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On October 7, on the sidelines of the regular session of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Rashid Meredov, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
They reaffirmed their mutual readiness to pursue joint work and close coordination in various international fora, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the dialogue among the Caspian littoral states and the Russia – Central Asia format.
During the meeting, key items on the Russian-Turkmen agenda were reviewed, and both sides wanting to strengthen bilateral relations, which currently have the status of an enhanced strategic partnership. An exchange of views took place on the further strengthening of ties in the cultural, humanitarian and educational fields, as well as on cooperation through the Intergovernmental Russian-Turkmen Commission on economic cooperation.
Sergey Lavrov and Rashid Meredov signed a plan for consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries for 2027−2028.
Turkmenistan is strategically positioned along the “Middle Corridor,” which serves as a crucial trade route between East and West and especially so given the developing INSTC routes between Russia, Iran and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea.
Its economy is largely driven by its vast natural resources, with a strong emphasis on energy and agriculture. With the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves and significant oil resources, relies heavily on these industries. The government is encouraging foreign investment in these sectors as well as renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. Agriculture also plays a vital role, with cotton being a staple, along with wheat, vegetables, fruits, and livestock products for domestic use and export. Infrastructure development is as Turkmenistan’s strategic location on key trade routes connects Asia to Europe.
Turkmenistan is not highly active in free trade agreements but participates in various economic cooperation frameworks. It has a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, aiming to boost trade and investment in the region. Turkmenistan also has a bilateral investment treaty with Russia. In 2024, Turkmenistan signed a deal with Uzbekistan to create a free trade zone in the Shavat-Dashoguz region, promoting cross-border trade with favorable customs and infrastructure.
Energy remains an important component of the relationship, although Russia is no longer the main destination for Turkmenistan’s natural gas exports. The two countries have also been developing transport cooperation, including routes linking Turkmenistan with Russia and other markets through the Caspian Sea. Discussions have included the Volga-Caspian Canal with an outlet to the port of Turkmenbashi and the eastern bypass of the Caspian Sea within the International North-South Transport Corridor.
At the political level, Moscow and Ashgabat cooperate through the UN, CIS, the Caspian littoral states and the Central Asia-Russia format. In September 2026, Turkmenistan said preparations were underway for the 14th meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, with the agenda covering trade, energy, transport, finance, industry and other areas.
With a population of 7.5 million and a 2025 GDP (PPP) of US$191 billion, Turkmenistan’s GDP per capita (PPP) stands at US$19,313. The country is on course to see a GDP growth rate of 6.3% for 2026.
Regarding bilateral trade with Russia, turnover increased by 35% in 2025 to reach about US$2.5 billion and has been experiencing growth of about 10% during 9M 2026. The overall trend in Turkmenistan-Russia bilateral trade has been susceptible to geopolitical headwinds however is likely to improve as logistics connectivity and infrastructure projects become increasingly operational. Both governments have pledged to double trade by 2030.
Most of the bilateral trade is focused on agricultural products, with Turkmenistan exporting fruits, vegetables, cotton, and flax to Russia. The key product is tomatoes, which are highly valued in the Russian market and are considered some of the best in Central Asia. Melons, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates, and other seasonal fruits are also exported. Russian exports are more diversified and related to the needs of Turkmenistan’s economic modernization. The key categories include medical equipment and supplies, fertilizers, construction machinery and equipment, special equipment, energy equipment, industrial machinery, tools, and chemical products.
A New Eurasian Charter
After the discussions, Lavrov said that “We discussed the international agenda, including CIS cooperation in the Caspian region. We proposed expanding relations between Turkmenistan and the Eurasian Economic Union. We also invited Turkmenistan to join the work on the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. We launched the drafting of this document at a meeting of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. In addition to Russia and Belarus, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan took part in that meeting.”
The Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century is a proposed Eurasian charter to achieve commitment to a multipolar world, recognition of Eurasia’s strategic significance, and the creation of a new security architecture. On September 1st during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State summit in Bishkek, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that the drafting of the charter will begin in Minsk in November during the annual Minsk Security Conference.
