In a move symbolizing deepening strategic ties between two Caspian neighbors, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid an official visit to Turkmenistan on August 22, 2025. This high-level visit follows the July meeting in Baku with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, highlighting a clear pattern of increasing engagement between the two historically, culturally, and geopolitically intertwined nations.

A shared past, a strategic future

The relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan is built on more than just contemporary political interests. It is rooted in centuries of shared Turkic heritage, linguistic closeness, and cultural overlap. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, both countries have carefully cultivated a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and shared regional goals.

This latest visit underscored how these cultural bonds are now translating into tangible cooperation across key strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and diplomacy. Both nations are leveraging their positions along the Caspian Sea and within the broader East-West transport axis to transform regional dynamics.

From bilateral to trilateral: A regional vision takes shape

The one-on-one meeting between Aliyev and Berdimuhamedov in the port city of Turkmenbashi was more than ceremonial. It set the tone for what would become a significant trilateral summit involving Uzbekistan. The inclusion of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in this high-level format signals a growing alignment among Central Asia’s key actors - a format that could evolve into a new cooperative model in the region.

As Berdimuhamedov noted, “We are united by the Caspian Sea,” emphasizing that geography, shared infrastructure ambitions, and economic interdependence now complement historical ties. The leaders spoke openly about their intentions to deepen collaboration in transport, digitalization, logistics, culture, and trade.

The East-West corridor, which........

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