In
a regional show of strength, Israel will open a permanent embassy in
Turkmenistan, the former Soviet republic and central Asian nation that is on
Iran’s doorstep, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced Sunday.
The
inauguration comes as another Muslim neighbor of Iran—Azerbaijan—is opening its
first ever embassy in the Jewish state. Both diplomatic moves signal Israel is
a present and growing influence in the region.
Israel’s
top diplomat is slated to travel to Turkmenistan soon to inaugurate the
official mission in the capital city of Ashgabat, located about 15 miles away
from the border with the Islamic Republic.
“The
relations between our countries are important and strategic, and this move will
further strengthen the connection and increase our cooperation” Cohen tweeted.
A
Muslim-majority country of about six million people, Turkmenistan, located just
north of Iran, established relations with Israel in the run-up to its
declaration of independence in 1991. About a decade ago, in light of good
relations between the two states, Israel opened a temporary embassy there which
has been active until now when the newly constructed permanent embassy has been
completed.
Over
the years, senior officials from Israel and Turkmenistan have visited each
other’s countries, signing agreements of cooperation in the fields of politics,
economy and energy. Recently, progress has been made in collaboration in health
and cyber defense as well.
Historically,
Turkmenistan—which possesses one of the world’s largest reserves of natural
gas—has long served as a thoroughfare for several empires and cultures, and was
one of the great cities of the Islamic world.
No comments:
Post a Comment