On May 5-6, 2025, the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to the French Republic.

The program of the visit was very comprehensive.

Upon arrival in Paris, Hero-Arkadag met with the official representative of France, who noted that France highly values the multifaceted cooperation with Turkmenistan and wished Hero-Arkadag a successful visit.

Expressing gratitude for the kind words, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted with satisfaction that Turkmenistan has been maintaining fruitful relations with France for many years, actively developing bilateral partnership in various areas.

Then, the meeting of Hero-Arkadag with Martin Bouygues took place at the residence of the chief of the French company “Bouygues”.

Expressing gratitude to the National Leader of Turkmen people for the time devoted to the meeting, Martin Bouygues conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasizing that it was a great honor for the company led by him to take part in the implementation of large-scale construction projects in Turkmenistan.

It was especially noted that Turkmenistan’s economic strategy, favorable investment climate and conditions created for effective cooperation attract the world business community, in connection with which many companies, including French enterprises, demonstrate great interest in working in the favorable Turkmen market.

Thanking for the warm words, Hero-Arkadag conveyed greetings to Martin Bouygues on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and noted that the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with major foreign companies is one of the priority areas of Turkmenistan’s foreign economic strategy.

The National Leader of Turkmen people highlighted that “Bouygues” Company has been working in Turkmenistan since the first years of independence. In this regard, the company’s contribution to the expansion of educational ties between the two countries, including teaching of French language in the country was discussed. It was also noted that a specialized French language school built by the company is functioning in Turkmenistan.

Hero-Arkadag expressed gratitude to the head of the company for fruitful cooperation on his own behalf, as well as on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.

Then the sides discussed the possibilities of further development of partnership and participation of the French company in the implementation of new projects.

At the end of the meeting, the head of “Bouygues” expressed sincere gratitude to the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of Halk Maslahaty Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for high trust in the company and wished Hero-Arkadag a successful visit to the French Republic.

Then, the National Leader of the Turkmen people took part in the Turkmen-French Economic Forum.

The forum was attended by heads and representatives of leading French companies, members of the delegation of Turkmenistan, as well as Turkmen entrepreneurs.

Prior to the forum, Hero-Arkadag and participants of the event got acquainted with the exhibition of economic achievements and national cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.

Opening the forum, Philippe Gautier, Executive Director of the French International Association “MEDEF” warmly welcomed Hero-Arkadag and expressed gratitude that he found time to attend this important event during his visit to France.

It was emphasized that the forum is a historic event for the French companies participating in it and will certainly become another important step in the development of bilateral relations.

Noting that the representative level of the forum participants clearly demonstrates the attractiveness of Turkmenistan, Philippe Gautier emphasized that it is a great honor for French businessmen to work in Turkmenistan.

Then the floor was given to the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The speech of Hero-Arkadag was focused on the geopolitical and geo-economic state of Turkmenistan, including issues of coordination of joint work (the full text of the speech can be found at this link https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/articles/1523).

Expressing sincere gratitude to Hero-Arkadag for his informative speech, the Executive Director of International Association “MEDEF” noted that the participation of the National Leader of Turkmen people in the forum and information about economic and investment opportunities of Turkmenistan enhanced the interest of French companies in the promising Turkmen market. Hero-Arkadag was also expressed special gratitude for the high trust in French companies and favorable conditions present for effective work in the country. 

Speaking at the event, representatives of the French private sector emphasized their interest in participating in infrastructural projects in Turkmenistan aimed at ensuring innovative development of the national economy.

Then the signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place, including: Memorandum of Understanding between “Türkmenaragatnaşyk” Agency of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and “Airbus Defense and Space SAS” company; Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and “IGN FI” Company (France) on Cooperation in the Field of Land Cadaster and Remote Monitoring of Agricultural Crops; Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan and “SUEZ International” Company on Cooperation in the Field of Water Management; Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern “Türkmengaz” and the “SUEZ International” Company on Cooperation in Gas Industry of Turkmenistan.

Upon completion of the Turkmen-French Economic Forum, the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov headed to the Palace where the official welcoming ceremony took place.

In front of the front entrance, Hero-Arkadag was warmly welcomed by the State Secretary for War Veterans and Memory Patricia Miralles and the Military Governor of Paris, General Loïc Mizon. Together they walked to the Square of Honor.

The National Anthems of the two countries were performed. Hero-Arcadag, Patricia Miralles and General Loïc Mizon passed near the Guard of Honor.

The National Leader of Turkmen people was introduced to the members of the official delegation of the French Republic, and State Secretary Patricia Miralles was introduced to the members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan.

The commander of the Guard of Honor reported to Hero-Arkadag about the completion of the official welcoming ceremony.

Then, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov headed to the Élysée Palace where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.

* * *

Within the framework of the official visit of the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag to the French Republic, the delegations of Turkmenistan and France met to discuss issues of further development of cooperation in financial-banking, fuel-energy, urban development, trade-economic spheres, as well as in such areas as communications, space, transportation and telecommunications.