POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TURKMENISTAN AND TÜRKIYE

On November 28, 2022, political consultations were held in Ankara between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Türkiye.

The Turkmen delegation was headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, and the Turkish delegation was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Ministers R.Meredov and M.Cavusoglu confirmed that Turkmenistan and Türkiye attach great importance to bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as interaction within international organizations.

The heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries discussed topical issues of bilateral Turkmen-Turkish relations and interaction within the framework of regional and international structures. It was emphasized that high-level contacts, as well as regular consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries are an important factor in advancing relations. In this regard, the possibilities of carrying out the visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Türkiye in early 2023 were discussed.

The head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the acquisition of observer status by Turkmenistan in the Organization of Turkic States and expressed hope that Turkmenistan would become a permanent member.

The diplomats considered preparations for the trilateral meeting of Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Türkiye, which is scheduled to be held in Avaza, Turkmenbashi city, during which it is planned to sign a number of agreements. On the eve of the upcoming trilateral meeting in Turkmenistan, the importance of holding a meeting of the ministers of energy, transport and foreign affairs was noted.

Speaking about the need for coordinated actions to expand economic activity, the parties emphasized the role of the Interstate Turkmen-Turkish Commission for Economic Cooperation and the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council. Issues in the energy sector, in the field of establishing transport and transit corridors were also discussed.

Diplomats also exchanged views on further development of cultural and humanitarian relations. In addition, issues of interaction in the sphere of culture, science, sports and education were discussed.

During the visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan was received by the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. R.Meredov conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of the Republic of Türkiye on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral Turkmen-Turkish cooperation.