In an editorial following the visit of the chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty, the Azerbaijani outlet Minval Politika notes that relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are steadily reaching a new level. The visit of Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to Baku is described as a significant confirmation of this trend, demonstrating the willingness of both countries to strengthen their partnership not just in words but through concrete actions.
The publication emphasizes that the visit was far from a routine protocol event — it included a trip to the liberated regions of Karabakh, where Berdymukhamedov, together with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, visited Shusha and Fizuli, as well as the Bulbul House Museum and the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque. A special gesture of respect was the gift of a Karabakh horse named Dostlug, symbolizing the growing trust and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Minval Politika reminds readers that for Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan is not merely a neighbor across the Caspian but also an example of a successful, independent foreign policy, demonstrating how to defend national interests and establish export routes to global markets. It points out that Azerbaijan’s starting conditions were extremely challenging: war, the occupation of 20% of its territory, nearly one million refugees, and a humanitarian crisis. Yet today, Azerbaijan shows impressive achievements in rebuilding Karabakh and developing its infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors — factors that inevitably draw Ashgabat’s attention.
One of the key factors bringing Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan closer, experts say, is the diversification of gas export routes. Turkmenistan holds vast reserves of natural gas, but its traditional supply routes through Russia no longer serve Ashgabat’s interests. Since the 2009 gas conflict, Turkmenistan has been actively seeking alternative paths, and although a significant portion of its gas now flows to China, the Asian market offers much lower prices. Minval Politika stresses that reaching European markets via Azerbaijan and the Caspian gas pipeline, or by developing LNG tanker shipments, could become a strategic breakthrough for Turkmenistan.
The article also highlights the European Union’s growing interest in Central Asia, marked by summits and meetings with regional leaders. Thanks to its geographic position and transportation infrastructure, Azerbaijan is increasingly seen as a “gateway to Europe” for Central Asian nations. This strengthens the relevance of closer cooperation between Baku and Ashgabat, particularly in light of Uzbekistan’s rapid expansion of ties with Azerbaijan and its success in opening up to global markets.
Minval Politika concludes that Berdymukhamedov’s visit to Azerbaijan should be seen not merely as a diplomatic gesture but as the beginning of a new phase in Turkmen foreign policy. Ashgabat, which previously maintained a reserved stance and held observer status in the Organization of Turkic States, now appears ready to take a more active role in regional affairs. According to the outlet, Turkmenistan recognizes that in the face of global energy and transport transformations, close cooperation with Azerbaijan is essential for ensuring long-term export stability and expanding economic opportunities.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 21, 2025