Erdogan Arrives for Key International Forum
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is undertaking an official visit to Turkmenistan on December 11-12, 2025, to attend the International Peace and Security Forum in the capital city of Ashgabat. The visit, announced by Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, underscores Türkiye's commitment to regional diplomacy and its deepening ties with Central Asian nations.
Commemorating Neutrality and Peace
The International Peace and Security Forum holds significant symbolic weight, as it commemorates two major milestones. It marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality, a status first acknowledged by the United Nations General Assembly on December 12, 1995. Additionally, the forum celebrates the UN's designation of 2025 as the 'International Year of Peace and Trust', an initiative proposed by Turkmenistan. President Erdogan is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at this international gathering, highlighting Türkiye's role in global peace initiatives.
Bilateral Discussions on Energy and Trade
Beyond the forum's plenary sessions, President Erdogan's visit will serve as a crucial platform for high-level bilateral diplomacy. He is expected to hold separate meetings with participating heads of state and government, including his Turkmen counterpart. These discussions are anticipated to cover a wide range of topics aimed at advancing Türkiye's regional and bilateral agendas within Central Asia. Key areas of focus include:
- Energy Cooperation: Discussions are expected to address natural gas supplies, with a particular emphasis on connecting Turkmen gas to Turkey and potentially to European markets via the southern gas corridor.
- Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic relations, building on the substantial presence of over 600 Turkish companies active in Turkmenistan and Turkish direct investments exceeding $500 million.
- Regional Connectivity: Exploring cooperation on projects such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the 'Middle Corridor,' to enhance trade routes between Asia and Europe.
- Organization of Turkic States (OTS): Reports suggest President Erdogan may formally propose Turkmenistan's full membership in the OTS, where it currently holds observer status.
- Visa Facilitation: The implementation of visa-free entry and a 90-day stay for Turkmen citizens in Turkey is also reportedly on the agenda, aiming to boost tourism and trade.
Strengthening Enduring Ties
This visit underscores Türkiye's continued commitment to deepening its historical, linguistic, religious, and cultural ties with Turkic nations. Türkiye was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan's independence on October 27, 1991, and has consistently supported its permanent neutral status. The ongoing diplomatic engagement between Ankara and Ashgabat focuses on mutual respect, cooperation, and the principle of 'One Nation, Two States,' aiming to further strengthen their strategic partnership.
5 Comments
anubis
While promoting peace and trust is commendable, the real test will be if these talks can genuinely address underlying regional tensions, especially with Russia's continued presence.
paracelsus
It's positive to see discussions on regional connectivity like the Middle Corridor, but this initiative, while economically sound, also shifts geopolitical dynamics and could be seen as an attempt to bypass traditional Russian-controlled routes.
anubis
Just another authoritarian leader meeting. Real peace is ignored.
Africa
Strengthening ties within the Organization of Turkic States is a logical step for cultural unity, yet it also represents a strategic play that might be perceived as a challenge to established regional powers like Russia.
Comandante
What about human rights in these countries? The forum is a distraction.