The visit of the Turkmenistan delegation to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has begun

On 24 February 2026, a working visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland began. The delegation is headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov.

On the morning of 25 February, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez. The sides discussed cooperation in the field of maritime transport and international shipping.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that strengthening ties with international organizations in the transport sector is one of today’s priority tasks. In this direction, Turkmenistan consistently cooperates with a number of specialized international structures, including the International Maritime Organization.

It was noted that systematic work is being carried out in the country to ensure compliance with the requirements of international conventions in the field of maritime transport, to introduce modern shipping safety standards, and to develop the regulatory and legal framework in line with international obligations.

From the high rostrum of the United Nations, Turkmenistan consistently calls for a comprehensive consideration of transport issues not only at the national and regional levels, but also on a global scale. At Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly has adopted a number of resolutions aimed at forming a qualitatively new format of international cooperation in the transport sector.

The importance of active cooperation with the United Nations was separately emphasized. Clear evidence of this was the holding in August 2025 of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to further develop constructive dialogue with the International Maritime Organization and to implement joint projects in the field of sustainable and safe maritime transport.

On the same day, the opening of the “Structured Dialogue” between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Foreign Office of the United Kingdom took place at the UK Foreign Office. The meeting featured remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the UK Foreign Office, Hamish Falconer.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan noted the steady development of Turkmen-British cooperation and emphasized the importance of holding the third round of the “Structured Dialogue.”

A positive dynamic in political dialogue and trade-economic relations was noted. At the same time, the need for fuller use of the existing economic potential was underlined, including within the framework of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council.

In the sphere of education and culture, strong interest in studying the English language in Turkmenistan was emphasized, and interest was expressed in expanding cooperation with relevant British institutions. It was reported that a number of bilateral documents in these areas are planned to be signed during the visit.

Regarding the regional agenda, the Minister stressed the importance of stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, noting Turkmenistan’s implementation of major infrastructure projects aimed at providing socio-economic support to the Afghan people. Readiness to continue cooperation on regional security issues was confirmed.

Current international issues were also discussed. The Turkmen side once again reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, the country’s neutral status, and the need for peaceful political and diplomatic settlement of international disputes.

Following the meeting, a Cooperation Program between the foreign policy agencies of the two countries for 2026-2027 was signed.

The negotiations then continued at the level of heads of relevant departments.