IMPLICATIONS: Western observers connect Ahmadinejad’s visit to Turkmenistan as part of a confidence-building measure between the two countries, which could help Tehran make sure that in the event of foreign aggression toward Iran, the territories of Turkmenistan will not be used against it. Besides the declaration indicating non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and sovereignty, the sides also agreed on a document which says that the ‘sides will not allow its territories to be used against each other’. This was one important section of the document signed during the meeting of the Iranian and Turkmen leaders, which was previously expected by many to be focused on the legal status of the Caspian sea, as it remains an important issue between these two countries. In a situation like this, this visit was seen by many political observers a kind of political show by Ahmedinejad, as part of his wider spread of propaganda directed against the allegations of Western countries toward Iran, and, in particular, related to recent developments in the Middle East. In some respects, this intention of Ahmedinejda was reflected in the meeting as well, since not only he but Turkmen President Niyazov have been seen calling Western countries to use dialogue to solve international disagreements, though naming any particular conflict. According to a semi-official Turkmen news source, Turkmenistan.ru, both leaders agreed with a document that states the importance of the central role of the UN in resolving international problems, as well as solving conflicts through political dialogue, not through the use of force’. The Turkmen President expressed his support Iran’s stance towards solving international problems with peaceful means as well as the orientation of Iran’s foreign policy. The last paragraph especially – the expression of support for Iranian foreign policy by the Turkmen government, raises eyebrows since Iran is criticized by the international community on issues such as its support of Hizbollah,, its nuclear policy, and its position rejecting the state of Israel’s right to exist, and allegations of its involvement with terrorist groups. But some former high level officials in the Turkmen government say that from the Turkmen point of view, this phrase likely contains no message of real support for Iranian policy regarding the Middle East conflict. Niyazov does not have a deep knowledge of international diplomacy, said former Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Avdi Kuliyev. ‘Sometimes he can make mistakes, which, if made by another leader, could create a major political scandal’. As an example, Kuliyev cited the occasion where Niyazov expressed support for Pakistan’s Kashmir policy at a meeting with Pakistani officials, following which he also expressed support for India’s Kashmir policy while meeting with Indian officials. The former diplomat also said many international leaders do not take such comments made by Niyazov seriously.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite minor agreements, this previously unannounced official visit, more than anything else, seems to constitute a political show by the Iranian President on an occasion when he is widely criticized internationally regarding Iran’s alleged support of Hizbollah, and the country’s nuclear program. But the question of what Turkmenistan intended to gain by hosting Ahmedinejad, remains unclear. However, some local experts say that Turkmenistan wants to find an alternative transit route for its natural gas and other goods, as it looks for energy export options that could bypass Russia. But such intentions also would have little chance in practice, since this will be opposed by world powers. In a situation like this, aside from an opening ceremony of new buildings at the ‘Gudan-Bajirgan customs point’ on the border, no major progress has been made during these two-day official meetings. The reaction of the international community to this visit is still in question since the entire world was busy following the Israel-Palestine and Israel-Lebanon conflict.
AUTHOR’S BIO: Muhammad Tahir is a Prague-based writer and journalist specializing in Central Asia and is also the author of a book on Iran, ‘Illegal Dating-A Journey into the Private Life of Iran’.