Turkmenistan consistently implements a peaceful foreign policy strategy grounded in the principles of permanent neutrality. Through this framework, the country steadily expands fruitful cooperation with all interested partners, including individual states, major international organizations, and authoritative regional bodies. As is well known, strengthening intergovernmental relations remains a primary direction of the foreign policy pursued by our Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at promoting stability and development both in the region and across the globe.
A clear example of this policy in action is the qualitative enrichment of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, which builds upon centuries of shared history. Mutual understanding, trust, and strong friendship stand as the highest achievements of our two peoples, creating a reliable foundation for multifaceted collaboration on both bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly within international and regional organizations. A clear testament to this approach is our constructive dialogue with Turkic-speaking states, especially the Republic of Türkiye, with which we are united by historical roots spanning millennia, a common mentality, and shared cultural and spiritual values. Reflecting on history, the deep cultural ties, language, and common ancestral roots connect our nations by bonds that go far beyond immediate mutual interests. The historic fraternal relations established between ancient Turkmen states and the broader Turkic world continues to develop effectively today as both strong diplomatic ties and an enduring brotherhood.
In both countries, the expansion of Turkmen-Turkish relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres is of great importance. Equally significant are the numerous diplomatic meetings aimed at broadening cooperation in the investment and transport sectors, alongside the continuous development of the legal framework for bilateral collaboration.
Speaking on the importance of strengthening Turkmen-Turkish relations across all priority areas, we can proudly highlight the working visit of our Esteemed President to the Republic of Türkiye.
On October 29–30, 2026, our esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to the Republic of Türkiye to attend the XIII Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. At Ankara Esenboğa International Airport, our esteemed President was warmly welcomed by the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, and other official dignitaries. Subsequently, the Heads of State attended the grand opening ceremony of the Turkic States Cultural Park. This venue showcases architectural models reflecting the unique cultural heritage, historical roots, and spiritual values of the nations. Following the ceremony, the Heads of State visited the “Malazgirt” Activity Center, where they observed traditional national and ethnosport games.
On October 30, 2026, a bilateral meeting between the Honorable President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place at the Presidential Complex. During the talks, the leaders reviewed a wide spectrum of bilateral and regional cooperation opportunities. The Honorable President emphasized that the XIII Summit of the Organization of Turkic States serves as an essential platform for strengthening mutual trust and constructive partnership among fraternal nations. With a view to maximizing mutual logistical capabilities, our honorable President highlighted the importance of enhancing the capacity of the Trans-Caspian international transport corridor and affirmed the readiness of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport infrastructure to support these initiatives. Furthermore, our esteemed President emphasized matters concerning ecological well-being and noted that initiatives to establish United Nations regional centers in Ashgabat specialized in climate change technologies and combating desertification are being actively promoted at the UN level. In addition, the Honorable President proposed facilitating joint educational programs, and academic exchanges, as well as simplifying tourism procedures, to foster cultural and humanitarian cooperation among fraternal nations. The profound significance of Turkmenistan’s initiative, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, declaring the year 2028 as the “International Year of International Law” was particularly emphasized.
Within the framework of the working visit to the Republic of Türkiye, our honorable President visited Hacettepe University in Ankara. Here, a solemn ceremony was held to confer the degree of Honorary Doctor of International Relations upon our esteemed President. By the decision of the Senate and Academic Council of this prestigious higher education institution, the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations” was awarded to our honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This honor was bestowed in recognition of his deep academic background, his immense contribution to strengthening UN-led peace and preventive diplomacy, his key regional and global initiatives, and his outstanding role in advancing Turkmen-Turkish cooperation across high-technology, agriculture, and joint educational programs. Additionally, during the working visit to the Republic of Türkiye, our esteemed President was solemnly presented with the “Strategic Friendship” award by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of the Republic of Türkiye (DEIK).
The XIII Summit of the Organization of Turkic States has become a historic event that elevated the historical, cultural, and economic relations between fraternal peoples to new heights. Implementing a foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan contributes significantly to these processes. Turkmen diplomacy effectively advances mutually beneficial initiatives within multilateral frameworks, ensuring peace and sustainable development both regionally and globally. This peace-loving path serves to continuously enhance the international prestige of our country on a global scale and reinforce ties of friendship with fraternal peoples.
Gurban HALMUHAMMEDOV,
the 3rd-year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan