Historic Visit of Turkmen Leader to Karabakh: "We Are Part of the Turkic World"
Historic Visit of Turkmen Leader to Karabakh: "We Are Part of the Turkic World"
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan, sending a powerful message of unity to the Turkic world. This visit, made with the support of Presidents Erdoğan and Aliyev, is seen as the beginning of a new phase in Turkmenistan’s regional policy.
Intensive Program in Baku and Karabakh
During the two-day official visit, Berdimuhamedov first met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. On the second day, he traveled to Karabakh, where he toured territories liberated from occupation. The visit of the Turkmen leader received wide resonance across the Turkic world.
"We Are Part of the Turkic World"
Emphasizing that Karabakh holds a special place in the collective memory of the Turkic world, Berdimuhamedov made more than a diplomatic gesture—he expressed Turkmenistan’s firm commitment to Turkic unity.
For many years, Turkmenistan pursued a policy of neutrality and remained distant from regional processes. With this visit, the country took a step toward more active diplomacy.
Full Membership in the Organization of Turkic States on the Agenda
Turkmenistan's transition from observer status to full membership in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is accelerating. It is expected that full membership will be formalized at the OTS leaders’ summit, set to take place in Azerbaijan in October.
This move will enable Turkmenistan to play a more active role in decision-making within the Turkic world.
Support from Turkey and Azerbaijan
The vision of Turkic unity long promoted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the calls of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for regional integration following the Karabakh victory, have reinforced Turkmenistan’s steps toward unity. Aliyev’s multidimensional relations with Turkic countries have elevated regional cooperation to a new level.
Strategic Steps Toward Turkic Unity
This process, which echoes the ideals of Turkic unity as envisioned by Ziya Gökalp, encompasses not only political and economic cooperation among Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, but also the revival of shared historical awareness and cultural heritage.
Energy diplomacy is also a key component of this process. The 2021 “Dostluk” (Friendship) agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan paved the way for joint development of disputed areas in the Caspian Sea and enabled Turkmen gas to be transported to Europe via Turkey, thereby strengthening the geopolitical ties of the Turkic world.
In-Depth Familiarization Tour in Karabakh
Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Karabakh began at the Fuzuli International Airport. Leaders were briefed on the ongoing reconstruction work in the liberated territories. In Shusha, they visited the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the house of renowned singer Bulbul, the historic Mehmandarov family mansion, and the Jidir Plain. President Aliyev presented the Turkmen leader with a horse named “Dostlug” (Friendship), which has become a symbol of Karabakh.
"Brotherhood, Friendship, and Cooperation"
“The relationship between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan can be described in three words: brotherhood, good neighborliness, and cooperation,” said Berdimuhamedov, stressing that these ties are rooted in shared history and will grow through new joint projects and fields of collaboration. President Aliyev also noted that the visit would give fresh momentum to bilateral relations.
SOURCE: VEDAT KURT