Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are two Central Asian countries that are united not only by geographical proximity, but also by common historical destinies, cultural traditions and spiritual values. The roots of friendship between the Turkmen and Tajik peoples go back centuries, to the heyday of the Great Silk Road, when there was an active exchange of goods, ideas and cultural achievements at the crossroads of civilizations.
Turkmen and Tajiks have long lived side by side in Central Asia, in the oases of Merv, Nisa, Amul and other historical centers of the region. They practiced farming and crafts together, traded in lively bazaars, and jointly resisted external invaders. The closeness of their languages, which belong to different branches of the Indo-European and Turkic language families but have many common words and borrowings, is evidence of the close ties between the two peoples.
Islam, which began to spread in the region in the 8th century, had a significant impact on the historical and cultural development of Turkmens and Tajiks. The adoption of Islam opened a new page in the annals of the two peoples, enriched their spiritual life, contributed to the flourishing of science, literature and art. The names of great thinkers and poets of the Middle Ages - Avicenna, Al-Biruni, Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, Makhtumkuli - have forever entered the treasury of world culture.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan today cherish the memory of their rich historical past and the spiritual closeness of the two peoples. This memory serves as a solid foundation for the development of bilateral partnership in the modern era on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in January 1993 opened a new page in the centuries-old chronicle of friendship between the two peoples. Since then, cooperation between the two countries has been developing dynamically in a wide range of areas, from politics and economy to culture and humanitarian contacts.
More than 100 interstate and intergovernmental documents form a solid legal framework for bilateral cooperation. Among them are agreements in such key areas as trade and investment, industrial cooperation and transport communications, science and education, culture and art.
In recent years, Turkmen-Tajik ties have gained additional impetus due to the intensification of political contacts at the highest level. Meetings of the leaders of the two countries are held on a regular basis, which makes it possible to timely resolve topical issues of bilateral cooperation and the regional agenda.
We offer you a detailed analysis of the key aspects of the partnership between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan at the present stage. This review will help to better understand the logic and dynamics of bilateral relations and assess their role in ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia.
Trade relations between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan: growth dynamics and prospects
Trade and economic cooperation is one of the key areas of the Turkmen-Tajik partnership. In recent years, bilateral trade has demonstrated steady growth, which testifies to the effectiveness of the two countries' efforts to increase mutual trade turnover.
At the end of 2022, the volume of trade between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan reached 52.9 million USD. This is an impressive result, especially if we take into account that in 2021 trade turnover was more than two times lower. Thus, in just one year it was possible to achieve a 2.4-fold increase in the volume of bilateral trade.
It is noteworthy that Turkmen exports dominate the structure of Turkmen-Tajik trade. Ashgabat supplies Tajikistan with a wide range of goods, including oil products, refined cotton oil and cement. In turn, Turkmenistan imports consumer goods, aluminum and aluminum products, and agricultural products from Tajikistan.
Tajikistan's share in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover is still small - only 0.7%. At the same time, there is certainly potential for increasing mutual trade. To further increase trade between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, active steps are being taken both at the governmental level and through the business community. A special role in this process is given to the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, as well as the Turkmen-Tajik Business Council.
During the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission held in November 2023, the parties discussed the implementation of the Roadmap for increasing trade turnover for 2023-2024 and considered prospects for cooperation in such areas as energy, water resources, transportation, industry, and agriculture. All these areas have good chances to become "growth points" of bilateral trade.
In general, the intensification of trade and economic ties between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan meets the fundamental interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. The existing potential of complementarity of the economies and the political will to expand the partnership make it possible to forecast further growth of mutual trade turnover in the foreseeable future.
Cultural Dialogue in Action
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation has traditionally been an important component of Turkmen-Tajik relations. The two peoples, linked by common history, language and traditions, are actively developing cultural ties, seeing this as a guarantee of further strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding.
A vivid example of such cooperation was the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan in April 2024. This large-scale event, timed to coincide with the official visit of Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Dushanbe, clearly demonstrated the depth and versatility of the Turkmen-Tajik cultural dialog.
It should be noted that such events are held on a regular basis. The Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan and Days of Culture of Tajikistan in Turkmenistan have become a good tradition, annually demonstrating the growing interest of the peoples of the two countries in each other. These events include a wide range of events from concerts and exhibitions to movie screenings and scientific conferences, covering the most diverse audience.
The central event of the Days of Culture in April 2024 was a big concert of Turkmenistan's masters of arts held on the stage of the Sadriddin Aini State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Dushanbe. The colorful performance, which was attended by leading creative teams and soloists of Turkmenistan, introduced the Tajik audience to original Turkmen music, songs and dances.
The program of other events within the framework of the Days of Culture was no less rich. In particular, the exhibition of Turkmen arts and crafts, which presented the best examples of national embroidery, carpet weaving and jewelry, was received with great interest in Tajikistan. The exposition clearly showed that the ancient craft traditions of Turkmens continue to be carefully preserved and developed today.
