On 31 August in Ashgabat, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Turkmenistan organised a formal reception to mark the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, which is celebrated on 30 August. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and officials, including Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmet Gurbanov, according to the Orient news agency.

Shener Cebeci, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech. He noted that the reception was his first event in his capacity as Head of the diplomatic mission:

‘I welcome you to our event, organised in honour of the 104th anniversary of Victory Day — one of the most significant chapters in the struggle for the independence and freedom of the Republic of Turkey. As the Turkish Ambassador, having recently taken up my duties in our ancestral homeland – Turkmenistan – I am honoured, together with my wife, to welcome you to this reception.’

The Ambassador also expressed his condolences regarding the shipwreck off the coast of Kyrenia, which occurred the previous day and resulted in the loss of life. He read out a festive message from the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which emphasised the significance of 30 August as the date that cemented the independence of the Turkish people and marked the beginning of the development of the modern state.

Speaking on behalf of the Turkmen side, Ahmet Gurbanov congratulated the Turkish people on their national holiday and welcomed the new Ambassador at the start of his mission in Turkmenistan. He described Victory Day as a holiday that unites those who serve their country and care for its security and prosperity.

A. Gurbanov discussed in detail the state of Turkmen-Turkish relations, which he described as multifaceted and strategic. He recalled the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Turkey in March 2024 and the visit by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to Turkmenistan in December 2025, describing them as the foundation of a robust political dialogue between the two countries.

Speaking on economic cooperation, the Deputy Minister noted the steady growth in trade between the countries and the activities of Turkish companies in various sectors of the Turkmen economy. He also emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, including the organisation of reciprocal Culture Days and joint exhibitions.

A. Gurbanov expressed his confidence that Turkmen-Turkish relations would continue to develop dynamically with the support of the leadership of both countries.