On the margins of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon yesterday met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Avaza, Turkmenistan to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
The two leaders reviewed the current state and prospects of relations between their countries, with a particular focus on the agenda of the ongoing UN conference.
President Rahmon emphasized Tajikistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Turkmenistan, noting that strengthening bilateral relations remains a consistent priority for Dushanbe.
The talks reportedly highlighted the importance of sustaining high-level political dialogue and enhancing interparliamentary relations. Economic cooperation featured prominently on the agenda, with both sides expressing interest in boosting trade, investment, and joint projects in agriculture, industry, energy, transport, and communications.
To facilitate this, Tajikistan proposed the development of a “Roadmap” for 2026–2028 aimed at increasing trade volume. The two sides also discussed more actively utilizing the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation as a mechanism for progress.
Among other proposals, the Tajik side underscored the importance of establishing regular direct flights between the two capitals to improve connectivity. The leaders also explored opportunities for collaboration in health, education, culture, youth, and sports.
In the sphere of international and regional cooperation, both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint efforts within the framework of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the Tajik president’s official website added.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were established on January 23, 1993 by signing of the Protocol "On the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan."
The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan has functioned in Ashgabat since February 1993. The Embassy of Turkmenistan operates in Dushanbe as well.
In general, the current state of the Tajik-Turkmen relations has a tendency of phased expansion. The process of practical implementation of the mutual desire of the two countries to work more closely in multi-dimensional cooperation in accordance with the potential and needs of the people reportedly can be seen in bilateral relations.