The presentation of books by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which aroused great interest among Tajik intellectuals, was also an important event of the cultural program. The works of the Turkmen leader, which deeply and comprehensively analyze the topical issues of our time, are recognized abroad, including in Tajikistan.
The charitable action for children of Tajikistan organized by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charity Fund during the cultural event was a kind and humane gesture. The gifts, which included medicines, medical supplies, textiles, clothes and confectionery, became a vivid evidence of sincere friendship and participation of the Turkmen people to their Tajik brothers.
Regular organization of the Days of Culture, along with active exchanges of creative delegations, tours of art groups, contacts in museums, libraries and other cultural institutions, contributes to the preservation and multiplication of the spiritual wealth of the two peoples. This cultural dialog serves as a solid foundation for the development of Turkmen-Tajik relations at the present stage and fills them with a special trusting character.
One should also mention such an important aspect of bilateral humanitarian cooperation as Turkmenistan's assistance to Tajikistan in times of need. When the Tajik people face the consequences of natural disasters, the Turkmen side invariably lends a helping hand by sending humanitarian cargoes, including food, medicines and basic necessities to the republic. These steps are perceived in Tajikistan with great gratitude and serve as another confirmation of sincerity and unselfishness of friendship between the two peoples.
In general, the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Tajikistan and other joint cultural events, along with the provision of humanitarian aid, are convincing evidence of the strength of the bonds of friendship and good-neighborliness between the two countries. Through culture, art and mutual support, Ashgabat and Dushanbe are building bridges of trust and cooperation, creating a reliable basis for further expansion of multifaceted partnership.
Towards transport integration
Cooperation in the sphere of transportation and logistics is one of the promising areas of the Turkmen-Tajik partnership. Both countries, which have no direct access to the world ocean, are objectively interested in the development of effective transport infrastructure and optimization of logistics chains to ensure their foreign economic relations.
One of the key aspects of cooperation in this area is the creation of favorable conditions for transit traffic. In particular, we are talking about using the potential of Turkmenistan as a favorable transit route for Tajik cargoes heading westward to the Caspian Sea ports and further to Europe.
In this context, the agreements reached between Ashgabat and Dushanbe on expanding transit transportation of Tajik goods through Turkmenistan are of great importance. The creation of a transport corridor that will connect the two countries with access to the Caspian Sea opens new opportunities for increasing foreign trade and strengthening export potential.
Another important area of cooperation is the coordination of tariff policy for international cargo delivery services. In April 2024, during the meeting of the heads of transport departments of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in Dushanbe, the parties agreed to establish close cooperation between the logistics centers of the two countries and adhere to a common approach to pricing. The introduction of optimal tariffs is intended to make transportation more convenient and profitable for transport companies.
Ashgabat and Dushanbe are also focused on expanding cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure. Turkmenistan, which is implementing large-scale projects to modernize and build roads, railroads, seaports and airports, is ready to share its experience and experience with Tajik partners. In turn, Tajikistan, which is actively developing its transport sector, is interested in studying Turkmenistan's best practices in this area.
The ultimate goal of the Turkmen-Tajik partnership in the transport and logistics track is to create a modern, high-tech infrastructure capable of ensuring effective integration of the transport systems of the two countries and Central Asia as a whole into international transport corridors. This is fully in line with the spirit of regional and global initiatives aimed at unlocking the transit and logistics potential of the Central Asian region.
It is obvious that the intensification of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in the transport sector benefits not only the two countries, but also the entire region. Building new cargo transportation routes, removal of infrastructure barriers, unification of tariffs - all this works to increase the connectivity of Central Asian states and their effective inclusion in the system of world economic relations.
Strengthening partnerships at the highest level
The official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Tajikistan in April 2024 was an important milestone in the development of Turkmen-Tajik relations. The visit, which took place at the invitation of the Tajik side, once again demonstrated the high level of political dialog between the two countries and the existence of goodwill for further expansion of cooperation.
The central event of the visit was the talks between Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon. The meeting of the leaders of the two countries was held in an atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual understanding, which is a distinctive feature of Turkmen-Tajik relations at the present stage.
During the informative conversation, the interlocutors discussed the whole range of bilateral cooperation, paying special attention to the prospects of partnership in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides noted the progressive development of interstate ties and reaffirmed readiness to further strengthen them for the benefit of the two countries and peoples.
The leaders thoroughly discussed key aspects of cooperation in the economic sphere. In particular, they talked about increasing mutual trade, intensifying investment cooperation, implementing joint projects in energy, transport, industry and agriculture. In all these areas, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have good opportunities and mutual desire to move forward.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Emomali Rahmon also touched upon regional issues. The interlocutors spoke in favor of intensifying partnership within the framework of international organizations, primarily the UN, in order to ensure peace, security and sustainable development in Central Asia. In this context, the importance of joint efforts to overcome common challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking and environmental threats was emphasized.
