Oriented on making people closer

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. His two-day program, June 24-25, promises to be an important stage in strengthening the strategic dialogue between Ashgabat and Moscow. Talks between the head of Russian diplomacy and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov are planned.

Ahead of the visit, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a statement emphasizing that relations between the countries continue to develop in line with a deep strategic partnership based on the principles of good neighborliness and mutual understanding. It is especially noted that the peoples of Russia and Turkmenistan are linked by long-standing economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, common historical memory and commitment to traditional spiritual and moral values.

Active dialogue at the highest level

One of the key features of bilateral relations is an intensive political dialogue at the highest level. Thus, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Ashgabat on a working visit in October 2024, speaking at the International Forum dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi. In turn, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Russia four times in 2024, including participation in the Victory Parade, CIS events and the BRICS Plus summit. This year, the head of Turkmenistan also attended the celebrations in Moscow dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, where the parade column was supplemented by servicemen of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan.

As part of the current visit, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry will discuss a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda, exchange views on current regional problems and the international situation. Sergey Lavrov and Rashid Meredov are expected to sign the Cooperation Program between the Foreign Ministries for 2025-2026, which will consolidate further steps in coordination.

Multilateral interaction and economic ties

Interaction between the two countries is actively developing on multilateral platforms. This year, Turkmenistan and Russia are co-chairs of the CIS, and in 2026, Turkmenistan will assume the chairmanship of the Commonwealth. Moscow appreciates Ashgabat's contribution to the development of cooperation in the CIS and is committed to continuing close coordination. Constructive bilateral cooperation is also demonstrated in the UN, within the framework of the Caspian "five" and the dialogue "Central Asia + Russia".

The economic aspect of the partnership is also gaining momentum. Turkmenistan is positioned as a significant trade and economic partner of Russia in the region, with growing trade turnover and interest from large Russian companies such as Russian Railways, Lukoil, Tatneft, KAMAZ and PO Vozrozhdenie. An important role in deepening ties is played by the Intergovernmental Russian-Turkmen Commission on Economic Cooperation, the next, 13th meeting of which is scheduled for the end of this year. Interregional cooperation is actively developing, especially with St. Petersburg, Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region.

Culture, education and the role of neutrality

Cultural and humanitarian contacts occupy a special place in relations. Russia highly values mutual trips of creative groups and large-scale cultural events, including Days of Russian Culture in Turkmenistan, which took place in October 2024. A return visit of Turkmen cultural figures is expected this year. The number of Turkmen students in Russian universities continues to grow. The joint Russian-Turkmen secondary school named after A.S. Pushkin, known for its high educational standards, has been successfully operating in Ashgabat for over 20 years, and work is currently underway to create a Russian-Turkmen University in Ashgabat.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement also emphasizes that Russia welcomes Turkmenistan's commitment to the policy of permanent neutrality, the 30th anniversary of which is celebrated this year. It is noted that Ashgabat’s peaceful, neutral foreign policy significantly contributes to strengthening stability and security both in Central Asia and in the entire Caspian region.

ORIENT

Photo: RF-nyň DIM-niň metbugat gullugy/ТАСС