Today, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for an official visit to the Italian Republic. Officials saw the head of state off at the capital’s International Airport.

The dialogue between Turkmenistan and Italy, whose origins date back to ancient times, is forward-looking and serves as a clear example of successful and mutually beneficial cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, both countries have been actively expanding their multifaceted partnership based on principles of mutual respect.

Contacts between the Turkmen and Italian peoples have a long history: in ancient times, the Parthian Kingdom, located in the territory of modern-day Turkmenistan, and the Roman Empire were linked by the Great Silk Road. The works of the famous Italian traveler Marco Polo and Italian merchants contain information about the Turkmen land, culture, traditions, and customs of our people, as well as the renowned Akalteke horses and carpets. Thus, today’s interstate relations have a rich historical foundation.

The political dialogue between Turkmenistan and Italy is distinguished by its highly constructive nature. Regular high-level contacts provide a significant impetus to interstate cooperation. Thus, the visits of Hero-Arkadag to the Italian Republic in 2009, 2015, and 2019, as well as the visit of the Italian Prime Minister to Turkmenistan in 2014, helped lay a solid foundation for the Turkmen-Italian partnership in the modern era.

In the context of bilateral relations, particular importance is attached to interaction within international organizations, primarily the United Nations. It is noteworthy that the Italian Republic co-sponsored most of the resolutions proposed by Turkmenistan on the UN sidelines in the areas of energy security, sustainable transport, environmental protection, peace, and trust. This trend fully demonstrates the convergence or closeness of the two countries’ positions on key issues on the global agenda. Mutual support for initiatives to ensure peace and sustainable development demonstrates the commitment of Turkmenistan and Italy to international law.

The Central Asia–Italy format also serves as a constructive platform for strengthening interstate relations. The participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the first summit of this format testifies to the significant importance of the Italian Republic as one of Turkmenistan’s key partners in Europe. Discussing prospects for multilateral cooperation facilitates the more effective realization of the potential of Central Asian states in areas such as energy, transport, and infrastructure, and also facilitates the attraction of Italian technology and investment in economic sectors. 

At the same time, Italy is one of our country’s largest trading partners in the European Union. It should be noted that bilateral economic cooperation is multifaceted, and trade volume is steadily increasing every year.

In this context, it is noteworthy that Italian companies are actively involved in the implementation of major energy projects in our country, utilizing their own developments and advanced technologies. Turkmenistan, with its colossal natural resource reserves, views Italy as a reliable partner in diversifying energy supplies and implementing high production standards.

An integral component of Turkmen-Italian relations is cultural and humanitarian dialogue. Both countries are interested in exploring each other’s rich history and unique cultural heritage. Archaeological cooperation is the most effective means of achieving this: for many years, Italian professors and specialists in this field have been actively involved in excavations at historical sites in Turkmenistan. The discoveries made as a result of this collaboration have made a significant contribution to global science and have also facilitated a deeper understanding of the history of our country and its connections with world civilizations. 

Today, Turkmen-Italian relations, which are stable and comprehensive, are focused on strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic partnerships, and deepening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

…A few hours later, the plane of the President of Turkmenistan landed at Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Here, the head of state was warmly greeted by officials of the Italian Republic, as well as members of our country’s official delegation.

An honor guard lined the carpet leading from the plane’s steps. In keeping with the established tradition of hospitality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented a bouquet of flowers.

During his visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) Memorial Complex.

At the Memorial, the head of state was met by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and other officials.

An officer of the Italian Ministry of Defense announces the beginning of the welcoming ceremony for the President of Turkmenistan.

The national anthems of the two countries are played.

An officer of the Italian Ministry of Defense reports on the formation of the Honor Guard for the visit of the President of Turkmenistan.

The head of state pays tribute to the National Flag of the Italian Republic.

Then, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria Memorial.

Then the Italian Minister of Defense introduces the members of the friendly country’s high-level military delegation to the head of Turkmenistan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played.

After bidding farewell to the Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic, Guido Crosetto, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed the site.

The head of state’s homage to the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the Italian Republic is a visible demonstration of the deep respect the people of Turkmenistan have for the history and national values of their friendly country.

On the same day, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinal Palace.

An official welcoming ceremony for the head of Turkmenistan preceded the talks.

On the square in front of the Quirinal Palace, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

The Chief of the Honor Guard announced the beginning of the official welcoming ceremony for the President of Turkmenistan.

The national anthems of both countries were played. 

The Honor Guard is reported on for the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic.

The heads of both states pay tribute to the National Flag of the Italian Republic.

The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Italy enter the Palace and meet with members of the official delegations of the two countries.

Then an official joint photo ceremony took place.

Following this, bilateral talks were held at the Quirinal Palace between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella.

Warmly welcoming the distinguished Turkmen guest, the Italian President emphasized that his country highly values constructive cooperation with Turkmenistan, based on principles of mutual respect. 

Thanking the Italian Republic for the invitation to visit the country on an official visit and the hospitality extended, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the current bilateral meeting would make a significant contribution to the further expansion of interstate partnership.

Taking this opportunity, the head of Turkmenistan conveyed to the President of the Italian Republic warm greetings from the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. As noted, Hero-Arkadag warmly recalls his visits to Italy as head of state and his meetings with President Sergio Mattarella.

Thanking the National Leader of the Turkmen people for his kind words and extending his best wishes in return, the President of the Italian Republic noted the high level of interstate relations, which serve mutual interests.

Emphasizing that our countries successfully cooperate internationally, demonstrating a commitment to peace, dialogue, and sustainable development, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to Italy for its continued support of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, three times reaffirmed by UN General Assembly resolutions.

“We highly appreciate the Italian Republic’s commitment to developing close cooperation with Turkmenistan. We, in turn, are interested in expanding our partnership with Italy – both bilaterally and multilaterally,” said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noting the importance of the first Central Asia – Italy Summit held in April of the current year. 

During the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that this year Turkmenistan celebrates the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and that an international forum will be held in Ashgabat on December 12 to commemorate this event. He invited President Sergio Mattarella to attend.

Thanking for the invitation, the head of the friendly state emphasized that Italy highly values Turkmenistan’s important role in strengthening regional peace and stability.

At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Sergio Mattarella reaffirmed the commitment of Turkmenistan and the Italian Republic to the progressive development of mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of areas and exchanged best wishes for each other and the friendly peoples of both countries.

The official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic continues.