TURKMEN-KAZAKH FRIENDSHIP: A SOLID FOUNDATION OF PEACE AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Turkmenistan consistently implements a peaceful foreign policy strategy grounded in the principles of permanent neutrality. Through this framework, the country steadily expands fruitful cooperation with all interested partners. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, which promote the principles of good-neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation in the Central Asian region, originate from centuries-old historical and cultural roots. With the official establishment of diplomatic relations on October 5, 1992, bilateral cooperation entered a new historical stage. Over the years of independence, relations between the two states have acquired a strategic character not only in the political and diplomatic arenas, but also in transport-logistics, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
The solid foundation of Turkmen-Kazakh diplomatic relations is built on regular high-level visits between the Heads of State. Speaking on the importance of strengthening Turkmen-Kazakh relations across all priority areas, especially emphasis can be placed on the working visit of our Esteemed President to Kazakhstan. On November 6, 2026, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held as part of the Aqaba Process, which focused on security in the area of artificial intelligence. Established in 2015, the Aqaba Process serves as an authoritative international platform uniting heads of state, global experts, and technology experts to counter modern global threats. Today, its expanding agenda focuses on securing the digital space, ensuring cyber security, and regulating artificial intelligence, with the Astana high-level summit marking a new stage in its development. Speaking at the summit, the President of Turkmneistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented several constructive initiatives, emphasizing that long-term global security must be achieved through preventive diplomacy, the principles of neutrality, and the restoration of trust and political dialogue. He also reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s firm commitment to regional and global stability and its readiness to contribute actively to the objectives of the Aqaba Process. In this context, the visit of our Esteemed President served as another significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
It should be noted that Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan also actively cooperate in the international arena within the framework of the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The parties consistently support each other in international initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and security in the region.
Currently, bilateral relations demonstrate a high level of mutual trust and are being elevated to qualitatively new milestones. Trade-economic and transit-transport sectors serve as the primary areas of mutual cooperation.
Economic Cooperation: Transport and Energy Sectors
From an economic perspective, the strategic role of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in the region is exceptionally high. Major joint projects implemented by the two countries have significantly contributed not only to bilateral trade and economic ties, but also to transforming the transport and logistics infrastructure of the entire Eurasian region.
1. Transport and Logistics Corridors: The “Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran” international railway line is one of the most vital transport corridors connecting Central Asia with the Persian Gulf and Middle Eastern markets. This route creates conditions for increasing trade turnover and expanding interregional transit capacity.
2. Energy Cooperation: As a major regional energy project, the “Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan – Kazakhstan – China” trans-national gas pipeline serves as a clear example of cooperation between the parties, not only in trade, but also in ensuring international energy security.
3. Cross-Border Trade and Investment: Trade turnover between the two countries is growing consistently. The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific-Technical, and Cultural Cooperation works effectively toward boosting trade volumes and diversifying the range of goods.
Cultural and Humanitarian Ties
The shared language, culture, spiritual traditions, and centuries-old good-neighborly relations of the Turkmen and Kazakh peoples form the strong pillar of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Days of Culture, scientific-pedagogical conferences, gatherings of cultural figures and exhibitions are regularly held between the two states. In the field of education, experience sharing and the development of cooperation between higher education institutions are being successfully implemented. Joint events dedicated to studying and celebrating the historical and cultural heritage of both nations further strengthen the bridge of friendship.
Looking to the future with great confidence, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan aim to elevate their mutually beneficial strategic partnership to new heights and intensify joint efforts to ensure sustainable development and peace in the region.
Soyli YAZBERDIYEVA,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan