On October 8, at the Eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed establishing mechanisms for six-party cooperation in the political, economic, technological and humanitarian spheres. This was reported by the TDH news agency.

The Head of State noted that Azerbaijan’s accession to the format was a natural outcome of the development of relations between the countries. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the expansion of cooperation opens up opportunities for strengthening trade links, transport connectivity and energy cooperation.

Among the priorities, the President of Turkmenistan cited the strengthening of regional security, the development of political and diplomatic dialogue, the expansion of investment and industrial cooperation, as well as the introduction of modern technologies and artificial intelligence.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed holding regular six-party consultations between the foreign ministries and establishing a mechanism for cooperation to increase trade between the countries.

The Head of State paid particular attention to the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ transport corridors. He emphasised the importance of the ‘Central Asia–Caspian Sea–South Caucasus–Europe’ route and stated Turkmenistan’s readiness to make Caspian infrastructure available for joint projects.

In the energy sector, Serdar Berdimuhamedov advocated the development not only of pipeline routes but also of electricity supplies, as well as the establishment of sustainable links between the power systems of the region’s countries.

The Head of Turkmenistan also proposed expanding industrial cooperation, developing the processing of agricultural produce, establishing export-oriented agro-industrial complexes, and removing transport, customs and tariff barriers.

Speaking on technological development, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the prospects of attracting foreign high-tech companies to joint projects based at the region’s Hi-Tech centres. In this context, he mentioned the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov also called for the strengthening of humanitarian, cultural and educational ties, emphasising the shared historical and civilisational heritage of the region’s peoples.

Furthermore, the President of Turkmenistan recalled his country’s initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and expressed hope that it would receive support.