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...]
Uzbekistan and Belgium: Toward a New Stage of Strategic Partnership with the European Union
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (Uzbekistan) In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, … [Read more...]
Why is the one-China principle unquestionable?
Ji Shumin, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against the Japanese Invaders and the Liberation of Taiwan, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the creation of the United Nations. The return of Taiwan to China is the result of victory … [Read more...]
China’s Position Paper on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758
On October 25, 1971, at the 26th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted with an overwhelming majority, which “decides to restore all its rights to the People’s Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and to expel forthwith the representatives of … [Read more...]
Advancing Gender Equality: China’s Comprehensive Achievements in Women’s Development in the New Era
The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China has issued a detailed paper titled “China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era.” Here is the summary of the paper: China has made significant achievements in promoting women's well-rounded development in the new era. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has consistently … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Assume CIS Chairmanship in 2026
At the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit held in Dushanbe, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon announced that Turkmenistan will take over the CIS chairmanship in 2026. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his country and outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the chairmanship period. He emphasized … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and UAE Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates are marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, emphasizing their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. On this occasion, the leaders of both countries exchanged congratulations, reaffirming their dedication to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and shared … [Read more...]
Malaysia Celebrates 68th National Day in Ashgabat, Highlights Strong Ties with Turkmenistan
The Ambassador of Malaysia in Turkmenistan Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad Tajuddin hosted a grand reception in Ashgabat to commemorate Malaysia’s 68th National Day, with a strong emphasis on the deepening relationship between Malaysia and Turkmenistan. The chief guest from the Government of Turkmenistan was Deputy Prime Ministry Batyr Amanov, in charge of oil and gas sector. In his … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia
On 7 October 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman. During the meeting, the Minister noted that Croatia highly values its friendly relations with Turkmenistan. Taking the opportunity, G. Grlić Radman conveyed greetings from the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, and the … [Read more...]
The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia is on a visit to Ashgabat
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić-Radman, is on a visit to Turkmenistan on 7-8 October 2025. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen economic relations, with a special focus on cooperation in the energy sector. During the visit, the Minister met with the President of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Speaker of the Mejlis. The … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan held a telephone conversation with the President of the Russia
On 7 October 2025, a telephone conversation took place between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the International Information Center of Turkmenistan reports. The Head of State congratulated the Russian leader on his birthday and expressed sincere gratitude to Putin for his personal attention to the … [Read more...]
Vast Potential of Partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia
nCa Report The prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia look promising, with a solid foundation in energy and growing opportunities in trade, education, tourism, and other sectors. Recent developments, such as the restructuring of the Petronas Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in the Caspian Sea and a surge in bilateral trade, suggest potential for … [Read more...]
OTS under chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan: New initiatives and directions of integration
Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States In recent years, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has firmly established itself as one of the most dynamic regional associations in the world. Today, the Member States cooperate in more than 40 areas, ranging from foreign policy, trade, and energy to digital integration, green … [Read more...]
Germany and Turkmenistan: 35th Anniversary of German Unity Serves as an Occasion to Review Bilateral Partnership and Future Plans
On 3 October 2025, Ashgabat hosted a solemn celebration of the Day of German Unity, marking the 35th anniversary of Germany’s reunification. The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Germany to Turkmenistan, Bernd Heinze. The chief guest from the Turkmenistan government was Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the trade sector, Nokerguly Atagulyev. In his speech, Ambassador … [Read more...]
China: The Driving Force of the peace, stability and progress
Ji Shumin, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan This year, the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, but this anniversary year has proven to be far from calm: various doubts and negative assessments are being voiced regarding the role and importance of the UN. At the same time, it should be noted that the forces … [Read more...]
Political Evolution of Kazakhstan
The turmoil of January 2022 posed a significant and unique challenge for Kazakhstan. After the situation was brought under control, analysts both domestically and internationally voiced concerns that the political system might shift toward stricter governance and tightened control, as is common following political crises.However, time has proven these concerns unfounded. … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan: Advancing Toward Democratic Progress
Kazakhstan has navigated a series of transformative challenges in recent years that could have prompted a retreat from reformist ambitions. Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, the nation has encountered significant disruptions, both global and domestic, with the events of January 2022 standing out as a pivotal moment. While such crises often lead to stricter … [Read more...]
