ASHGABAT — Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan’s former president, welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the airport here on Thursday, emphasizing Ankara’s consistent support for the Central Asian nation’s neutral foreign policy.
The welcoming reception at Ashgabat International Airport preceded Mr. Erdoğan’s participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, which marked the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Mr. Erdoğan arrived with a high-level delegation including his wife, Emine Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın.
Mr. Berdimuhamedov, who now holds the title of National Leader and chairs the Halk Maslahaty, or People’s Council, expressed gratitude for the Turkish president’s attendance, stating that the visit “underscores Ankara’s consistent support for Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course.”
Mr. Erdoğan thanked Mr. Berdimuhamedov for the invitation and described the forum as “a platform for discussing further international cooperation and promoting the principles of peace and trust.”
The discussion focused on the positive state of Turkmen-Turkish relations, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening partnership across political, economic, and cultural spheres. The tone was warm and cordial, emphasizing longstanding friendship and shared goals.
Mr. Berdimuhamedov conducted similar airport receptions for other arriving heads of state, including leaders from Kazakhstan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Armenia, as part of Turkmenistan’s hosting duties for the international gathering. /// nCa, 13 December 2025