Putin holds separate meetings with Erdogan and regional leaders in Ashgabat

Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Friday while attending the International Forum for Peace and Trust in Ashgabat. His talks included separate sessions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, covering a range of geopolitical and economic issues.

Focus on Türkiye-Russia relations and Ukraine

The meeting with President Erdogan, which later expanded to include Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, centered on bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Major joint projects such as the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Türkiye were discussed, alongside an exchange of views on regional and international developments. The talks underscored the complex but active diplomatic channel between Ankara and Moscow.

Strengthening ties with Iran

In his meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian, Putin described Moscow-Tehran relations as developing "very constructively," highlighting growth in bilateral trade and progress on strategic initiatives like the Bushehr nuclear plant and the North-South Transport Corridor. Putin reiterated Russia's support for Iran's political positions internationally, including at the UN, with Pezeshkian reaffirming commitment to their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Acknowledging Turkmen neutrality and cooperation

Putin's discussion with Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov followed the forum's plenary session. The Russian leader congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its UN-recognized permanent neutrality, calling it a regional stabilizing factor. Both leaders noted expanding economic cooperation and coordination in international forums, agreeing to continue their dialogue in the near future.