Stating that they follow the active involvement of Turkmenistan with the appreciation both in cooperation among the Central Asian countries and the dialogue process they perform with states and international organizations outside the region, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “On this occasion, I would like to stress once again that we hope to see Turkmenistan in the Turkic Council as soon as possible.”
President Erdoğan sent a video message to the conference held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s gaining “permanent neutral country” status.
Congratulating the 25thanniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, President Erdoğan said that he was very pleased to meet with the participants, even online, on the occasion of the conference organized to that end.
Noting that Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan and also supported the UN General Assembly resolutions in 1995 and 2015 enabling the recognition of its permanent neutrality, President Erdoğan indicated that they closely followed the work carried out with the UN and other international organizations for the establishment of international peace, security and stability within the framework of Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy and that they were determined to continue their cooperation in this field.
Pointing out that the regional consequences of the foreign policy pursued on the basis of the permanent neutrality status were observed in a concrete way, President Erdoğan continued as follows:
“We are very pleased with Turkmenistan’s contributions to the establishment of lasting and sustainable peace in Afghanistan and the ‘Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process’. We follow the active involvement of Turkmenistan with appreciation both in cooperation among the Central Asian countries and the dialogue process they perform with states and international organizations outside the region. On this occasion, I would like to stress once again that we hope to see Turkmenistan in the Turkic Council as soon as possible.
The exemplary steps taken by Turkmenistan in the fields of transportation, energy, industry, trade, health, and the environment in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals shed light not only on the future of Turkmenistan but also on the future of the region. The challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic make Turkmenistan’s initiatives even more meaningful.”
Trade volume between the two countries increased despite the pandemic
Stressing that brotherly relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan have a long and deep-rooted history, President Erdoğan said:
“These relations based on mutual respect, cooperation and common interests have been developed and maintained in political, commercial and economic, educational, cultural and social fields. More than a hundred agreements have been signed that form the legal basis of this intense cooperation. Despite the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries increased by 18% in the first nine months of 2020 when compared to the same period last year. Turkish companies contribute to Turkmenistan’s development breakthrough, which is carried out under the astute leadership of my distinguished brother, Berdimuhammedov. Our cooperation based on common culture, history and language heritage constitutes an important dimension of our relations. The Joint Turkey-Turkmenistan School, which has been operating in Ashgabat with the valuable support of Turkmenistan since 1992, is one of the exceptional examples of our cooperation in the fields of culture and education. In this way, the brotherhood of the Turkish and Turkmen peoples is further strengthened, and common values and traditions are assured to be transferred to future generations.
I believe that with the alleviation of the pandemic, we will hold meetings with Turkmenistan within the framework of existing cooperation mechanisms again promptly. On this occasion, I would like to thank my dear brother, President of the Republic, Mr. Berdimuhammedov, who supported the strengthening and deepening of our bilateral relations. In the person of the President of the Republic, I would like to express my wholehearted greetings and affection to all my ‘Turkmen Brothers and Sisters’.”