A scientific and practical symposium on the topic “Multifaceted Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan: Achievements and Prospects” was held at the Baku Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR). The event, organized by CAIR and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Baku, was attended by high-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps and think tanks. The symposium became a platform for in-depth analysis and discussion of the current state and future directions of bilateral relations.

Neutrality as an Active Instrument of Diplomacy and Stability

During the symposium, considerable attention was paid to the foreign policy doctrine of Turkmenistan. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan Gurbanmammet Elyasov emphasized in his speech that the lack of trust in world politics requires the consolidation of international efforts to overcome the crisis. In this context, Ambassador Elyasov recalled the Resolution "2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust" initiated by Turkmenistan and unanimously adopted by the UN, considering it as a global opportunity to move to a new stage in international relations.

Among the participants of the symposium was also Director of the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Shiri Shiriev. He noted that the modern international landscape is characterized by increasing geopolitical tensions and fragmentation of the world. In such conditions, the concept of neutrality is becoming particularly relevant, rethinking from a historical association with isolationism to an active platform for diplomatic dialogue and peacekeeping.

It was noted that neutral states such as Turkmenistan play a unique role in mitigating the negative effects of fragmentation by promoting cooperation where direct alignment is not possible and acting as an economic stabilizer in a turbulent global environment. Turkmenistan’s initiatives in Central Asia to promote the Caspian Sea status settlement, support for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, and advance the TAPI gas pipeline were cited as examples of a focused strategic approach to promoting peace and stability through economic development.

Strategic Areas of Dialogue: from Transport to Digital Services

The symposium examined in detail the key promising areas of cooperation:

• Transport and Logistics: Ambassador Elyasov pointed out the enormous prospects for cooperation due to the modern infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the Baku International Sea Trade Port. These ports work closely together, ensuring the transit of goods. It was noted that the significant potential of both ports for cargo handling in the Caspian Sea demonstrates their readiness to increase transit cargo flows between China and Europe, as well as in the opposite direction. Expert Shiri Shiriev added that Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are actively promoting the development of transport corridors, including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, as well as the North-South and East-West corridors, striving to become a logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia.

• Oil and Gas: The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the close trade and economic relations that have developed in the energy sector, mentioning the constant exchange of views and the recent participation of the head of Azerbaijan's SOCAR in a conference in Ashgabat. The prospect of increasing the transportation of Turkmen energy resources through the Caspian Sea via Azerbaijan and Turkey to enter the markets of third countries was particularly highlighted.

• Communications and Digital Services: Elyasov reported on the work on the feasibility study for laying a fiber-optic cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea between the two countries, emphasizing its importance for the development of digital services in the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.

• Non-Oil: The Ambassador noted the growth of trade turnover outside the oil and gas sector and called for further development of cooperation in the field of small and medium-sized businesses, the search for new promising areas of partnership, the assessment of mutual investment projects, as well as the organization of business forums and exhibitions.

• Cultural and Humanitarian Direction: The historical connection of friendship and brotherhood was emphasized, the importance of further strengthening the traditional humanitarian dialogue, developing ties in the fields of education, science, culture, healthcare, sports and tourism was noted, and an exchange of cultural days and holding joint exhibitions was proposed.

Humanitarian Diplomacy and Contribution to Regional Security

In his report, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies Shiri Shiriev focused on the practical application of the principles of neutrality of Turkmenistan. He cited a striking example of humanitarian mediation in Afghanistan from 1998 to 2001, when, in the conditions of a three-year drought and international sanctions, Turkmenistan remained the only state that maintained open borders for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. Aid was delivered through the Imamnazar and Serhetabat border crossings, and the World Food Program (WFP) opened its representative office in Turkmenistan to coordinate this activity.

It was emphasized that the Turkmenistan model demonstrates how a state can actively work to overcome disagreements and create conditions for dialogue, rather than simply avoid conflicts. Turkmenistan's contributions to conflict resolution (e.g. inter-Tajik and inter-Afghan negotiations) and consistent humanitarian assistance demonstrate the practical application of the principles of neutrality to achieve regional security and prosperity.

Long-Term Commitment to the Principles of Peace and Prosperity

The double celebration of the 30th anniversary of neutrality in 2025 and the UN declaration of this year as the "International Year of Peace and Trust" on the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as noted during the symposium, underscores that Turkmenistan's commitment to neutrality is not a temporary policy, but a deeply rooted and sustainable national principle. Such consistency enhances the credibility of neutrality as a foreign policy instrument capable of adapting to different geopolitical landscapes and making a long-term contribution to global stability.

It was confirmed that Turkmenistan will continue its policy of neutrality based on good neighborliness, mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The participants of the symposium agreed that the multifaceted cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan has enormous potential for joint development, peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.

In particular, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations Farid Shafiev noted that the Summit of the Organization of Turkic Speaking States will be held in Baku in October. "The forum of analytical centers is traditionally held within the framework of this event. We would be glad to see colleagues from Turkmenistan at these events," he said. In his speech, the diplomat focused on such specific examples as Trans-Caspian cooperation, joint development of the Dostlug field, and Baku-Turkmenbashi transport routes, emphasizing that these projects are not only bilateral in nature, but also have strategic importance in terms of regional stability and economic integration.

ORIENT