Central Asia + CIS Monitoring Desk Islamabad
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, shared details of his country’s regional diplomacy, international cooperation achievements in the 35th year of Independence with Pakistani media at a press briefing held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad today.
He said Turkmenistan hosted 10 heads of state, including nine presidents from the Eurasian (CIS) region, the Caspian region and Central Asia, in three inter-regional high-level summits to review social, environmental, energy, transport and transit, security and industrial cooperation, and future prospects.
The year 2026 has been marked by significant milestones in the political, economic, cultural and international life of Turkmenistan. As the country commemorates the 35th anniversary of its Independence, it continues to pursue its strategic development priorities, strengthen its international partnerships and promote regional cooperation based on peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Throughout the year, Turkmenistan has hosted and participated in a series of major national and international events, bringing together heads of state, government representatives, diplomats, investors, business leaders and international experts. From high-level regional summits and international investment forums to initiatives in energy, infrastructure, environmental protection and sustainable development, these events reflect the country’s continued engagement with the international community.
Particular importance is attached to strengthening Turkmenistan’s relations with neighbouring countries and strategic partners, including Pakistan, especially in the fields of energy, transport, trade and regional connectivity.
Major National Events and Achievements
First World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty among Ahal-Teke Horses
From 4 to 6 September 2026, the First World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty among Ahal-Teke Horses was held in the Netherlands. The event brought international attention to the unique heritage of Turkmenistan’s legendary Ahal-Teke horses, which represent an important part of the country’s national identity, cultural traditions and historical legacy.
Meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
On 23 September 2026, a successive meeting of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan was held at the Maslahat Köşgi Palace in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
During the meeting, the National Leader, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and other speakers highlighted the country’s achievements throughout the years of Independence, priority areas of state development and ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of the population.
The participants approved a number of important strategic documents, which were subsequently signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, including:
1-National Strategy for the Industrial Development of Turkmenistan for 2030–2045;
2-National Concept “International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan”;
3-State Programme on State Youth Policy in Turkmenistan for the period up to 2031.
These documents outline important directions for the country’s long-term development, industrial modernization, international engagement and youth empowerment.
35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence
CIS Heads for Transition to New Model of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation Based on Sovereign Equality
On 27 September 2026, Turkmenistan celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Independence with grand festivities throughout the country.
The main celebrations took place in Ashgabat and included a military parade attended by President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Army General Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The programme featured military personnel and modern equipment, an aerial parade, a naval parade in the Caspian Sea and cultural performances showcasing Turkmenistan’s history, national traditions and achievements in peaceful development.
The celebrations concluded with a festive concert and spectacular fireworks in the capital.
Turkmenistan’s Growing Investment and Economic Opportunities
Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026
On 1–2 October 2026, the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) was held in Ashgabat, bringing together investors, innovators, financial institutions, policymakers and business leaders. The forum attracted more than 800 delegates and guests representing over 200 companies from more than 40 countries, including Pakistan.
An important outcome of the event was the formalization of a broad package of bilateral documents, commercial contracts and memoranda of cooperation by Turkmenistan’s state ministries and concerns.
The forum provided an important platform for exploring investment opportunities, strengthening international business partnerships and expanding cooperation across key sectors of the national economy.
Turkmenistan as a Platform for Regional and International Dialogue
October 2026 witnessed a series of high-level international meetings and conferences in the National Tourist Zone of Avaza, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s role in facilitating regional dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the CIS
On 7 October 2026, the regular meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Avaza.The participants discussed important international and regional developments, strengthening foreign policy coordination and expanding multifaceted cooperation among CIS member states.
Special attention was given to the Commonwealth’s activities in 2026, taking into account Turkmenistan’s chairmanship and the 35th anniversary of the CIS.
CIS Foreign Ministers Meet @ Avaza Turkimenistan | Declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity
High-Level Meeting on Water Resources of Central Asia
On the same day, the High-Level Meeting of Central Asian States on the Rational Use of Water Resources of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers was held in Avaza. Delegations presented national reports on the current situation, existing challenges and approaches to the sustainable and rational use of shared water resources.
Following constructive discussions, participants developed a common vision of further steps to strengthen regional cooperation in water management.
International Women’s Dialogue
On 7 October 2026, the International Women’s Dialogue entitled “The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development” took place in Avaza.
