Action Plan Signed
On 4 June 2026, the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC) took place in Ashgabat. During the session, government delegations from both nations held detailed discussions on expanding their strategic partnership and outlined concrete steps to diversify bilateral trade. The Turkish delegation was led by Vice … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz
On Thursday, 4 June 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, who is currently visiting Ashgabat. Yılmaz also serves as the Turkish co-chair of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation, state news agency TDH reports. At the beginning of the meeting, Yılmaz conveyed warm greetings … [Read more...]
Central Asia Returns to the UN Security Council: Kyrgyzstan Elected as Non-Permanent Member for the First Time
Following the elections for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, held on 3 June at the UN General Assembly, Kyrgyzstan will join the Council for the first time in its history. Furthermore, this marks the first time in nearly a decade that a Central Asian nation will serve on the Security Council, the UN News Service reports. "During its … [Read more...]
Belgium and Central Asia Discuss Partnership Prospects
On 3 June 2026, a working breakfast of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot, with the Ambassadors of the countries of Central Asia and Mongolia took place at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels, according to the Embassy of Turkmenistan to Belgium. The meeting was held at the initiative of the Ambassador of … [Read more...]
Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz Arrives in Ashgabat: High-Level Meetings and Intergovernmental Commission Meeting on the Agenda
On 3 June 2026, Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz arrived in Ashgabat for a two-day visit. At the Ashgabat International Airport, Vice President Yılmaz was met by Nazar Agahanov, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador of Türkiye to Ashgabat, and other officials. From the airport, Yılmaz proceeded to the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Malaysia Prepare for Summit Meetings
On 3 June 2026, a telephone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan reports. During the conversation, the parties discussed a wide range of issues regarding bilateral cooperation in the … [Read more...]
Beyond Blocs: Turkmenistan’s Quiet Diplomacy in a Fractured World
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova There is a certain kind of diplomatic activity that attracts little headline attention precisely because it is consistent, measured, and free of drama. No ultimatums. No bloc posturing. No zero-sum calculations announced with fanfare. --- Turkmenistan's foreign policy tends to operate in this register — and in a period when geopolitical noise … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and US Eye Deeper Cooperation on Energy Security and Supply Routes
On 29 May 2026, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House in Washington to discuss deepening bilateral ties across key strategic sectors. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the talks focused heavily on expanding cooperation in trade, economics, energy, transport, and … [Read more...]
Pakistan and Turkmenistan Prepare for Upcoming Bilateral Events
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are set to launch a series of bilateral initiatives aimed at deepening economic ties, including the next session of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, alongside joint business, cultural, and humanitarian events. This was discussed during a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan, UNDP Discuss Deepening Ties Under New Country Programme
Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Alexander De Croo, UN Under-Secretary-General and Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), on 28 May 2026 to map out the next phase of bilateral cooperation. Discussions focused on the implementation of the new UNDP Country Programme for Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. The diplomats noted that the new five-year … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Set a Positive Example for SDG Implementation, Says UNGA President
The President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has highly praised Turkmenistan's track record in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Baerbock noted that the country's achievements and practical steps serve as a positive model for effectively advancing the global development agenda, according to the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign … [Read more...]
China, Turkmenistan Reaffirm Commitment to Deepening Strategic Partnership
China and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a press release from the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The announcement followed a meeting in New York on 27 May 2026 between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who also serves as a member of the Political … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Pakistan Foreign Ministers Discuss Strengthening Ties on UN Sidelines
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the Group of Friends meeting at UN Headquarters in New York. The two sides reviewed the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasized enhancing … [Read more...]
Outcomes of Putin’s Visit to Kazakhstan: Nuclear Power Plant, Billions in Investments, and a Breakthrough in Autonomous Shipping
The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan is taking place from 27 to 29 May 2026. The main highest-level events were held in Astana on 28 May. The program traditionally included talks in narrow and expanded formats between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Putin, statements by the heads of state to the press, and the launch of joint … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and US Prepare for Business Council Visit and Annual Bilateral Consultations
The schedule of upcoming bilateral meetings was discussed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, during a meeting in Washington on 27 May 2026. According to a press release from the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan, the sides exchanged views on the preparations for the upcoming visit of … [Read more...]
