Ashgabat and Abu Dhabi Are Developing an Economic Cooperation Program.
Abu Dhabi, February 4 | ORIENT. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE, at Qasr Al Watan Palace.
The parties discussed cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, and economic spheres, moving from conceptual discussions to implementation—the launch of specific large-scale projects in energy and logistics, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
In this regard, the advisability of preparing an Economic Cooperation Program between Turkmenistan and the UAE, a systemic document that will serve as a “navigator” for business relations between the two countries, was emphasized.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a global figure overseeing the UAE's strategic assets. His participation in the negotiations confirms that the Emirates views Turkmenistan as a key partner in Central Asia.
The preparation of the Economic Cooperation Program marks a new level. Based on the content of previous negotiations and meetings, it can be assumed that it will cover transportation: connecting the port of Turkmenbashi with UAE hubs; energy: expanding ADNOC's presence and developing green energy with Masdar; and finance: intensifying joint work between banking institutions and investment funds.
In addition to the economy, the politicians discussed the "regional agenda." Translated into diplomatic parlance, this means coordinating efforts to stabilize the region and develop Afghanistan—a topic in which both Turkmenistan and the UAE play key mediating roles.
While yesterday's talks with ADNOC focused on resources, today's meeting with Sheikh Mansour focused on strategy. Turkmenistan and the UAE are building a long-term alliance, where gas, logistics, and investment are linked by a common plan of action. The economic cooperation program will serve as the foundation that will safeguard Turkmen-UAE ties from any geopolitical fluctuations.
