Turkmenistan pushes ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue initiative

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (MNTV) — Turkmenistan is advancing a foreign policy initiative to establish a new “Central Asia + ASEAN” dialogue format, aimed at connecting the two fast-growing regions through expanded economic and strategic cooperation.

The proposal was discussed during talks between Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Philippines, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Philippine Ambassador Milene Garcia-Albano.

The Philippines has been identified as a key partner, as Association of Southeast Asian Nations is set to be chaired by Manila in 2026. Turkmen officials see this as an opportunity to advance the proposed multilateral platform, which has previously been floated by Ashgabat.

Both sides have begun preparing proposals to institutionalize the format, which aims to link Central Asia and Southeast Asia through integrated transport corridors and energy routes.

In addition to multilateral efforts, the diplomats discussed a bilateral roadmap through 2026, focusing on expanding political dialogue, including high-level visits and legal agreements, as well as strengthening cooperation in energy security and economic and cultural exchanges.

Turkmenistan is positioning itself as a major energy supplier capable of contributing to diversification of energy flows across the Asia-Pacific region, while also seeking to deepen business ties and humanitarian contacts with Southeast Asian partners.

The initiative reflects Ashgabat’s broader strategy to diversify its foreign relations by bridging Central Asia’s role as a resource and transit hub with ASEAN’s status as a global industrial center. Officials say such cooperation could open access to markets with a combined GDP exceeding $3.6 trillion and a population of nearly 700 million people.