Meetings in New York: Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Holds Talks with Colleagues from Germany and Cuba
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate in New York. The main topics of discussion included strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic partnerships, and promoting global peace initiatives. Berlin and Ashgabat: Focus on the "Central Asia – … [Read more...]
China ready to work with Turkmenistan to invigorate bilateral ties: Chinese FM
China stands ready to work with Turkmenistan to act on the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, advance cooperation on major projects and inject fresh vitality into bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday. During a meeting with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Wang thanked Meredov … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmen People Attends Eid al-Adha Celebrations
On 27 May 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, took part in festive events marking the beginning of the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram). The itinerary for the day included religious observances, visits to memorial sites, and discussions with members of the Council of Elders and … [Read more...]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Holds Meetings with UN Secretary-General and High-Level Officials in New York
Turkmenistan’s strategic partnership with the UN and the promotion of Ashgabat’s key initiatives in preventive diplomacy, security, and sustainable development were the central themes of a series of talks held in New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Hold Meeting in New York
On 26 May 2026, as part of his working visit to New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. During the meeting, the sides highlighted the role and significance of high-level mutual visits and contacts in further developing bilateral ties, which are built upon the relations of … [Read more...]
Reception in Ashgabat on the Occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia: A Course Towards Strategic Partnership and Regional Connectivity
While the world faces fragmentation, Georgia and Turkmenistan continue to build strong economic bridges: at a reception honoring the Independence Day of Georgia in Ashgabat, Ambassador Konstantine Sabiashvili announced that a major Turkmen-Georgian business forum and exhibition will be held in Tbilisi as early as July this year. The Ambassador Extraordinary and … [Read more...]
Why Turkmenistan Is Worth Watching in the Global Data Center Race
nCa Report The scramble for AI infrastructure is quietly redrawing the map of economic relevance. In the industrial age, nations competed for ports and pipelines. Now they’re competing for something less visible but increasingly consequential: the ability to host, cool, and power enormous amounts of computation. Data centers have gone from being IT afterthoughts to … [Read more...]
nCa Special Report – Eurasian Corridors in an Era of Strategic Fragmentation
Just released – nCa Special Report ‘Eurasian Corridors in an Era of Strategic Fragmentation.’ With raging chaos around Middle East and West Asia, the Hormuz and Red Sea disruptions, sanctions, and supply chain fragility, this report delivers clear-eyed analysis of Eurasian corridors — their real potential, structural limits, and resilience value. Essential reading for … [Read more...]
Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship in the CIS in 2026 Circulated as an Official Document of the UN General Assembly
The Concept of the Chairmanship of Turkmenistan in the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026 has been published and circulated as an official document of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly under agenda item 126 entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations” with the symbol A/80/722. The circulation of this … [Read more...]
White House Hosts Credential Presentation Ceremony for Turkmen Ambassador
An official meeting took place in Washington on May 21, 2026, during which Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Esen Aydogdyyev presented his Letters of Credence to U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House. During the ceremony, the diplomat and Trump exchanged warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the top leadership of Turkmenistan and the United States. The meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan meets CIS Secretary-General
On 22 May 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev, who arrived in Ashgabat to attend the Council of Heads of Government meeting, the TDH news agency reports. During the talks, Lebedev highly commended Turkmenistan’s contribution to fostering multilateral dialogue across the Commonwealth. In turn, the Head of State reaffirmed that … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Welcomes Uzbek Prime Minister
On 22 May 2026, ahead of the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting in Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, the State News Agency (TDH) reports. At the start of the meeting, Aripov conveyed warm greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Turkmen President and the National Leader of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]