Putin, Erdogan meet in Ashgabat to discuss Ukraine, regional developments

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held discussions on the sidelines of an international forum in Ashgabat, focusing on trade, regional developments, and efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, according to reports.

The talks began in an expanded format with delegations from both countries, centering on Russian-Turkish relations, particularly economic and trade cooperation. Major joint initiatives were reviewed, including the ongoing construction at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on Ukraine and broader regional and international issues. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later joined the discussions.

Separately, Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, describing Moscow-Tehran relations as developing “very constructively,” with growing bilateral trade and progress on key projects such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant and the North–South transport corridor. Putin also noted continued coordination with Iran on major international matters, including the Iranian nuclear program, and affirmed Russia’s support for Tehran at the UN.

Pezeshkian thanked Russia for backing Iran’s positions globally and confirmed Tehran’s commitment to implementing agreements reached under the comprehensive strategic partnership signed earlier this year.

Putin also held talks with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov after the plenary session of the International Forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future.” He congratulated Turkmenistan on 30 years of permanent neutrality, calling the policy a stabilizing factor for the region and a basis for strong bilateral ties. The leaders emphasized expanding economic cooperation, coordination on international platforms, and agreed to continue their discussions in the near future.

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