The head of the Special Investigation Service, Koka Katsitadze and his deputy, Natia Songhulashvili, met with the Public Defender and the delegation of Turkmenistan.

The head of the Special Investigation Service, Koka Katsitadze, informed the delegation about the activities and ongoing reforms within the framework of the extended mandate of the Service.

At the meeting, the cooperation of the independent investigation service withthe Public Defender Office was highlighted.

The Georgian side shared the detailed positive cooperation experience of the Special Investigation Service with the Ombudsman Office of Georgia to effectively perform the functions of the National Prevention Mechanism (NPM).

Mr.Nikoloz Darchashvili- the head of the Investigation Department of Special Investigation Service, Ms. Yazdursun Gurbannazarova - Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan, Mr. Yazguly Agabayev - Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. Yusupguly Eshayev - Head of the Human rights and freedom protection committee of Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Mr. Amanmyrat Kerimov - Senior prosecutor of International relations department of the General Prosecutor's Office of Turkmenistan; Mr. Magtymguly Hojamyradov - Assistant of Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan; Ms.Bagul Kerimova - Attache of International Organizations Department, MFA of Turkmenistan attended the meeting.

On November 22, 2023, as part of the Days of European Culture in Turkmenistan, a press conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the European Union was held at the EU Delegation office.

During her speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M.Byashimova congratulated paticipants on this significant date and emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the European Union.

It was noted that regular meetings and negotiations at the highest level contribute to the expansion and strengthening of comprehensive cooperation in a wide range of areas. In this context, it was noted that the meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the European Council, held on September 18, 2023 in New York, became a significant stage in cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU.

The Turkmen side noted the effective interaction of the parties within the framework of the inter-parliamentary dialogue. In this context, regular meetings between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the European Parliament was emphasized.

The “Central Asia-European Union” cooperation format was noted as one of the important mechanisms for expanding partnerships, within the framework of which programs and projects aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties, partnerships in the field of transport, digitalization, ecology and energy, as well as cultural -humanitarian sphere, including education and healthcare.

The participants of the press conference exchanged views on the successes achieved and prospects for further cooperation.

On November 16, 2023, during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, Turkmenistan was unanimously elected as a member of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport for 2023-2027.

This Committee was established in 1978 to promote the role and importance of sport and its inclusion in public policy.

Turkmenistan was elected as a member of this UNESCO structure for the period 2017-2021.

On November 6, 2023, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan in Georgia Mr. D. Seyitmammedov met with Chairman of Parliament of Georgia Mr. Shalva Papuashvili.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the interaction between legislative bodies of the two countries, which is an integral component in the development of comprehensive Turkmen-Georgian cooperation. The sides also discussed promising areas of cooperation in trade, economic, transport and communication, energy, as well as in the humanitarian and cultural spheres.

Particular emphasis was placed on the intensification of cooperation between the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Groups of the two countries, which serves an important tool for promoting constructive partnership, maintaining the bonds of friendship and mutual between countries and peoples.

The participants also discussed the issues related to the organization of visit of Chairman of Parliament of Georgia in Turkmenistan and noted the increasing role of parliamentary diplomacy in the political and diplomatic sphere.

On October 31, 2023, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Park Jin, who is in Ashgabat on an official visit.

During the meeting, the heads of the foreign ministries of the two states discussed issues of interaction on a wide range of bilateral cooperation.

The sides noted that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea attach special importance to the further development of the Turkmen-Korean partnership, which is traditionally based on the principles of long-term friendship, trust and mutual understanding. At the same time, the development of contacts at the highest level plays a special role in expanding and strengthening bilateral ties.

In this context, R.Meredov noted that on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol held constructive negotiations, during which they emphasized the high level of interstate partnership, and also exchanged views on current regional and the international agenda.

The ministers expressed a common opinion on strengthening inter-parliamentary ties. In this connection, special attention was paid to the official visits of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Seoul in November 2022 and the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo to Ashgabat in July of this year, which became landmark events in the political life of the two states

The parties stated successful interaction within international structures, primarily at the UN, and noted the high level of mutual support in matters of ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development.

During the negotiations, it was emphasized that the economic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea is strategic, sustainable and long-term.

