Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Gave an Interview to Iran's State Broadcaster IRIB
During his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to Iranian Radio and Television Broadcasting (IRIB) journalist Seyed Mohsen Hosseini. During the conversation, held at the request of the Iranian side, the head of Turkmenistan's highest body of people's authority shared his memories of his many years of personal communication and cooperation with Iran's Spiritual Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei and outlined key areas of strategic partnership between the two fraternal states.
Assessing the historical significance of these ties, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan and Iran are not simply neighboring countries, but fraternal nations whose relations have historically been based on bonds of sincere friendship, mutual trust, and deep respect. His first meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei took place in the spring of 1998, when the National Leader headed the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. Over the next 28 years, while serving as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of the country, and Chairman of the People's Council, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov regularly maintained a personal dialogue with the Spiritual Leader of Iran, each meeting invariably yielding significant results in the interests of both peoples.
The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects occupies a special place in interstate relations. Guided by the shared understanding between the two peoples that a dignified life is linked to creativity, Turkmenistan and Iran have jointly built an extensive network of roads, railways, bridges, gas pipelines, and power lines. The National Leader recalled that during his 15 years in power, bilateral trade turnover exceeded $5 billion, demonstrating stable annual growth. The overall dynamic of the partnership is also due to the fact that Turkmenistan shares the longest border with Iran—over 1,500 kilometers—which Ayatollah Khamenei has always called the "border of friendship and brotherhood."
The humanitarian dimension of the dialogue is rooted in shared historical and cultural roots. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the importance of joint scientific contacts, including the study of the country's rich manuscript heritage. A significant factor in fostering rapprochement is the more than three million-strong Turkmen diaspora living in the Iranian province of Golestan, as well as the opportunity for Turkmen citizens to make a pilgrimage to the resting place of the great poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy in Iran. Regarding the education of the younger generation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of preserving national traditions, distinctive culture, and spiritual values, which harmoniously align with the secular and democratic foundations of Turkmenistan.
Responding to a question about Turkmenistan's position amid today's complex geopolitical challenges, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty reaffirmed the country's unwavering peace-loving foreign policy. As a state which status of permanent neutrality has been recognized three times by the UN, Turkmenistan implements an "open door" policy based on the principles of equality, balance of interests, and sustainable development.
The National Leader emphasized that Turkmenistan has never stood aside during regional crises, keeping its borders open and promptly sending humanitarian aid. Ashgabat's principled position, widely stated internationally, is based on the premise that there are no winners in war, and any conflicts must be resolved exclusively through peaceful, diplomatic means.
Concluding the interview, commenting on the historical legacy of the late Spiritual Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the National Leader of the Turkmen people summarized that the course he laid down for the comprehensive strengthening of bilateral and regional cooperation continues to be constructively continued today.
