Şener Cebeci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan
On October 29–30, 2026, Ankara hosted the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), convened under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought, and Action.” Beyond its significance for the institutional development of the OTS and regional cooperation, the Summit also provided a valuable opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the longstanding brotherly relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan.
I. Türkiye–Turkmenistan: “Two States, One Nation”
The participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the Summit at the highest level reaffirmed the importance Turkmenistan attaches to its relations with Türkiye and provided fresh impetus to the further development of bilateral cooperation.
On the margins of the Summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral meeting in Ankara. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral political and economic relations, expanding commercial cooperation, and reviewing regional developments of mutual interest. President Berdimuhamedov also extended an official invitation to President Erdoğan to visit Turkmenistan at his earliest convenience. The invitation was warmly accepted, reaffirming the shared determination to sustain regular high-level dialogue.
During his visit to Türkiye, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations by Hacettepe University, one of Türkiye’s leading academic institutions. The distinction recognized his leadership in advancing Turkmenistan’s longstanding policy of permanent neutrality, its constructive engagement in regional initiatives, and his commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.
President Berdimuhamedov was also presented with the Strategic Friendship Medal by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), the umbrella organization representing the Turkish business community in its international economic relations.
These distinctions reflected the profound respect and appreciation for President Berdimuhamedov and the importance attached to Türkiye’s longstanding friendship with the brotherly people of Turkmenistan.
Türkiye takes enduring pride in having been the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence and to establish an Embassy in Ashgabat 35 years ago.
Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has made remarkable strides in its development, driven by a clear vision of prosperity and modernization. Blessed with abundant natural resources and a strategic geographical position, and above all through the determination and hard work of its people, Turkmenistan has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic economies. Its modern cities, extensive infrastructure, industrial facilities, state-of-the-art hospitals, and educational institutions stand as impressive symbols of the country’s development achievements.
These accomplishments are the result of a sustained national vision. The remarkable transformation initiated under the leadership of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, continues to advance under the dynamic leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Against this background, it is a particular source of satisfaction for Türkiye that Turkish companies and citizens have contributed to Turkmenistan’s development across a wide range of sectors, from energy and textiles to agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. Turkish contracting and engineering companies, in particular, have established a strong presence throughout the country, undertaking projects with a cumulative value exceeding 56 billion US dollars.
The 9th Session of the Intergovernmental Economic Commission, held in Ashgabat in June 2026 under the co-chairmanship of Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nökerguly Atagulyyev, gave further impetus to this partnership. The comprehensive 71-item Action Plan adopted during the meeting provides a concrete roadmap for expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields. Both sides remain firmly committed to its implementation, with the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade to 5 billion US dollars, as set by our esteemed Presidents.
Culture and education remain among the strongest bridges connecting our two nations. Today, thousands of young Turkmen citizens are pursuing higher education in Türkiye, embodying the vitality and promise of our enduring brotherhood. These young people are not merely students; they are envoys of friendship and goodwill, helping to shape the shared cultural and economic future of our countries. Their presence constitutes an invaluable human bond between Ashgabat and Ankara, ensuring that our close relations will continue to flourish for generations to come.
A particularly meaningful expression of our shared cultural heritage was the inauguration of the Turkic States Civilization Park and its monuments during the Ankara Summit. Turkmenistan’s contribution, featuring a monument dedicated to the renowned Akhal-Teke horse and a traditional Ak Öý tent, will remain on permanent display in Ankara. We extend our sincere appreciation to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the brotherly people of Turkmenistan for bringing these cherished symbols of Turkmen culture and Turkish–Turkmen solidarity to our capital.
II. The OTS Summit: “Unity in Language, Thought, and Action” (Dilde, Fikirde, İşte Birlik)
The Summit brought together H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye; H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan; H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan; H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan; H.E. Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan; H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan; and H.E. Tufan Erhürman, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
In his address to the Summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented a strategic vision for transforming the Turkic World into a stronger, more cohesive, and influential international community. Emphasizing that lasting prosperity and security depend on solidarity and collective action, he called for closer cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges, including security threats, natural disasters, and economic uncertainties.
President Erdoğan also underlined the importance of accelerating economic integration, enhancing connectivity, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and digital transformation. He highlighted the opportunities offered by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and emphasized the need to invest in education, innovation, and the younger generations.
Reaffirming the enduring importance of shared history, cultural heritage, and family values, President Erdoğan called for stronger ties among universities, research institutions, and youth organizations, as well as greater social and cultural interaction across the Turkic World.
Turkmenistan’s participation at the highest level, represented by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and demonstrated Ashgabat’s growing engagement with the Organization. While maintaining its internationally recognized status of permanent neutrality, Turkmenistan continues to attach considerable importance to developing its relations with the Turkic States.
As a member of the Council of Elders, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also played an important advisory role in the Organization’s development, consistently advocating closer institutional ties and greater cooperation among the Turkic States.
In his Summit address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the vast economic potential of the Turkic States and called for stronger partnerships in strategic sectors, particularly energy, transport, communications, industry, agriculture, and construction. He stressed the importance of creating a favorable environment for investment and entrepreneurship, encouraging direct contacts between business communities, and expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
The President also emphasized that the historical, cultural, and spiritual bonds uniting the peoples of the Turkic States provide a solid foundation for an enduring partnership. He advocated closer cooperation among educational institutions, research centers, and youth organizations, with a view to preserving shared heritage and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The 13th Summit also marked an important step forward in strengthening the institutional framework and operational effectiveness of the Organization of Turkic States, as Türkiye officially took over the OTS Chairmanship from Azerbaijan. Through the landmark 163-article Ankara Declaration, the leaders endorsed significant institutional reforms and key appointments.
Mr. Mirvokhid Azimov of Uzbekistan was appointed as the new Secretary General, succeeding H.E. Kubanychbek Omuraliev. New Deputy Secretaries-General from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were also appointed, while the term of the President of the Turkic Academy, Prof. Dr. Shahin Mustafayev, was extended, ensuring institutional continuity.
In addition, the Heads of State adopted several key decisions and welcomed major initiatives to deepen cooperation across the Turkic World. Notably, the leaders welcomed Uzbekistan’s proposal to declare 2027 as the “Year of Environmental Protection” within the Organization. They also decided to hold the 14th OTS Summit in Uzbekistan and an Informal Summit in Kyrgyzstan in 2027. To guide the next phase of the Turkic World Vision 2040, the Declaration encouraged the completion of the OTS Strategy for 2027–2031 and welcomed progress on the draft Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood. Furthermore, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional connectivity through the Middle Corridor, the Zangezur Corridor, and the Digital Silk Road.
As the Organization of Turkic States continues to grow in institutional strength and international standing, the enduring bonds of brotherhood between Türkiye and Turkmenistan will remain a vital pillar of cooperation and a powerful force for peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Turkic World. ///nCa, 12 November 2026