RA Ambassador: Relations between Armenia and Turkmenistan serve as a  model of a stable partnership based on mutual respect

ArmInfo.The relations between Armenia and Turkmenistan today are an example of a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect. While the political dialogue between Yerevan and Ashgabat is at a high level, both sides acknowledge the existence of significant untapped potential across various areas, as stated by Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Turkmenistan, in an  interview with News Central Asia.

In an exclusive interview with News Central Asia, the Ambassador  Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to  Turkmenistan, Arsen Avagyan, provides a detailed analysis of the  current state of bilateral ties. The Head of the Diplomatic Mission  outlines a vision for a "roadmap" of cooperation:  moving from  traditional industries and transport to strategic projects in the  fields of Artificial Intelligence and high-performance computing.  Special emphasis is placed on the cultural dimension and historical  heritage, which serve as a spiritual foundation for the modern  rapprochement of the two nations.  At the present stage, relations  between the Republic of Armenia and Turkmenistan are characterized by  stability, predictability, and mutual respect. They are free from  political turbulence and are built upon a solid legal foundation, as  well as a shared understanding of key issues on the international  agenda.  Armenia and Turkmenistan consistently demonstrate respect  for the principles of sovereignty, non- interference in internal  affairs, and equality of states.

"In the bilateral context, Turkmenistan's internationally recognized  status as a permanently neutral state.  Turkmen neutrality is not  isolation; rather, it represents a distinctive model of participation  in international processes, based on balanced interests and peaceful  initiatives. In this sense, our approaches to regional stability and  peaceful development coincide greatly.  Political talk is regularly  maintained. Contacts at the level of state leadership, parliamentary  institutions, and foreign ministries help foster an atmosphere of  trust. In turn, trust serves as the foundation to deepening  cooperation in economic and humanitarian fields. Economic interaction  does not fully reflect the potential of our countries. However, it is  important to emphasize that modest trade figures do not indicate  weakness in this relationship; rather, they point to structural  constraints related to logistics and geography, as well as the need  for more systematic engagement with business communities. The  political will to develop economic ties is clearly present, and that  is fundamentally important. The humanitarian aspect of our relations  also deserves particular attention. Cultural and humanitarian  contacts create an atmosphere of goodwill and mutual respect, which  carries no less significance than official diplomacy.

More broadly speaking, Armenian-Turkmen relations today exist in a  state of stable equilibrium with the potential to move toward a more  thorough phase of development. We have a stable political foundation  and a greatly positive atmosphere, which creates favorable conditions  for expanding cooperation in trade, transport, energy, innovation,  and scientific fields. In other words, the current state of our  relations can be described as stable, constructive, and oriented  towards gradual expansion of cooperation. The next logical step would  be to transform political stability into larger-scale economic and  technological projects," Arsen Avagyan said.

.  He also pointed out the untapped potential in the relations of   their countries. "The speculation that there in more potential to be  utilized in Armenian-Turkmen relation indeed is not groundless.  Despite the presence of stable political talk and mutual trust, the  economic and technological aspect of our cooperation have not yet  developed to the extent of the objective capacities of the two  countries. However, I would view this not as a problem, rather as an  opportunity for growth.  First and foremost, we must realistically  assess the reasons behind this situation. Geographic distance, the  absence of direct transportation, and limited awareness among  business communities are all objective factors. Yet, systematic work  aimed at overcoming these constraints can become the key to unlocking  the potential that was spoken of.

I see several interconnected ways of realizing it.  First - the  institutionalization of economic talk.  It is important to ensure the  regular functioning of intergovernmental mechanisms, to activate the  work of joint commissions, and to establish direct interaction  between chambers of commerce and industry, as well as sectoral  associations. Businesses require clear signals, predictability, and  reliable information. The more structured conversation is, greater  the level of confidence among entrepreneurs.  Second - moving from  declarations to pilot projects.  Potential is not unlocked through  general statements but through concrete initiatives, even small ones,  that can be implemented in practice. One or two successful joint  projects can create a multiplier effect and demonstrate the practical  value of partnership. These could include joint production  initiatives, technological projects, or logistic solutions.

Third - the complementarity of our economies.  Armenia and  Turkmenistan are not competitors. Turkmenistan possesses a powerful  resource and industrial base, a strategic transit position, and  significant infrastructure capabilities. Armenia, for its part, has  strong human capital, engineering expertise, a dynamic IT sector, and  experience in applied technologies. The combination of these factors  could become an important point of growth.  Fourth - strengthening  transport and logistic connectivity.  Amid the ongoing transformation  of Eurasian trade routes, new opportunities are emerging to align our  interests. More active use of multimodal routes through the Caspian  region could become an important element in expanding economic ties.

Fifth - the humanitarian and educational dimension.  Long-term  partnership cannot develop without human connections. Academic  exchanges, joint research programs, and cultural initiatives create  the foundation for sustainable business and technological cooperation  of the future.  Strategically speaking, unlocking this potential  requires three key conditions: political will, institutional  consistency, and the active involvement of the private sector.  Political will is already present. The next step is to give our  cooperation a more practical and pragmatic side.

I am convinced that Armenian-Turkmen relations have reached a point  where qualitative growth can be achieved not through abrupt steps,  but through consistent and thoughtful deepening of interaction. The  potential is indeed significant; the question is how systematically  we approach its realization," the Armenian diplomat enthasized.