Aliyev, Berdimuhamedov Hold Expanded Talks, Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Partnership

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on June 22 held an expanded meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to further strengthening friendly and brotherly relations across multiple fields.

Welcoming the visiting Turkmen leader, President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the state visit and emphasized its importance in deepening bilateral ties. He said he was confident that the visit would contribute to expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in all areas of mutual interest.

The Azerbaijani president noted that the agenda of the visit covered a wide range of sectors, with detailed discussions already held between the two sides and further talks continuing with the participation of official delegations. He highlighted that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was accompanied by a large delegation and expressed confidence that constructive and productive meetings would be held between respective institutions.

President Aliyev also underlined the significance of the agreements expected to be signed during the visit, describing them as a reflection of the broad scope of bilateral relations.

He further expressed appreciation to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Government of Turkmenistan for the decision to gift a mosque to the city of Fuzuli, noting that the initiative was first proposed during Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Azerbaijan last year and later advanced during the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala. He described the initiative as a symbol of strong brotherly relations between the two nations.

President Aliyev also thanked Turkmenistan for hosting Azerbaijani cultural groups during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan, while recalling that the Days of Turkmen Culture had been successfully organized in Azerbaijan last year. He said such exchanges reflect the natural cultural affinity between the two peoples, rooted in shared history and traditions.

Highlighting the growing global importance of transport and energy security, President Aliyev stressed that both Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan play a significant role in regional and international energy and connectivity projects. He noted that continued cooperation in these areas would contribute to shaping positive geopolitical developments across Eurasia.

Speaking at the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his state visit. He emphasized that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan enjoy strong relations across political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, supported by regular high-level exchanges.

He recalled previous visits by both countries’ leadership, noting that these engagements had opened new directions for cooperation in political dialogue, economic partnership, and cultural exchange.

The Turkmen president underscored the importance of cooperation within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. He also appreciated Azerbaijan’s support for Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality and said Ashgabat, in turn, supports Azerbaijan’s international initiatives.

Addressing Caspian Sea cooperation, President Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of joint efforts in security, economic development, environmental protection, and ecological sustainability. He proposed convening a high-level meeting on Caspian issues and called for Azerbaijan’s support for regional environmental initiatives.

He further highlighted the need to strengthen the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation to fully utilize bilateral trade and investment potential.

Describing transport and transit cooperation as a strategic priority, he emphasized the importance of both countries’ geographic positions in developing international corridors. He proposed enhancing the work of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Transport, Transit, and Logistics.

President Berdimuhamedov also highlighted regional connectivity projects, including the Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye transport corridor, as well as initiatives linking the Caspian Sea and Black Sea regions through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania.

He noted significant opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, petrochemicals, textiles, and other industries, alongside continued collaboration in education, science, culture, and the arts through cultural exchanges, festivals, and exhibitions.

The Turkmen leader also referred to the ongoing construction of a mosque in Fuzuli, describing it as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.

President Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the visit would mark an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and wished continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of Azerbaijan.