Turkmenistan and Philippines aim to further strengthen relations

On 4 October 2024, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Philippines (with residence in Tokyo) Atadurdy Bayramov took part at the special reception in honor of Department of Foreign Affairs-United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO) Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela and the Tokyo-based non-resident Ambassadors to the Philippines. The event provided a unique opportunity for diplomats to facilitate conversations centered on strengthening partnerships and deepening cooperation across key multilateral platforms, including the United Nations. The reception encouraged lively exchanges on global cooperation, with discussions highlighting shared objectives in international peace, development, sustainability and issues in the Philippines’ bilateral relations with each participating country. As a founding member of the United Nations, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. With eight decades of experience in multilateral diplomacy, the country is now seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, confident in its proven track record as a dependable partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker in global affairs.

It is necessary to note that on 28 September 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Philippines Enrique Manalo discussed present issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The sides expressed mutual interest in further strengthening relations and expanding partnership in various spheres. Special accent was made on the intensification of political dialogue. The importance of holding regular political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers was emphasized. The possibilities of strengthening cooperation in economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were considered. One of the main topics discussed at the meeting was the initiative of the Turkmen side on the establishment of a new format of collaboration between the countries of Central Asia and ASEAN. Turkmenistan has proposed to develop a mechanism of dialogue “Central Asia – ASEAN”, which would enable the expansion of cooperation in trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

Furthermore, on August 2, 2024, the political consultations between the external policy agencies of Turkmenistan and the Republic of the Philippines were held in Manila in the framework of the visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to the Republic of the Philippines. The Turkmen side was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Philippine side was led by Maria Teresa Lazaro, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. During the consultations, the parties exchanged views on all key areas of the bilateral agenda, including issues of political-diplomatic collaboration, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian partnership, as well as enhancing them with practical content. The sides also exchanged views on regional and international matters. The diplomats emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts that give a significant impetus to bilateral cooperation. During the consultations, the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the development of Turkmen-Philippine relations was emphasized. In this context, common views were expressed on further intensification of the inter-parliamentary dialog. Touching upon the activation of trade and economic relations, the diplomats expressed readiness to develop cooperation in the spheres of energy, transport and logistics, agriculture and others. Analyzing the current state of trade cooperation, the sides exchanged views on the import and export potential of the two countries. The talks also focused on the state of the legal framework of cooperation and proposals for its expansion. The parties also emphasized the importance of relations in the humanitarian and cultural spheres as an integral factor contributing to the rapprochement of the peoples.

Upon the results of the talks, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Department for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines on Political Consultations was signed.