Tərcüməyə başlayıram — bu mətn ekspert şərhi formatında olduğu üçün bir az daha çevik, amma eyni zamanda rəsmi ton saxlanılacaq.

The Prospects of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Relations Hold Strategic Importance for a Wide Geography

The intensification of political dialogue, the expansion of economic ties, and the deepening of cooperation on regional projects between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan signal that bilateral relations have entered a new phase. In particular, the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in 2017 and the high-level meetings held in subsequent years have given a significant impetus to the strengthening of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations. At today's meeting, 12 documents covering various areas of cooperation were signed, which will contribute both to the further development of bilateral ties and to the formation of a broader partnership framework.

Commenting on Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations, Aqil Asadov, Head of Department at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), noted that both countries pursue independent and balanced foreign policies within the international relations system. Both states support each other's initiatives within international organizations and contribute to the preservation of regional stability. At the same time, regular contacts between heads of state and government representatives create conditions for further strengthening political trust, which in turn broadens opportunities for cooperation across other sectors.

The energy sector is one of the primary areas of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations. Both countries possess rich hydrocarbon reserves and are regarded as key energy partners between Europe and Asia. Cooperation prospects are wide in the areas of energy projects in the Caspian Sea, bringing natural gas resources to international markets, and developing energy infrastructure. In particular, the diversification of transport and energy routes may generate significant economic advantages for both states in the future. It is also worth noting that, according to 2025 year-end figures, the volume of transit cargo passing through Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan increased by 15 percent, and on May 12, 2026, Turkmenistan's first dry cargo vessel ceremonially entered the Port of Baku. The vessel's integration into regular container shipping along the Turkmenbashi–Baku–Turkmenbashi route will undoubtedly provide a strong boost to the region's logistical capabilities.

Given that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are key participants in the East–West transport corridor, it is clear that Azerbaijan's transit capacity and Turkmenistan's geostrategic position in Central Asia create broad opportunities for logistical cooperation between the two countries. Ongoing measures are being taken to expand connectivity between the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port — particularly in the areas of channel deepening, creating conditions for the operation of large-capacity vessels, cargo handling, and the digitalization of border and customs procedures — all of which contribute to increasing the volume and intensity of freight traffic. The gifting of the oil tanker Dostluq by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during the Turkmenistan President's visit to Azerbaijan will further develop bilateral relations and contribute to the overall development of the region and Asia–Europe trade ties. The tanker — 141 metres in length, 16.9 metres in width, with a draught of 4.54 metres and a deadweight of 7,875 tonnes — was built in Azerbaijan, representing a prime example of the country's shipbuilding industry development, while also serving as a significant contribution to the strengthening of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan friendship. This contribution will, in turn, drive the development of the Middle Corridor and the deepening of Europe–Asia trade relations. As President Ilham Aliyev stated during the joint press conference with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov: "Much was said today about transport and logistics as well. Naturally, cooperation between our countries in this field is already long-term in character — and I would even say that it holds strategic importance not only for us, not only for our neighbors, but for a much wider geography."

According to Aqil Asadov, political contacts and joint participation in international projects have increasingly translated into growth in trade turnover between the two countries in recent years. The work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, the promotion of mutual investments, and the organization of business forums are the primary tools driving the development of economic ties. The implementation of new projects in agriculture, industry, construction, transport, and logistics is considered among the key factors that will enhance mutual economic benefit.

According to the CAERC department head, humanitarian and cultural ties between the two countries also hold special importance. The peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan share a common Turkic culture, language, and spiritual values. As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized: "What unites us is our shared history, culture, ethnic roots, language, and religion. The Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples are, in the truest sense of the word, brothers, and have lived by this sense of brotherhood throughout the centuries. Today, as independent states, they are achieving great success." The expansion of cooperation in education, science, culture, and tourism serves to further strengthen people-to-people ties. Symposiums, cultural events, and humanitarian projects held in recent years are of considerable significance in this regard. Turkmenistan's construction of a modern mosque complex as a gift in the liberated city of Fuzuli is yet another testament to the historic and religious unity of our peoples and to the friendship between our countries.

All of the above gives good reason to state that Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations are currently on an upward trajectory and hold broad promise for the future. The strengthening of political dialogue, the expansion of strategic cooperation in energy and transport, the growth of economic and trade relations, and the deepening of humanitarian ties will further consolidate the partnership between the two countries. In the current geopolitical environment, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan holds significant importance not only for bilateral relations, but also for stability, security, and economic development across the Central Asia and South Caucasus regions.