Foreign Ministry of Turkey marked the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan, reiterating its determination to further strengthen cooperation in all fields between the two countries.
In a press release issued on Monday, the foreign ministry stressed that Turkey was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence and open an embassy in the country.
Focusing on the cultural and historical relations between the countries, the ministry said the common language, culture and roots of the two countries connect the two nations by bonds of love beyond mutual interests.
The ministry stated bilateral ties between the two countries were further strengthened following Turkmenistan’s accession to the Organization of Turkic States as an observer country and reciprocal visits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in 2021.
“Reciprocal steps to be taken in the coming period in trade, investments, energy, transportation, culture, education and many other fields will contribute to the further broadening and deepening of our bilateral cooperation,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry added in its statement.
The Turkish ministry stressed that over the course of last 30 years, Turkmenistan has contributed to the establishment of stability and prosperity in its region with its Permanent Neutrality Policy, adding that, “As in the past, Turkey will continue to stand by Turkmenistan in the future as well”.
According to the reports by Turkish state media, the trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Turkey was 7.5 million dollars in 1992. This figure in 2021 increased 226 times and reached $1.7 billion dollars. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the 15th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, held in Ashgabat on November 27-28, said Turkey and Turkmenistan aim to increase mutual trade to $5 billion.
On occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the countries, the Atakule tower in Turkish capital Ankara was lit in colors of Turkmen flag.
Turkmenistan and Turkey established diplomatic ties on February 29, 1992.
