Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan Hold Foreign Ministers’ Consultations, Sign 2027–2028 Cooperation Programme

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation as the foreign ministers of both countries held political consultations in Ashgabat, reviewing key areas of partnership and signing a new cooperation programme for 2027–2028.

The consultations, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, focused on strengthening relations based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, mutual respect, and strategic partnership.

The two sides reviewed the steady progress of bilateral relations under the leadership of the presidents of both countries and emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level political dialogue. Particular attention was given to enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation as an important instrument of public diplomacy.

The foreign ministers also praised the mechanism of regular consultations between their ministries, describing it as an effective platform for coordinating positions on bilateral and international issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation within the United Nations and other international organizations through mutual support for multilateral initiatives.

On the economic front, the ministers outlined measures to increase bilateral trade and diversify the structure of commercial exchanges. Energy cooperation and transport and transit connectivity were identified among the priority areas, with both sides emphasizing the importance of fully utilizing the region’s transit potential.

The two countries also agreed to encourage cross-border cooperation to strengthen direct links between their respective regions and promote sustainable economic development.

Discussions further covered cultural and humanitarian cooperation, with both sides expressing support for expanding collaboration in culture, science, education, and information exchange. They also highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation in the fields of healthcare and sports.

Water resource management and climate change featured prominently during the talks. The ministers exchanged views on cooperation within the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and coordinated their positions on issues related to the Caspian Sea.

Concluding the consultations, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen multilateral cooperation within regional frameworks and continue expanding the comprehensive partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

Following the talks, the two sides signed the Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2027–2028, aimed at institutionalizing inter-ministerial cooperation and advancing key areas of bilateral engagement.

On the same occasion, the original copy of the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, signed by the President of Turkmenistan, was officially handed over to the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan. The treaty brings together Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in support of regional cooperation and development.