National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the Plenary Session of the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2025". In his speech, he expressed his conviction that the Islamic world has every opportunity to become one of the locomotives of global economic development, primarily through the formation of a single energy, transport and technological belt of Eurasia.

Potential of Islamic countries in the global economy

In the current conditions of global development, the countries of the Islamic world face a number of tasks that require rethinking their role in the modern economic world order. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty emphasized that Islamic countries have significant advantages - demography, natural resources, geographical location, growing technological, financial, scientific and educational potential. This creates good preconditions for initiating large, breakthrough projects and strengthening the positions of Islamic states in the global economy and investment space.

Vision of a single belt of Eurasia: energy, transport, technology

Turkmenistan's approach to international economic cooperation is based on the priority of the energy, transport, logistics and technology spheres. In this context, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Islamic countries are called upon to form a single energy, transport and technology belt of Eurasia. This belt, linking the continent from the Asia-Pacific region to the Middle East and Europe, will strategically become a bridge for global interaction. When implemented, it will be able to provide the shortest routes for the delivery of energy resources, goods and services, positively influencing the global economy. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty emphasized that Turkmenistan is actively promoting the strategy he initiated, "Revival of the Great Silk Road," within the framework of this vision.

Principles of partnership and diversification of flows

An important factor in the creative approach to cooperation is Turkmenistan's commitment to peace, social justice and traditional values. In order to achieve the goals of economic development, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty pointed out the need for Islamic countries to pursue a coordinated energy policy, coordinate in matters of increasing the efficiency and facilitating international transit, and strengthening logistical connectivity. He especially noted that Turkmenistan's position is always based on equality and recognition of the interests of all participants, and is firmly against the politicization of cooperation and the one-sidedness of energy and transport flows, insisting on their diversification and accessibility. Turkmenistan proceeds from the possibilities of effectively using diplomacy to achieve compatibility of interests and mutual understanding.

Turkmenistan: implementation of key infrastructure projects

Turkmenistan is putting these principles into practice by implementing large-scale energy, transport and infrastructure projects in Asia. This includes the construction of such international facilities as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, power supply and fiber-optic communication lines along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, as well as railways connecting Central and South Asia with the Near and Far East.

The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty expressed confidence that these projects will enhance energy security, provide access to resources and highways for many states, promote trade growth, create jobs, resolve social problems, political stabilization and strengthen trust. He also emphasized the work on multimodal transit routes through the Caspian and Black Sea basins, noting the need for a systematic approach and political and diplomatic support at the UN level.

Activation of the role of Islamic financial institutions

In this regard, the head of the Khalk Maslakhaty proposed that Islamic financial and economic institutions and investment funds provide more effective support to international economic projects in which Islamic countries participate. He also called on them to join the process of developing strategic decisions taken at the level of the UN and other authoritative international structures.

Food security and technological cooperation

The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty identified food security as the most important aspect of cooperation, which is especially relevant against the backdrop of the current geopolitical and economic realities. Turkmenistan, as a member state of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, advocates for a coordinated policy and protection of the interests of Islamic states facing food shortages. Regular humanitarian aid to Afghanistan was mentioned as an example of the practical implementation of these principles.

Technology was named as another key area of ​​cooperation. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty noted the potential accumulated by Islamic countries in the field of high technology, innovation and artificial intelligence and spoke about the advisability of establishing systemic channels for technological cooperation, exchange of experience, training specialists and launching joint multilateral innovative programs and research.

An example of effective cooperation: partnership with Tatarstan

Separately, the speech noted the experience of fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation as an illustrative example of effective interaction. The special place of Tatarstan was emphasized due to its potential and historical ties, as well as joint activities in the energy sector, industry, transport, trade and other areas.

The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty expressed gratitude to the leadership and Government of the Russian Federation for supporting these processes and especially noted the constructive role of head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov in strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between Islamic countries and Russia.

In conclusion of his speech, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty confirmed the unwavering commitment of Turkmenistan, which is part of the Islamic world, to relations of brotherhood, solidarity and respect with all its peoples, as well as its readiness to develop and strengthen these ties and contribute to the cause of peace, progress and prosperity of Islamic countries.

ORIENT