BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Turkmenistan and New
Zealand have held their first political consultations, discussing
ways to expand bilateral cooperation.
The consultations were held via videoconference between
officials of the foreign ministries of the two countries, according
to a press release issued by Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs on July 28.
"The sides discussed opportunities to develop political and
diplomatic dialogue between the two countries," the ministry said
in the press release.
According to the ministry, the consultations focused on
cooperation in sustainable transport, energy, environmental
security, and support for initiatives within the United Nations.
The participants also discussed prospects for joint projects under
the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035).
The two sides also reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation
in higher education, scientific research, and cultural exchanges,
including through UNESCO, museums, libraries, and virtual cultural
events, the report says.
For reference, relations between Turkmenistan and New Zealand
have traditionally been limited, with cooperation taking place
mainly through multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
Wellington has supported several Turkmen-backed UN initiatives,
including the resolution "Reliable and Stable Transit of Energy
Resources and Its Role in Ensuring Sustainable Development and
International Cooperation," reflecting shared engagement on issues
of sustainable development and international connectivity.
The first political consultations between Turkmenistan and New
Zealand come as Ashgabat continues to diversify its diplomatic
outreach beyond its traditional partners in Central Asia, the
Middle East, and Europe. In recent months, Turkmenistan has
expanded political dialogue with countries across the Asia-Pacific
region while placing greater emphasis on cooperation in sustainable
transport, climate policy, and multilateral diplomacy through the
United Nations.
