Turkmenistan Expresses Interest in Joining ICESCO as Full Member During Meeting at COP31
13 November 2026
H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at the Turkmenistan Pavilion during the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 31) in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen and expand cooperation between Turkmenistan and ICESCO.
H.E. Mr. Meredov explained that the National Leader of Turkmen People, Chairman of Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Hero-Arkadag, had directed that opportunities for cooperation with ICESCO in several areas be explored. He expressed his country’s interest to join ICESCO as a full Member State, following its admission as an Observer State during the Organization’s 15th General Conference, held in Kazan, May 2026.
Dr. AlMalik welcomed the Turkmen Government’s interest to join ICESCO, affirming that Turkmenistan’s rich history and distinctive culture would make its membership a valuable addition to the Organization. He emphasized that ICESCO would make every effort to strengthen cooperation with Turkmenistan and deepen its ties with the countries of the Islamic world in the Organization’s fields of competence.
The Director-General proposed implementing several joint projects and programmes in Turkmenistan and hosting forums and conferences. He also proposed exploring the possibility of designating one of Turkmenistan’s cities as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2028, as well as the possibility of Turkmenistan hosting a session of the ICESCO Executive Council or one of the Organization’s specialized ministerial conferences.
At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed his country’s commitment to completing the accession procedures at the earliest opportunity. He also expressed his wish to invite Dr. AlMalik to visit Turkmenistan in the coming months.
