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...]
President of Turkmenistan receives Prime Minister of Russia
On 22 May 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat. During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda, paying special attention to … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Discuss Current Cooperation Issues
On the sidelines of the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic. Kasymaliev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the Head of Turkmenistan on behalf of President of the Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Boosts Economic Partnership in the CIS: Trade Turnover Exceeds $4 Billion
On 22 May 2026, during an expanded-format meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, delivered a speech. In his address, he outlined Ashgabat's key priorities within the Commonwealth, highlighted a record growth in mutual trade, and proposed concrete steps for the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan – Belarus: Heading Towards Stronger Interparliamentary Ties
Interparliamentary cooperation, demographic security, and mutual participation in international events became the key topics of the meeting between the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova. The meeting took place on 21 May on the … [Read more...]
Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Meets with the Head of the Russian Federation Council in St. Petersburg
On 21 May, on the sidelines of the spring session of the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member Nations in St. Petersburg, a meeting was held between the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko. During the talks, V. Matviyenko … [Read more...]
Meeting of the CIS IPA Council Held in St. Petersburg: Autumn Session of the Assembly to Take Place in Ashgabat
On 21 May 2026, St. Petersburg hosted a meeting of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS IPA). The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the CIS IPA Council, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko. The meeting was attended by the heads of parliamentary … [Read more...]
Sergey Lebedev: Agenda of the CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Ashgabat Finalized Completely
Today, Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), chaired by Turkmenistan. "The meeting of the Council of Heads of Government will be held here under the chairmanship of Hojamurad Geldimuradov, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan. I believe it will be successful, as a conciliatory meeting was held … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Belarus Intensify Cooperation: Outcomes of Diplomatic Meetings in Ashgabat
On 21 May 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a series of important diplomatic meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Belarus. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Pavel Utyupin visited Ashgabat. The main event of the day was the meeting between the Belarusian guest and the Deputy … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kenya Build an Economic Bridge Between Central Asia and Africa: Outcomes of the Tokayev-Ruto Summit Talks in Astana
Astana has become the venue for a major geopolitical and economic event, hosting the President of Kenya, William Ruto, on a state visit. This historic, first-ever visit by a Kenyan leader to the Central Asian republic marks the beginning of a new milestone in interregional partnership. On 20 May 2026, the leaders of the two countries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto, … [Read more...]
Xi Jinping Accepts Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Invitation to Visit Turkmenistan
The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, has accepted an invitation from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to pay a visit to Turkmenistan, announcing his acceptance in a reply letter. The text of the Chinese leader's message was published by the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). In his letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Xi Jinping emphasized … [Read more...]
Russian business leader on future China-Russia cooperation
Chen Ziqi, a reporter from CGTN CGTN interviewed Pavel Kiparisov in Beijing, Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Guild of Commerce, on May 18, 2026. [Photo: courtesy of Pavel Kiparisov] As Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his state visit to China from May 19 to 20, attention is once again turning to the strength and resilience of China–Russia relations at a time … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Firmly Adheres to the “One China” Principle
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has voiced Ashgabat's position regarding the "One China" policy, opposing any forms of "Taiwan independence." This was stated in a special message issued by the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan for the media on 19 May 2026. Here is the full text of the statement: "Having the internationally accepted status of permanent … [Read more...]
The Quiet Transformation of Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi There is a paradox at the heart of Central Asian geopolitics that rarely gets the attention it deserves. For nearly two centuries, the region was treated as an object of history rather than a subject of it — shaped by Russian imperial cartography, then Soviet planning, then the post-Cold War security frameworks of Washington and Beijing. Outside powers came, … [Read more...]
UNRCCA highlights Preventive Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation at International Conference in Tashkent
On 14 May 2026, in Tashkent, UNRCCA participated in the international conference “Central Asia: A New Paradigm of Regional Development,” organized in a hybrid format by the Diplomatic Academy at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. The … [Read more...]
President of Azerbaijan Receives Head of State Committee for Construction of Arkadag on Sidelines of WUF13
On 17 May 2026, in Baku, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Deryageldi Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, Deryageldi Orazov conveyed warm greetings to the Azerbaijani leader on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty … [Read more...]
President of Uganda Receives Turkmen Delegation
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...]