Turkmenistan, Indonesia Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Expand Engagement with ASEAN
Jakarta, July 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: Turkmenistan and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a series of high-level meetings and the inaugural political consultations held in Jakarta on 14 July 2026.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to discuss prospects for enhancing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the regional bloc. During the meeting, the Turkmen side reiterated its interest in broadening engagement with ASEAN in key areas including transport connectivity, energy, trade, investment, the digital economy, innovation, education, science, tourism, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The two sides also exchanged views on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing climate change, strengthening food and energy security, accelerating digital transformation, and developing qualified human resources.
On the same day, Gurbanov held talks with Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, focusing on practical measures to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The discussions emphasized enhancing cooperation between the chambers of commerce and business communities of both countries, organizing joint business forums, trade and economic missions, and national exhibitions, while also strengthening transport and logistics connectivity and improving the bilateral legal and contractual framework.
As part of the visit, Turkmenistan and Indonesia held their first-ever political consultations between their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Indonesian side was headed by Deputy Minister for the Asia-Pacific Region and Africa Santo Darmosumarto.
During the consultations, both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation across political, economic, and cultural sectors. The two delegations exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and underscored the importance of political consultations as an effective mechanism for strengthening intergovernmental dialogue and promoting a long-term strategic partnership.
The discussions highlighted the need to intensify political engagement through reciprocal high-level visits, expand inter-parliamentary cooperation, and strengthen collaboration between relevant government institutions.
The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation within international organizations and discussed prospects for enhancing Turkmenistan’s engagement with ASEAN, including support for the proposed “Central Asia + ASEAN” dialogue format.
In addition, the consultations focused on expanding trade, investment, transport and logistics cooperation, fostering direct links between the chambers of commerce and business communities of both countries, and further developing the bilateral legal framework. Cooperation in education, science, and culture also featured prominently on the agenda.
At the conclusion of the meetings, Turkmenistan and Indonesia reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and broadening Turkmenistan’s partnership with ASEAN across a wide range of mutually beneficial sectors.