In this regard, an exchange of views took place on priority areas of trade and economic cooperation. The discussions included projects for the creation of an industrial cluster in the city of Arkadag, projects for the construction of gas chemical plants, the purchase of electric vehicles and electric buses, investments in the introduction of the latest digital, information-communication and other technologies in the construction of “smart cities”, the use of methods and technologies for desalination of sea water and innovations in rational use of water resources, diversification of financing, studying Korean experience in green and hydrogen energy, creating modern high-tech industries focused on the production of competitive products.

In this context, the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation were noted as an effective tool for expanding trade and economic relations between our countries.

In addition, the areas of education, science, the study of the Korean language, healthcare and medicine are highlighted as promising areas of cultural and humanitarian ties.

While speaking about the significance of cultural exchanges, in particular about the successful holding of the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Korea in March this year together with the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the classical poet Magtymguly Fragi, the parties noted the importance of organizing at the proper level the Korean Culture Week in November 2023 in Ashgabat.

Following the meeting of ministers, the signing ceremony of the following bilateral documents took place:

• «Memorandum of understanding among the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the School of Korean Medicine of the Pusan National University of the Republic of Korea and the National Institute for the Development of Korean Medicine of the Republic of Korea»;
• «Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Korea»;
• «Cooperation program for 2024-2025 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea».

Also on this day, a "Memorandum of understanding between the Turkmen State Medical University named after Myrat Garryev and the Korea University College of Medicine» was signed.

On October 31, 2023, on the sidelines of the meeting of the OSCE Secretary General and the heads of Foreign Ministries of the Central Asian states the negotiations were held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov.

During the talks, the ministers noted the active and dynamic nature of bilateral relations, and also discussed the schedule of upcoming events and meetings at the top and high levels.

The diplomats were unanimous in the opinion that thanks to the political will of the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the two fraternal states are implementing fruitful and effective multifaceted cooperation in a wide range of areas. In addition to that, the significant personal contribution in this direction of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan was especially emphasized.

Along with this, the activities of the Foreign ministries of the two countries are highlighted as one of the key links in strengthening Turkmen-Uzbek relations.

Speaking about the importance of close cooperation on regional topics, the parties noted the significance of the trilateral summit held in Ashgabat in August this year with the participation of the leaders of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which gave new impetus to the further development of regional cooperation of the participating countries.

The ministers noted the high level of mutual understanding between the parties and the similarity of positions in the framework of activities at international platforms, primarily at the UN. In this regard, gratitude was expressed to the Uzbek side for supporting the international initiatives of Turkmenistan. Diplomats also noted the importance of the “Central Asia+” cooperation formats, including the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian States and the OSCE Secretary General, held today in Ashgabat.

On October 19, 2023, as part of a working visit to Beijing, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Thanking Arkadag for his participation in the Third High-level Forum “One Belt, One Road”, President Xi Jinping noted the progressive dynamics of interstate cooperation, based on historically established ties of friendship and having solid multifaceted potential.

As noted, a new effective step towards the development of bilateral relations was the state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the PRC in January of this year. The leader of the People's Republic of China conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the head of Turkmenistan.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that China attaches great importance to cooperation with Turkmenistan and highly values and supports its creative international initiatives.

Expressing gratitude to Chairman Xi Jinping for the invitation to visit the PRC, Chairman Halk Maslahaty noted that the traditions of Turkmen-Chinese friendship can be traced for more than two thousand years, rooted in the distant past. The Great Silk Road closely connected both countries and their peoples.  

Focusing on the topic of ensuring sustainable development in the region, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the importance of efforts to combine Turkmenistan’s strategy “Revival of the Great Silk Road” with China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Over the years, this initiative has contributed to strengthening trade and cultural ties in the Eurasian space.

Thus, the peoples of Turkmenistan and the PRC have centuries-old friendly relations, vast experience of interaction and good neighborliness.

Stressing that centuries-old bonds of friendship unite our countries and peoples, Arkadag thanked Chairman Xi Jinping for the opportunity to meet, as well as for the cordiality and hospitality provided.

As Chairman Halk Maslahaty noted, meetings with the head of the PRC are always significant events in relations between Turkmenistan and China. They provide an opportunity to exchange views on the state of interstate relations, identify the most important topics that require special attention, and give bilateral contacts the necessary impetus.

