Turkmenistan pays special attention to strengthening friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the states of the Turkic world. In this regard, particular importance is attached to cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), where Turkmenistan, holding observer status, advocates the expansion of political dialogue, trade and economic ties, transport connectivity, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

An important event in the development of this interaction was the working visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Türkiye on October 29–30, 2026. The visit programme covered the multilateral agenda of the XIII Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and a wide range of issues concerning bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Türkiye. High-level negotiations, meetings with representatives of the Turkish business community and discussions on prospects for cooperation in various sectors brought together the political, economic and humanitarian dimensions of the partnership.

One of the key events of the programme was the meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, held on October 30 in Ankara. The sides discussed the development of political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian ties. During the talks, Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Türkiye to visit Turkmenistan on an official visit.

A significant part of the visit was devoted to the economic dimension of bilateral relations. The scale of cooperation is reflected in previously published figures. According to data presented by Turkey's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, in January 2026, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to approximately 2 billion dollars for January–November 2025. Over the years of independence, Turkish companies have implemented more than 1000 projects in Turkmenistan, with a total value exceeding 54 billion dollars. The portfolio of ongoing and new projects was estimated at a further 10 billion dollars.

Against this backdrop, the meeting between the President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Çalik Holding, Ahmet Çalık, took on particular significance. During the conversation, the parties discussed the further development of cooperation and the activities of Turkish businesses in Turkmenistan.

Ahmet Çalık confirmed the company's readiness to responsibly fulfill its contractual obligations and thanked the Turkmen side for the conditions being created for Turkish enterprises to operate.

In addition, the meeting with representatives of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) became a platform for discussing new areas of economic cooperation. Representatives of various sectors of the Turkish economy and executives of companies operating in Turkmenistan took part in it.

During his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined prospects for industrial cooperation, the construction of manufacturing enterprises, the introduction of modern technologies, the processing of local raw materials and an increase in exports of finished products.

Particular attention was paid to the energy sector, chemical industry, construction, agriculture, food industry and healthcare. Turkish companies were encouraged to participate more actively in the construction and modernization of energy infrastructure, as well as in the production and maintenance of industrial equipment.

In the transport and logistics sector, discussions covered international freight transportation, the establishment of logistics centers, the construction of warehouse and container terminals, transport maintenance and the introduction of digital logistics management systems.

The implementation of the proposals envisages cooperation among relevant ministries and agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council and Turkish business entities. Further tasks include identifying priority projects, preparing feasibility studies and coordinating joint efforts.

Thus, the economic component of the visit was aimed at expanding existing business ties and developing new areas of cooperation. The practical implementation of the proposals will become one of the key indicators of the further development of the Turkmen-Turkish partnership.

In his address at the XIII Summit of the OTS, Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the priorities of regional cooperation in the fields of economy, transport, energy and ecology.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to provide the infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport to expand international freight transportation. Other necessary measures include the modernization of transport systems, simplification of customs procedures and the introduction of digital technologies.

In the economic sphere, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to move towards concrete joint projects, attract investment and expand business contacts. Energy, industry, agriculture, construction and the processing sector were identified as priorities.

The environmental agenda highlighted the rational use of water resources, combating desertification and land degradation. Turkmenistan proposed establishing regional centres in Ashgabat under the auspices of the UN for climate change-related technologies and combating desertification.

The President of Turkmenistan also recalled the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the international legal foundations of cooperation.

Alongside political and economic issues, the visit demonstrated the importance of the humanitarian dimension in Turkmen-Turkish relations.

One of the central events was the ceremony at Hacettepe University, where the President of Turkmenistan was awarded the degree of «Honorary Doctor in International Relations».

The decision of the University Academic Council highlighted issues of international cooperation, peaceful diplomacy and the development of interaction between Turkmenistan and Türkiye. The event also provided a platform for discussing the role of education, science and academic contacts in strengthening bilateral relations.

In his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the scientific and educational sphere in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples. The prospects for cooperation between Turkmen and Turkish scientists, the development of academic exchanges and the expansion of contacts between research centers were highlighted.

Special attention was paid to Turkey's educational opportunities. Currently, thousands of young citizens of Turkmenistan are studying at Turkish higher education institutions. The development of educational ties contributes to the training of specialists, the exchange of professional experience and the strengthening of the scientific potential of both states.

Another event was the presentation to Serdar Berdimuhamedov of the «Strategic Friendship» award of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK). The award was presented in the presence of representatives of government institutions and business circles of the two countries.

The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Türkiye brought together the bilateral and multilateral agendas. High-level talks, participation in the OTS Summit, meetings with business representatives and events in the educational sphere covered the political, economic and humanitarian areas of cooperation.

In a broader regional context, Turkmen-Turkish cooperation has the potential to strengthen ties between Central Asia, the Caspian region, the Caucasus and Europe. Transport infrastructure, trade, energy and industrial cooperation form interconnected areas for the further development of economic relations.