Turkey plans a significant expansion of cooperation with Turkmenistan, aiming for ambitious projects in the energy sector and nearly doubling trade turnover, stated Turkey's ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, as reported by 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 within the Turkic world.
Demirok highlighted the historically close ties between Turkey and Turkmenistan, recalling Turkey's role as the first country to recognize Turkmenistan's independence and to open an embassy in Ashgabat. According to him, the relations between the states, based on common history, language, religion, and culture, continue to strengthen, grounded on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.
Special attention was given to energy cooperation. The ambassador spoke about recently signed memorandums of understanding in the field of natural gas and hydrocarbon resources.
Demirok also touched on the topic of transport cooperation, emphasizing Turkmenistan's strategic location on the Middle Corridor route connecting China with Europe via the Caspian Sea. He noted the importance of the ports of Alat in Azerbaijan, Aktau in Kazakhstan, and Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan for the development of combined transport through the Caspian.
The ambassador expressed hope that Turkmenistan will soon become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), stressing that this would strengthen cooperation within the Turkic world and contribute significantly to the region's development.
Currently, the organization includes five Turkic-speaking states: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Despite repeated calls to become a full member of the OTS, Turkmenistan has so far limited itself to observer status.
In conclusion, Demirok noted that the current political and economic situation in the world, as well as growing environmental challenges, create favorable conditions for expanding cooperation between Turkey and Turkmenistan, especially in the energy sector. He emphasized the need to promptly begin cooperation to seize this "window of opportunity" for the mutual benefit of both countries.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 4, 2024