Turkmenistan has the fastest customs transit processing in Central Asia, with an average clearance time of just 37 minutes, according to a new study conducted by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) between August and October 2025. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan released the findings on 4 Dec, highlighting the country’s continuing leadership in … [Read more...]
A ritual uniting continents: The celebration of the World Turkish Coffee Day at the residence of Ambassador Ahmet Demirok
Elvira Kadyrova On 5 December 2025 in Ashgabat, at the residence of the Ambassador of Türkiye Ahmet Demirok, an event took place to mark World Turkish Coffee Day. Representatives from diplomatic circles, public and cultural figures, and mass media participated in the celebration. Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Ahmet Demirok told to the attendees about the significance … [Read more...]
OSCE supports judicial reform in Turkmenistan
Some 45 judges and court staff from the Supreme and other courts of Turkmenistan explored best practices from the OSCE region in establishing specialized courts during an OSCE-organized seminar that took place on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Ashgabat. Hosted by the Supreme Court of Turkmenistan, the seminar discussed possibilities for enhancing the effectiveness and functioning … [Read more...]
UNDP Strengthens Digital Governance in Turkmenistan Through Advanced Training for Civil Servants
Ashgabat, 5 December 2025: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan, continues its capacity-building initiatives in partnership with the E-Governance Academy (Estonia). These efforts aim to strengthen the digital governance capabilities … [Read more...]
Aysoltan Annamamedova: Turkmenistan’s Rising Talent in Digital Innovation
Always passionate about technology and innovation, Aysoltan Annamamedova, a fourth-year student at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, recently took a bold step toward the future by participating in the international educational initiative Future Skills Sprint in Istanbul, Turkiye. This intensive programme is designed to cultivate digital skills, … [Read more...]
Does Active Neutrality Create a Moral High Ground in International Relations?
Tariq Saeedi As Turkmenistan prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality on December 12, 2025, with world leaders gathering in Ashgabat for an international conference, a deeper question emerges: Does three decades of active, dynamic neutrality confer a particular moral authority in global affairs? The answer, it turns out, is both yes and no—and … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund Has Invested Heavily in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Official Says
The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Virtual Assets’
Turkmenistan has issued its law on Virtual Assets. Here is the link to the complete text of the law in the Russian language: https://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/ru/post/101129/zakon-turkmenistana-o-virtualnyh-aktivah Here is a somewhat summarized and paraphrased version of the law in the English language: COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY: TURKMENISTAN'S LAW ON VIRTUAL … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries agree on water limits for 2025–2026
The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia has approved water intake limits and reservoir operation modes for the non-growing season of 2025–2026. So, for Amu Darya River, the total limit is set at 55.4 billion cubic meters, including 15.9 billion cubic meters for October—April period. Distribution by country: The Aral Sea and Amu Darya delta … [Read more...]
Erdogan to Visit Turkmenistan for Gas Supply Negotiations: Türkiye Strengthens Energy Diversification
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye will make a state visit to Turkmenistan next week, where one of the key topics will be expanding cooperation in the field of natural gas supplies. This was announced by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar during a meeting with journalists in Istanbul, as reported by TASS. According to the minister, the visit … [Read more...]
UNFPA and National Partners in Turkmenistan Review 2025 Outcomes and Outline Strategy for 2026-2030
Ashgabat, December 04, 2025 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Office in Turkmenistan held an Annual Review Meeting with its national partners to review the progress achieved in 2025. The event took place at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives from key ministries and agencies across the country. During the meeting, a detailed review of … [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...]
Empowering Communities: IOM Promotes Gender-Sensitive Climate Adaptation in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 3 December 2025 - Over 40 decision-makers, technical experts and community representatives — including women heading households of Turkmen migrant families in Dashoguz and Ahal velayats — gained deeper insight into integrating gender-sensitive approaches into climate change adaptation planning at the local level in the course of two- day capacity-building trainings … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan strengthens laboratory capacity for antimicrobial resistance surveillance with WHO Support
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – 24–26 November 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT) conducted a three-day intensive training course on laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Held at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition in Ashgabat, the training aimed … [Read more...]
WHO CO in Turkmenistan hosted a workshop on zoonotic disease joint risk assessment
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 25–28 November 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office (CO) in Turkmenistan conducted a workshop on Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) for zoonotic diseases within the One Health framework. Held at the Public Health and Nutrition Center the workshop focused on equipping national experts with practical skills to apply WHO’s standardized … [Read more...]
