Oriented on making people closer

The Republic of Armenia celebrated its 34th Independence Day, emphasizing the steady development of relations with Turkmenistan, encompassing the economy, culture, and humanitarian sphere. This was stated by Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Turkmenistan.

From August 4 to 7, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan visited Ashgabat, where he held talks with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. The sides discussed the expansion of trade and economic ties, educational programs, and cultural initiatives.

According to the ambassador, the dynamics of bilateral cooperation are confirmed by concrete results: in 2024, the trade turnover reached $22.2 million, and in the first seven months of 2025, it amounted to $18.4 million. Armenia exports industrial and food products, while Turkmenistan exports energy resources and textiles.

The cultural dialogue between the two countries, the diplomat emphasized, has gained particular significance in recent years. In October 2024, Armenian Culture Days were held in Ashgabat, and in November, the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan performed a concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Charles Aznavour. During the visit, President Khachaturyan also visited the Armenian church in Turkmenbashi and the mausoleum of the 15th-century Turkmen emirs of the Kara Koyunlu in Armenia.

“Armenian-Turkmen relations have a solid historical foundation and are developing in the spirit of mutual respect, trust, and equal partnership,” Avagyan noted. “These ties serve as a reliable foundation for new initiatives and open wide prospects for cooperation for the prosperity of our peoples.”

Academic exchange continues to actively develop in the educational sphere: Armenian students regularly participate in Olympiads in Turkmenistan, winning prizes.

The Independence Day celebrations coincided with positive economic trends in Armenia. In 2024, GDP grew by 5.9%, and from January to July 2025, it increased by 7%. Exports exceeded $9 billion, inflation is projected at 1.5%, and tourism reached record levels.

In 2025, Armenia chairs the Eurasian Economic Union, focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and developing the industrial-agricultural sector.

ORIENT

Photo: newscentralasia.net