In early March 2024, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, paid an official visit to the Republic of Turkey. The visit was timed to coincide with the participation of the Head of Turkmenistan in the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum, a representative international platform for discussing topical global and regional issues.
Nevertheless, Berdimuhamedov's working trip went far beyond the forum alone, becoming a vivid evidence of deepening the strategic Turkmen-Turkish partnership in all key areas. The leitmotif of the visit was the strengthening of friendly ties between the two states united by the common historical roots, culture and spiritual values.
During the high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an impetus was given to building up mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economic, energy, transportation and humanitarian areas. At the same time, Turkmenistan and Turkey proceed from the principle of "One Nation - Two States", thus laying a solid foundation for constructive interaction.
A significant event was the awarding of the high title "Honorary Elder of the People" of Turkmenistan to the Turkish leader for his services in strengthening the Turkmen-Turkish bonds of friendship and brotherhood. As the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan emphasized, the current stage of relations between our states is characterized by a new concrete content in the whole range of bilateral cooperation.
A fraternal alliance bound by history: personal dialog between leaders and ancient traditions of hospitality
The visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Turkey began with a warm meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This personal dialog between the leaders of the two brotherly Turkic peoples set the tone for the entire working trip, demonstrating the special nature of Turkmen-Turkish relations based on centuries-old historical ties.
In the spirit of the traditions of Eastern hospitality, the Turkish side gave a warm welcome to the National Leader of Turkmenistan. According to a long-standing custom, a boy and a girl in national Turkmen costumes presented flowers to Arkadag. This touching gesture was a vivid evidence of deep respect for the common roots and cultural heritage of the two peoples.
The atmosphere of cordiality and mutual understanding during the summit talks was emphasized by the personal gift presented to Erdogan on behalf of the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan. The Turkish leader received a unique Turkmen national garment - ichmek, made of high-quality leather with traditional embroidery and ornaments.
As the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized, each element of the ichmek's decoration carries a deep meaning and refers to the ancient origins of the Turkic culture. The traditional headdress is made of non-toxic natural materials using rare technologies of Turkmen craftsmen. According to ancient customs, ichmek is given only as a sign of special gratitude and appreciation.
This generous gift was not just a tribute to the Turkish leader, but also a symbol of the unbreakable bond of generations, which epitomizes the unbreakable friendship of the Turkmen and Turkish peoples. Hero Arkadag personally congratulated Erdogan on his 70th birthday and awarded him the honorary title of "Dear Elder of the People" of Turkmenistan. He also wished the Turkish leader health, prosperity and further success in the responsible post of the head of state.
Later, the President of Turkey in his conversation with the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan highly appreciated this gesture of brotherly love and trust. This sign of deepest respect emphasizes the special status of Turkmen-Turkish relations, which date back to the depth of centuries.
Thus, the official part of the visit initially set the atmosphere for a fruitful and frank dialog in the spirit of the traditions of mutual understanding between the nations - brothers-in-law. The talks between the leaders were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, laying the foundation for further building up a multifaceted partnership in various spheres.
Energy tandem: Ashgabat and Ankara deepen gas partnership
Within the framework of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Turkey, a new stage of cooperation in the key area of energy was launched. Following the talks, the parties signed a number of landmark documents laying the foundation for building up Turkmen-Turkish ties in the gas sector.
One of such documents was the Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon resources. This document opens up new prospects for the export of Turkmen natural gas to Turkey under the scheme of swap operations through the territories of third countries.
Considering that Turkmenistan has the world's fourth largest proven reserves of "blue fuel", intensification of gas cooperation with such a large consumer as Turkey looks more than a logical step. The giant Galkynysh field alone contains over 27 trillion cubic meters of gas. Taking into account other promising subsoil areas, the total reserves could be even larger.
At the same time, the parties agreed on closer cooperation in the gas industry at the level of specialized agencies and companies. In particular, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Turkmen State Concern "Turkmengaz" and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey. The document is designed to facilitate the exchange of experience, technologies and investment projects.
The desire to intensify cooperation in the fuel and energy complex is dictated by mutual interests of the parties. Ashgabat counts on Turkish investments and technologies to develop new fields and create modern gas processing facilities in the country.
For Ankara, Turkmen gas is one of the key elements of diversifying energy imports and ensuring energy security. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is ready to act as a reliable transit corridor for the transfer of Turkmen hydrocarbons to world markets.
Thus, deepening of the strategic energy partnership was one of the main practical results of the current visit of the National Leader. The signed documents laid a solid foundation for further increasing the volume of mutual trade in energy resources in the long term, taking into account the growing needs of the parties.
