In the current geopolitical conditions, Turkmen-Russian strategic cooperation, based on strong historical traditions, is a significant factor in maintaining stability both in the region and in the international arena.

Multifaceted interaction, covering a wide range of areas - from politics to culture and economics, including energy, transport and humanitarian ties - demonstrates its resilience and ability to adapt to dynamically changing global realities.

The foundation of this partnership is the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of both parties, which is enshrined in the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, as well as in other fundamental documents.

In a relatively short period, it was possible to create a solid contractual and legal basis for Turkmen-Russian relations, which allows for the effective development of cooperation in various areas.

Such interaction not only helps strengthen the positions of both countries in the international arena, but also contributes to the overall stability of the region, demonstrating an example of mutually beneficial partnership in the context of global transformation.

Caspian vector and connectivity of Eurasia

Environmental safety of the Caspian Sea and development of sustainable transport routes are the most important areas of interaction. Turkmenistan advocates holding a special summit of Caspian states with an emphasis on ecology and sustainable development.

In the transport sector, special attention is paid to increasing the efficiency of the eastern route of the international corridor "North-South", which connects Russia and Iran through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. This project is considered as a link in the infrastructure integration of Eurasia, increasing the logistical sustainability of the entire region.

Political dialogue – trust in action

Stable and rich dialogue at the highest level is a key element of Turkmen-Russian relations. Participation in the celebrations in Moscow on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin – these and many other facts indicate a high level of mutual trust.

The visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov to Ashgabat in June 2025 emphasized the importance of verified diplomatic interaction. During the visit, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of equality and good neighborliness, outlining the priorities for the development of political ties.

Multi-level consultations, inter-parliamentary and inter-MFA contacts, cooperation within the UN, CIS, the Caspian Five and Central Asia – Russia formats demonstrate the ability of Moscow and Ashgabat to coordinate actions in the multilateral space.

One of the many examples is the participation of the Turkmen delegation in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States and in the meeting of heads of foreign policy departments in the Central Asia-Russia format, which took place in April of this year in Almaty.

It is especially worth noting the consistent support of the Russian Federation for the neutral status of Turkmenistan, including co-authorship in the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025.

Support for this initiative strengthens the reputational capital of Turkmenistan as a conductor of the culture of peace and dialogue.

The economy of technological breakthrough – a new configuration of pragmatism

Pragmatic, long-term and systemic economic cooperation is the most important vector of bilateral relations. In this context, interaction with the Republic of Tatarstan plays a special role, having become a kind of model of regional partnership.

The participation of Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the XVI KazanForum became significant for rethinking the role of the Islamic world as a subject of global economic development.

The ideas voiced at the forum about creating a single energy, logistics and technological belt of Eurasia, running from the Asia-Pacific region to Europe, clearly outlined the strategic vision of Turkmenistan as a connecting bridge in the Eurasian space.

Consequently, economic partnership is becoming not only a growth mechanism, but also a conductor of geostrategic ideas aimed at sustainability and interdependence of regions.

Along with this, the emphasis is on food security, technological cooperation, green transformation and Islamic investment financing, which gives the interaction a multidisciplinary and modern character.

A striking example of the depth of bilateral relations were also the meetings of the Turkmen delegation with the Russian leadership within the framework of SPIEF-2025 and Halal Expo, where specific areas of trade, industry, transport, energy and humanitarian exchange were discussed.

Humanitarian dimension – partnership of cultures and languages

The cultural and humanitarian sphere continues to play the role of “soft power” in bilateral relations. The Turkmen-Russian School named after A.S. Pushkin is successfully operating, the Russian Drama Theater in Ashgabat is always loved by the audience, and the Russian language has become firmly entrenched in the educational system of Turkmenistan. In Russia, in turn, the Turkmen language is taught.

The project to create a Turkmen-Russian University confirms the strategic intention of the parties to develop a dialogue of cultures and knowledge. As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted, Turkmenistan’s neutrality makes a “constructive contribution to strengthening peace and stability” – and this is especially evident in educational diplomacy.

Memory as an ethical basis for cooperation

Historical community and collective memory serve as the moral foundation of Turkmen-Russian relations. Of particular importance in this context is the memory of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, in which the Turkmen people demonstrated great valor, fighting shoulder to shoulder with other peoples of the former USSR.

The participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the ceremonial events in Moscow on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, the memorial ceremonies at the Halk Hakydasy complex in Ashgabat, the Immortal Regiment march and the opening of the Alley of Memory at the Russian Embassy emphasize respect for our common history.

The participation of the Honor Guard of Turkmenistan in the parade on Red Square and the visit of the head of Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov to Ashgabat confirm the symbolic significance of historical heritage as the most important component of modern partnership.

Memory here is not a ritual, but a moral support for trust and strategic solidarity.

Development of relations as a factor of sustainability

Strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation is determined by the balance of interests, trust, respect for sovereignty and many years of experience.

In the era of multipolarity and global shift in emphasis, it serves as an example of sustainable, balanced and pragmatic interaction. This is not just a partnership between two states, but also an example of how good-neighborliness can be built in the 21st century - on the basis of neutrality, equality and a common desire for sustainable peace.

The program of cooperation between the foreign ministries for 2025-2026, signed by Ministers Rashid Meredov and Sergey Lavrov, confirms the existence of clear and mutually reinforcing guidelines for the future.

Turkmenistan and Russia consistently demonstrate that strategic partnership is not a declaration, but a comprehensive and developing system of interaction, open to new opportunities, but resilient to challenges even in an era of global change.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV,

Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan