Philippines and Turkmenistan Strengthen Diplomatic Ties Through First Political Consultations
(Photo courtesy of DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)
MANILA 04 August 2024 – The Philippines and Turkmenistan took a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations on 02 August 2024 with the inaugural political consultations meeting held in Manila, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel.
The high-level discussions between the two countries focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in various fields, including energy cooperation, trade and investment, maritime cooperation, transportation, multilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The Philippine delegation, led by the Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that this inaugural meeting signifies a new chapter in Philippines-Turkmenistan relations. She emphasized the Philippines’ keen interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in Central Asia by intensifying high-level exchanges with friendly Central Asian states such as Turkmenistan. She also highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships with Turkmenistan, with energy and trade regarded as priority areas of cooperation.
The Turkmen delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, expressed similar sentiments, underscoring the importance of the Philippines as a dynamic and growing economy in Southeast Asia.
During the consultations, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They also discussed the establishment of regular political consultations, as well as exploring other diplomatic channels to facilitate closer cooperation.
A Memorandum of Understanding of Political Consultations was signed by Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Deputy Foreign Minister Gurbanov during his call on the former at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also met with the Turkmen delegation to discuss strategies and opportunities to enhance private sector linkages between Turkmen and Filipino companies.
The Philippines and Turkmenistan established bilateral relations in 1997, however, cooperation between the two countries is still in its initial stages. The successful conduct of the first in-person political consultations marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Turkmenistan. Both sides expressed their commitment to further deepening ties and working together to achieve shared goals. The next political consultations meeting will be hosted by the Turkmen side in Ashgabat. END