Cultural Diplomacy Alongside Political Relations: The Start of the New Turkmenistan Ambassador’s Mission and Emphasis on Cultural Cooperation

As part of the ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen relations between Iran and Turkmenistan, H.E. Ambassador Elyas Gayypov, the newly appointed Ambassador of Turkmenistan, met with Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 1 December 2024 (1403/09/11 in the Persian calendar). During this official meeting, Ambassador Gayypov presented a copy of his credentials, marking the formal commencement of his diplomatic mission in Iran.

On 7 January 2025, Ambassador Gayypov continued his diplomatic engagements by presenting his credentials to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. This official act further reinforced the strong and growing relationship between Turkmenistan and Iran, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration across multiple sectors.

These meetings symbolized the close ties between the two countries in various fields, including politics, economy, and culture, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
However, these relations were not limited to political diplomacy. Following this meeting, Gayypov also held a joint session with the President of the ECO Cultural Institute. During this discussion, both parties emphasized the importance of expanding cultural cooperation, organizing joint programs, and strengthening cultural and artistic exchanges between Iran and Turkmenistan within the framework of the ECO Cultural Institute.

Proposals for Expanding Cultural Cooperation
Given the historical, cultural, and linguistic commonalities between Iran and Turkmenistan, strengthening cultural diplomacy can pave the way for enhanced people-to-people interactions and increased regional cooperation. Some existing proposals for deepening cultural relations between the two countries include

•   Organizing Iran-Turkmenistan Cultural Weeks to showcase the art, music, cinema, and traditions of both nations.
  • Establishing joint educational programs to promote the learning of Persian and Turkmen literature and languages.
  • Supporting research and historical projects that contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of both countries.
  • Developing cultural and historical tourism by jointly promoting the tourism potential of Iran and Turkmenistan.
  Future Outlook: Culture as a Pillar of Regional Cooperation
  The recent meetings of the Turkmenistan ambassador in Iran highlight a comprehensive approach to bilateral relations that, in addition to politics and economy, also focuses on culture. This strategy can lead to stronger bonds between nations, increased academic and cultural cooperation, and enhanced regional integration within the ECO framework.