ASHGABAT — Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the former president of Turkmenistan known as Arkadag, personally greeted President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia at the airport here on Friday in a warm display of the longstanding ties between the two countries.
The brief encounter at Ashgabat International Airport’s presidential terminal, which included a guard of honor, handshakes, and friendly embraces, preceded Mr. Putin’s participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust.
Mr. Berdimuhamedov, who now serves as National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, or People’s Council, emphasized the upward trajectory of Moscow-Ashgabat relations, particularly in the economic sphere. He identified energy as a key area of successful cooperation.
Mr. Putin praised Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality, saying it has “justified itself” by enabling the Central Asian nation to maintain constructive relations with all countries without conflicts, thereby contributing to regional stability. He attributed progress in bilateral relations partly to the “trusting and friendly relations” between the leadership of both countries.
“Relations are developing along an upward trajectory,” Mr. Berdimuhamedov said, according to Turkmen officials, thanking Mr. Putin for attending the forum marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
Mr. Putin expressed hope for an upcoming conversation with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the current head of state. In a separate message, Mr. Putin commended the elder Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s personal contribution to Ashgabat’s constructive foreign policy.
While no formal agreements were announced, the airport meeting underscored the positive momentum in bilateral ties and what both sides described as good prospects for economic collaboration. /// nCa, 13 December 2025