Expert: Caspian Sea - symbol of friendship, opportunity to expand Azerbaijani-Turkmen co-op

The joint development of the Dostlug hydrocarbon field in the Caspian Sea will strengthen the dynamics of bilateral Azerbaijani-Turkmen cooperation, Pakistani expert on politics in Central Asia and Europe Malik M. Shafiq told Report.

According to the expert, relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are based on common history, culture, religious community and economic interests.

“After the demise and shattering of Soviet Union, both Muslim majority countries declared their independence, now in changed circumstances, a new era of friendship dawned which paved way for the both countries to design their foreign policies according to their needs and national interests. So, the leadership of new born states decided to establish diplomatic relations on June 9, 1992. Both countries having rich resources of oil and gas, were facing the same challenges to their economic growth, environmental purification, geopolitical issues and need of safe and sound security measures, to cope these all issues, the leadership of both countries made a workable roadmap for implication and achievement of their foreign policy goals. Now the time was fit for to open their Embassies in each other’s countries. The opening of embassies was a great and historical event, it played a pivotal role to bring near both the nations to further strengthen their bilateral relationship,” he noted.

Malik Shafiq emphasized that the successfully developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the oil and gas and transport and logistics industries is of strategic importance.

“In January 2021, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan signed an international Memorandum of understanding (MUO) for joint development of the newly named Dostlug (friendship) in Azerbaijani and Turkmen languages) oil and natural gas field. This MOU is the result of collective wisdom of the leadership of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and reflects the mutual desire of the both nations for increased cooperation in multiple spheres beyond energy,” he added.