Turkmenistan has expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh's energy security as the two countries agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other potential sectors. The interest was conveyed during political consultations between Bangladesh and Turkmenistan held in Ashgabat on Saturday, according to a foreign ministry press release. Ambassador Dr M Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral-East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov led their respective delegations at the consultations.
Energy Security and Trade Cooperation
Turkmenistan, which possesses one of the world's largest natural gas reserves and substantial oil resources, expressed keen interest in supporting Bangladesh in strengthening its energy security. The two sides also discussed possible cooperation in petrochemicals, agriculture, and fertiliser, with Turkmenistan offering to supply fertilisers to Bangladesh. Bangladesh, meanwhile, requested Turkmenistan to import more Bangladeshi products, including jute and jute goods, ceramics, light engineering products, and semiconductors.
Collaboration in Textiles and Pharmaceuticals
Noting Bangladesh's global position in the readymade garment (RMG) sector and Turkmenistan's strength as a cotton producer, the two sides identified opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the textile and apparel value chain. Turkmenistan also showed interest in cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, considering Bangladesh's modern manufacturing facilities and expertise.
Proposed Programme of Action
The two countries agreed to work on a proposed "Programme of Action: 2027-2029" aimed at concluding several bilateral instruments covering trade and economic cooperation, culture, tourism, visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion and protection, industrial cooperation, and collaboration between their foreign service academies. Under the proposed programme, the two sides agreed to encourage greater interaction between their private sectors and chambers of commerce to tap the existing economic potential.
High-Level Visits and Parliamentary Friendship Group
Bangladesh invited Turkmen investors to explore investment opportunities in the country's special economic zones, while the two sides discussed forming a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation. They also stressed the importance of reciprocal high-level visits and discussed the possibility of forming a Bangladesh-Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship Group to facilitate regular exchanges among lawmakers. The two sides agreed to promote greater people-to-people connectivity through cooperation in culture, education, and sports as well as exchanges involving students, youths, tourists, and cultural troupes.
Regional and Global Coordination
On regional and global issues, Dhaka and Ashgabat agreed to strengthen coordination and support each other at international forums, including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Bangladesh thanked Turkmenistan for supporting its candidature for the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), while Turkmenistan reiterated its support for Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.
