The profound geopolitical transformations of the late twentieth century created an objective need for the development of new principles and mechanisms of cooperation in the Caspian region. Above all, the task was to identify a model of relations that would make it possible to achieve a common strategic goal: transforming the Caspian Sea into a space of lasting peace and effective multilateral partnership.
Turkmenistan’s Caspian strategy has always been based on clear and well-defined principles. Its essence is straightforward: the Caspian should remain a sea of friendship, harmony, good-neighbourliness and broad, equitable cooperation. Today, the region is emerging as a geostrategic centre of global significance, encompassing key energy, transport and communications hubs. At the same time, it is also an area with a heightened potential for tensions which, under certain circumstances, could seriously impede regional cooperation and hinder socio-economic development plans. For this reason, the need for the countries of the region to join efforts and work closely with international organizations on the basis of a shared understanding of their common goals and interests has become particularly relevant. This approach enjoys the full understanding and support of another Caspian state – Azerbaijan.
It is therefore no coincidence that cooperation in the Caspian Sea emerged as one of the key themes of the talks held during the state visit by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Indeed, Turkmen–Azerbaijani economic ties and joint investment initiatives are intended not merely to meet the immediate needs of the two countries, but also to serve as a driver of regional, interregional and continental economic development, promoting the integration of trade, transport, logistics, communications and energy potential, with the Caspian objectively serving as a natural platform for the joint application of these efforts. Through the Caspian, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan possess enormous potential for cooperation along the strategic East–West and West–East axis. This potential encompasses a broad range of areas of strategic importance.
Energy is one of the key areas. Cooperation in this field is both natural and one of the most promising avenues for enhancing the competitiveness of the two countries and strengthening their position as attractive and reliable destinations for major international investment. Moreover, such cooperation will provide a strong impetus for the broader development and growth of the national economies, contribute to the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs and help improve living standards, quality of life and social well being.
At this stage, significant emphasis is placed on the prospects for joint Turkmen–Azerbaijani cooperation in electricity exports from the Caspian region to international markets. This issue is viewed primarily in the context of the forthcoming completion of a major power plant on Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast with the generating capacity of 1,574 megawatts. A significant share of the electricity expected to be produced at this facility could be supplied to Azerbaijan.
Transport and logistics are another strategic dimension of partnership. The development of this area has the potential to reshape the entire geo-economic landscape of Eurasia. In particular, attention is focused on the implementation of coordinated measures to make full use of the opportunities offered by the Lapis Lazuli Transport Corridor, which brings together Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye. The five-party agreement establishing this transport corridor was signed in Ashgabat in November 2017.
At the same time, Turkmenistan intends to intensify joint efforts aimed at making more effective use of the Caspian port infrastructure of both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, including the ports of Turkmenbashi, Baku and Alat, with a particular emphasis on increasing cargo traffic.
It also appears important to reinvigorate the negotiating process on the establishment of the Caspian–Black Sea transport route. In March 2019, the corresponding document was signed in Bucharest by the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Romania. It would be both logical and timely to resume consultations with partners and move forward with more focused efforts in developing the Caspian–Black Sea transport corridor.
In international affairs, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan pursue a steady and principled course aimed at strengthening peace, stability and security. This applies both to global issues and the regional context.
Particularly noteworthy is the high level of interaction and coordination between the two countries within the United Nations. Azerbaijan has consistently supported Turkmenistan and its initiatives in the areas of security, energy, transport and environmental protection, acting as a co-sponsor of relevant draft resolutions submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. The statistics are tellings: Azerbaijan has co-sponsored 28 UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan.
For its part, Turkmenistan extends its support to Azerbaijan at the United Nations and to its constructive initiatives and proposals. There is full mutual understanding in both capitals regarding this form of cooperation. It has proven its value, demonstrated its alignment with the interests of both countries and exerted a positive influence on the course of international affairs.
In recent years, new areas of cooperation and strategic priorities have been added to the partnership agenda between Ashgabat and Baku on the international arena.
Last year’s decision granting the Republic of Azerbaijan full participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was one of the most important developments in this context. Importantly, it was Turkmenistan that initiated the proposal to invite Azerbaijan to join this format. The full significance of this development has yet to be appreciated. One thing, however, is already clear. This marks the emergence of Central Asia and Azerbaijan as a vast political and economic space united by the principles of fraternity, good-neighbourliness, equality and cooperation, as well as by a shared understanding of their interconnected and indivisible historical destinies.
It is evident that this decision was entirely natural and justified, objectively reflecting the historical path of development of the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as their genuine interests and pressing needs. Turkmenistan will host the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan this autumn.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are active participants in a number of regional organizations and groupings. In this regard, it is important to note the effectiveness and strong prospects for cooperation within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Within each of these frameworks, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan consistently have a broad agenda for constructive dialogue, active engagement and joint efforts. This once again underscores the multifaceted nature and wide scope of their cooperation. It should also be noted that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non Aligned Movement has been highly appreciated in Ashgabat, particularly Baku’s efforts to strengthen the role and relevance of the Movement in international affairs and to reinvigorate the principles and values of non alignment, especially in the context of the current complex international environment.
This once again brings us back to the Caspian Sea, this time to the troubling environmental condition of its waters. Turkmenistan intends to continue working with its partners within the framework of the United Nations to promote the environmental security of the Caspian Sea. In particular, this refers to the Caspian Environmental Initiative proposed by Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. In this connection, Ashgabat has already prepared an initial draft concept of the initiative. Its discussion and adoption would represent an important step toward reducing environmental risks facing the Caspian, above all the problem of falling water levels. Turkmenistan looks forward to close cooperation in translating this initiative into practical measures and recognizes the important role of Azerbaijan in ensuring the environmental well being of the sea.
The spiritual and cultural affinity of the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples is a key element of the exceptionally high level of cooperation between the two countries. Over centuries of close neighbourhood, interaction and mutual enrichment, Turkmens and Azerbaijanis have developed a unique and, in many respects, distinctive pattern of relations. Once again, the Caspian Sea has played a special role in this process. Across its waters, not only transport links have been maintained and continue to flourish, but also a whole network of humanitarian, interpersonal and family ties. It has helped shape a shared cultural code grounded in common values, inherited traditions and ways of life that form the core of the worldview of both peoples. Reliance on these foundations has enabled Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to move confidently along the path of development and progress, achieving impressive results in the economic, social, scientific, cultural and many other spheres.
The historic destiny of the Caspian is to unite. This truth is well understood on both of its shores, and every effort is being made to ensure that it remains so for generations to come.