Paris Hosts Conference on Turkmen–French Relations Amid Global Fragmentation

Paris, The Gulf Observer: A conference titled “Turkmen–French Relations: Challenges and Prospects in a Fragmented World” was held on Tuesday at the Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS) in Paris. The event was jointly organized by IRIS and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France and was dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and the promotion of the literary legacy of the renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi.

The conference brought together representatives of the diplomatic, academic, and cultural communities of Turkmenistan and France, as well as experts from research centers, academic institutions, public organizations, and the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts under the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.

Key speakers included Turkmen Ambassador to France Maksat Charyyev; Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Turkmen MFA Gulsat Yusupova; French Ambassador to Myanmar and former Ambassador to Turkmenistan Christian Lechervy; IRIS researcher Sami Ramdani; IRIS Director of Research Emmanuel Lincot; and Magtymguly Turkmen State University lecturer Shamuhammet Charyyev.

In his address, Ambassador Charyyev underscored that, amid rising global fragmentation, the international community increasingly looks toward stable, trust-based diplomatic models. He emphasized that Turkmenistan has upheld its policy of permanent neutrality for 30 years, a status recognized three times by the UN General Assembly. This commitment to neutrality, he said, forms the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy, ensuring stability, openness to cooperation, and meaningful contributions to peace and security in Central Asia.

Reflecting on bilateral relations, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to Paris on 5 May 2025. He described the visit as a turning point that opened new avenues of cooperation in energy, ecology, water resources, digitalization, space technologies, education, science, and cultural heritage. He noted that implementation of signed agreements is actively underway through working groups, coordinated technical assignments, and expert-level exchanges. The Ambassador also stressed opportunities for cooperation in greening the energy sector, including methane-emission monitoring and the involvement of French companies in relevant projects.

Rector Gulsat Yusupova spoke about the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and its role in promoting peace and trust. She emphasized the importance of educational and scientific cooperation with France, highlighting French-language education, cultural center activities, and the growing interest of Turkmen students in francophone academic programs.

Lecturer Shamuhammet Charyyev presented a report on the significance of Magtymguly Fragi’s work, noting profound connections between Turkmen and French humanistic traditions. He said the poet’s philosophical legacy continues to serve as a spiritual bridge between the two nations.

Ambassador Christian Lechervy described Turkmenistan as a key partner for France in Central Asia and emphasized the importance of humanitarian and educational cooperation, recalling insights gained during his term in Ashgabat.

IRIS Director of Research Emmanuel Lincot highlighted Turkmenistan’s neutrality as a vital factor of regional predictability and stability, adding that French academic interest in Turkmen culture and literature continues to grow.

IRIS researcher Sami Ramdani noted Turkmenistan’s strategic importance in global energy markets, praised its environmental initiatives and methane-reduction efforts, and pointed to expanding prospects for cooperation with France and the European Union in green energy.

A book exhibition accompanied the conference, featuring works by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as publications on Magtymguly Fragi, and materials marking the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of neutrality. Participants expressed strong interest in the exhibit and praised the scholarly and cultural value of the materials.

The event concluded with a tasting of Turkmen national cuisine, offering participants a vivid cultural experience and rounding off a day of dialogue, exchange, and strengthened bilateral engagement.