Germany and Turkmenistan: Economic Partnership Must Not Develop at the Expense of Human Rights

Germany and Turkmenistan: Economic Partnership Must Not Develop at the Expense of Human Rights On 7 September 2026, Turkmen state media reported on a meeting between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, and Michael Harms, Executive Director of the German Eastern Business Association. The parties discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, German technologies and equipment, as well as prospects for further bilateral engagement. Economic cooperation is a normal part of international relations. However, when it comes to Turkmenistan, a fundamental question arises: can long-term and responsible partnership be discussed while the human rights situation is left outside the room? We believe it cannot. Germany Must Remain Committed to Its Own Principles Germany is a democratic state in which human dignity, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are core values. Therefore, the development of economic relations with Turkmenistan should be accompanied not only by discussions about contracts, technologies, medical centres and investment, but also by a substantive dialogue about the rights of the country’s citizens. Serious concerns remain regarding freedom of movement and exit bans, refusals to issue or renew passports abroad, freedom of expression and access to information, the treatment of political and civic activists, transnational repression, violence against women and children, labour and social rights, the independence of the judiciary, and the absence of effective mechanisms for citizens to protect their rights. It is impossible to speak convincingly about building modern medical centres equipped with German technology while ignoring people whose fundamental rights remain without effective protection. Economic Interests Must Not Become a Blank Cheque German companies have the right to seek new markets. Turkmenistan has the right to develop international economic cooperation. But major contracts must not become a convenient shield behind which human rights concerns are relegated to secondary importance. It is particularly important that the German side demand transparency and compliance with international standards wherever German companies, technologies and investments are involved in state projects. Economic cooperation should contribute to improving the lives of citizens, rather than merely strengthening state structures and creating yet another polished showcase. We Have Already Addressed the German Side The Human Rights Platform of the Dayanç Civil Movement / Turkmenistan has previously sent a letter to the German side, calling for attention to the systematic human rights violations in Turkmenistan and urging that these issues be raised as part of bilateral dialogue. We once again call on German representatives to use meetings with the Turkmen authorities not only to discuss trade and economic opportunities. If this partnership is genuinely intended for the future, its agenda must also include human rights, the rule of law, and concrete commitments aimed at improving the situation of Turkmenistan’s citizens. Germany has sufficient political and economic influence to ensure that this dialogue takes place. Partnership is possible. But responsible partnership begins when, beyond contracts and economic figures, the human being is not forgotten.