In Turkmenistan, 2025 has been declared as the International Year of Peace and Security. Another significant event marking this year is the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality. Turkmenistan, which gained the status of permanent neutrality from the United Nations in 1995, has made important initiatives to ensure peace and security in the region and worldwide.
Therefore, at Turkmenistan’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Security. To mark the International Year of Peace and Security and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, the International Atavatan Turkmenistan Magazine, accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, launched an initiative to interview foreign ambassadors residing in the country.
We began this project with the Republic of Turkey, the first country to establish an embassy in Turkmenistan.
We interviewed Ahmet Demirok, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Ashgabat, discussing Turkmenistan-Turkey relations and Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality.
- The relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan are based on the principle of “One Nation, Two States.” How have the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of relations between the two countries progressed in 2024?
Our deep-rooted relations with Turkmenistan, based on shared history, language, religion, and culture, are growing stronger every day, grounded in cooperation and mutual interests. Turkey was the first country to open an embassy in Ashgabat following Turkmenistan’s declaration of independence. During this period, our official institutions, businesspeople, companies, and citizens stood alongside their Turkmen brothers during Turkmenistan’s transformation process.
We are continuing efforts to further advance our cooperation with Turkmenistan. Beyond our exemplary bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan, we also support mutual efforts on international platforms, especially the United Nations and OSCE. In this regard, our countries support each other in resolutions submitted reciprocally. We are determined to maintain this productive cooperation in this area.
I believe that 2024 was spent in harmony with the spirit of our strategic-level relations, strengthened by high-level visits, signed documents, and implemented collaborations.
Throughout 2024, many colorful international events, summits, conferences, and exhibitions were organized in Ashgabat. Representatives at the highest levels from our country participated in almost all these events, reflecting Turkmenistan’s significance in its region and on the international stage.
Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and with the visionary support of the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, significant achievements were witnessed in 2024, including the opening of energy, transportation, and healthcare facilities and events held to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth.
On October 11, 2024, TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş attended the international forum titled “The Relationship Between Time and Civilizations – The Basis of Modern World and Development,” organized in Ashgabat to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth. Additionally, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, attended the international conference held on May 17–18, 2024, at the level of culture ministers in Ashgabat.
Numerous events were also held in Turkey throughout 2024, which was declared the Year of Magtymguly Pyragy. I believe that the ideas and advice of Magtymguly Pyragy should be well understood worldwide. From this perspective, I find it very meaningful that messages of friendship and peace were sent from Turkmenistan to the world during 2024.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero Arkadag, attended the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum on March 1–2, 2024, delivering a speech outlining Turkmenistan’s foreign policy vision. On this occasion, the honorary title of “Elder of the Turkmen People” was conferred upon our President.
In 2024, within the framework of our cooperation in the defense sector, our Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak visited Ashgabat.
On the other hand, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meredov, along with Turkmenistan’s Minister of Defense Begenç Gündogdyýew, visited our country on August 13–14, 2024.
As part of TURKSOY’s declaration of Annau as the 2024 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, events held in Turkmenistan were attended by Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Serdar Çam.
The “Turkish Export Products Fair,” held in Turkmenistan, has become a tradition. Most recently, our Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, attended the opening of the “11th Turkish Export Products Fair,” held in Ashgabat from December 4–6, 2024. I believe these fairs contribute significantly to our economic cooperation.
One of the developments that made me happiest in 2024 was being awarded an honor for my contributions to bilateral relations between our country and Turkmenistan, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth, based on the relevant decrees of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. I proudly received this award, presented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Raşid Meredov during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 27. On this occasion, I extend my gratitude once again to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Raşid Meredov.
2. How does the Republic of Turkey, the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence and to support its Permanent Neutrality, evaluate Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy?
Turkey not only holds the distinction of being the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence but is also among the first countries to support Turkmenistan’s status of Permanent Neutrality at the United Nations. Turkey fully supports Turkmenistan’s active neutrality policy. We observe that Turkmenistan, pursuing an active foreign policy within the framework of its “positive neutrality policy,” stands out as a key player contributing to peace and stability in its region and the world.
We believe that Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality is not used to isolate itself from global developments and challenges but rather to make constructive contributions to these issues. We consider the humanitarian aid provided to Palestine and Ukraine by the “Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need” as a reflection of this sensitive approach.
3. Educational relations play a significant role in the ties between Turkey and Turkmenistan. Through educational programs, particularly Türkiye Scholarships, many Turkmen youth receive education in Turkey. What efforts are being made to enhance these relations?
Educational cooperation, one of the most vital bridges between our brotherly peoples, is a priority area of our bilateral relations. Since Turkmenistan’s independence, we have been striving to contribute to the education of Turkmen youth through our educational institutions and Türkiye Scholarships program. We take pride in the youth trained by our Joint Turkmen-Turkish Schools (JTTS), serving as honorary ambassadors of both countries.
In addition, we view Turkmen students graduating with high qualifications from Turkmenistan’s strong educational institutions and continuing their higher education in Turkey as a significant gain for both countries. According to data from the Higher Education Council, over 29,000 Turkmen students are studying in Turkey during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Since 1992, over 5,000 Turkmen students have participated in the Türkiye Scholarships program. In 2024, 45 Turkmen students were granted scholarships under this program, with the total number of beneficiaries reaching 98. Through you, I would like to inform young Turkmen brothers and sisters that applications for the 2025 Türkiye Scholarships program started on January 10, 2025, and will remain open until February 20.
