On the second day of the official visit to the Republic of Romania Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Ploesti – the Romanian largest industrial centre known as the petroleum capital of Romania. The history of the city situated 60 kilometers to north of Bucharest is closely related to development of Romania’s oil deposits. The National Museum of Oil – the only one in Romania and one of few museums of such kind in the world was built in 1961.

During the visit to Ploesti Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the University of Oil and Gas recognized as one of the European leading educational establishments and research centres in oil and gas industry. The Turkmen leader had a meeting with the University administration.

Chancellor Vlad Ulmanu, the senior officials of the Ministry of Enlightenment, Science and Youth and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cordially greeted the Turkmen leader at the University. At the assembly hall Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Romanian official persons exchanged views on the prospects and opportunities of establishing fruitful co-operation in the sphere of professional education.

Introducing the honorary Turkmen guest to the participants including the deans of the leading faculties of the University Vlad Ulmanu emphasized that it was great honour for him as well as the University and all those present to receive the President of Turkmenistan – a country known worldwide for the large-scale progressive reforms and effective initiatives to develop constructive international partnership. Briefing the Turkmen leader of the University’s activities the Chancellor noted that the educational process at the University met the European standards of higher education.

Thanking for the kind words and heartfelt welcome Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that he was glad to visit the University, which had the well-deserved reputation not only in Romania but also abroad. The Turkmen leader emphasized that having entered upon the path of fundamental reforms initiated in all spheres of the life Turkmenistan staked on highly qualified, well-educated specialists able to implement the programmes on development of various sectors of national economy, and first of all the basic sector – fuel and energy complex. In this context Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov briefed on the priority trends and aspects of the development strategy based on the principles of diversification of oil and gas industry, increase of hydrocarbon production and processing, establishment of the modern industrial infrastructure and application of advanced technologies. Paramount importance was attached to expansion of business mutually advantageous contacts with foreign partners and use of the best international practice.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that to achieve the designated goals Turkmenistan sent young people to study at the prestigious institutions of higher education in Europe and worldwide. Stating with satisfaction that ten Turkmen students would take the seats in the lecture rooms of the University of Ploesti this year the Turkmen leader called for fostering effective collaboration and establishing the direct contacts between the educational centres of the two countries inviting the Romanian University to active co-operation.

In their turn, the Chancellor and the representatives of the University administration thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for participating in the meeting in spite of the very busy schedule of the visit and expressed the willingness to develop wide co-operation with the Turkmen partners.

As a token of the profound respect and recognition of the services of the Turkmen leader – the author of the progressive economic policy prioritizing the strategy of development of the fuel and energy sector the Honorary Medal of the University of Oil and Gas of Ploesti was awarded to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Upon concluding the meeting an excursion around the University museum including the collections of minerals, the University’s awards for the scientific achievements and the sport trophies was organized for the Turkmen leader. Accompanied by the Chancellor and other official persons Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the lecture room, where the entrants were taking an examination. The Turkmen leader talked to the young people and wished them success in entering the University. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed belief that the Turkemn students, who would study at the University, would diligently acquire the professional knowledge and skills.

Then Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the laboratory, where the computer-aided test units were simulating various off-optimum situations at oil and gas deposits. The President of Turkmenistan and the members of the accompanying delegation saw the training techniques in operation.

Upon concluding the excursion the senior officials of the University of Ploesti cordially thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for visiting the educational establishment.

The President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the Romanian officials for the interesting excursion and wished outstanding accomplishments in their activity.

Upon concluding the meeting at the University on Ploesti Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Sinaya resort zone situated 100 kilometers from Bucharest.

Today it is one of the well-preserved royal residences in Europe, largest museum and favorite places of recreation for numerous tourists.

Mayor Vlad Oprea cordially greeted the Turkmen leader and conducted an excursion around the health-resort zone for the honorary guest.

It is remarkable that the collection of the royal residence included the wonderful handmade Turkmen carpets specially brought there as a ‘living’ evidence of the unsurpassed mastership of Turkmen carpet makers. The museum specialists demonstrated the handmade masterpieces preserved over centuries to the President of Turkmenistan and emphasized that the world-renowned legendary Turkmen carpets were the unique exhibits of the gorgeous collection.

Upon leaving the royal residence the Turkmen leader walked around the health-resort zone.

Then the President of Turkmenistan left the health resort for Bucharest. From Bucharest the President’s cortege headed for the International Airport.

Upon concluding the official farewell ceremony the Turkmen President’s plane headed for Ashgabat.