ASHGABAT, December 30 | ORIENT. The results of a busy 2025 and strategic plans for 2026 were the main topics of a telephone conversation between National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko.

The interlocutors noted that the outgoing year had elevated the Turkmen-Russian strategic partnership to a qualitatively new level, imbuing it with profound humanitarian content.

During the conversation, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty emphasized the significance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's participation in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in Moscow, which symbolized the country's commitment to shared history. The National Leader expressed special gratitude for the "Train of Memory" project, in which Turkmen schoolchildren participated, noting that such initiatives foster the continuity of values among young people.

Special attention was paid to the development of "women's diplomacy" and cultural ties. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked Valentina Matviyenko for the excellent reception of the Turkmen delegation at the "Commonwealth of Fashion" forum in St. Petersburg, headed by Oguljahan Atabayeva. This visit opened up new areas of cooperation – at the intersection of the design industry, traditions, and charity.

The most important announcement of the conversation was plans for the coming year. The National Leader announced that the next CIS Summit will be held on October 9, 2026, in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. As part of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the Commonwealth, events are also planned at the CIS Women's Dialogue, a meeting of the Interparliamentary Assembly, and a Conference on Demography.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted Valentina Matviyenko's personal contribution to strengthening interparliamentary ties, calling her authority in Turkmenistan undeniable. The interlocutors expressed confidence that in-person talks in 2026 will give new impetus to relations between the two countries, which are built on the principles of a philosophy of peace and mutual respect.