Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Ashgabat, June 25, 2025

Mr Meredov,

Allow me to express, not out of diplomatic convention but from the heart, that we hold in the highest esteem the friendly and trusting relations with our fraternal neighbour Turkmenistan – a partner and close ally, regardless of the prevailing international circumstances.

We are deeply grateful for the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the events marking the 80th anniversary of our shared Victory. The presence of a Turkmen Armed Forces honour guard at the Victory Parade, as well as their involvement in the Immortal Regiment procession at the People’s Memory monument, and the inauguration of the Alley of Memory near our Embassy, stand as enduring symbols of our mutual commitment to a common history, shared values, and our resolute intent to preserve this legacy for generations to come.

We place particular importance on the relationship fostered between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Most recently, in May this year, the latter attended the 16th International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum, where his contributions proved highly substantive – an engagement widely recognised as such. Subsequently, he engaged in a cordial and confidential telephone conversation with President Putin, during which they explored promising avenues for further strengthening our strategic partnership.

As foreign ministers, we bear the responsibility for coordinating interagency efforts to fulfill the objectives set forth by our Presidents. I am confident that today’s discussions will result in substantive and detailed deliberations on these matters.