Bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan
During the Soviet Union era, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan were part of Soviet Union. Their relations were according to Soviet policy and were directly controlled from Moscow. After the demise and shattering of Soviet union, both muslim majority countries declared their independence, now in changed circumstances, a new era of friendship dawned which paved way for the both countries to design their foreign policies according to their needs and national interests. So, the leadership of new born states decided to establish diplomatic relations on 9th of June ,1992.
The nature of relationdhip between both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan was not formal in nature, it had deep roots in common history, culture, religious brotherhood, and economic interests.Both countries having rich resources of oil and gas,were facing the same challenges to their economic growth, environmental purification, geo political issues and need of safe and sound security measures, to cope these all issues, the leadership of both countries made a workable road map for implication and achievement of their foreign policy goals. Now the time was fit for to open their Embassies in each others country. It was 18th of October, 2022, when the embassies of the two brother Countries were established in Ashgabat and Baku. The opening of Embassies was a great and historical event, it played a pivotal role to bring near both the nations to further strengthen their bilateral relationship.
This cordial relationship between the Republic of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan gained impetus, when the Presidents of both countries exchanged their visits to Ashgabat and Baku. Those historical visits provided memorable moments when the honourable guests were warmly and enthusiastically welcomed in both countries by the governments and people. That environment of love and brotherhood provided new opportunities for joint ventures and cooperation.
During their historical visits to each other’s Country, both president’s signed the declaration of Strategic partnership and 108 documents of economic cooperation.
On Jun 21, 2021 the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan signed an International Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint development of the newly named Dostlug( friendship in Azerbaiijani and Turkmen languages) Oil and Natural Gas Field. This judicious agreement will likely facilitate multiple new ventures in Oil and Gas in the Caspian Sea.
This MOU is the result of collective wisdom of the leadership of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and reflects the mutual desire of the both nations for increased cooperation in multiple spheres beyond energy and is the result of increased contacts between the neighboring countries over the last two years. This increased cooperation between Baku and Ashgabat is really appropriated and provides a good hope for the futuristic development and improvement between two Caspian bordering countries, furthermore it rekindled the project of construction of trans-Capsian pipeline. Hence the signing of MOU on the Doustlug field is unique and significant accomplishment that portrays the wisdom, foresight, futuristic vision and persistent activity of the leadership of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
According to His excellency GismetGezalov (new ambassador of Azerbaijan for Turkmenistan who presented credentials to Turkmenistan President Berdimuhamedow on 4 October,2023), Bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are developing successfully and are exemplary.
He also said, relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have historically been shaped by the will of our fraternal people, who have lived in friendly conditions for centuries,it is particularly gratifying that our relations are based on shared history, roots, brotherhood, and mutual respect, have developed dynamically in recent years and have reached a qualitatively new level, which today has the charter of strategic partnership.
As a result of the purposeful policy of the National leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the people’s council of his excellency Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, His excellency president Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev both countries have become strategic partners.
Currently, both countries relations are developing successfully and exemplary. Recently, the visits between two countries at highest level, meetings within frameworks of international events have become intensive, which contributes to the further strengthening our state relations.
Currently the representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan co-operate in the political and diplomatic, trade and economy, transport and logistics, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres. In 2022 the trade turn over between two countries increased five fold to previous year.
