President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov is set to visit Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to participate in the inaugural Central Asia–Italy Summit, according to a report by Deputy Chairman Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov during an online government meeting on Thursday.
According to a report by Turkmenistan’s official media on Thursday, the visit highlights Turkmenistan’s foreign policy priority of fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with European nations, including the Italian Republic. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Italy were established in 1992, and since then, the two countries have maintained constructive political and diplomatic ties, collaborating within major international organizations.
Italy has co-sponsored eight United Nations General Assembly resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan, underscoring a strong partnership on the global stage.
Economic cooperation between the two nations continues to thrive, with active engagement between business communities and several major Italian companies operating in Turkmenistan. In addition, the countries enjoy fruitful cultural and humanitarian exchanges, particularly in the field of archaeology.
The legal framework of bilateral relations currently comprises 37 agreements.
High-level visits have played a key role in strengthening ties. The President of Turkmenistan made official visits to Italy in 2009 and 2019, along with a working visit in 2015. In 2014, the then-Prime Minister of Italy paid a working visit to Turkmenistan.
The upcoming summit in Astana is expected to further enhance strategic dialogue and regional cooperation between Central Asia and Italy.
