In a recent article, The Times of Central Asia highlights that amid escalating regional tensions - particularly in the wake of recent confrontations between Iran and Israel - Turkmenistan has emerged as a focal point of diplomatic attention from both Russia and the US, The Caspian Post reprints the item.
On June 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concluded a two-day visit to Ashgabat, highlighting efforts to deepen economic cooperation while also underscoring Moscow’s intention to maintain its cultural and political presence in the country. Lavrov announced plans to establish a joint Russian-Turkmen university and proposed expanding youth exchanges.
“We propose strengthening practical collaboration between Turkmenistan’s Institute of International Relations and MGIMO University under Russia’s Foreign Ministry, and fostering connections between young diplomats from both nations through the Council of Young Diplomats,” Lavrov stated, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
During his visit, Lavrov also criticized US regional policy. While condemning past American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites under the Trump administration, he simultaneously praised its approach as “pragmatic and reasonable”.
Simultaneously, the US has ramped up its engagement with Turkmenistan. On the same day Lavrov arrived in Ashgabat, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov. Just two days earlier, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau had also spoken with Meredov. According to a State Department summary, Rubio expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan’s help in evacuating US citizens from Iran during the recent Iran-Israel standoff and voiced interest in broadening economic and trade relations.
Traditionally known for its neutrality and cautious diplomacy, Turkmenistan has recently shown signs of warming toward Western engagement. Earlier this year, the country participated in a gas-swap agreement with Turkey and Iran to supply natural gas to the European Union-an initiative that some analysts believe may have raised eyebrows in Moscow.
Further fueling speculation about growing Western interest, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported on June 23 the inauguration of a new airport in Jebel, located near the Caspian Sea. The facility, constructed on a former Soviet military base, features a 3,200-meter runway and modern navigation systems. The paper suggested that the site could potentially be of strategic interest to the US military.
Despite these recent diplomatic moves, US-Turkmen relations continue to face obstacles. Turkmen nationals are affected by the latest US travel restrictions introduced under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The policy, which took effect on June 9, aims to limit visa overstays and bolster national security. However, critics warn that the restrictions may be overly broad and potentially discriminatory.
