BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. Turkmenistan and the
Maldives have discussed expanding cooperation in transport, tourism
and trade during a meeting between senior diplomats.
The development was reflected in a press release published by
Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the meeting
between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the Maldives Shalar
Geldynazarov and Maldivian Foreign Minister Iru Fathimath Adam in
Malé.
According to the ministry, the sides reviewed prospects for
cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural
and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the
potential for collaboration in transport, communications and
tourism, while the importance of coordination within international
organizations was also highlighted.
The two countries also agreed to maintain regular contacts
between their foreign ministries to further strengthen bilateral
cooperation.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan has recently intensified diplomatic
engagement with island states in the Indian Ocean as part of its
broader strategy to diversify international economic partnerships
beyond its traditional regional markets. Alongside political
dialogue, Ashgabat has increasingly focused on practical
cooperation in tourism, transport connectivity, trade and
logistics, viewing these sectors as new drivers of bilateral
relations.
The approach has become particularly visible this year. In
April, Turkmenistan and Seychelles discussed expanding cooperation
in tourism, transport, textiles, agriculture and trade during
high-level meetings in Ashgabat, while also exploring opportunities
for business forums, closer ties between chambers of commerce and
stronger coordination within the United Nations. Similar priorities
are now emerging in Turkmenistan's dialogue with the Maldives,
reflecting the country's broader efforts to build economic and
diplomatic partnerships across the Indian Ocean region.
