Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will make an official visit to Turkmenistan from June 24-25.
During the visit, he is expected to hold talks with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, The Caspian Post reports citing the Foreign Ministry of Russia.
Russian-Turkmen relations, grounded in the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual understanding, continue to evolve within the framework of an enhanced strategic partnership. Our nations share long-standing economic and cultural-humanitarian ties, a collective historical memory, and a commitment to traditional spiritual and moral values.
Russia and Turkmenistan maintain an active political dialogue, predominantly at the highest level. On October 11, 2024, President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited Ashgabat on a working trip, during which he addressed the Interrelation of Times and Civilisations - Basis of Peace and Development international forum, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the eminent Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Russia on four occasions in 2024: to attend the Victory Parade, the Council of Heads of State, an informal meeting of CIS leaders, and the 16th BRICS Summit in the Outreach/BRICS Plus format. This year, he also participated in commemorative events in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Military personnel from the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan took part in the Victory Day Parade in Red Square.
The visit will encompass a comprehensive programme, which will include discussions on a wide array of bilateral issues, an exchange of views on regional affairs, and an analysis of the current global situation.
Foreign Ministers of Russia and Turkmenistan Sergey Lavrov and Rashid Meredov are set to sign a cooperation programme between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2025-2026.
This year, our countries serve as co-chairs of the CIS, and Turkmenistan will assume the chairmanship of the Commonwealth next year. Moscow remains committed to maintaining close coordination with its partners in this format and places great value on Ashgabat’s contribution to fostering cooperation across the CIS space. Bilateral engagement on international platforms, including the United Nations, the Caspian Five, and the Central Asia + Russia dialogue, is progressing constructively.
Turkmenistan remains a key trade and economic partner for Russia in the region. Trade turnover continues to rise, with major Russian companies such as Russian Railways, Lukoil, Tatneft, KAMAZ, and Vozrozhdenie expressing keen interest in collaborating with Turkmen partners.
Interregional cooperation is expanding, with active participation from St Petersburg, the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Astrakhan Region on the Russian side.
The Russian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC) and its High-Level Working Group on Trade and Investment play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral economic ties. The 13th IGC meeting is expected to take place before the close of this year.
Russia attaches great importance to cultural and humanitarian exchanges between our countries. Reciprocal visits by artistic groups have become well-established, and large-scale cultural events are regularly organised. The Days of Russian Culture in Turkmenistan on October 16-17, 2024, were a resounding success, with a reciprocal visit by Turkmen friends anticipated this year. The number of Turkmen students in Russian universities continues to increase. Since 2002, the joint Russian-Turkmen Alexander Pushkin Secondary School in Ashgabat has operated with a reputation for excellence in education. Efforts are also underway to establish a Russian-Turkmen University in Ashgabat.
At Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. Russia welcomes its partners’ adherence to a policy of permanent neutrality, the 30th anniversary of which Turkmenistan celebrates this year. Ashgabat’s peaceful, neutral foreign policy continues to make a tangible contribution to stability and security in Central Asia and the Caspian region.
