Nigar Mustafayeva AZERBAIJAN – TURKMENISTAN EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP: WHAT NEXT? 37 AZERBAIJAN – TURKMENISTAN EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP: WHAT NEXT? Nigar Mustafayeva 1 УДК 327. KBT 66.4(4\8) Keywords: Azerbaijan Turkmenistan Caspian sea Energy ABSTRACT On January 21, 2021 the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan concluded an agreement on joint exploration of Dostlug oil field which was long disputed between these two Caspian basin countries. The historical agreement not only allowed to enhance the ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan but also paved the new way for Turkmeni- stan’s energy route and Azerbaijan’s role as an energy transport country. With the signed document, the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan will become closer and both peo- ples will benefit from the agreement. The project opens up great export opportunities and contributes to the well-being of peoples. Relations between the two countries continue to grow. The high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries are a clear example of this. In the last 3 years, 5 visits have taken place at the presidential level, and more than 50 documents have been signed during these visits. Transcontinental energy and transport corridors pass through both countries along the ancient Silk Road. These corridors are the shortest and most cost-effective routes con- necting Asia with Europe. Therefore, concrete practical steps have been taken to further develop the partnership between the two countries in the field of transport. The docu- ments signed during the official visits of the Presidents include the establishment of the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Joint Commission on Transport, Transit and Logistics, and the simplification of the visa regime for participants in international transport through these countries. Friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are of direct im- portance for Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus. Thus, the shortest and most convenient road connecting Central Asia with the Caucasus passes through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea. Friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmen- istan allow the countries of the region using the route to easily export their goods to the world market, as well as to transport imported goods in the shortest possible time and at the cheapest route. This manifests itself as a factor that directly affects the economy and welfare of the population. The friendly relations between these two countries, and mutual understanding in the Caspian Basin as a whole, contribute to the strengthening of the atmosphere. This article studies the current developments between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan rela- tions and argues that enhanced relations between these countries also contributes to the connectivity between the Europe and Central Asia. 1 . Senior specialist, The Institute of Caucasus Studies nyrmustafayeva@gmail.com Received: 27.04.2021 Accepted: 07.06.2021