On July 28, 2026, the first political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand took place via videoconferencing at the level of heads of department. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for developing political-diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. They noted the closeness of standpoints on promoting global peace and stability. The sides agreed to continue mutual support for initiatives within reputable international organizations, primarily the UN.
The diplomats thoroughly discussed opportunities for expanding partnership on sustainable transport and energy, as well as on environmental security. In this context, gratitude to New Zealand was reiterated for co-sponsoring the Resolution “Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation”, initiated by Turkmenistan.
The parties also emphasized the potential for partnership within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035) and discussed possible joint projects. At the meeting, the Turkmen side outlined initiatives and specific actions to maintain global environmental security and emphasized the efforts Turkmenistan to develop a comprehensive UN environmental strategy for the Central Asian region, including the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and a Regional Center for Combatting Desertification for Central Asian countries.
During the political consultations, an exchange of views took place on the development of trade and economic cooperation. It was noted that the modest indicators of trade turnover between the two countries does not reflect the significant existing potential.
In this regard, the feasibility of establishing cooperation in the field of high technologies, agriculture, water management, and industry was noted. Mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between the representatives of private sectors of two countries was expressed.
Cultural and humanitarian ties were also on the agenda of the consultations. The parties discussed the possibility of establishing inter-university cooperation, conducting joint research, and organizing virtual meetings between representatives of relevant institutions of the two countries.
Cultural interaction through online festivals, virtual exhibitions, Days of Culture, cooperation between museums and libraries, and within the framework of UNESCO were also discussed.
Upon the results of consultations, the sides confirmed their determination to work collaboratively to promote political dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, and the development of trade and cultural ties.
