Ashgabat – Paris: On May 5, 2025, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, undertook an official visit to the French Republic. The visit underscored Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with key international partners.
The outcomes of the visit reflect a mutual desire to transform shared values—such as neutrality, peace, innovation, and cultural respect—into practical cooperation across a wide range of sectors, and in the same time elevated Turkmen-French relations to a new level, establishing a foundation for future strategic partnerships grounded in mutual benefit and trust. It also reinforced Turkmenistan’s global vision for sustainable development, neutrality, and multilateral cooperation in the 21st century.
The agenda included high-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and the convening of the Turkmen-French Economic Forum. The forum, hosted at the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand Hotel, brought together business leaders from both nations, with a focus on advancing joint economic initiatives. French companies expressed growing interest in Turkmenistan’s evolving market environment, citing its investment potential and legislative stability.
Upon arrival at Paris Orly International Airport, the Turkmen delegation was welcomed with full ceremonial honors. Chairman Berdimuhamedov’s initial engagements included a meeting with Martin Bouygues, CEO of Bouygues Group, a long-term partner in Turkmenistan’s construction sector. Discussions covered new avenues of cooperation, including education, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
A highlight of the visit was the economic forum, where representatives of leading French companies explored investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, satellite technology, water management, urban planning, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Chairman Berdimuhamedov outlined five strategic areas for future cooperation and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness for practical dialogue and project development.
The forum concluded with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements between Turkmen institutions and prominent French companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, IGN FI, and SUEZ International.
Later, an official welcoming ceremony was held at a government venue, followed by bilateral talks at the Élysée Palace. President Macron reiterated France’s respect for Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality and its growing role in promoting peace and dialogue in Central Asia. The two leaders reviewed prospects for expanding cooperation in sustainable urban development, satellite infrastructure, higher education, archaeological research, and environmental management.
Additional agreements signed during the visit included:
- A declaration on sustainable urban development.
- A roadmap for higher education cooperation (2025–2026).
- A framework agreement for the TürkmenÄlem 52°E-2 satellite.
- An MoU between Türkmengaz and Kayrros SAS.
Cultural and scientific collaboration was also a recurring theme. Plans were discussed for a joint archaeological exhibition in Paris (2027–2028), further expeditions in the Koytendag region, and continued French language promotion in Turkmenistan.
During an official dinner, Chairman Berdimuhamedov emphasized the significance of Turkmenistan’s 2025 “Year of Peace and Trust,” reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s support for the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative, and highlighted regional projects such as the Trans-Caspian transport corridor and sustainable water resource management based on international law.
The visit concluded with mutual expressions of appreciation and a commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership. Chairman Berdimuhamedov departed from Orly Airport and was warmly received upon his return to Ashgabat.
This official visit marked a significant milestone in Turkmen-French relations, reinforcing shared priorities in diplomacy, trade, education, and cultural exchange. It also reflected Turkmenistan’s broader international vision centered on peace, neutrality, and sustainable development.
Official Visit of the Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty to France Marks a New Chapter in Strategic Cooperation
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.
These documents demonstrate a shared intention to develop long-term strategic ties in sectors vital to both nations.
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.
Philippe Gautier, Executive Director of MEDEF International, opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of expanding French business presence in Turkmenistan, which is known for its favorable investment climate, strategic geographic location, and evolving legal frameworks.
Chairman Berdimuhamedov addressed the forum in a structured keynote speech focusing on:
- Turkmenistan’s geopolitical and geo-economic positioning;
- Its foreign policy of neutrality and international cooperation;
- 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.
Citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, he pointed out that Turkmenistan ranks among the steadily developing economies, supported by an attractive investment environment and long-term development programs.
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.
He reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to host direct discussions and project development initiatives with French stakeholders.
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).
