On January 28, the head of the Turkish diplomatic mission, Ahmet Demirok, held a press conference at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Ashgabat. The ambassador presented a detailed overview of the 2025 results and announced key events on the bilateral agenda for the current year.
The diplomat emphasized that the past year was marked by close cooperation at the highest level. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation in the forum in Ashgabat on December 12 provided a powerful impetus for the partnership.
“Turkmenistan’s neutral status is not isolation, but a constructive contribution to global peace,” the ambassador noted, recalling his awarding of a commemorative medal by the head of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As emphasized, Türkiye has cemented its status as one of the country’s leading economic partners. Mutual trade turnover is approaching 5 billion dollars. Since independence, Turkish contractors have completed over 1000 projects worth over 54 billion dollars. Furthermore, new contracts worth 10 billion dollars are expected to be signed in the near future, including for the construction of the city of Arkadag.
Speaking about the energy sector, the ambassador stated that Turkmen gas imports to Türkiye began on March 1, 2025, and confirmed the parties’ readiness to work on the Trans-Caspian Pipeline to reach European markets.
Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s rapprochement with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Türkiye welcomes the country’s accession as an observer to the Turkic Academy and looks forward to joining TURKPA.
Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere remains a priority for the diplomatic mission. Applications for the prestigious “Türkiye Bursları” scholarship program are currently being accepted, the ambassador said, noting that Turkmen students can submit their applications until February 20. As noted, approximately 40 000 Turkmen citizens are currently studying at Turkish universities.
Ahmet Demirok named cultural exchange as another area of humanitarian relations and expressed hope that the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, which operates in many countries around the world, will begin operations in Ashgabat.
“Türkiye remains the most popular destination for Turkmen citizens. Over the past year, 200 000 guests visited the country, and the consular department issued over 120 000 visas,” the diplomat continued.
Announcing upcoming events, the ambassador added that the large-scale 12th Turkish Export Fair would be held in the Turkmen capital from February 10–12, featuring over 80 leading brands. A visit by the Republic’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, is also expected.
Ambassador Demirok concluded his speech by emphasizing the inviolability of fraternal ties, confirming that 2026 will be the year of implementation of large-scale joint initiatives in energy and transport.
