A significant event in the trade sector is taking place in the Turkmen capital: the International exhibition and fair «Turkmentextile Expo - 2026». Vice-president of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz was among the honorary guests who attended the event. In his address to the media, the high-ranking Turkish politician gave a detailed assessment of the current state and long-term prospects of interstate dialogue.
Cevdet Yilmaz particularly emphasised that Turkmenistan is not just a key partner for the Republic of Türkiye, but a friendly and fraternal country. According to him, bilateral relations are developing dynamically every year, consistently reaching more important and mature stages. The interaction between Ankara and Ashgabat has long acquired deep significance, which is reinforced by common history, culture and mutual economic interests.
«Our relations are strategic in nature. We set ourselves ambitious goals that will determine the system of trade and economic relations throughout the region. Turkmenistan is a special country for us, which we consider our homeland», – said the Vice-president of Türkiye.
The Turkish politician named the diversification of transport, logistics, and energy routes as one of the central vectors of cooperation.
«In this context, the parties have high hopes for the development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, known as the «Middle corridor». This large-scale project is intended to significantly contribute to the growth of trade turnover and the improvement of logistics between Asia and Europe», he emphasised.
At the same time, the speaker noted that the strategic issue of bringing Turkmen energy resources to the international arena is on the energy agenda. This perspective examines in detail projects for the supply of Turkmen natural gas to the Turkish market, as well as transit through Türkiye to European and global markets. The Turkish side expressed confidence that cooperation in the oil and gas sector will create a powerful multiplier effect for the economies of both countries.
Touching upon issues of trade and economic cooperation, Cevdet Yilmaz cited specific statistical indicators.
«At the end of last year, the volume of mutual trade between the countries reached 2.2 billion dollars. However, this figure does not reflect the full existing potential. We intend to increase the volume of bilateral trade to 5 billion dollars in the near future. For example, the «Turkmentextile Expo 2026» exhibition is seen as an effective platform for bringing together business communities, promoting national products, and concluding new mutually beneficial contracts», – the distinguished guest shared.
Cevdet Yilmaz noted that the volume of Turkish investments and construction contracts in Turkmenistan has reached an impressive 56 billion dollars to date. Turkish companies continue to successfully and efficiently implement infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan.
The head of the delegation of the Republic of Türkiye paid special attention to large-scale socio-urban projects in Turkmenistan. It was noted that the «smart» city of Arkadag, which has become a symbol of technological progress and modernisation of the country, has recently attracted close attention from the international community.