Energy partnership as a foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation
Within the framework of Hero-Arkadag's visit to Turkey, special attention was paid to the issues of energy cooperation between the two countries. The National Leader of the Turkmen people held a meeting with Ahmet Çalik, Chairman of the Board of the large Turkish company Çalik Holding.
Çalik Holding has already implemented a number of large-scale projects in Turkmenistan in the field of energy, healthcare and industry. Thus, the company acted as a contractor for the construction of a combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 1,574 MW on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea. The commissioning of this facility will allow increasing the export of Turkmen electricity to neighboring regions and countries, including Turkey.
During the meeting, Ahmet Chalyk assured the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan that the Company would make every effort to ensure timely and quality fulfillment of works at the entrusted facilities. The National Leader, in turn, noted the need to apply innovative solutions and advanced environmentally friendly technologies in the implementation of new energy projects.
Thus, cooperation with Turkish partners in the fuel and energy sector is considered by Turkmenistan as one of the important factors in diversifying the national economy and increasing export potential. At the same time, special emphasis is placed on the introduction of "green" technologies that meet modern environmental standards.
Large Turkish companies are reliable partners in the implementation of large-scale projects
During Hero-Arkadag's visit to Turkey, he met with Erman Ylıcak, Chairman of the Board of Rönesans Holding Company. This large Turkish company has been successfully working in the Turkmen market for many years, participating in the implementation of significant projects in various sectors.
Turkish business circles are highly interested in strengthening their positions in Turkmenistan, where a favorable investment climate has been created. Rönesans Holding makes a significant contribution to the construction of infrastructure facilities and is involved in the oil and gas and chemical industries of the country.
During the meeting, Erman Ylycak assured the National Leader of the Turkmen people of the readiness of the company to continue to provide its experience and potential for the implementation of joint projects in the Turkmen market. For his part, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan highly appreciated the work of Turkish partners and confirmed interest in further increasing mutually beneficial cooperation.
Involvement of leading foreign companies in the implementation of national projects is one of the priorities of the economic strategy of Turkmenistan. At the same time, special attention is paid to the introduction of innovative solutions and advanced technologies. Turkish partners are positioned as reliable participants in this process.
Turkmen Initiatives at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum: Building a Global Security Architecture
An important event of the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to Turkey was his participation in the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum. This is an authoritative international platform for discussing topical issues on the global agenda.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan voiced a number of initiatives concerning the formation of a new model of international relations in the 21st century and mechanisms for its realization. In particular, Turkmenistan proposed to develop a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the United Nations, consolidating the efforts of the entire world community to strengthen peace and stability.
The National Leader emphasized the need for the active participation of developing countries, whose political role is steadily increasing, in this process. He also stressed the importance of involving regional associations, specialized UN institutions and harnessing the potential of neutral status to resolve conflicts by non-military means.
Special attention was paid to the climate agenda and the establishment of regional centers under the auspices of the UN to study climate change and mitigate its consequences. Turkmenistan took the initiative to establish such a center for Central Asia.
Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan emphasized that global challenges require consolidation of efforts both on a multilateral basis and in areas of bilateral cooperation - in energy, transportation and humanitarian exchanges. Turkmenistan expressed readiness to make a significant contribution to the development of balanced solutions that meet the interests of all mankind.
The visit of Chairman Halk Maslakhaty to Turkey was a vivid example of Turkmenistan's multi-vector foreign policy aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial ties with all influential players in the international arena.
During the talks with the Turkish leadership, special attention was paid to the issues of enhancing trade and economic cooperation, implementation of joint projects in the fuel and energy complex, transportation and other strategically important sectors. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to continue to be a reliable partner in ensuring global energy security and developing the transit potential of the Eurasian region.
At the same time, a significant part of the visit was devoted to the discussion of urgent challenges of our time concerning climate change, regional and international security issues, and the role of multilateral structures in their resolution. At the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Hero-Arkadag voiced a number of initiatives to shape the architecture of global security in the 21st century, and called for the intensification of the efforts of the world community under the aegis of the UN.
Demonstrating commitment to non-aligned neutral status, the National Leader expressed the country's readiness to act as a mediator and peacemaker in regional conflicts. Turkmenistan also reaffirmed its course to further strengthen the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which ensure harmonious development of mankind.
Thus, Ashgabat's diplomatic activity reflects the country's aspiration to take its rightful place in the system of the modern world order. At the same time, Turkmenistan's positive agenda is based on the principles of mutually beneficial pragmatism and non-confrontational approach to solving the most complex global problems. In fact, the peaceful neutrality of the country acquires a model of international leadership.
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