Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to France marks new phase in bilateral cooperation
Jordan Daily – On May 5, 2025, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, conducted an official visit to the French Republic.
This high-level diplomatic mission reflected Turkmenistan’s continued efforts to expand its international partnerships, particularly in Europe, through constructive political dialogue and dynamic economic engagement.
Strengthening Political Dialogue
Chairman Berdimuhamedov was received at Paris Orly International Airport with official honors. His arrival signaled the beginning of a comprehensive program aimed at deepening bilateral relations. A central element of the visit was his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where both leaders exchanged views on international security, neutrality policy, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.
President Macron praised Turkmenistan’s role as a neutral state committed to peace, highlighting areas of mutual interest including energy transition, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. Chairman Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s adherence to a foreign policy rooted in neutrality, peaceful diplomacy, and broad international cooperation.
The leaders signed a series of key agreements, including:
- A Declaration on Sustainable Urban Development;
- A Roadmap for Higher Education Cooperation (2025–2026);
- An Agreement on Archaeological Research;
- A Framework Agreement on equipping the TürkmenÄlem 52°E-2 Satellite;
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Türkmengaz and Kayrros SAS.
Turkmen-French Economic Forum
A significant component of the visit was the Turkmen-French Economic Forum, held at the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand Hotel. The event was attended by senior representatives of major French companies, Turkmen government agencies, and private sector actors. The forum served as a platform to discuss business opportunities, present investment projects, and foster commercial collaboration.
Chairman Berdimuhamedov addressed the forum in a structured keynote speech focusing on Turkmenistan’s geopolitical and geo-economic positioning، ts foreign policy of neutrality and international cooperation and Opportunities for French-Turkmen business partnerships.
He reiterated Turkmenistan’s status as a permanently neutral state, recognized three times by the United Nations, and invited French businesses to actively participate in upcoming international events scheduled for December 12, 2025, commemorating both the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Strategic Sectors for Cooperation
Chairman Berdimuhamedov proposed five priority areas for future Turkmen-French collaboration:
- Promotion of French goods and services in sectors such as oil and gas, satellite technologies, pharmaceuticals, and water management;
- Adoption of French expertise in green energy, methane monitoring, urban planning, and geological exploration;
- Engagement of French SMEs in various economic sectors in Turkmenistan;
- Development of tourism cooperation, leveraging France’s global expertise and Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage;
- Training of Turkmen professionals through educational and technical exchanges.
The forum concluded with the signing of multiple MoUs between Turkmen and French entities, including:
- Turkmenaragatnasyk Agency and Airbus Defence and Space SAS;
- Ministry of Agriculture and IGN FI (land cadastre and remote monitoring);
- State Water Resources Committee and SUEZ International;
- Türkmengaz and SUEZ International (gas sector collaboration).
Turkmenistan also proposed organizing a Bronze Age archaeological exhibition in Paris (2027–2028), showcasing findings from its ongoing excavations. Joint scientific activities, such as speleological expeditions in the Koytendag mountains, were highlighted as areas for continued collaboration.
Following the economic forum, Chairman Berdimuhamedov attended an official welcome ceremony at a government building in Paris, hosted by French Minister of Veterans and Remembrance Patricia Mirallès and Paris Military Governor General Loïc Mizon. National anthems were played, and official delegations were introduced.
A state dinner provided further opportunity for discussion and reflection on Turkmenistan’s evolving international role. Chairman Berdimuhamedov conveyed greetings from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and expressed appreciation for France’s consistent support of Turkmenistan’s peace-oriented initiatives. He emphasized Turkmenistan’s alignment with the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding regional corridors, especially the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
