Turkmenistan and Mongolia’s strategic rapprochement reached a significant milestone with reciprocal high-level visits. Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh visited Turkmenistan on October 12, 2024, followed by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Mongolia on June 1-2, 2025.
These were the first such visits since the establishment of diplomatic relations on April 23, 1992. A package of agreements was signed to foster cooperation and strengthen bilateral partnerships.
A key Turkmen objective was to engage Mongolia in the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” initiative. This initiative promotes the creation of an East-West transport corridor linking Central Asia with the Caspian region, Caucasus, Europe, and East Asia.
Mongolia, situated between Russia and China, is viewed as a crucial transit link. Its participation would significantly enhance connectivity, enabling Turkmenistan to diversify its export routes for energy resources (natural gas and petroleum products) and expand the reach of its food and industrial goods.
For Mongolia, this offers access to Caspian ports, vital for a landlocked nation heavily reliant on China (over 90% of its foreign trade) for coal, copper, and other mineral exports, and on Russia for fuel imports. Agreements signed in June 2025 on international road and air transport may unlock new transport routes, providing Mongolia with a vital alternative and strengthening Turkmenistan’s position as a transit hub between Central Asia, the Caucasus, and East Asia.
Economic and energy partnerships were central to the discussions. Turkmenistan expressed willingness to explore supplying Mongolia with energy resources.
While Mongolia possesses abundant coal and rare earth metals, it faces a critical need for imported oil, lacking sufficient domestic production and refining capacity (approximately 90% of its petroleum products are imported from Russia). Turkmenistan, meanwhile, seeks to expand its gas, oil, and electricity export routes. Joint energy projects and cross-border fuel supplies offer mutually beneficial opportunities.
Leaders also emphasized boosting bilateral trade. Mongolia has significant export potential in wool, cashmere, leather, and meat products. Agreements on agricultural, veterinary, and livestock cooperation are crucial for expanding trade. However, current trade volume remains extremely low (approximately $10,000 in Turkmenistani imports from Mongolia in 2024, with negligible exports from Mongolia), highlighting the substantial untapped potential and the need for concerted efforts to overcome existing barriers.
Both nations share similar foreign policy principles: non-alignment with military blocs, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. This fosters stable relations independent of major power influence. Mongolia particularly values Turkmenistan’s neutrality and pursues a balanced, independent foreign policy.
A joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation is planned. This commission, initially discussed in 2015 following a visit by Turkmenistan’s foreign minister, will oversee implementation of agreements and facilitate joint projects, encompassing trade, culture, education, and humanitarian spheres.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan-Mongolia cooperation presents significant opportunities for both nations. For Mongolia, this reduces reliance on China and Russia, provides access to seaports, and expands energy supply options. For Turkmenistan, it enhances export capabilities and strengthens its role as a vital transit point.