Turkmenistan and Germany: prospects for cooperation

In recent years, relations between Turkmenistan and Germany have strengthened considerably. This is confirmed by a number of important events and initiatives that have taken place in both countries.

In June 2023, a delegation led by the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited Germany. As part of this visit, the Day of Turkmenistan's Economy was organized in Düsseldorf. The main focus was on partnership in the petrochemical, construction and textile industries.

Despite the already established cooperation between the countries, the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership is far from exhausted. Relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union, to which Germany belongs, are regulated by the Interim Trade Agreement. agreements (2010), ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement by the European Parliament is pending.

Turkmen-German business meetings are regularly organized in Berlin. forumswhich provide a platform for finding new investment opportunities. It should be noted that agriculture plays a significant role in Turkmenistan, constituting 11.7% of GDP and employing 40% of labor force, which makes it a target market for German agricultural machinery manufacturers. Germany is interested in increasing supplies of modern equipment and technologies for the needs of Turkmen medicine and agro-industrial complex. In particular, Siemens and Claas companies have already taken up sturdy position in the local market.

Last August, at the meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan Michael Uwe Birkhoff discussed key aspects of Turkmen-German relations in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides noted the important role of high-level visits in strengthening bilateral ties, as well as the effectiveness of regular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. The diplomats also emphasized the importance of the joint Turkmen-German Working Group on Economic Cooperation and considered the possibilities of developing trade relations between the countries.

Regular meetings, consultations and the work of the joint Turkmen-German group contribute to deepening mutual understanding and developing new approaches. Turkmenistan's participation in EU energy programs also opens up good opportunities for cooperation with German business. Turkmenistan, for example, is a partner country programs EU INOGATE on energy, which has four key themes: enhancing energy security, convergence of Member States' energy markets based on the principles of the EU internal energy market, supporting sustainable energy development and attracting investment for energy projects of common and regional interest.

All these facts undoubtedly confirm the active development of relations between Turkmenistan and Germany, which continue to strengthen and expand in various spheres. The realization of the full potential of cooperation is in the interests of both countries.