Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates
As in the life of every person, there are special dates and memorable events in the history of bilateral interstate relations. Turkmenistan consistently consolidates traditionally friendly and mutually beneficial relations with neighbouring States, especially with the Central Asian and Caspian Basin countries. At the same time, close cooperation with the States of the Middle and Near East, Asia and Pacific Ocean region is developing. The main course of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan is multilateral partnership with the countries of the European and American continents.
And probably one of these events is the establishment of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates. The establishment of diplomatic relations, symbolizing the official start of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, provides an opportunity to consolidate traditionally friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the United Arab Emirates. As it is known, Turkmenistan and United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations on 10 October 1995. Turkmenistan established its embassy in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 13 August 1999. United Arab Emirates opened its embassy in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) on 20 August 2002. The legal base for bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates is formed by 16 documents of international, intergovernmental and interdepartmental character, both the countries maintain permanent mission in each other’s capital.
The United Arab Emirates is an important partner whom Turkmenistan intensifies co-operation with in various fields including fuel and energy industry, the sphere of investments, urban development, trade and culture with every passing year. Within the past ten years, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates successfully implemented a number of the joint large-scale projects. Turkmenistan backs UAE’s decision to permanently host the headquarters of IRENA (international agency on renewable energy sources). The start of Fly Dubai flights has increased interaction between Turkmenistan and United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates companies such as Petrofac, Gulf Oil and Gas Fze are successfully implementing major contracts in Turkmenistan.
Since its formation, the UAE has witnessed tremendous development. With the discovery of oil and natural gas, both on land and in its waters, the country moved away from its earlier dependence on pearl diving, fishing and agriculture, and into an economy dominated by natural resources.
As it is known, the United Arab Emirates has broad diplomatic and commercial relations with most countries of the world. It plays a significant role in OPEC, and is one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The United Arab Emirates is a member of the United Nations and several of its specialized agencies, as well as the World Bank, IMF, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement. Most countries have diplomatic missions in the capital Abu Dhabi with most consulates being in the United Arab Emirates' largest and most populous city, Dubai.
In the frame of several visits, bilateral meetings devoted to the issues of strengthening of trade-economic ties between the two countries were held. In this regard, it proves the visit, which was held from September 12th to 16th, 2022, Turkmen delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Berdiniyaz Myatiyev was on a working visit to the United Arab Emirates.
In particular, on 12-14 of September, the talks were held with the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE Suhail Al-Mazrui, Chief Executive Officer and Manager of the Port of Abu Dhabi Captain Saif Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar Company Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh.
During the talks, the two parties highly evaluated the current level of relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE. Having underlined the need for preparation of relevant documents, the sides discussed the issues of organization of the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to be held in 2022 in the city of Abu Dhabi.
The two parties exchanged views regarding attraction and development of transport potential of Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates. It was about using the capabilities of the sea, rail and air transport, using port infrastructure to promote bilateral and multilateral trade and economic relations.
At the meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation of the UAE with the Minister of State Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh, the sides discussed the issues of the preparation to the forthcoming official visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The parties also discussed the package of documents to be signed during the visit.
This is reflected in the bilateral documents signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Abu Dhabi Development Fund in February this year, which have given a strong impetus to the development of trade, economic and investment relations.
According to the diplomatic relations with United Arab Emirates, it is also important to mention the development of the traditional cultural relations and the integrate efforts in the field of education and culture. As well as, the opportunities for the introduction of solar and wind energy technologies and the attraction of investment funds are prioritized. At the same time, special attention is paid to the practical implementation of the latest scientific achievements of our time.
The diplomatic relations highlight the level of bilateral relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres between Turkmenistan and the UAE, as well as exchanged opinions on different topical issues of the international and regional community. Multi-year diplomatic relations with United Arab Emirates are the evidence of prosperity and welfare of two countries.
Chemen BAYRIEVA,
Senior teacher of
the Department of World Languages of
the Institute of International Relations of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.