A NEW BRIDGE OF FRIENDSHIP AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TURKMEN-BRITISH CO-OPERATION
In the period of the Revival of a New Era of the Powerful State, the peaceful foreign policy strategy of our esteemed President is being successfully implemented. The regional and international reputation of the Motherland is constantly growing and enriching. After gaining its independence, Turkmenistan has established diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United Kingdom which recognized Turkmenistan as an independent state on December 27, 1991. The two countries set up diplomatic relations on January 23, 1992. Since then, the both countries maintained diplomatic ties, focusing on areas such as trade, invesment and cultural exchange as well as education.
Turkmenistan is consistently expanding its diplomatic missions, and international partnership, as well as steadily implementing the policy of peace, good-neighbourliness and productive international cooperation, taking an active part in the development of balanced decisions to urgent problems of the world community on the diplomatic arena.
In fact, this indicates that the UK is one of Turkmenistan's important partners in the European region. Interstate relations are constantly developing on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, friendship and trust, as well as common views on important issues on the international agenda.
According to it, on 24 April, 2024, our Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with UK Foreign Secretary for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Cameron in Ashgabat. During meeting with the UK’s Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron our Honorable President expressed appreciation for the UK’s support of the UN Resolution “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust,” an initiative championed by Turkmenistan. Climate change issues became one of the topics of discussion. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan’s commitment to tackling climate change, aligning with international efforts and pursuing “green” growth initiatives. Our esteemed President mentioned Turkmenistan’s recent accession to the Global Methane Pledge at COP-28, demonstrating the country’s proactive approach. This meeting was the beginning of a new stage in relations, several documents were signed between the governments of the United Kingdom and Turkmenistan. These agreements have served as evidence of mutual benefit cooperation between countries. The singing of trade agreements and memorandum of understanding has played a crucial role in expanding economic relations between the two countries, creating new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom is one of Turkmenistan’s key trading partners, importing oil and gas from Turkmenistan and exporting machinery, vehicles and pharmaceutical products to our country. Cultural exchange and education as well as science also play a vital role in strengthening Turkmen – British relations. In this regard, cultural events, educational programs and art exhibitions have been organized to foster mutual understanding between the people of Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom. As is known that the UK is implementing a number of programs in this area, including the successful Chevening scholarship program, which has allowed dozens of young Turkmens to get higher education and continue their studies at leading universities in the UK.
In conclusion, it should be noted that these diplomatic relations will impulse once more to strengthen the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom.
Maral KARLYYEVA,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of the International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.