Ankara is planning a large-scale expansion of cooperation with Ashgabat, targeting ambitious projects in the energy sector and an almost twofold increase in trade turnover. This was announced by Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok, who disclosed the details of the strategic partnership between the two countries in an interview with “Anadolu” Agency.
The Turkish side sees Turkmenistan as a key partner not only in bilateral relations, but also in the context of developing transport corridors and strengthening ties in the Turkic world.
Demirok noted the historically close ties between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, recalling Türkiye’s role as the first country to recognize Turkmenistan's independence and open an embassy in Ashgabat. He said relations between the states, based on common history, language, religion and culture, continue to strengthen based on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.
Special attention in the interview was paid to energy cooperation. The Ambassador spoke about the recently signed memoranda of understanding in the field of natural gas and hydrocarbon resources.
Demirok also touched upon the topic of transport cooperation, emphasizing Turkmenistan's strategic position on the route of the Middle Corridor connecting China with Europe via the Caspian Sea. He noted the importance of the ports of Alyat in Azerbaijan, Aktau in Kazakhstan and Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan for the development of combined transportation across the Caspian Sea.
The Ambassador expressed hope that Turkmenistan would become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in the near future, stressing that it would strengthen cooperation in the Turkic world and make a significant contribution to the development of the region.
In conclusion, Demirok noted that the current political and economic situation in the world as well as growing environmental problems create favorable conditions for expanding cooperation between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, especially in the energy sector. He emphasized the need to start cooperation promptly in order to take advantage of this “window of opportunity” for the mutual benefit of both countries.