In the framework of the visit, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan also met with the Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli (Upper House of Parliament) of Tajikistan Rustami Emomali. The sides discussed issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation, which is an important component of Turkmen-Tajik relations. The sides noted the successful work of friendship groups functioning in the legislative bodies of the two countries and spoke in favor of further strengthening ties in the parliamentary line.
In addition, the National Leader held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda. During the conversation, the issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of water management were touched upon. Chairman of Khalk Maslakhaty emphasized that interaction in this sphere is carried out on a planned basis, including through the Joint Intergovernmental Commission and within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. At the same time, he noted the expediency of activation of this area of partnership with involvement of other interested parties. This proposal indicates Turkmenistan's intention to bring cooperation with Tajikistan on water issues to a qualitatively new level.
In general, the official visit of the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan has become another confirmation of the progressive nature of the Turkmen-Tajik partnership. Regular trustful dialogue at the highest level serves as a solid basis for deepening multifaceted ties between the two countries, creates favorable conditions for the realization of the existing potential of cooperation on a bilateral and multilateral basis.
Consolidation of agreements reached
One of the key outcomes of the official visit of Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Tajikistan was the signing of a solid package of bilateral documents. These agreements, covering various spheres of Turkmen-Tajik cooperation, are designed to give an additional impetus to the development of partnership between the two countries.
Among the signed documents is the Program of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan for 2024-2025. This document is aimed at deepening political dialogue, expanding cooperation within international organizations, and sharing experience in diplomatic work. Its implementation will contribute to further coordination of efforts of the two countries in the global arena.
The Agreement on Cooperation between the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan and the Committee on Architecture and Construction under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is also important. This document opens new opportunities for partnership in design and construction of various facilities, exchange of advanced technologies and know-how in the construction industry.
The parties also focused on expanding ties in the scientific sphere. The Memorandum of Understanding signed during the visit between the Institute of Seismology and Atmospheric Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Institute of Geology, Earthquake Engineering and Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan is aimed at strengthening cooperation between scientists of the two countries in such areas as seismic monitoring, seismic hazard assessment, and earthquake forecasting.
The Agreement between the khakimlik of Arkadag city (Turkmenistan) and the Executive Body of the State Authority of Khujand (Sughd region, Tajikistan) on the establishment of twinning relations is also noteworthy. This document lays the foundation for the development of direct contacts between the regions of the two countries, which will contribute to the expansion of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.
It is noteworthy that the documents signed during the visit cover both traditional and new areas of the Turkmen-Tajik partnership. Thus, along with agreements in the political and economic spheres, the parties paid attention to such promising areas as innovations, "green" technologies, digitalization, which meets the requirements of the time and the interests of sustainable development.
In general, this package of bilateral documents signed during the Turkmen-Tajik summit in Dushanbe testifies to the serious intentions of the parties to bring cooperation to a qualitatively new level. The agreements reached serve as a reliable foundation for promoting a multifaceted partnership in all aspects, taking into account both current tasks and long-term goals.
Summarizing the analysis of Turkmen-Tajik relations, one can confidently state that the partnership between the two countries is developing on an upward trajectory, covering an increasingly wide range of areas. Political dialog, trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian contacts - all these spheres are characterized by progressive dynamics that meets the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples.
Regular summit meetings, a rich agenda of bilateral contacts, a solid legal framework - all this testifies to the strong political will of Ashgabat and Dushanbe to deepen strategic partnership. The official visit of Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Tajikistan was a vivid confirmation of the special nature of Turkmen-Tajik relations based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness and mutual support.
The prospects for bilateral cooperation are very encouraging. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have significant potential for increasing cooperation in trade and investment, transportation and communications, energy and water resources, industry and agriculture. The task is to effectively utilize this potential for the benefit of sustainable development and the implementation of large-scale creative projects.
Contacts through business communities, regions, scientific and educational institutions will play an important role in promoting the Turkmen-Tajik partnership. Expansion of direct ties between the peoples serves as a solid basis for interstate cooperation and contributes to strengthening the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, being close neighbors and strategic partners, can effectively cooperate in the international arena in the interests of peace, security and sustainable development in Central Asia and beyond. Coordination of efforts within the framework of the UN, OSCE, CIS and other authoritative structures meets the logic of multilateral partnership in the face of common challenges and threats.
In general, the Turkmen-Tajik relations based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and good-neighborliness are gaining a new breath today. Wise and far-sighted policy of the leaders of the two countries, constructive and trustful dialog at all levels, concordance of interests and aspirations of the peoples - these factors create a solid basis for further progressive development of bilateral partnership in the long term.
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