Ashgabat: Children’s Concert “Neutrality – Melodies of Eternal Happiness” Wins Hearts
On 2 December, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat hosted a vibrant children’s concert titled “Neutrality – Melodies of Eternal Happiness”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. The hall was packed: proud parents, teachers, officials and music lovers all came to cheer on the country’s young talents. The stage turned … [Read more...]
ADB-Turkmenistan – 25 Years of Partnership
For 25 years, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Turkmenistan have partnered to meet the country's critical development needs. Since Turkmenistan became a member of ADB in 2000, the bank has helped the country progress on its path toward sustainable economic and social development. ADB has contributed toward improving transport infrastructure, strengthening … [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...]
We look with optimism towards the future of the Romanian-Turkmen cooperation, says Ambassador Ion Naval
Ambassador Ion Naval of Romania to Turkmenistan hosted a reception on 1 December 2022 to mark the National Day of Romania. The chief guest representing the Government of Turkmenistan was Mammetguly Astanagulow, Minister of Finance and Economy and Co-Chairman of the Turkmen side of the Romanian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical … [Read more...]
New Level of Agro-Industry: High-Tech Livestock Complex “Altyn Halka” Launched in Turkmenistan
On 1 December 2025, with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a new state-of-the-art livestock complex of the “Altyn Halka” enterprise was officially commissioned in Ahal province, the State News Agency TDH reports. The complex’s infrastructure includes a range of facilities equipped with cutting-edge intelligent technology: The digital … [Read more...]
Mejlis and Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan Receive New Ambassador of Kuwait
On 1 December, on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova received the Letters of Credence from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to Turkmenistan, Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Adwani (resident in Ankara). On behalf of the head of state, the Speaker of the … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Five
Tariq Saeedi This is the concluding part of the series. We would look at some more hypothetical scenarios and give an executive summary of this report. Table 15: Polymer Industry Value Chain Development at Gwadar StageProductsInvestmentEmploymentRevenue PotentialMarketStage 1: Primary PolymersPolyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) Polypropylene (homo, co-polymer)$5-7 … [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...]
Awaza and Ashgabat to Host Major International Forums on Women’s Role and 30th Anniversary of Neutrality
Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has signed two resolutions concerning the holding of major international forums in the country in December 2025. On 9–10 December 2025, the National Tourist Zone Awaza will host the International Conference titled “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation on the Path to Achieving the Sustainable … [Read more...]
UNDP Supports Turkmenistan Delegation’s Visit to Armenia to Explore IT Park Development Best Practices
Ashgabat, 29 November 2025: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and with the support of the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), organized an official visit of a Turkmenistan delegation to Armenia from 24 to 28 November 2025. The high-level delegation, representing the Ministry … [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...]
UNRCCA Convenes Fifteenth Annual Meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States in Almaty
The fifteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), was held in Almaty on 27–28 November 2025. The event gathered the high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the continued relevance of … [Read more...]
Azerbaijani stage works to be presented in Turkmenistan during the Foreign Classics week
Azerbaijani stage works will be shown in theatres across Turkmenistan during the week of the Foreign Classical Performances dedicated to peace and friendly relations between the peoples of the world, the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan reports. Pieces by the eminent Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli will also be presented as part of the week-long cultural … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Demonstrates Strategic Vision at Big 5 Global 2025
The Turkmen delegation continued its active participation in the Big 5 Global 2025 international exhibition and conference in Dubai, an event uniting leading global specialists in construction, infrastructure, and urban development. On the second day of the programme, the Minister of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan, Abdullah Geldiyev, delivered a keynote address … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Explores Strengthening Social Protection through CODI Assessment
28 November 2025, Ashgabat — Last week, representatives from government ministries, state agencies, universities, and civil society came together for a four-day national workshop to review early findings from an assessment of Turkmenistan’s social protection system. The assessment, supported by UNICEF and in partnership with the ILO and World Bank, used the Inter-Agency Social … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan launches “Immune Patrol”: WHO’s innovative educational health game for children
Ashgabat, November 26, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan together with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan (MoET) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT), presented "Immune Patrol," an innovative digital game platform for secondary school students. Representatives from the MoET, MoHMIT, the … [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...]