Participants highlighted regional efforts to strengthen women’s rights and empowerment, promote equal opportunities and implement inclusive approaches at the national level.
Speakers emphasized that the active participation of women in all spheres of public and state life is essential for achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A final document was adopted following the dialogue.
International Conference on Demographic Processes and Sustainable Development
Another important event held on 7 October 2026 was the international conference “Demographic Processes and Sustainable Development: Contemporary Challenges and International Experience”.
The conference focused on scientifically grounded approaches to demographic management and the integration of population-related indicators into long-term socioeconomic planning.
Participants stressed the importance of comprehensive demographic analysis in developing effective policies for sustainable development. A final document was adopted at the conclusion of the conference.
Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan
On 8 October 2026, the Eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in Avaza.
During the meeting, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for being the first to invite him to participate in the Consultative Meeting during their meeting in Avaza in August of the previous year.
The 2026 meeting marked the first participation of Azerbaijan as a full-fledged member of this regional consultative format.
Following the negotiations, the participants adopted the Decision “On the Regulatory Documents of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan” and the Joint Statement of the Eighth Consultative Meeting.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the Consultative Meetings have developed into an effective platform for addressing pressing regional issues through partnership and have acquired international significance beyond the regional framework.
CIS Council of Heads of State Meeting
On 9 October 2026, the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Avaza.
For the first time, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian participated in the meeting as a special guest.
The discussions covered political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation among the participating countries.
One of the key decisions was to declare 2029 the “Year of CIS Transport Connectivity”, highlighting the importance of developing transport infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across the Commonwealth.
First Caspian Environmental Summit
On 9 October 2026, the First Caspian Environmental Summit was held in Avaza.
The Summit provided an important platform for addressing pressing environmental challenges and strengthening international cooperation on the protection of the Caspian Sea and its surrounding ecosystem.
Following the discussions, the Heads of State adopted a decision reflecting the outcomes of the Summit and their commitment to addressing environmental issues through coordinated efforts.
Development of the Energy, Construction and Industrial Sectors – Oil and Gas Conference
From 21 to 23 October 2026, the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026” (OGT 2026) was held in Ashgabat.The event brought together more than 1,500 delegates from 75 countries, representing approximately 450 companies.
The discussions focused on several strategic priorities, including:
Further development of the Galkynysh gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits;
Progress in implementing the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline;
Diversification of natural gas export routes; International cooperation in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea;
Expansion of gas processing and petrochemical industries.
An important outcome of OGT 2026 was the signing of five bilateral agreements with international partners from China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The agreements aim to strengthen energy cooperation, expand oil and gas services and facilitate the supply of industrial products.
Construction, Industry and Energy of Turkmenistan – CIET 2026
From 3 to 5 November 2026, the CIET 2026 International Conference and Exhibition was held in Ashgabat. The event brought together government representatives, international companies, investors, financial institutions, technology providers, manufacturers, architects, engineers and industry experts.
The conference focused on attracting investment and introducing advanced technologies and international expertise in several priority areas:
Construction and urban development;
Industrial modernization;
Chemical and petrochemical production;
Energy development and energy efficiency;
Transport and infrastructure;
Digitalization and smart technologies.
CIET 2026 provided an additional opportunity to explore investment prospects and promote international partnerships in Turkmenistan’s construction, industrial and energy sectors.
Turkmenistan–Pakistan Cooperation: A Strategic Partnership in Energy and Regional Connectivity
Energy cooperation remains one of the important pillars of Turkmenistan–Pakistan relations. The two countries share a common interest in developing reliable energy supplies, expanding regional infrastructure and promoting economic connectivity.
A central project in this partnership is the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline, which is designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to energy markets in South Asia.
According to independent assessments cited for the project, the Galkynysh field holds estimated reserves of approximately 27 trillion cubic metres of natural gas.
TAPI: Benefits and Opportunities for Pakistan
The implementation of the TAPI project is expected to create several important opportunities for Pakistan: More diversified energy supplies: Access to Turkmen natural gas could help Pakistan strengthen its energy security and diversify its supply sources.
Support for economic development: Reliable gas supplies could contribute to meeting the growing energy requirements of households, industry and commercial sectors.
Regional economic cooperation: The project is expected to strengthen economic interdependence among participating countries and promote cooperation through shared infrastructure.