Presidents of Turkmenistan and Austria discussed bilateral economic partnership
In New York, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. As noted during the meeting, Austria is one of Turkmenistan’s long-standing and important partners in the European region. Currently, Turkmenistan and Austria successfully cooperate not only bilaterally but also in a multilateral … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-Pakistan Relations – Beyond Platitudes: Credible Partnership – Strategic Goals
Dr Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan As Turkmenistan celebrates its 34th Independence this year, it would also be celebrating its 30th Anniversary of Permanent Neutrality in December. Significantly, it was in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, that Turkmenistan proposed its policy of Neutrality at the ECO Summit in 1995. It is an opportune time to pause and … [Read more...]
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Discuss Expansion of Strategic Partnership
On 22 September 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, at the beginning of the conversation, Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on his birthday, wishing him good health, … [Read more...]
Lavrov Outlines Priorities for Russia’s Economic Cooperation with Central Asia
Russia's aggregate trade turnover with Central Asian countries exceeds $45 billion per year. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a session of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry, where key areas of interaction with Central Asian states and measures to support Russian companies in foreign markets were discussed. According to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Pakistan Hold Political Consultations
On 25 August 2025, political consultations were held in Ashgabat between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Pakistani side was headed by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Afghanistan and West Asia, Ambassador Syed Ali … [Read more...]
Beyond LLDC3 – The way ahead is illuminated by Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan
Tariq Saeedi in Karachi, Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova in Ashgabat The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), which wrapped up in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on August 8, 2025, was not just a gathering of nations—it was a beacon of collaborative progress amid global uncertainties. As the world reflects on its outcomes, including the … [Read more...]
Peace in the Caucasus and the Upcoming Central Asian Summit: Key Topics from the Phone Call Between Turkmenistan’s National Leader and Azerbaijan’s President
On 10 August 2025, a phone call took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. At the beginning of the conversation, the sides expressed satisfaction with the current high level of relations between their countries. During … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Strategic Partnership and Good Neighborliness in a New Geopolitical Reality
In the context of a rapidly changing world order, strengthening bilateral ties between states with shared historical and cultural roots, geographical proximity, and similar economic interests takes on special significance. A vivid example of constructive and sustainable cooperation is the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Historical … [Read more...]
UK Parliament Launches New Group to Strengthen Ties with Central Asia
On 14 July 2025, the UK Parliament hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cooperation with Central Asian Countries. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and building up stronger ties between the UK and the Central Asian region, the foreign ministry of Kazakhstan reports. The … [Read more...]
The First Day of the Official Visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen People to Azerbaijan
On 16 July 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed for a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan. The summit talks, meetings with Azerbaijani leadership, parliamentary representatives, and religious figures held on the first day of the visit affirmed the steady and progressive nature … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia Strengthen Strategic Partnership at 12th High-Level Dialogue in Dushanbe
The European Union (EU) and Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—convened in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the 12th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue, reinforcing their growing strategic partnership, according to the EU Delegation to Tajikistan. The meeting, held on 11 July, followed the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial … [Read more...]
Central Asian Ambassadors Discuss Cooperation Priorities with the European Commission in Brussels
A meeting was held in Brussels between Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Regional Director of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, and ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited to the European Union. The meeting focused on reviewing the outcomes of the first “Central Asia – EU” Summit and preparing for upcoming events, … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Newly Appointed Ambassador of Pakistan
On 30 June 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, Ms. Faryal Leghari, who presented her credentials to the head of state. During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized that Pakistan highly values Turkmenistan’s peace-loving policy. She also conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan and Russian FM Reaffirm Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Across Key Sectors
On 25 June 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the minister of foreign affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov. At the beginning of the meeting, on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov conveyed greetings to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Minister … [Read more...]
State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Mongolia – 14 Documents Signed – Bilateral Cooperation Commission Established
On 1-2 June 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid his first state visit as head of state to Mongolia. On 2 June, summit talks took place in Ulaanbaatar between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. The talks were held in both narrow and expanded formats, during which the parties discussed issues of … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets Italian Prime Minister in Astana
On 30 May 2025, in Astana, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. President Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan’s commitment to enhancing relations with European nations, particularly Italy. He took the … [Read more...]
High-Level Dialogue: Berdimuhamedov and Tokayev Discuss Development of Turkmen-Kazakh Relations
On 30 May 2025, on the sidelines of a working visit to Astana, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Highlighting special attention to the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan, Tokayev emphasized: “We look forward to achieving concrete results in our economic interactions. Ties in other areas are also developing quite successfully, … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Italy strengthen strategic partnership: results of Georgia Meloni’s visit to Samarkand
During the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Uzbekistan, approximately ten agreements worth over three billion euros were signed in Samarkand, according to Italian media. Following negotiations in Samarkand, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Meloni adopted a Joint Declaration on Strengthening Strategic Partnership. In … [Read more...]