The history of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is an important example of how shared historical roots, geographical proximity, and convergence of strategic interests can provide a solid foundation for a sustainable, long-term partnership. Having gained independence in the early 1990s, the two Central Asian countries have followed a difficult yet consistent path of building bilateral relations, which today allows us to speak of mature strategic cooperation focused on the future.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were established in 1993. This step was a logical continuation of the centuries-old ties between the peoples who lived in a single cultural and economic space. The commonality of traditions, linguistic and ethnocultural proximity, and close trade contacts that existed during the era of the Great Silk Road created favorable conditions for interstate dialogue in the new political realities. In the mid-1990s, diplomatic missions were established, exchanges of official visits began, and a legal framework was developed.
In the early years of independence, cooperation developed unevenly. The transition from the Soviet system of government to sovereign models was accompanied by significant challenges, including border regulation, migration, and coordination of economic ties. Nevertheless, in January 1996, an agreement on Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance was signed, which affirmed the mutual desire to develop good-neighborly relations and served as the foundation for further cooperation. This document laid down the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs, which remain the basis of the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan dialogue today.
In the 2000s, relations became more pragmatic and systematic. The work of intergovernmental commissions has intensified, and cooperation in the trade, economic, energy, and transport sectors has expanded. The formation of coordination mechanisms for the use of cross-border resources and the development of logistics infrastructure has begun. Despite occasional pauses and restraint in the political dialogue, the parties have consistently gained experience through interaction and created an atmosphere of mutual trust.
A qualitatively new stage in bilateral relations began after 2017. The signing of the strategic partnership agreement marked a turning point, giving the interaction a sustainable, long-term character. Since that time, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have progressed from the declaratory stage to the practical implementation of joint projects. Interaction at the highest level has intensified; the intensity of political contacts has increased significantly; and a course has been set toward expanding economic ties and joint participation in regional initiatives.
Economic cooperation has become a key area of the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan partnership. In recent years, bilateral trade has grown steadily. According to official data, Turkmenistan’s exports to Uzbekistan increased more than tenfold from 2017 to 2024, reaching nearly $1.5 billion. Petroleum products and energy resources constitute the basis of Uzbekistan's exports, while Uzbekistan exports industrial goods, chemical products, fertilizers, and processed industrial products to Turkmenistan. This structure of trade turnover indicates the complementarity of economies and the formation of absolute economic interdependence.
Transport and logistics are of particular importance in bilateral relations. The geographical location of the two countries allows them to play a key role in the formation of transit corridors connecting Central Asia with the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Europe. Joint initiatives in rail and multimodal transportation contribute to increasing the region's transit capacity and strengthening its position within the international transport system.
These projects have not only economic, but also strategic importance, enhancing regional connectivity and sustainability.
The political dialogue between Tashkent and Ashgabat is stable and systematic, as evidenced by the high frequency of high-level contacts. Since 2017, the leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have held 26 bilateral meetings, which have served as a key mechanism for developing coordinated approaches to a wide range of regional and international issues. The regularity of such a dialogue testifies not only to mutual trust, but also to the desire of the parties for long-term coordination of foreign policy priorities.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are consistently strengthening the coordination of their positions on leading international and regional platforms, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and other multilateral formats. Joint initiatives in regional security, sustainable development, and the environmental agenda are gradually becoming systemic and extend beyond bilateral relations, thereby contributing to greater stability and predictability in Central Asia. This level of cooperation enables Tashkent and Ashgabat to serve as responsible and reliable partners committed to peaceful dialogue and collective solutions to regional challenges.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation remains essential. Cultural days, festivals, exhibitions, scientific and educational exchanges contribute to strengthening interpersonal contacts and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect. The preservation and development of linguistic and cultural ties, the activities of national cultural centers, and joint educational projects play a significant role in strengthening the social base of partnership and passing on traditions of good neighborliness to future generations.
The history of relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan indicates that a sustainable partnership is impossible without drawing on accumulated experience, mutual trust, and consistent implementation of agreements. Today, a robust institutional and legal framework has been established to deepen cooperation. The expansion of economic cooperation, the development of transport corridors, the introduction of joint innovative projects, and the strengthening of humanitarian ties to shape a common future remain the key areas.
Aziza Alimova, UzA