BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Turkmenistan and the
Philippines have discussed prospects for expanding trade and
economic cooperation, as well as advancing dialogue between Central
Asia and ASEAN.


This was announced by the press service of the Turkmen
Government in a report published on June 12.


"On June 12, 2026, A. Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to
the Republic of the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), took part in
official events marking the 128th anniversary of the independence
of the Republic of the Philippines," the report says.


According to the report, as part of the celebrations, the
Turkmen diplomat was received by Philippine President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. and also held talks with Foreign Secretary Theresa
Lazaro, as well as senior officials of the Philippine Department of
Foreign Affairs.


"As part of the celebrations, the head of the Turkmen diplomatic
mission was received by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the
Republic of the Philippines. The Ambassador also held talks with
Foreign Secretary Teresa Lazaro and met with senior officials of
the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs," the report says.


According to the government press service, the parties discussed
a broad range of issues on the bilateral agenda.


"Particular emphasis was placed on the prospects for
intensifying trade and economic cooperation and deepening
traditional cultural and humanitarian ties," the report says.







The sides also highlighted the importance of strengthening
cooperation and mutual support within international organizations,
according to the report.


In this context, the diplomats discussed issues related to
promoting Turkmenistan's initiative to establish a "Central
Asia-ASEAN" dialogue format, the government press service said.


The report notes that the participants reaffirmed their interest
in further developing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation
in areas of mutual interest.


For reference, Turkmenistan and the Philippines established
diplomatic relations on July 23, 1997, but bilateral cooperation
remained limited for many years. In recent years, however, the
countries have intensified political contacts. In August 2024,
Manila hosted the first in-person political consultations between
the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Philippines, during
which the sides discussed cooperation in energy, trade, investment,
transportation, and multilateral diplomacy. A memorandum on regular
political consultations was also signed.


Political dialogue has accelerated further since 2024.
Particular attention has been paid to Turkmenistan's initiative to
establish a "Central Asia + ASEAN" dialogue format, with the
Philippines viewed as a key partner due to its role in ASEAN. In
2026, diplomats from both countries discussed practical steps
toward advancing the initiative, alongside efforts to expand trade,
economic, and humanitarian cooperation.