In this context, the high level of mutual trust, mutual understanding and openness achieved in recent years under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Turkmen-Chinese relations was stated. The strategic partnership between our countries is characterized by a progressive, steady and targeted nature across the entire spectrum of areas. By developing and expanding it, we invariably rely on the historical ties of friendship and good neighborliness of the Turkmen and Chinese peoples, their deep mutual sympathy and respect for each other, the closeness of the positions of the two states on key issues of modern international politics, a strong legal basis for cooperation, powerful mutual economic potential, noted the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.

This nature of interaction, meeting the fundamental interests of Turkmenistan and China, makes a noticeable constructive contribution to the preservation and strengthening of international stability and security, contributes to the solution of a number of pressing regional issues, and is an important factor in accelerating and expanding trade and economic processes on the Asian continent.

At the same time, the National Leader of the Turkmen people confirmed that Turkmenistan is firmly committed to further strengthening fraternal, friendly ties with China and is ready to continue joint work in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

Taking this opportunity, Arkadag conveyed cordial greetings from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Chairman Xi Jinping, and also addressed wishes for peace, prosperity and prosperity to the Chinese people.

Continuing the meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the head of the People's Republic of China discussed the key vectors of Turkmen-Chinese interaction, built with a long-term perspective and developing in an ascending line, both on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including in the “Central Asia-China” format.

In the context of realizing potential in the trade and economic sphere, the role of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Committee was noted.

The transport and logistics sector was also identified as a priority area of cooperation. In this regard, Chairman Xi Jinping emphasized the relevance of the initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan aimed at building up effective regional and international partnership in this strategic area. At the same time, the importance of interaction was noted in the context of the implementation of the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” and “One Belt, One Road” strategies, their coupling and complementarity.

An integral component of Turkmen-Chinese relations is also the cultural and humanitarian area, where there is many years of positive experience of joint work.

Noting that he always remembers his visit to Turkmenistan with warmth, the head of the PRC invited Arkadag to visit China again.

***

At the end of the negotiations, bilateral documents were signed, including: an Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on technical and economic cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the General Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China on cooperation in strengthening the capacity of the Economic Commissioners Program operators.

***

As part of the working visit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the PRC, meetings were held between members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan and the heads of ministries and departments of the PRC, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fuel and energy sector, transport and communications, education, science, health and sports.

A wide range of issues of political and diplomatic interaction, as well as cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, were discussed at the meetings.

The advisability of maintaining an active dialogue and practical implementation of joint initiatives in the field of trade, transport and communication systems, medicine and healthcare, scientific and technological innovation, digital economy, etc. was also noted.

On October 18, 2023, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to the People's Republic of China, took part in the Third High-Level Forum “One Belt, One Road”.

Delegates to the large-scale event were representatives of more than 140 countries and 30 authoritative organizations, including government leaders, heads of international organizations, ministries and business circles.

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech dedicated to China's trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the goals and objectives of effective and fruitful international cooperation within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" project. As noted, the principles of joint consultation, construction and use, as well as openness, environmental friendliness, integrity, high standards, people's welfare and sustainable development have become important in the high-quality joint formation of this concept.

As the speakers emphasized, the current forum is taking place under the sign of the tenth anniversary of the initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping - a truly important, global, future-oriented one, aimed at creating a more equitable multipolar world and system of relations. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that time has proven the relevance of this strategy, which today is considered a grandiose project on a global scale.

In his speech, Arkadag noted that holding this meeting is a highly relevant and in demand event. Recent realities - a pandemic, increasing instability, decreasing trust and predictability - have negatively affected global economic activity, led to problems in interconnectedness, and reduced the degree of effectiveness of the implementation of plans and programs in the field of sustainable development.

To overcome these negative factors, it is necessary to unite the efforts of states and international institutions, their solidarity in establishing a creative and constructive agenda based on goodwill, responsibility and foresight, noted the National Leader of the Turkmen people.

From this point of view, as emphasized, the content of the Turkmen strategy “Revival of the Great Silk Road” meets Turkmenistan’s ideas about the future of the geo-economic landscape of Eurasia, and also corresponds to China’s strategy “One Belt, One Road”, where the main principles are equality, consideration and recognition of interests partners, mutual benefit, respect for the diversity of cultural and spiritual values. Important elements of the Turkmen approach are the depoliticization of cooperation, moving away from the one-sidedness of energy and transport flows in favor of their diversification and accessibility for broad international participation.

