Turkmenistan International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

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Taliban and Turkmenistan Meet to Discuss Energy Collaboration

The acting head of the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Taliban, Abdul-Latif Mansur, recently held a meeting with Murad Artykov, the head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects in the Turkmen Ministry of Energy. This marked the second official dialogue between the two leaders. The TAP Project A significant part of their discussion revolved around the TAP project, also known as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Power Interconnection Project. This proposed initiative aims to connect the power grids of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, strengthening power trade between these countries. It is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing energy security, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting economic development within the region. The TAP project is a part of broader efforts to develop energy infrastructure and promote connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The Taliban representatives reportedly expressed readiness to launch the project and are now awaiting the participation of the remaining stakeholders. The 500 kV Power Transmission Line Another key point of discussion was the development of the 500 kV power transmission line "Turkmenistan - Shibargan - Dashti-Alvan - Argandi". This line is intended to facilitate the import of electricity from Turkmenistan to meet the growing energy demands in Afghanistan. The Taliban urged Ashgabat to intensify efforts towards this goal. The "Nur al-Jihad" Substation The meeting also covered the "Nur al-Jihad" substation, a project nearing completion that will provide electricity to the Afghan provinces of Herat and Farah. This substation is a collaboration between Afghanistan's power utility company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), and Turkmenistan. The project will increase the capacity of the Noor Al-Jihad substation from 110 kilovolts to 220 kilovolts. The substation is located in Herat province. Artykov outlined the goals of the visit, which included extending contracts for the supply of Turkmen energy and expanding energy cooperation. Implications Despite the Taliban being under UN sanctions for terrorist activities, discussions between Turkmenistan and the Taliban regarding energy and infrastructure projects have been ongoing, as reported by various sources including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Caspian News. Turkmenistan already exports electricity to areas in northern Afghanistan, some of which are under Taliban control. These talks also involved the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which the Taliban has shown support for.

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Turkmenistan to Open Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations

Turkmenistan is taking strides in reforming its education sector with a particular focus on training diplomatic personnel. In line with this objective, the President of Turkmenistan has signed a resolution for the establishment of a Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to raising the standard of its diplomatic corps in accordance with international guidelines. The new training center will equip diplomats with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic protocols and effectively represent Turkmenistan in the global arena. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Adalat, has been tasked to prepare and present proposals within a month. These proposals will outline the necessary changes and additions to the existing legislation of Turkmenistan that are required to implement the President's resolution. The establishment of the Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” is expected to further enhance the professional capabilities of Turkmen diplomats, fostering stronger international relations and facilitating more effective communication with their counterparts around the world.

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Ashgabat Hosts Turkmen-Turkish Business Forum

On December 6th, a Turkmen-Turkish business forum was held in Ashgabat, which was attended by heads and representatives of government and business structures of Turkmenistan and Turkey. The forum participants noted the progressive development of bilateral relations, which in recent years have received new qualitative content and powerful dynamics. At the same time, it was emphasized that business meetings between Turkmen-Turkish partners are an effective mechanism for promoting economic cooperation. In their speeches, the heads of Turkish companies drew attention to the development of the historical Great Silk Road with an extensive railway network, road transport lines, and energy corridors. The Turkmen side told its Turkish partners that a good incentive for fruitful collaboration is the comprehensive reform ongoing in the country, including in the legislative sphere, and the development of new laws that provide significant benefits and government guarantees for the work of foreign business partners. On the sidelines of the business forum, documents were signed between Turkmen and Turkish companies.

