Turkish Ambassador Holds Farewell Reception in Ashgabat

Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok held a farewell reception August 13 in Ashgabat to mark the end of his diplomatic mission. In his remarks, he highlighted the close historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Turkmenistan and thanked the country’s leadership, colleagues and members of the Turkish community for their cooperation.

Demirok described his work in Turkmenistan as a particularly significant part of his diplomatic career. He highlighted the countries’ shared history, language, traditions and cultural values, saying ties between their peoples extend beyond diplomatic relations. He also said it had long been his ambition to serve as a diplomat in another Turkic-speaking country and that his appointment to Turkmenistan fulfilled that aspiration.

Demirok thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for their support in strengthening bilateral relations. He also thanked Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Foreign Ministry staff for their cooperation, as well as embassy employees, the Turkish community and Turkish companies operating in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Serdar Muhammetdurdyyev said Turkish-Turkmen relations continued to develop and strengthen across various areas during Demirok’s diplomatic mission. He highlighted Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Türkiye in March 2024 and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Turkmenistan in December 2025.

According to Serdar Muhammetdurdyyev, bilateral relations have a broad strategic character and are based on mutual respect, trust and fraternal ties between the two peoples. He also highlighted regular meetings between the two countries’ leaders, contacts between foreign ministries and political consultations on bilateral and international issues.

The Deputy foreign minister also praised Demirok’s contribution to strengthening humanitarian ties between the two countries. He said cooperation in culture, science, education, tourism and sports expanded during the ambassador’s tenure, while cultural days, exhibitions and other events contributed to closer ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Turkey.

Romanian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ion Naval also spoke at the reception. He thanked Demirok for a donation to Ýeňme, a public organization in Ashgabat that supports vulnerable groups, and presented him with a letter of appreciation on behalf of the organization.