Ashgabat (TDI): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Thursday to attend a forum marking the 300th anniversary of revered 18th-century poet Magtymguly Pyragy.
The event, titled “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations: The Basis of Peace and Development,” celebrates the poet, who is admired in both Iran and Turkmenistan.
During his visit, Pezeshkian will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the event.
The meeting between the two leaders comes at a critical time, with regional tensions high and both countries looking to further strengthen ties.
Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin, noted the significance of the talks, emphasizing that discussions will not only focus on bilateral issues but also address the “sharply escalated situation in the Middle East.”
Before departing from Tehran, President Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s shared cultural heritage with Turkmenistan, noting that the poet Pyragy was born in northern Iran and wrote primarily in Turkmen.
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He stressed the historical and cultural links between the two nations, underscoring their “long, secure, and peaceful border.”
The Iranian president is accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Mohammadreza Salehi Amiri.
In addition to cultural ties, Pezeshkian pointed out the importance of economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like oil, gas, and electricity, and reiterated Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with its neighbors.
North-South Transport Corridor
A key topic during the visit will be the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a strategic trade route linking India, Iran, Russia, and Europe via Central Asia.
Pezeshkian said the corridor would significantly benefit both Iran and Turkmenistan.
Pezeshkian will also hold talks with the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, continuing Tehran’s focus on deepening ties with neighboring countries.
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He reiterated that “our priority is our neighbors,” a long-standing pillar of Iran’s foreign policy, particularly in light of ongoing Western hostility.
The visit to Ashgabat comes ahead of another high-level meeting between Pezeshkian and Putin later this month in Russia, where both leaders will participate in a BRICS summit.
