Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan Boost Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation in Landmark Session

The eighth session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation in Economic and Humanitarian Spheres between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan has been held in Baku, focusing on key sectors such as trade, energy, transport, industry, business, agriculture, and mutual investment promotion, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.

The meeting was co-chaired by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyyev and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkmen media.

Both sides underscored the importance of the strong trust and mutual understanding between their presidents as a foundation for deepening cooperation. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have successfully implemented numerous joint projects spanning economic, trade, energy, transport, and humanitarian domains.

Investment cooperation took center stage, with 75 companies featuring Turkmen capital actively operating in Azerbaijan’s manufacturing, transport, construction, trade, and service sectors, reflecting growing confidence and market attractiveness.

The meeting highlighted the vast potential for expanding energy sector collaboration. Azerbaijan, with its advanced energy export infrastructure, expressed readiness to explore mutually beneficial partnership mechanisms.

Revitalizing the transcontinental "East-West" corridor and improving the efficiency of the Middle Corridor were key priorities. Transit volumes between the two countries continue to grow steadily, exceeding 2 million tons last year and reaching 1 million tons in the first half of this year, emphasizing their emerging role as regional transport hubs.

Discussions also covered opportunities to boost trade, develop industrial parks, foster business growth, support agriculture, and utilize the Alat Free Economic Zone. Azerbaijan presented updates on its improving economic indicators, a favorable business climate, and prospects related to the Zangezur corridor, inviting Turkmen investors to participate.

Atagulyyev highlighted broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors and outlined Turkmenistan’s vision for strengthening the partnership further.

The session concluded with the signing of a protocol confirming agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, economy, energy, transport, agriculture, and other areas. This meeting reaffirmed Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan’s shared commitment to deepen their strategic partnership for regional prosperity.