Turkmenistan pushes West via Georgia - with Azerbaijan as linchpin

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. The recent visit
of Turkmenistan's Chairperson of the Mejlis (Parliament),
Dunyagozel Gulmanova, to Georgia represents a significant milestone
in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. During her
visit on February 24, Gulmanova engaged in discussions with
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil
Kavelashvili. The talks centered on enhancing cooperation in key
areas such as transport, energy, and communications, both
bilaterally and within the framework of international
organizations.

One of the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a
parliamentary cooperation agreement between the two countries. The
agreement, formalized with the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament,
Shalva Papuashvili, outlines provisions for the exchange of
expertise, the establishment of joint committees, and greater
coordination on regional matters. Kobakhidze emphasized the
potential for a strategic partnership, while Gulmanova reaffirmed
Turkmenistan's commitment to furthering diplomatic dialogue. This
visit continues a series of bilateral engagements, including 2025
ministerial discussions on transport corridors, and marks a rare
instance of active diplomacy from Ashgabat, which has maintained a
policy of neutrality since 1995.

Historically, Turkmenistan has traditionally focused on internal
affairs, while Georgia - on EU integration. However, geographic
proximity - the countries are separated only by the Caspian Sea -
creates a foundation for cooperation. Notably, local features such
as the vast Karakum Desert, which occupies 70% of Turkmenistan’s
territory, complement Georgia’s strategic Black Sea ports,
including Poti and Batumi. This geographical synergy creates
opportunities for resource exports and positions Tbilisi and
Ashgabat as prospective partners in the broader integration of
Eurasian spaces.

Both countries actively engage in regional cooperation
platforms. A prime example of this is the Lapis Lazuli Corridor,
launched in 2017, which connects Afghanistan, Turkmenistan,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. This corridor links the Afghan
city of Herat to Turkmenbashi, crosses the Caspian Sea to Baku,
Tbilisi, and Poti, and ultimately reaches Istanbul, significantly
reducing transit times and costs while enhancing regional
connectivity.

The countries are also involved in TRACECA (Transport Corridor
Europe-Caucasus-Asia), which brings together 14 states to develop
multimodal links, as well as the Middle Corridor, integrated into
China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Turkmenistan is not a full member
of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) but participates in
CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) as an observer.
In 2026, an agreement between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and
Turkmenistan on the Caspian-Black Sea route strengthened
integration in energy and logistics.

Economic ties between Georgia and Turkmenistan, while still
relatively limited, are gradually expanding. Trade between the two
countries is estimated to exceed $80 million, primarily focused on
gas and transport services. Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role as a
connecting link in this trade network. In 2025, Azerbaijan's trade
with Georgia amounted to $881.3 million, while its trade with
Turkmenistan reached $140.2 million during the first half of the
year.

The three nations are actively involved in various regional
integration platforms and form part of key transcontinental
transport routes. Due to their strategic geographical positions,
they share common interests. Without Azerbaijan, forging a
comprehensive alliance, developing trade, and pursuing logistical
initiatives would be challenging for Tbilisi and Ashgabat.
Azerbaijan's involvement enables the integration of a vast area,
stretching from the Black Sea, across the Caucasus Mountains, to
the Caspian Sea, extending through the Kopetdag Range and Karakum
Desert, and reaching the Pamir Mountains. These geographical
features form a natural boundary separating the Middle East from
the broader geopolitical space of the former USSR, which still
maintains elements of previous integration through the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS).

Situated at the crossroads of these two systems, Tbilisi, Baku,
and Ashgabat are uniquely positioned not as barriers but as vital
connectors between them. However, challenges persist, primarily due
to the fact that the economies of these countries are not yet fully
structurally integrated and differences in their respective systems
and approaches to developing national models require additional
coordination. Nevertheless, recent efforts to formalize intentions
for closer collaboration suggest that these nations now view
further integration as a tangible and achievable goal.
Consequently, concrete actions from these three states are
anticipated in the near future.