On 2 November 2026, on the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Chairperson of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Turkmenistan, Etienne Berchtold.

On behalf of the Head of State, the Chairperson of the national Parliament congratulated the diplomat on his appointment to this responsible post and wished him success in further strengthening friendly and multifaceted relations between the two countries.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him on Turkmen soil and the kind words, the Ambassador conveyed to the President of Turkmenistan warm greetings and best wishes from the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen.

As noted, Turkmenistan and Austria, both firmly committed to the policy of neutrality, regularly put forward constructive proposals within the framework of the United Nations aimed at addressing key issues on the global agenda, while providing mutual support to one another. In this regard, emphasis was placed on the importance of the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, in the Vienna International Energy and Climate Forum during his visit to the Republic of Austria in April this year, as well as the initiatives put forward by the Turkmen side.

The diplomat was provided with a detailed overview of the key areas of domestic and foreign policy of independent neutral Turkmenistan, the large-scale transformations being implemented in the country under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and major international projects.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on various issues of steadily developing bilateral cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. The diplomat was also briefed on the structure and legislative activities of the Mejlis.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Turkmenistan, Etienne Berchtold, assured that he would make every effort to further strengthen relations between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest.