Serdar Berdimuhamedov Speaks at the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara
On October 30, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the 13th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara. At the Presidential Complex of the Republic of Turkey, the high-ranking Turkmen guest was personally welcomed by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Addressing the participants of the high-level meeting, the head of Turkmenistan conveyed warm greetings from the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and also congratulated the Turkish people on Republic Day.
In his speech, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted strategic areas for partnership within the Turkic world. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to actively develop ties in the energy, industrial, agricultural, textile, and construction sectors. The head of state called for the creation of favorable conditions to encourage mutual investment and direct cooperation between entrepreneurs.
Particular emphasis was placed on the transport and logistics sector. Given the advantageous geographical location of the countries in the region—which connect the Caspian Basin, the South Caucasus, the Black Sea, Turkey, and Europe—Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed readiness to make the infrastructure of the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi available to increase the capacity of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor. He also called for the digitalization of logistics and the simplification of customs procedures.
Addressing the environmental agenda, the head of state highlighted the importance of the rational use of water resources, as well as combating desertification and land degradation. He recalled Turkmenistan’s initiatives to establish, under the auspices of the UN in Ashgabat, a Regional Center for Climate Change-Related Technologies and a Center for Combating Desertification.
Regarding the humanitarian dimension, the need to expand academic exchanges and foster cooperation between universities, research centers, and youth organizations was underscored. The President of Turkmenistan also expressed his appreciation for the support shown for the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law.
In the afternoon, the visit continued at Hacettepe University, where a formal ceremony was held to confer an honorary doctorate in international relations upon President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The decision of the Academic Council was read by the university’s vice-rector, who highlighted the Turkmen leader’s contribution to transforming the policy of permanent neutrality into an effective instrument for UN preventive diplomacy and the advancement of regional cooperation.
Additionally, the distinguished guest was presented with the "Strategic Friendship" award by Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK). During a meeting with Turkish business circles, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Turkish firms to take an active role in projects involving the construction and modernization of energy infrastructure and the chemical industry, the development of digital technologies, and the establishment of joint industrial enterprises in Turkmenistan.
Having concluded his working visit, the President of Turkmenistan returned to Ashgabat.
