ASHGABAT -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov here on Monday, with both sides emphasizing the need to expand bilateral relations and translate their historical, political and economic ties into broader practical cooperation.
Araghchi arrived in the Turkmen capital at the head of a delegation comprising diplomatic, economic and parliamentary representatives for a one-day visit aimed at strengthening relations between the neighboring countries and exploring opportunities for cooperation in regional and international affairs.
During his meeting with Meredov, who also serves as deputy chairman of Turkmenistan’s Cabinet of Ministers, the two officials reviewed the latest developments in Tehran-Ashgabat relations and stressed the importance of utilizing existing capacities to expand cooperation in political and economic fields.
Meredov highlighted the historical connections between the two countries, describing them as an important foundation for developing relations in the coming years.
Expressing satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral ties, he said Iran and Turkmenistan have maintained expanding relations across trade, politics and culture throughout the 35 years since Turkmenistan gained independence.
The Turkmen foreign minister also expressed appreciation for Iran’s support for his country in various international forums, underscoring the importance of continued political coordination and mutual support.
The meeting comes amid sustained contacts between the two governments aimed at expanding cooperation in sectors where their geographic proximity and economic complementarities offer considerable opportunities.
Transport and transit cooperation constitute an important dimension of the relationship, given Turkmenistan’s position in Central Asia and Iran’s access to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and international maritime trade routes.
In a separate interview with IRNA on Monday, Iran’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani outlined several initiatives being pursued by the two countries to strengthen regional connectivity and facilitate trade.
He said Tehran and Ashgabat are seeking to increase rail and road transit, activate the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran route and develop the Ashgabat Agreement corridor.
The ambassador also highlighted a trilateral protocol signed by Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to develop a transport corridor linking Central Asia with Europe.
These routes could provide landlocked Central Asian countries with additional access to international markets while strengthening Iran’s position as a transit country connecting the region with southern destinations.
Turkmenistan shares approximately 1,200 kilometers of border with Iran, providing an extensive geographical basis for cross-border trade and transportation. Iran’s railway network, road infrastructure and access to southern maritime routes offer Turkmenistan opportunities to reach markets and ports beyond Central Asia.
Energy cooperation represents another area with significant potential. Rouzbahani pointed to opportunities for expanding gas and electricity exchanges, increasing electricity transmission capacity and exploring the transit of Turkmen electricity to third countries.
He also identified cooperation on Afghanistan-related issues, border security and migration as areas requiring closer coordination.
The Ashgabat meeting follows several rounds of political and economic consultations between the two neighbors.
In May 2025, Tehran hosted the 18th meeting of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, where officials discussed trade, energy, transportation, agriculture, water resources and investment. The talks also addressed an economic cooperation program for 2026-2028 and measures to increase bilateral trade.
Araghchi visited Turkmenistan in June 2025 for consultations on bilateral relations and regional developments. President Masoud Pezeshkian also visited Ashgabat in December 2025 to attend ceremonies marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
Cultural and historical connections have provided another foundation for closer relations. Pezeshkian’s October 2024 visit to Turkmenistan for the 300th anniversary celebrations of prominent Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy highlighted the shared cultural heritage linking the two nations.
The two foreign ministers have maintained regular contacts this year as well. In a telephone conversation on May 4, Meredov and Araghchi discussed bilateral relations, regional security and international issues of mutual interest. They also emphasized cooperation on Caspian Sea environmental concerns and agreed on the importance of maintaining regular diplomatic contacts.
Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has separately stressed the importance of the Caspian Sea as a region of peace, harmony and good-neighborliness, calling for stronger multilateral cooperation on environmental issues.
The latest Ashgabat consultations reflect the two governments’ continued interest in broadening their relationship beyond political exchanges and strengthening practical cooperation in trade, transportation, energy and regional connectivity.
With its shared border, established transport links and access to complementary regional markets, the two countries have several avenues for expanding economic exchanges and strengthening their position in Central Asian and international trade networks.