The Embassy of Turkey in Turkmenistan held a reception in Ashgabat on October 29 to mark the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. The event featured a speech by Turkey’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Şener Cebeci, reports Turkmenportal.

The event was attended by Batyr Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the Turkish community.

In his speech, the Ambassador recalled that the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Over the past century, the country has strengthened its economic, industrial and technological potential. Turkey’s foreign policy, the diplomat noted, is based on the principle of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World".

Speaking about bilateral relations, Cebeci emphasized the importance of shared historical, cultural and linguistic ties. Turkey was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence, on October 27, 1991. Today, cooperation covers politics, trade, investment, energy, transport, education and culture.

Turkey remains one of Turkmenistan’s leading economic partners. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade turnover to 5 billion US dollars. Turkish companies have implemented more than 1,100 projects in Turkmenistan, with a total value of approximately 56 billion US dollars. In June, the ninth meeting of the Turkish-Turkmen Intergovernmental Economic Commission was held in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, the sides signed an action plan comprising 71 items.

The diplomat also highlighted the development of energy and transport cooperation. The start of Turkmen natural gas supplies to Turkey in 2025 marked an important milestone in bilateral relations. The two sides are also exploring opportunities to expand supply routes to international markets and develop the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor.

Cebeci reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and recalled the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the International Forum for Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat in December 2025. The diplomat also noted Turkmenistan’s readiness to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya in November.

In conclusion, the Ambassador spoke about humanitarian ties between the two countries. According to the figures cited, more than 215,000 Turkmen citizens reside in Turkey, while over 60,000 students from Turkmenistan are enrolled in Turkish universities. The diplomat also highlighted the work of the Turkish-Turkmen School in Ashgabat.