BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Turkmenistan
and Türkiye discussed bilateral cooperation and parliamentary ties
during a meeting in Ashgabat on September 25.
According to the press service of the Mejlis (Parliament) of
Turkmenistan, Chairwoman Dunyagozel Gulmanova met with newly
appointed Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Şener Cebeci.
The sides discussed the development of bilateral relations and
the role of parliamentary cooperation in supporting
intergovernmental ties.
They also emphasized the importance of strengthening contacts
between parliamentary friendship groups and relevant committees, as
well as holding consultations at the parliamentary level.
The meeting also covered Türkiye’s participation in two
international events scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan’s
Avaza National Tourism Zone in October. The events include the
International Dialogue on Women and the International Conference on
Demography.
Turkmenistan and Türkiye established diplomatic relations
shortly after Turkmenistan gained independence. Türkiye was the
first country to recognize Turkmenistan on October 27, 1991, and
opened its embassy in Ashgabat in February 1992. The two countries
cooperate in political, economic, cultural and educational areas,
while Türkiye supports Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent
neutrality.
Economic ties are an important part of the bilateral
relationship. According to Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, bilateral
trade reached $2.2 billion in 2025, including $1.3 billion in
Turkish exports to Turkmenistan and $860 million in imports. The
two countries’ presidents have set a goal to bolster the bilateral
trade value to $5 billion in near term. Turkish companies have also
been active in Turkmenistan’s construction and industrial sectors,
with more than 1,000 projects worth over $54 billion completed
since the country’s independence.
Energy and transport have become increasingly important areas of
cooperation. In June 2026, the ninth meeting of the
Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic
Cooperation identified transport and logistics as a key area, with
discussions focusing on infrastructure connecting Central Asia and
Europe. Energy cooperation was also discussed, alongside
construction, building materials, food production and
agriculture.
