Ismail Khaldi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Turkmenistan, talks about the potential of the Turkmen-Israeli cooperation, his diplomatic mission and first impressions.

Mission in Turkmenistan

Any diplomatic mission consists of the usual, standard diplomatic functions on a wide range of issues, from consular services, to culture and economics, and the like. But relations are different from country to country, including interests.

This year, on October 8, Turkmenistan and Israel celebrate 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, as well as 10 years since the opening of the Israeli embassy in Turkmenistan, so this year is very special for us.

My mission here is to do everything possible to strengthen Turkmen-Israeli relations, which have always been at a good level. Over the years, we have had political consultations, and there have been bilateral visits at the highest level. We have signed memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements in the political, economic, energy, tourism and health sectors.

First impressions and general ideas about Turkmenistan

The fact is that I had few ideas about Turkmenistan before my appointment. And in general, I could judge about Central Asia only by one visit to Uzbekistan, at the start of my diplomatic career. But after I was officially assigned to Turkmenistan, I slowly began training, which was very interesting and exciting.

And my first impressions were very positive. Most of all, I was struck by the hospitality and openness of the Turkmen people. Here I like to meet people and food, very simple and fantastic at the same time.

Key and promising areas of Turkmen-Israeli cooperation

For today, I want to focus on areas where Israel has excelled in medicine, agriculture, and water management. My task is to make these technologies available and to help Turkmenistan and its people.

But Israel also has vast experience in other areas, for example, in business, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, which may also be of interest to the Turkmen side. Therefore, it is important to resolve such moments through dialogue with the state in order to be useful exactly where it is needed most.

Passenger and cargo flights

We are ready to develop and support everything that has potential. If we talk about direct flights, then we must understand that they are usually justified by economic calculation. If "Turkmenistan Airlines" finds a commercial advantage for flights to Israel, they will do it.

I want to say a very important thing, in my opinion. Today, the location of Turkmenistan is super-important and super-strategic, because it connects the East with the West, the South with the North. From here in a few hours and you are already in the Middle East, Europe, India or China. And I think that this potential is not fully used yet. But I think that if not a direct flight from Israel to Turkmenistan, then maybe a transit flight from Israel to China through Turkmenistan, or cargo flights, also have potential.

Cultural events

Now we are working on holding the Israeli Culture Week in Turkmenistan. The event is planned for the end of this year, organizational issues are being worked out jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan. I hope that within the framework of the Week of Culture we will be able to hold events not only in Ashgabat, but also outside it.

I can’t say yet exactly what we will show - films, musicals, concerts, theatrical or sports performances. In this matter, we are interested in studying the interests of the local population, and we are ready for proposals.

In addition, I would like the Week of Culture of Turkmenistan to be organized in Israel. I thought about it as an idea, but it will be a little difficult for us to carry out these activities without the help of Turkmenistan. I hope that in the near future the embassy of Turkmenistan will open in Israel, and these moments will be easier to implement.

About student exchange and MASHAV program

I also see great potential in cooperation between our universities. I would like more Turkmen students to study in Israel, for example, in the areas of agriculture, innovation, and technology. Our veterinary business and engineering are highly developed.

We also have MASHAV, the Agency for the Development of International Cooperation under the Israeli Foreign Ministry. "MASHAV" conducts trainings in various areas.

Since its inception, more than 200 thousand specialists from different countries have taken part in MASHAV training programs. As part of this program, we also plan to invite experts from Israel to Turkmenistan who will conduct courses on water management with local specialists.

George ASLANYAN

Turkmenportal