Turkmen FM Highlights Regional Connectivity at Tehran Dialogue Forum

Speaking at the 2025 Tehran Dialogue Forum, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov underscored the strategic importance of expanding regional connectivity and building cooperative corridors across Asia. He emphasized that both historical and geopolitical factors demand a renewed focus on integration, dialogue, and infrastructure development.

“Turkmenistan attaches great importance to transport corridors,” Meredov said, stressing that combining the potential of regional countries can lead to continent-wide cooperation and economic growth. Central Asia, he noted, plays a key role as a natural crossroads for trade and a historic conduit between East and West.

Outlining his country’s active efforts, Meredov pointed to ongoing projects including road, rail, and airport modernization, as well as the construction of transit corridors linking Turkmenistan with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. He also highlighted the strategic role of the Caspian Sea, where Turkmenistan is investing in port infrastructure and east-west transport routes through Iran toward the Persian Gulf.

“This is about creating a strong belt connecting West and East Asia in energy and transport,” he said, citing initiatives that aim to link landlocked Asian countries with global markets, expand supply chains, and promote economic development through energy diversification and sustainable connectivity.

Meredov also recalled Turkmenistan’s multilateral leadership in promoting transport diplomacy, referencing six UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Ashgabat to facilitate international transport cooperation.

He concluded by affirming Turkmenistan’s support for peaceful partnerships, stable energy systems, and coordinated policies across the region. “The Tehran Dialogue Forum is not a gathering based merely on geography, but on civilizational ties. Our priorities must remain peace, stability, and coordinated cooperation.”