Turkmenistan – Türkiye: expansion of mutual and fruitful cooperation
When we talk about the importance of friendly relations with other countries, we should pay attention to the importance of international relations, and one of them is friendly neighbors.
One of the important directions of the creative foreign policy of Turkmenistan, initiated by the efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and being successfully implemented by our hero Arkadagly Serdar, is a fruitful cooperation with neighboring and fraternal countries.
It is necessary to note that from the moment Turkmenistan gained Independence, our country pays a special attention to strengthening relations with the neighboring countries of the region, makes contribution to create an atmosphere of good friendship, trust, good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation. As it is known, one of the mutually beneficial partnerships at present time is Turkmen- Turkish relations.
Moreover, on March 2, 1992, after gaining its independence, Turkmenistan became a member of the UN; Turkmenistan’s permanent mission, established under this organization, became its first diplomatic mission established abroad.
In this regard , diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Türkiye were established on February 29, 1992. Thus, Turkey is one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan. During the period of productive cooperation, rich and positive experiences of large-scale cooperation between the two countries have been accumulated. It is based on a variety of bilateral agreements and legal documents signed at intergovernmental and interagency levels and covers important areas of cooperation.
From this point we can proudly emphasize the official visit of our esteemed President to the Republic of Türkiye. It should be noted that during meeting in a narrow format and in an expanded format with the participation of members of delegations, the heads of fraternal states discussed issues of developing partnerships in various fields.
Speaking about the importance of building up Turkmen-Turkish relations in all priority areas, we can note that the parties exchanged views on issues of expanding interaction in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. In the meeting, special attention was paid to the development of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, transport, as well as in the field of investment and high technology. Besides it, as a part of this visit in Ankara, the members of the Government delegation of the country met with Turkmen students, studying in higher educational institutions of Türkiye.
As it is known, the education system is one of the priority directions of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, as well as cooperation with foreign partners in the humanitarian sector. It should be noted with pride that wide opportunities are being created for our young people to study in prestigious higher educational institutions of foreign countries and learn diverse professions. Issues of strengthening traditional relations in this area are always included in the agenda of high-level bilateral negotiations.
In this regard, as part of an interesting and significant exchange of views, bilateral documents were signed between the two states:
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the Council of Higher Education in the Republic of Türkiye on cooperation in the field of higher education;
- Agreement on cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye in the field of culture;
- Action Plan for cooperation in the field of youth policy for 2024-2026 for the implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye in the field of youth and sports.
In short, the current visit should mark a new important stage in the history of good-neighborly relations, based on the bonds of friendship, brotherhood and spiritual closeness between the peoples of both countries, as well as comprehensive cooperation. We are very grateful to our esteemed President and our Hero Arkadag for their great efforts to develop and strengthen peace in the aspects of life for the Turkmen people, as well as for the great opportunities for establishing cooperation in other areas and building a strong bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between the two fraternal peoples bound by common spiritual and cultural traditions. We wish our esteemed President and our Hero Arkadag sound health, long life, and great achievements in all their endeavors.
Leyli YUSUPOVA,
the 2nd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.