4.What are your expectations for relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan in 2025?
As you know, the strength of our relations stems from the close interaction and mutual respect between our leaders and peoples. We believe that, as in previous years, many mutual visits will take place in 2025. It is essential for our Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other institutions to continue their consultations through existing mechanisms and identify areas where relations can be further developed.
One of the most critical cooperation mechanisms between our countries, the Turkish-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, plans to hold its 8th session in Ankara in the first quarter of this year. On this occasion, we will review the roadmap for our bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and trade relations.
In 2025, we aim to take significant steps, especially in the field of culture. We plan to open a Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, which operates in many countries worldwide, within this year.
5. What are your expectations for cooperation in the energy sector in 2025?
As you know, National Leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow visited Antalya on March 1-2, 2024, to attend the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum. On this occasion, following interdelegation meetings with our President, three documents were signed to strengthen cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors.
In 2024, one of the most significant developments in our energy agenda was the visit of our Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, to Turkmenistan on July 30-31, 2024. During his visit, the Minister was received by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and held meetings with Turkmen officials on advancing cooperation in areas such as the transportation of Turkmen natural gas to Turkey and European markets, as well as electricity and mining.
In a press interview during his visit, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources mentioned that the initial goal was to achieve a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) through swap agreements and a long-term target of 15 bcm annually via a Trans-Caspian pipeline, amounting to a total of 300 bcm over 20 years. He also noted that joint production in Turkmenistan’s natural gas fields, as well as issues related to gas storage and distribution, were discussed, with cooperation opportunities between BOTAŞ and relevant Turkish companies and Turkmen counterparts being evaluated.
The transportation of Turkmen gas to Turkey and through Turkey to Europe has been a long-standing issue on the agenda. Following Turkmenistan’s independence, several documents were signed between relevant Turkish and Turkmen authorities, and significant discussions were held to advance cooperation in the energy sector.
Given the current global political and economic instabilities and the increasing environmental concerns driven by the green transformation, we believe this is a favorable period for transporting Turkmen gas to Western markets. Recognizing that this opportunity window will not remain open indefinitely, we believe that cooperation should commence as soon as possible. In the short term, starting collaboration using existing infrastructure and, in the medium and long term, addressing infrastructure gaps and making new investments to strengthen the partnership would benefit all parties involved through a win-win formula.
6. What are your views on the current stage of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States?
In November 2021, Turkmenistan became an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) during the 9th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. As you know, OTS is a family council aimed at enhancing interaction and cooperation among Turkic states. We hope that Turkmenistan will join OTS and TÜRKPA as a full member.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its relations with OTS and its affiliated organizations. We see Turkmenistan’s full membership in the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the founding members of TÜRKSOY, as a positive step. Turkmenistan also aims to enhance its partnerships with TÜRKPA, the Turkic Investment Fund, the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and the International Turkic Academy.
The Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders, Mr. Binali Yıldırım, participated in the 15th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders, successfully held in Ashgabat on March 11–12, 2024, and later attended Neutrality Day celebrations on December 10–12, 2024. During his visit, it was a particular source of pride for us that Mr. Binali Yıldırım was awarded the title of “Honorary Elder of Turkmenistan” and presented with the medal and commemorative badge “In Honor of the 300th Anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy.”
Turkmenistan is one of the most significant members of the Turkic World family. We are confident that with Turkmenistan’s full membership in OTS soon, cooperation in the Turkic World will further strengthen. The Turkic World, with its human resources, natural wealth, socioeconomic, and technological capacity, is emerging as a zone of prosperity and stability in the region. We believe that Turkmenistan, strategically located in Central Asia regarding transportation routes and energy resources, will make significant contributions.
7. You have been in Turkmenistan for a year. How do you find the Turkmen people and culture?
As you know, on January 8, 2023, I presented my Letter of Credence to the President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and officially began my duties as Turkiye’s Ambassador in Ashgabat. During this one-year period, I witnessed the development of close relations between Turkiye and Turkmenistan in many areas.
At the same time, I had the opportunity to closely get to know the Turkmen people and culture. Through meetings with my Turkmen counterparts and field visits, I tried to explore the different aspects of Turkmenistan.
As you know, the people of Anatolia mainly consist of various groups that migrated westward from Central Asia, including the Oguz and Kipchak tribes. In this respect, I observed in Turkmenistan, the center of the Oguz Turks, how closely the way of life and culture of the people align with Anatolian culture. Due to our shared language, religion, and history, our cultures and traditions are remarkably close. This shared characteristic, which solidifies our brotherhood, is a guarantee that our relations with Turkmenistan will develop even further in the future.
Serving as Turkiye’s Ambassador in Turkmenistan, which we regard as our ancestral homeland, is a great honor. At the same time, it is a significant responsibility. Together with my colleagues and advisors at our Embassy, we will continue to work towards further advancing Turkiye-Turkmenistan relations.
On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank all Turkmen authorities, especially President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who have contributed to the progress of relations between our countries