Turkmenistan – Japan Strategic Partnership
Established on the basis of mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty, long term co-operation, and equality, the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Japan demonstrates itself as one of the most active and profitable areas in their foreign policies. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in Turkmenistan, which was made possible soon after Turkmenistan gained independence, Turkmenistan and Japan have continuously communicated with each other in politics, and this communication has been consistently carried out at the level of high-ranking officials, including visits of the leaders of states, ministerial meetings, and bilateral inter-governmental consultations.
Japan regards Turkmenistan as a stable and impartial player in the rapidly growing geopolitical region of Central Asia. Turkmenistan, having declared the Policy of Permanent Neutrality, regards Japan as a technologically and economically developed country that can provide the necessary support to realize Turkmenistan’s modernization objectives. Frequent meetings of representatives of the highest levels of authority from both countries strengthen the political basis of the partnership between them.
Japan has become one of the leading investors in Turkmenistan in the fields of industry and energy. Japan has assisted in the implementation of Gas-to-Liquids plant construction, building ammonia and area production complexes, and petrochemical facility construction. Some of the main Japanese companies involved in these projects are Mitsubishi Corporation, Itochu, and JGC.
Cooperation in the Sphere of Financing and Loan Assistance. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) assist Turkmenistan in realizing the most significant development projects by providing financing, insurance, etc., thus supporting Turkmenistan’s industrial diversification. This cooperation will enable the transition of Turkmenistan’s economy from raw materials export to producing goods of higher added value; at the same time it will ensure Japan a long-term stable supply of goods and services to regional markets.
The cultural and educational aspects of the partnership are also very important. Turkmenistan gives scholarships to its citizens to study at universities in Japan. There are Japanese language departments in universities in Turkmenistan, as well as in some of the country’s specialized secondary schools. Japan’s specialized training and joint programs in health care and other fields have also been in great demand. These programs also contribute to the mutual understanding and the establishment of relations of future partners.
The two countries also collaborate in international bodies, especially the UN, where they have to deal with the support of peace and stability, the support of sustainable development, environmental protection, energy security and advancement of the UN SDGs.
Japan appreciates Turkmenistan’s neutral position and its role in encouraging dialogue in the region, especially in the Central Asia. Turkmenistan supports Japan’s initiatives for world peace and appreciates Japan’s humanitarian contributions to the developing world.
Myahriban GARLIEVA,
IV-year student of the Faculty of International relations
of the Institute of International relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.