On May 16, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation to participate in the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2025", where he was an honorary guest.

Over the years, the Forum "Russia - Islamic World" has become an authoritative platform for strengthening partnership between the regions of Russia and the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This year, the central topic of discussion was digitalization as a key factor in expanding international cooperation.

At the plenary session of the forum, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov presented vision of Turkmenistan on the use of high technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's speech aroused keen interest among the participants. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the importance of joint work in the field of high-tech and neural networks. These areas are becoming increasingly relevant for the countries of the Islamic world, opening up new horizons for cooperation.

In his speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized special attention to the Turkmen initiatives, noting the importance of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's proposals on technological partnership.

After the plenary session, an official meeting was held between Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, during which the parties discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation, emphasizing the importance of the agreements already reached and mutual interest in their practical implementation.

The special atmosphere of the meeting was emphasized by its warm and informal nature: a reception was given on behalf of the leadership of Tatarstan in honor of the Turkmen guest, which was also attended by State Counselor of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev. During the conversation, the three government officials expressed confidence in the further deepening of Turkmen-Tatar cooperation in various fields. The program of the visit included not only official negotiations, but also a cultural component. The National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Head of Tatarstan together visited the Galiaskar Kamal Theater, one of the iconic cultural centers of Kazan.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Rustam Minnikhanov got acquainted with the interiors, technical equipment of the halls, conditions created for artists and spectators. This visit emphasized the importance of cultural exchange as an important component of bilateral relations.

…Thus, the visit to Tatarstan became a continuation of the progressive line on the development of close ties between Turkmenistan and the subjects of the Russian Federation. Particularly noticeable is the intensification of cooperation with Tatarstan, where interaction is built on the principles of mutual benefit and respect.

Turkmenistan and Tatarstan successfully cooperate in such areas as the oil and gas industry, shipbuilding, supplies of aviation and automotive equipment. Along with this, humanitarian contacts, cultural exchanges, joint educational projects have received a noticeable impetus.

One of the key structures coordinating bilateral relations is the joint working group on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. It is on its platform that specific projects are discussed, mechanisms for their implementation are developed taking into account modern challenges and opportunities.

This is not the first time that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has become an honorary guest of KazanForum. His participation in the 2022 and 2024 forums confirms the sustainability of Turkmenistan's partnership course, and also emphasizes the interest in expanding dialogue with the countries of the Islamic world.

Regular meetings, exchange of opinions and joint work on projects not only strengthen economic cooperation, but also contribute to the rapprochement of peoples, the development of humanitarian ties, and the formation of an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's working visit to Kazan has become an important stage in the development of Turkmen-Tatarstan and, more broadly, Turkmen-Russian cooperation. Participation in KazanForum has confirmed Turkmenistan's continued commitment to deepening mutually beneficial partnership with both the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world.

ORIENT