Putin violates Turkmen legislation upon his arrival to engage in discussions with the Iranian president regarding the Middle East, following a prohibition by the former president on the use of an 'unlucky' black car.
Vladimir Putin has violated Turkmenistan's laws by arriving at a summit in a black limousine instead of the required white or silver vehicle.
The Russian leader reached Ashgabat for urgent discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concerning the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
After his armored Aurus Senat limousine parked outside Turkmenistan’s grand Chamber of Commerce, Putin ascended a steep staircase to meet with Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov. This meeting was significant as Berdymukhamedov's father had previously prohibited black cars, deeming them unlucky. Following this, Putin and Pezeshkian emphasized their “close” perspectives on global issues, with Putin asserting that strengthening ties with Tehran is a “priority” for Moscow.
Their meeting took place in Turkmenistan, one of the world's most secretive nations, against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Israel continues to strike targets in Lebanon, aimed primarily at Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group.
Since the Kremlin's military involvement in Ukraine began in 2022, relations between Russia and Iran, both facing Western sanctions, have improved, with Tehran believed to be supplying Moscow with weaponry.
“Relations with Iran are a priority for us, and they are developing very successfully,” Putin stated. “We are collaborating actively on the international stage, and our viewpoints on global events often align closely.”
According to a Russian translation, Pezeshkian described the relations between their countries as “sincere.” He noted, “Our positions on the international stage are similar,” while characterizing the situation in the Middle East as “difficult,” accusing the USA and Europe of not wanting to see a resolution.
The impromptu meeting between Putin and Pezeshkian took place on the sidelines of an obscure conference honoring a local poet, with Putin not originally scheduled to attend until just a few days prior.
Serdar Berdymukhamedov succeeded his father, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, as Turkmen president in 2022. Kurbanguly had banned black cars in 2018, believing they disrupted his vision of the pristine, white marble capital built on the edge of the desert.
Located on the southern edge of Central Asia next to Iran, Turkmenistan is one of the most repressive countries worldwide, governed by a dictatorship devoid of free media or an open political process.
According to Human Rights Watch's 2024 report on Turkmenistan, all fundamental rights are suppressed, and torture in prisons is prevalent. The report stated, “Recent political reforms have only deepened authoritarian rule. The government does not recognize poverty and has failed to address ongoing food insecurity.”
Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov had been president since 2007, following the death of his predecessor. Before him, the country was led by a dentist who erected a golden statue of himself that rotated to face the sun throughout the day.
Notorious for his eccentricities, Kurbanguly also built a towering golden statue of himself on horseback. His interests included producing rap videos with his grandson, performing donuts in a rally car, and leading televised gym workouts with his government cabinet.
At 67, he is a proponent of healthy living, having completely banned smoking in Turkmenistan and organized mass cycling days where government workers and students, dressed in matching tracksuits, cycled around Ashgabat.
After retiring, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov bestowed upon himself the title “Leader of the Nation,” allowing him to continue to influence Turkmen foreign affairs over his son.
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