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Turkmenistan-Iraq Natural Gas Deal: A Complex Balancing Act

The recent natural gas deal between Turkmenistan and Iraq has sparked both excitement and concern in the energy world. On November 8, representatives from the State Concern Türkmengaz met with a delegation from Iraq, led by the Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel, to discuss the export of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Iraq. As with any major energy agreement, this deal carries significant implications for both countries and the region as a whole. This opinion piece explores the positive aspects, potential challenges, and wider implications of the Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal presents several positive aspects for both countries. Economically, the agreement opens up new opportunities for trade and investment, providing a boost to the economies of both nations. Additionally, it strengthens diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Iraq, fostering closer ties and collaboration in other areas. Moreover, the deal has the potential to enhance energy security in Iraq, diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on a single supplier. For Turkmenistan, this agreement represents an opportunity to tap into new markets and expand its natural gas exports. While the deal offers numerous benefits, it also comes with potential challenges and drawbacks. From Iraq's perspective, one concern is the possibility that it becomes overly dependent on Turkmenistan for its energy needs. This could create vulnerabilities and limit Iraq's flexibility in the energy market. Disputes over pricing and payment terms may also arise as aligning the expectations of both parties can be a complex process. Additionally, the agreement may face infrastructure and logistical challenges, such as ensuring efficient transportation and distribution of the natural gas. The influence of regional politics on the deal is another factor to consider, as geopolitical dynamics may impact its implementation. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas agreement has the potential to significantly impact the regional energy market. It may alter the dynamics of gas supply and demand in the region, affecting other players and stakeholders. The agreement could prompt neighboring countries to evaluate their own energy strategies and explore new partnerships. Additionally, the deal could contribute to greater energy cooperation and integration in the region, paving the way for future collaborations and joint projects. As we consider the implications of this gas deal, it is crucial to examine its environmental impact and public opinion. The environmental consequences of increased natural gas extraction and consumption should be carefully assessed to ensure sustainable practices. Additionally, public opinion in both countries will play a significant role in shaping the perceptions and outcomes of the deal. Public engagement and transparency are vital to ensure that the interests and concerns of the citizens are taken into account. The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal represents a complex balancing act. It ultimately offers economic benefits, strengthens diplomatic relations, and enhances energy security while also raising concerns about energy dependency, pricing disputes, and logistical hurdles. The agreement will have implications for the regional energy market, influencing the strategies of neighboring countries and reshaping energy dynamics. As the process unfolds, it is crucial to...

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Turkmen-U.S. Business Forum Held in Ashgabat

On December 5th, the tenth Turkmen-American business forum was held in Ashgabat, which was attended by the heads and representatives of relevant government and business structures of Turkmenistan and the United States, Turkmenistan’s Government website stated. According to the post, the forum demonstrated the focus of Turkmenistan and the United States on the further progressive development of mutually beneficial cooperation which meets common interests, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said. The US delegation, headed by Executive Director of the Turkmenistan-US Business Council, Eric Stewart, included executives and representatives of well-known companies, including Case New Holland Industrial, Climate Compass LLC, Honeywell, John Deere, Palo Alto Networks, Visa, and Westport Trading Europe Ltd. The participants noted that the foreign policy course implemented by Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, based on the principles of positive neutrality, increases the attractiveness of the Turkmen market for foreign investors. The priority areas of the Turkmen-US partnership include the energy sector, transport and communications, the agro-industrial sector, high technology, and the investment sector. At the same time, approaches to realizing the potential of trade and economic partnership were reviewed and identified, and plans for joint work in key areas were outlined. Special emphasis was placed on intensifying business ties. One of the results of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Case New Holland Industrial and Turkmen entrepreneurs.

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Turkmenistan and Russia Discuss Cooperation

On December 4th in Moscow, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk. The main topic of the talks was preparations for the upcoming 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation, which will be held in Ashgabat early next year. It was emphasized that the upcoming meeting will be an important stage in the development of mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership between the two countries. Both sides noted that today, Turkmenistan and Russia are searching for new forms and areas of cooperation that meet modern realities, the needs and mutual potential of the two countries. In this context, the importance of improving the legal framework of bilateral economic and commercial relations was stated. The parties also discussed cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. In this regard, Overchuk noted the agreements reached on the construction of a new joint Turkmen-Russian secondary school named after Pushkin in Ashgabat, the new Russian Drama Theater, and the creation of a Turkmen-Russian university in Ashgabat.