Reliance on the rich historical experience of friendship and good neighborliness between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples, the presence today of objective mutual interests allow Turkmenistan and China to successfully build up their partnership in the context of the implementation of these two strategies, their compatibility and mutual complementarity. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that they are designed to give a powerful stimulus to economic development in Eurasia, uniting spaces from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean on modern criteria, forming interconnected production and technological cycles and industrial belts, helping to solve many social problems and improve the quality of life and the well-being of peoples.

The Turkmen-Chinese energy partnership was named as a striking example of this approach. In particular, the commissioning of a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China in 2009 marked the beginning of the formation of a new architecture of relations in the energy sector on the continent and opened up prospects for other states to join the project on a mutually beneficial and equal basis. The same logic is followed by the implementation of another major international project - the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.

Another important area is transport, said Chairman Halk Maslahaty, noting that our country, together with its partners, is currently creating an extensive network of transport and logistics infrastructure of a combined type along the East-West and North-South lines, which in the future will include transit corridors overlooking the regions of the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea basin, and the Baltic. In particular, we are talking about a transport corridor from China through the territory of Central Asia to the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea, as well as to Iran, the Near and Middle East, which can also be used in the opposite direction - to the Asia-Pacific region, the countries of South Asia.

Coordinated transport diplomacy aimed at consolidating common efforts in improving the efficiency of international corridors and logistics systems is becoming increasingly relevant. In this context, it was noted that Turkmenistan, being one of the initiators of the global dialogue in the field of sustainable transport, has been taking consistent practical steps in this direction for many years.

One of the priority tasks of our country’s international cooperation is to achieve a reasonable balance between production activities and environmental protection, ensuring environmental safety. Our understanding of the essence and meaning of the Green Silk Road is based on this.

Interconnectedness in the economy, international exchange of technologies, experience, skills and techniques are objective trends in global development. They involve closer cooperation in production, the creation of integrated technological and digital platforms, and joint communication systems.

All this, noted the National Leader of the Turkmen people, is designed to form a holistic and sustainable logistics of cooperation on a global scale.

Today, in our opinion, the concept of political logistics is in demand, Arkadag continued, emphasizing that he views it as a multi-level system of interaction between states that share ideas and prospects for economic development and cooperation, free from politicization and ideological clichés, based on equality, mutual respect and consideration of interests each other.

In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that the current representative and authoritative forum, which brought together envoys from dozens of states with enormous potential, is capable of giving the necessary impetus to this process and achieving the set goals.

As a result of the Third High-Level Forum "One Belt, One Road", the following were adopted: Beijing Initiative to Deepen Cooperation in the Field of Interconnectivity, Beijing Belt and Road Initiative International Cooperation in the Field of Digital Economy, Beijing Belt and Road Green Development Initiative, Initiative on the foundations of international trade and economic cooperation for the digital economy and green development.

A Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed on the joint implementation of the Action Plan for the development of green science and technology in the Central Asian region.

Since October 17, 2023, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has been on a working visit to the People's Republic of China to participate in the Third High-Level Forum "One Belt, One Road", during which a number of meetings and the signing the documents are also planned,  that will supplement the legal framework of bilateral cooperation.

On the first day of the visit, Arkadag and his wife went to the Great Hall of the People of China, where the ceremony of official welcoming the distinguished guests took place. A photo ceremony was held here for the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with his wife Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedova and the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping with his wife Peng Liyuan.

Then, in the “Taiwan” conference hall a family photo ceremony was held for the heads of delegations and members of their families.

In the Golden Hall, in honor of the distinguished guests and members of their families, on behalf of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, an official dinner was given, during which cultural performances by representatives of the People's Republic of China took place.

The working visit of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan to the PRC continues.

On October 11, 2023, negotiations were held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan, who is in Ashgabat on an official visit.

During the meeting, the parties noted the traditionally high level of interstate relations, dynamically and successfully developing thanks to the efforts of the Presidents of the two states and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

The importance of the meeting between the head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was emphasized, during which the current areas of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation were once again specified.

The ministers considered a wide range of issues in the context of further development of political and diplomatic ties, expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation, and strengthening of the legal framework. The parties agreed to intensify interaction in foreign trade, energy, transport, construction and industry, and the textile industry.

Successful interaction in the field of science and education, sports, healthcare, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges was stated.

As a result of the meeting, a Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye for 2024-2025 was signed.