February and March 2025 have been marked by an intense period of diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian initiatives for Turkmenistan. The country's foreign policy engagement has expanded across multiple directions, from deepening cooperation with international organizations to strengthening bilateral ties with key partners.
One of the significant events in February was the politicalpa consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Austria. The discussions focused on the practical implementation of the 2024-2025 Cooperation Program, signed earlier. During the same period, Turkmenistan concluded a Basic Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkmenistan University of Engineering Technologies and Graz University of Technology. The development of this partnership is set to continue in 2025, with the planned opening of the Austrian Trade House in Turkmenistan.
Political consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Austria, February 11, 2025. Photo credit: mfa.gov.tm
Turkmenistan’s diplomatic activities remained dynamic in the latter half of February. On February 17, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) held a briefing focused on human rights protection and international humanitarian law in collaboration with the United Nations (UN). The event highlighted Turkmenistan’s participation in the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The following day, during the International Conference on the "International Year of Peace and Trust: The Role of Diplomacy in Strengthening International Relations", representatives of the Turkmen MFA and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) emphasized the importance of joint efforts in developing national human rights programs, improving democratic institutions in Turkmenistan, and advancing the country’s participation in international treaties.
Economic relations with neighboring states have also gained momentum. In the final decade of February, the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Free Trade Regime officially came into effect. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.14 billion, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year. This agreement is expected to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
Photo credit: Daryo.uz
Turkmenistan is also expanding its presence in the international media space. During this period, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow met with Euronews Chairman of the Board Pedro Vargas to discuss the promotion of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and tourism industry. Vargas expressed Euronews' readiness to facilitate an exchange program for journalists and develop technical cooperation through the Euronews Academy.
Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews, February 27, 2025, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (Photo: Watan Habarlary)
As March commenced, energy and international partnership topics took center stage. Notably, Turkmenistan has begun gas supplies to Türkiye via a swap arrangement through Iran. The annual supply volume is set at 1.3 billion cubic meters, reinforcing Turkmenistan’s strategic role in regional energy security. On March 4, Eduardas Stiprais, the newly appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia, visited Ashgabat to discuss cooperation in energy, transportation, environmental protection, methane emission reduction, and renewable energy development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing training programs and courses as part of ongoing and prospective projects.
Turkmenistan is also actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives. On March 6, the Turkmenistan Embassy in Azerbaijan and the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (NASA) held an event in Baku dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. During the event, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow's book, "Magtymguly - A Thinker of the World," was presented, highlighting the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Event in Baku in honor of the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. Photo credit: mfa.gov.tm
That same day, Turkmenistan’s diplomatic mission in China, in collaboration with the China Overseas Development Association, organized the "International Year of Peace and Trust: Investment Promotion Conference on Turkmenistan" in Beijing. The forum, attended by 40 Chinese companies, focused on Turkmenistan’s investment potential in sectors such as oil and gas chemistry, agriculture, transportation, logistics, telecommunications, and information technology.
Turkmenistan’s international engagement continued with a key meeting on March 7 in Ashgabat between President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The discussions centered on developing transport and logistics cooperation, particularly within the frameworks of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Corridor, the Lapis Lazuli Route, and the "Green Ports" initiative.
As part of its deepening ties with the European Union, Turkmenistan hosted a meeting between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Sikela. A key focus of the talks was preparing for the upcoming "Central Asia - EU" Summit, which is expected to be a crucial milestone in regional cooperation.
Photo: Turkmenistan MFA
Looking ahead, on March 29, the city of Arkadag will host the "Year of Peace and Trust: Development of International Humanitarian Activities" international conference. Organized by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Charitable Foundation for Supporting Orphans in Need, the event will further underscore Turkmenistan’s commitment to global humanitarian cooperation.
It is evident that Turkmenistan is not only reinforcing its standing on the international stage but also actively positioning itself within the evolving global geopolitical landscape. As the world order undergoes transformation, Ashgabat is demonstrating a consistent foreign policy strategy based on neutrality, multilateral cooperation, and economic integration. It remains to be seen what new initiatives and projects Turkmenistan will implement in the near future, but one thing is certain - the country is determined to secure its role as an influential player in regional and global affairs.
