19 Projects Worth $10 Billion: Turkmenistan Is the Second-Largest Foreign Market for Turkish Contractors
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the strong fraternal ties between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, highlighting their shared history, culture, and economic potential during his recent visit to Ashgabat to attend the International Forum of Peace and Trust.
Speaking to journalists aboard his plane on the return flight to Türkiye, President Erdoğan expressed his gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. He noted Türkiye’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, recalling his previous visit three years ago and the deep-rooted ties based on a common language, religion, history, and culture.
Erdoğan praised Turkmenistan for successfully maintaining its neutral status for three decades, describing it as a “philosophy of peace.” He recalled that Türkiye was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence and actively supported the granting of permanent neutrality status to the country at the United Nations.
“We continue to support Turkmenistan’s vision of building peace through neutrality,” he stated.
In the economic sphere, the Turkish leader highlighted active cooperation: since Turkmenistan gained independence, Turkish companies have implemented projects totaling around $55 billion, while current projects—19 in total—are valued at approximately $10 billion. This makes Turkmenistan the second-largest foreign market for Turkish contractors after Russia.
Bilateral trade volume exceeded $2 billion in 2024, and Erdoğan expressed the intention to increase this figure to $5 billion, a goal repeatedly stated by both countries.
Erdoğan also underscored the humanitarian dimension of relations: “We are pleased that our Turkmen brothers and sisters choose Türkiye for higher education. We are also satisfied that these young people, after completing their studies, return to Turkmenistan and contribute to the development of their country.”
