STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL TRUST, REGIONAL COOPERATION
The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 15 October 2026 represents an important episode in the country’s contemporary foreign policy. By participating in the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, the President addressed a key dimension of international cooperation: the promotion of peace, security, and confidence among states. This diplomatic engagement demonstrated Turkmenistan’s commitment to multilateral dialogue, preventive diplomacy, sustainable development, and constructive partnerships with the international community. The historical significance of this visit becomes more eevident when viewed through the lens of global geopolitics, the evolution of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and the growing necessity of transnational cooperation. Indeed, lasting security and sustainable development require trust, shared responsibility, and practical cooperation between countries.
On 15 October 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Baku to participate in the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives of participating countries to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity, environmental challenges and the future development of CICA.
CICA has an important place in the evolution of Asian multilateral diplomacy. The initiative to establish the conference was put forward in 1992, and its first summit took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 4 June 2002. Its founding framework, the Almaty Act, established the basis for cooperation aimed at building a common and indivisible area of security in Asia. Over time, the conference has developed into a regional platform for political dialogue, the adoption of confidence-building measures and cooperation across several interconnected fields. Turkmenistan participates in the CICA as an observer state, making its high-level participation an important opportunity to contribute to the regional dialogue and share its foreign policy priorities.
The 2026 summit was held under the theme “Stronger CICA: Connectivity, Digitalization and Sustainable Growth in Asia”. This theme reflected the growing understanding that contemporary security cannot be achieved through political and military considerations alone. Economic interdependence, reliable transport systems, digital cooperation, environmental protection and humanitarian relations are also essential components of regional stability. The Baku Declaration adopted at the summit reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism approach, the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and practical confidence-building measures. The meeting also welcomed the accession of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as a CICA member state and approved Azerbaijan’s continuation as chair for the 2026–2028 periods.
In his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its chairmanship and emphasized the importance of strengthening international legal framework, preventive diplomacy and the search for mutually acceptable solutions to disputes. His remarks were particularly significant as they placed the prevention of conflict and the fostering of trust at the centre of regional cooperation.
One of the most important elements of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s address in Baku concerned the development of transport and logistics cooperation. Our esteemed President underlined the importance of diversifying transport routes, expanding multimodal transportation, eliminating unnecessary infrastructure and procedural barriers, and strengthening the East–West and North–South corridors. Our esteemed President also proposed developing a transport dialogue at the ministerial level within the framework of CICA.
These proposals are of particular importance to Turkmenistan and other landlocked developing countries. Lacking direct access to the open sea, such states depend heavily on cross-border infrastructure, efficient transit arrangements, constructive relations with neighbouring countries, and the reliability of international supply chains. Transport connectivity is therefore not merely an economic issue. It is also a matter of national development, regional interdependence and international cooperation.
Turkmenistan occupies a potentially important position between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region, and broader Eurasian transport networks. Stronger cooperation with Azerbaijan can support the development of routes linking Central Asian markets with the South Caucasus and other destinations. More effective transport connections can facilitate trade, reduce logistical challenges and encourage investment in infrastructure and related services. The significance of the visit to Baku was also reflected in the diplomatic contacts that took place alongside the summit. On October 15, the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan met in Baku to discuss regional and international issues. Particular attention was paid to transport and transit cooperation, logistics infrastructure, energy and trade, as well as the further development of trilateral cooperation. This meeting demonstrated how multilateral events can create additional opportunities for practical regional diplomacy.
The summit’s emphasis on digitalization was equally important. Digital technologies can improve customs procedures, enhance transport management, accelerate information exchange and improve the coordination of cross-border services. However, digital transformation also requires international cooperation to address cybersecurity concerns, bridge digital divides and ensure that technological progress benefits developing countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposals therefore reflect a broad understanding of connectivity, linking physical infrastructure with digital cooperation, trade facilitation and sustainable economic growth. Their long-term importance will depend on the extent to which they are translated into practical agreements and coordinated projects.
An additional feature of the President’s address in Baku was the emphasis on the humanitarian dimension of international relations. Our esteemed President highlighted the importance of involving young people in promoting peaceful dialogue, intercultural understanding and mutual respect. As a practical initiative, our esteemed President proposed establishing a Network of Young Ambassadors of Trust, bringing together active and talented young people from participating countries to advance the values of peace, tolerance and constructive intercultural communication. President Ilham Aliyev acknowledged the importance of the Turkmen leader’s proposals. This initiative is significant because international relations are shaped not only by agreements between governments but also by the values, knowledge and communication skills of future generations. Young people increasingly participate in education, scientific exchange, cultural diplomacy and international organizations. Providing them with opportunities to engage across national and cultural boundaries can help build the foundations for long-term regional cooperation.
Youth diplomacy can also play a vital role in countering stereotypes and addressing misunderstandings. Through international conferences, academic partnerships, cultural programmes and joint research, young people gain direct experience of other societies and develop the ability to discuss differences constructively. In this sense, the proposed network would represent more than a symbolic initiative. If implemented effectively, it can become a practical mechanism for fostering sustainable cooperation among students, young researchers and emerging diplomatic professionals across Asia.
Thus, the Baku summit reflected a broader concept of security: peace depends not only on formal diplomatic relations but also on the development of mutual understanding between societies.
Aylar ATAYEVA,
the 3rd-year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan