Tariq Saeedi A quarter century into the new millennium, humanity finds itself caught in a strange contradiction. We have mapped the human genome, placed rovers on Mars, and connected billions of people through invisible networks that span the globe. Yet as world leaders are gathered in Ashgabat and nCa is covering the international conference on the permanent neutrality of … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan held meetings with foreign leaders and high-ranking guests.
On 11 December 2025, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a number of bilateral meetings with the Presidents and Prime Ministers of foreign countries participating in the International Forum of Peace and Trust. He also had a telephone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan. Kyrgyzstan At the meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan met with the heads of state and government of foreign countries
On 11 December 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held bilateral meetings with his foreign colleagues and heads of government of foreign countries who arrived at the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. Among the high-ranking participants: Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Beacon of Dialogue and Cooperation: Ceremony for the Opening of the Updated Monument “Neutrality” Held in Ashgabat
Elvira Kadyrova On 11 December 2025, in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, a solemn ceremony was held for the opening of the updated Monument "Neutrality," timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. Hundreds of participants—members of the government, diplomatic missions, numerous foreign guests representing governments, … [Read more...]
Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation has bilateral meetings on the sidelines of International Women’s Conference
As part of the International Forum "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, held a series of insightful bilateral meetings with prominent … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan has bilateral meetings on the sidelines of International Events
On the sidelines of the International Forum "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals" held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, and the International Conference on Neutrality, scheduled for 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, … [Read more...]
International Forum in Awaza: Women – the Key Link in Sustainable Development and International Cooperation
Elvira Kadyrova, Raviliya Kadyrova, Liliya Zhirnova On 11 December 2025, in the National Tourist Zone of Awaza of Turkmenistan, the International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development" took place. The conference was organized jointly with the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the … [Read more...]
Women, Diplomacy, and Neutrality: Turkmenistan Hosts International Conference
Elvira Kadyrova at Awaza, Liliya Zhirnova in Ashgabat AVAZA, Turkmenistan — Against the backdrop of the Caspian Sea's turquoise waters, the resort town of Avaza is hosting an international conference that brings together government ministers, foundation leaders, and civil society representatives from across continents. The two-day gathering, focused on "The Role of Women … [Read more...]
What significance does Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy hold for Iran?
Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador of Iran to Turkmenistan Tehran, IRNA – Turkmenistan, Iran’s northeastern neighbor, has upheld a policy of “positive neutrality” for decades, an approach that has helped regional countries, including Iran, safeguard border security, expand energy cooperation, and strengthen overall regional stability. Adopted after Turkmenistan gained … [Read more...]
Progress of Telemedicine in Central Asia
As of December 2025 Telemedicine continues to make meaningful strides across Central Asia in 2025, with a clear focus on reducing the urban–rural healthcare gap. All five countries are advancing digital health solutions, though at different paces and scales. The most visible progress is in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, where internationally supported projects are … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Infrastructure Revolution Is Already Underway — Now Let’s Make It the Most Innovative on Earth
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia has done something extraordinary in the past two decades: it has built. --- From the high-speed rail that now links Almaty to Tashkent in hours instead of days, to the gleaming new terminals at Nursultan Nazarbayev and Tashkent International airports, the Turkmenbashy-Farab motorway of Turkmenistan, to the fiber-optic networks that have brought … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality: A Strategic Path to Sustainable Development
Tariq Saeedi As Turkmenistan prepares to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality with an international conference in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025, the world has an opportunity to reassess this unique status not as a passive stance, but as an active strategic choice that creates tangible benefits for humanity and the planet. Far from being a retreat … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan: a strategic partnership that strengthens the region
In recent years, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been experiencing a new, truly rapid stage of development. Today, bilateral relations are no longer limited to just diplomatic ties — they have acquired a complex character: from joint economic, transport and logistics projects to large-scale cultural initiatives that strengthen friendship and … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Meets with Head of UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia
On 8 December 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze. At the beginning of the meeting, Kaha Imnadze conveyed warm … [Read more...]
Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation held a series of meetings in Doha to develop humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar
As part of a working visit to Doha, Qatar, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Supporting Children in Need of Guardianship, held a number of meetings. Meeting with the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar During the meeting, … [Read more...]
Transport integration in Central Asia: the contribution of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Ibrahimova Dildora, Head of the Centre for Transport and Logistics Development Studies at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is now taking on strategic importance, shaping a new architecture of connectivity in Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for the region to enter the wider … [Read more...]
When hearts sound together: an inclusive concert was held in Mary
On December 7, Mary hosted a warm and inspiring inclusive concert, “Ýürekden – From the Heart”, which brought together children, youth, people with disabilities, pensioners and volunteers. The concert was organized by the Däp-Dessur Economic Society, which implements social and cultural initiatives, in partnership with the Mary branch of the National Red Crescent Society of … [Read more...]
International Team Rediscovers Turkestan Long-Eared Bat in Turkmenistan After 55 Years
An international team of scientists from Germany, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, led by the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, has rediscovered the Turkestan long-eared bat (Plecotus turkmenicus) in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, a species not recorded alive for the past half-century. In October 2025, a targeted international expedition focused on locating this bat. … [Read more...]
UNESCO: Ashgabat Recognized as a Learning City for Its Contribution to Lifelong Education
The capital of Turkmenistan, the city of Ashgabat, has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities among 72 cities from 46 countries, in recognition of outstanding local efforts aimed at making lifelong learning a reality for everyone. “Education transcends the classroom – it is a collective endeavour, and cities play a key role in promoting learning for all. The 72 … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers (6 December 2025)
Dear participants of the meeting! At the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the Resolution "2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust", which became one of the significant political events. In this regard, I would like to note that a number of important international events were held in 2025. The significance of the … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Celebrated International Volunteer Day with A Grand Volunteer Festival supported by the Russian Embassy and Russian House
On 5 December 2025, International Volunteer Day, one of the warmest and most energetic holidays of the year took place in Ashgabat—the Volunteer Festival, organized by the public organization "Yenme" in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Turkmenistan and the Russian House. Forty active volunteers from eight leading public organizations in the country … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Outlines Key Directions of Foreign Policy for 2026
At the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on Saturday, 6 December 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a keynote address outlining the key priorities of the country’s foreign policy and setting out the main objectives for the year ahead. “In this work, we are guided by the legal status of the permanent neutrality of our independent … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Leads Central Asia with Fastest Customs Transit Times, GIZ Study Shows
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...]