Ashgabat, August 30, 2026 – The Europe Today: Turkmenistan and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across political, economic, technological and humanitarian fields during talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Ashgabat on August 30, 2026.
The meeting brought together delegations led by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who arrived in Ashgabat on an official visit.
The sides reviewed the current state and prospects of Turkmenistan–Japan relations, with particular attention to political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The ministers emphasised that regular contacts at the highest and senior levels have provided significant momentum to bilateral relations. In this context, they highlighted the importance of visits to Japan by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, respected Arkadag, as well as by the President of Turkmenistan.
Meredov and Motegi expressed interest in further strengthening practical cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The Turkmen side also expressed appreciation to Japan for its support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy of permanent neutrality.
The two sides noted the effectiveness of their coordination within international organisations, particularly the United Nations, and stressed the importance of cooperation under the “Central Asia + Japan” framework.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
The talks also focused on trade and economic cooperation, with the sides highlighting successful partnerships in gas chemical industries, electric power, transport and other sectors.
Advanced technologies and artificial intelligence were identified as promising areas for further cooperation.
The Japanese side expressed interest in participating in projects aimed at further diversifying Turkmenistan’s economy. In this regard, the parties noted the successful involvement of major Japanese companies in the construction of industrial complexes in Turkmenistan, including Sumitomo Corporation, Toyo Engineering Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., ITOCHU Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
The sides also discussed preparations for a joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees for Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Tokyo later this year.
Cooperation in Education and Culture
The two ministers further exchanged views on expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation, particularly in the field of education.
The meeting concluded with a signing ceremony for the Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for 2027–2029.
The programme is expected to provide an additional framework for strengthening institutional cooperation between the two foreign ministries and advancing bilateral relations in the coming years.
