July 21, 2025
Oguljahan Atabayeva's Rising Role in Turkmen Politics. Bruce Pannier Comments for RFE/RL's Kazakh Service (Russian)
Bruce Pannier, a senior analyst at the Turan Research Center who has studied Central Asia for many years, calls the developments a new regional trend.
“It’s fascinating to observe what I’d call ‘daughter diplomacy.’ Recently, Oguljahan Atabaeva met with Saida Mirziyoyeva in Uzbekistan, and now — with Aliyev’s daughter in Azerbaijan. This suggests she is being prepared for active participation in Turkmenistan’s political system. Lately, her public appearances have even been more prominent than those of her brother, the president. This signals potential changes. Saida Mirziyoyeva already plays an important role in Uzbek politics, and Leyla Aliyeva is also well known. The logic behind these meetings is clear — this is no coincidence, but a new format of interstate engagement centered on the role of women in diplomacy,” Pannier said.
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