Experts speak about pros and cons of trans-Caspian oil and gas pipelines
Chevron: Falling Caspian Sea Levels Demand Pipeline Construction The persistent decline in water levels of the Caspian Sea is challenging existing transportation logistics and forcing the search for new environmentally sustainable approaches to moving oil and gas across the trans-Caspian corridor, according to Vestnikavkaza. Dylan Morgan, vice president of Chevron's … [Read more...]
OECD issues report ‘Building a Competitive Investment Landscape in Turkmenistan’
OECD has issued a report titled ‘Building a Competitive Investment Landscape in Turkmenistan.’ Here is the condensed version of its executive summary: Turkmenistan has achieved strong economic growth since independence, but diversification remains essential for long-term resilience. The economy depends heavily on hydrocarbon exports and faces risks from fragmented global … [Read more...]
Facilitation of transport and transit corridors in focus of OSCE national training in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized national training course on the facilitation of transport and transit corridors through the development of the Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy and Action Plan with a particular focus on border crossing points (BCPs), took place from 25 to 27 November 2025 in Ashgabat. The course brought together, in-person, officials from Turkmenistan’s border … [Read more...]
OSCE promotes exchange of best practices in combating organized crime among law-enforcement officers from Turkmenistan and Türkiye
Six law-enforcement officers and investigators from Turkmenistan enhanced their skills to carry out organized crime investigations during an OSCE-supported training course that took place in Ankara, Türkiye. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the five-day specialized training course jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and Turkish … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Exchange Ideas on Advancing Scientific-Educational and Innovation Cooperation
The state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan has become a landmark event that gave a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations, including in the scientific and educational sphere. This was highlighted by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education Jumamurat Gurbangeldiyev in an article published in the newspaper … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Qatar Strengthen Strategic Partnership: Outcomes of the Third Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Doha
On 26 - 27 November, 2025, the third meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Qatari Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Doha, State of Qatar. Heads and representatives of various government agencies and business circles of two countries participated in the meeting. The session was co-chaired by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic … [Read more...]
ECO Cultural Institute Dedicates Special Journal Edition to Turkmenistan’s 30 Years of Permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust
In honor of the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025) and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent Neutrality, the Cultural Institute of the Economic Cooperation Organization, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has published a special edition of its journal dedicated to Turkmenistan. This edition presents a concise … [Read more...]
Over 300 Archaeological Artefacts Handed Over to Museums in Ashgabat and Arkadag City
On 26 November 2025, more than 300 valuable archaeological artefacts were officially transferred to two major Turkmen museums on Wednesday in solemn ceremonies held at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat and the History and Local Lore Museum of Arkadag City, the Turkmen state news agency TDH reports. The handover is part of the … [Read more...]
Promoting Positive Parenting: Educators in Turkmenistan Completed Pilot Parenting Support Programme
Last week, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the National Institute of Education, in partnership with UNICEF, marked the completion of the pilot parenting support programme with a certificate ceremony held at the National Institute of Education. The ten-week pilot programme was implemented in 24 preschools across the country, where 24 kindergarten teachers … [Read more...]
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan Opens New Opportunities for Strengthening Strategic Partnership with Turkmenistan
Elvira Kadyrova On 26 November 2025, a media briefing was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, presented the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the key provisions of the newly approved 15th … [Read more...]
Representatives of Turkmenistan’s small and medium-sized garment enterprises enhance skills in shirt pattern-making and tailoring
A practical training on pattern-making and garment construction, focused on men’s shirts, took place in Ashgabat from 17 to 21 November. The event was organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the EU-funded project “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration.” The training brought together 25 specialists from garment enterprises, ateliers and private … [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...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Sign Agreement to Build Fiber Optic Link, Boosting Regional Digital Connectivity
On the sidelines of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan, a bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajimurat Hudayguliyev, and the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Zhassulan Madiyev, as well as Vice Minister … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Joins the Administrative and Budget Committee of the International Exhibitions Bureau
On 25 November 2025, the 177th session of the General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) was held in Paris. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to France and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the BIE, M. Chariev. During the Assembly session, key items on the official agenda … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Forge Closer Economic Ties, Focus on $1 Billion Trade and New Transit Corridors
Deputy Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana today to accelerate economic partnership, setting their sights on a $1 billion trade target and securing vital logistics routes. Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, held discussions with Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers … [Read more...]
WHO and Turkmenistan discuss national policies on seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – November 24, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan, together with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT), held a national meeting focused on strengthening policies for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination. The objectives of the meeting were to present the approved National … [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...]