BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Türkiye and
Turkmenistan have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in
trade, energy, textiles and industry during a meeting between
Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedov and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in
Ankara, the press service of the Turkmen government reports.
According to the report, the discussions covered political,
diplomatic, trade, economic and cultural ties. Both sides noted the
role of high-level visits and meetings in strengthening bilateral
relations. Berdimuhammedov held the meeting during a working visit
to Türkiye.
Berdimuhammedov said that Türkiye holds one of the leading
positions in Turkmenistan’s foreign trade. He also noted that
Turkish companies have participated in numerous projects in
Turkmenistan since the country gained independence, including in
the textile, energy, gas chemical and industrial sectors.
The Turkmen side expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued
support for Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy and its
initiatives within the United Nations and other international
organizations.
Turkmenistan and Türkiye established diplomatic relations
shortly after Turkmenistan gained independence. Türkiye was the
first country to recognize Turkmenistan on October 27, 1991, and
opened its embassy in Ashgabat in February 1992. The two countries
cooperate in political, economic, cultural and educational areas,
while Türkiye supports Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent
neutrality.
Economic ties are an important part of the bilateral
relationship. According to Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, bilateral
trade reached $2.2 billion in 2025, including $1.3 billion in
Turkish exports to Turkmenistan and $860 million in imports. The
two countries’ presidents have set a goal to bolster the bilateral
trade value to $5 billion in near term. Turkish companies have also
been active in Turkmenistan’s construction and industrial sectors,
with more than 1,000 projects worth over $54 billion completed
since the country’s independence.
Energy and transport have become increasingly important areas of
cooperation. In June 2026, the ninth meeting of the
Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic
Cooperation identified transport and logistics as a key area, with
discussions focusing on infrastructure connecting Central Asia and
Europe. Energy cooperation was also discussed, alongside
construction, building materials, food production and
agriculture.