Industrial development: Improved access to natural gas could support industrial production, economic activity and investment.
Regional stability: The development of cross-border economic infrastructure offers opportunities to strengthen mutual interests and promote peaceful cooperation.
Integrated Infrastructure: Fibre-Optic Connectivity and Electricity Transmission
The TAPI initiative is accompanied by plans for additional regional infrastructure.
Along the pipeline corridor through Afghanistan and Pakistan, a 1,635-kilometre fibre-optic communication line is planned. The facility is intended to support pipeline monitoring and provide high-capacity telecommunications connectivity linking Europe, Asia and Southeast Asia, with a proposed transmission capacity of up to 100 Gbps.
The broader regional infrastructure programme also includes the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) electricity transmission project.
The TAP power transmission line is intended to supply electricity to the TAPI pipeline and associated facilities, while also creating opportunities for the export of up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity through Afghanistan to Pakistan.
Together, these interconnected initiatives have the potential to contribute to the development of an integrated regional energy and telecommunications network.
Progress in Turkmenistan–Afghanistan Infrastructure Projects
Turkmenistan’s cooperation with Afghanistan represents an important dimension of its regional connectivity strategy. Several important developments have taken place in the implementation of joint infrastructure projects.
September 2024:
Launch of construction of the Serhetabat–Herat section, an important component of the TAPI transnational gas pipeline project;
Commencement of construction works on the Turgundi–Sanabar section of the first phase of the Turgundi–Herat railway;
Commissioning of the Nur-ul-Jihad power substation in Herat Province as part of the first phase of the TAP electricity transmission project.
20 October 2025:
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited Herat Province of Afghanistan and officially launched the next stage of the Serhetabat–Herat gas pipeline.
To accelerate construction, a substantial fleet of specialized machinery and equipment was procured, including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, truck cranes, pipelayers, heavy-duty tractors, mobile platform trailers and motor graders.
These measures were aimed at facilitating the implementation of the project and supporting the development of regional energy infrastructure.
High-Level Turkmen–Afghan Talks on Regional Cooperation
On 10 August 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people made a working visit to Mary Province and travelled to the Islim-Cheshme border area in Serhetabat district, from where he proceeded on a working visit to Afghanistan.
Bilateral talks were subsequently held between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, and Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs.
The discussions covered cooperation across several areas, particularly the fuel and energy sector and the implementation of major regional infrastructure initiatives.
Special attention was paid to:
Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline;
Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey transport corridor;
Lapis Lazuli international transport corridor.
Emphasizing the importance of joint projects and the development of an appropriate legal framework for their implementation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed establishing a Turkmen–Afghan Commission on Economic Cooperation.
The visit also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern Türkmengaz and the State Corporation Afghan Gas.
This development represents another step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and advancing mutually beneficial regional infrastructure projects.
Pakistan and Turkmenistan: Towards a Connected and Prosperous Region
The growing partnership between Turkmenistan and Pakistan reflects the broader potential of regional cooperation in Central and South Asia.
Projects such as TAPI, TAP, cross-border railway development and fibre-optic connectivity demonstrate how energy, transport and digital infrastructure can contribute to regional economic integration.
For Pakistan, cooperation with Turkmenistan offers opportunities to diversify energy supplies, strengthen industrial capacity, improve regional connectivity and expand trade and investment relations.
For Turkmenistan, Pakistan represents an important partner in accessing South Asian markets and advancing its strategic objective of diversifying energy export routes.
The successful implementation of these initiatives will depend on sustained cooperation among all participating countries, effective coordination, investment mobilization and the development of the necessary infrastructure and institutional frameworks.
Conclusion
The events and initiatives of 2026 demonstrate the breadth of Turkmenistan’s national development priorities and its engagement with regional and international partners.
As the country marks the 35th anniversary of its Independence, its focus on industrial modernization, investment promotion, energy development, environmental cooperation and regional connectivity continues to shape its international agenda.
For Pakistan and Turkmenistan, these developments create a valuable foundation for expanding bilateral relations and advancing shared economic interests.
The TAPI and TAP projects, together with railway, telecommunications and other regional infrastructure initiatives, have the potential to transform connectivity between Central and South Asia, opening new opportunities for trade, investment, energy security and sustainable economic development.
