Russia and Turkmenistan emphasized the alignment of their positions on the international stage and expressed a mutual commitment to intensifying joint projects in the fields of transport, infrastructure, and energy.
On August 28, 2025, a meeting took place in Moscow between Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The meeting included both one-on-one discussions and broader talks with delegations. Both sides praised the productive nature of their bilateral dialogue, which is grounded in a deepened strategic partnership.
Highlighting the key role of high-level and top-level contacts, the participants agreed that these meetings are the primary factor in strengthening bilateral cooperation with a long-term perspective.
The talks also recognized the significance of 2025, marking the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent positive neutrality, and the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II.
The ministers reviewed the current state of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, assessing progress on prior agreements and exploring future joint initiatives.
A key focus was the implementation of the 2025–2026 Cooperation Program between the two foreign ministries, signed during Lavrov’s official visit to Ashgabat in June. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to expanding trade and economic ties, particularly through projects in transport, logistics, infrastructure, and energy.
The ministers emphasized that the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation serves as an effective mechanism for sustained and long-term interstate dialogue, facilitating the implementation of specific plans and projects.
Science, education, culture, and the arts were identified as powerful tools for fostering closer ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia.
The ministers also noted their successful collaboration within international frameworks, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Caspian Five, and the Central Asia–Russia format.
Particular attention was paid to the development of five-party cooperation in the Caspian region. It was noted that Caspian issues now extend beyond regional boundaries and require a comprehensive international approach, primarily at the UN level.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to furthering multilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Russia’s Positions on the International Stage Are Close – Lavrov
“Our positions on the global stage are closely aligned, particularly in promoting prosperity, security, and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following the talks.
Lavrov underscored the effectiveness of Turkmenistan-Russia collaboration within multilateral frameworks, noting plans for a second Central Asia Plus Russia summit during the CIS summit in Tajikistan in October.
The ministers also discussed preparations for upcoming Caspian Five meetings at both ministerial and summit levels.
Lavrov emphasized Russia’s interest in deepening ties with Turkmenistan at the UN, where both nations consistently support each other’s initiatives. He highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality in December, which he said would be appropriately commemorated at the UN.
Turkmenistan and Russia to Intensify Cooperation in Education and Culture
Turkmenistan and Russia confirmed their intention to finalize an intergovernmental agreement on establishing a Turkmen-Russian university in Ashgabat. This was announced by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (TASS).
According to Meredov, the parties emphasized the need to finalize documents that will pave the way for the creation of a joint higher education institution.
The talks also covered the preparation of documentation for the construction of a new building for the Alexander Pushkin Russian Drama Theater. Additionally, plans were discussed for constructing an additional building on the premises of the joint A.S. Pushkin secondary school.
Meredov noted that the meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing readiness to continue positive cooperation in science, education, and culture. “Overall, we assess today’s meeting and negotiations as highly constructive,” the head of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized. ///nCa, 28 August 2025