Turkmenistan, known for its cautious approach to multilateral structures, has recently shown increasing interest in the “Central Asia +” cooperation format. This initiative facilitates dialogue and collaboration between Central Asian countries and external partners, including Italy, Germany, Japan, and the European Union. Eldaniz Gusseinov, a columnist for Daryo and a Non-Resident Research Fellow at the Haydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies, has analyzed Turkmenistan’s strategic engagement in this format.
Engagement with External Actors
Recent discussions between Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Italian officials, including Italy’s Foreign Minister Federico Failla, highlighted a proposed “Action Plan for Creating Networks of Multilateral Cooperation Between Central Asian Countries and Italy.” Similar engagements with Germany and Japan have emphasized the importance of the “Central Asia +” framework.
Turkmenistan’s participation in these dialogues aligns with its longstanding policy of neutrality. By engaging in regional cooperation without joining formal alliances, the country strengthens its international presence while maintaining its independent stance.
Strategic Advantages for Turkmenistan
The “Central Asia +” format provides several strategic benefits for Turkmenistan:
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Regional Integration: The initiative positions Turkmenistan as an active participant in regional dialogue, granting it parity with neighboring states in interactions with major global partners.
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Enhanced Economic Opportunities: By engaging in this multilateral framework, Turkmenistan gains access to new markets, technologies, and investment opportunities. This supports the diversification of its economy and strengthens foreign economic relations.
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Diplomatic Visibility: Participation in multilateral meetings enhances Turkmenistan’s diplomatic standing among regional and international partners. The country can contribute to addressing regional issues, such as stabilizing Afghanistan, and participate in collective initiatives.
While Turkmenistan’s active involvement is notable, the “Central Asia +” format benefits other regional countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It offers an avenue for smaller Central Asian states to engage in multilateral cooperation and gain visibility in global discussions.
However, regional discourse often focuses on larger economies like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Initiatives like “Central Asia +” can help balance international attention across all Central Asian states.
