On 28 January 2026, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, held a press conference in Ashgabat to review the outcomes of cooperation between the two nations in 2025, including the partnership in energy sector. He specifically highlighted the supply of Turkmen natural gas to Türkiye as a landmark achievement.
The diplomat recalled that on 10 February 2025, a gas supply agreement was signed between the Turkish state company BOTAŞ and the State Concern “Türkmengaz.” The deal facilitates the delivery of up to 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Türkiye via a swap scheme through Iranian territory. Physical deliveries officially commenced on 1 March 2025.
“The transport of Turkmen natural gas to our country has been on the agenda for over 30 years. Thus, having realized this dream together with our Turkmen brothers provides us with great confidence,” Ahmet Demirok emphasized. He described the start of supplies as a historic development in terms of demonstrating to the entire world that Turkmenistan is a reliable partner in the global energy market.
According to the Ambassador, the agreement aims to strengthen the energy security of Türkiye and the region while advancing strategic cooperation between the two countries to a new level.
Ambassador Demirok noted: “We attach great importance to the shipment of Turkmen natural gas to our country and the European market via the swap method in the short term, and through the implementation of the Trans-Caspian Pipeline in the medium and long term.”
“We believe that the Trans-Caspian Pipeline project can be realized through cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan,” he stressed. “Thanks to this project, Turkmen natural gas can be delivered directly to all European markets, and first and foremost, to our country.”
Ahmet Demirok drew attention to the current global political and economic instability, as well as environmental concerns in the context of the “green transition.” In his view, a “window of opportunity” has opened for exporting Turkmen gas to Western markets, and this window will not remain open forever.
“It is necessary to get to work immediately,” he urged.
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure in the near term, while addressing infrastructure gaps and making new investments in the medium and long term. Such an approach, according to the diplomat, will benefit all participating parties through a win-win formula.
The Ambassador also touched upon Turkmenistan’s potential in electricity exports. He expressed confidence that transporting Turkmen electricity to Western markets would add a new dimension to the energy partnership between the two countries, given the existing and under-construction combined-cycle power plants in Turkmenistan. /// nCa, 28 January 2026