President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received First Deputy of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Co-Chairman of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian commission for economic co-operation Viktor Zubkov.

Thanking the Turkmen leader for the opportunity of a personal meeting the guest conveyed the heartfelt greetings of RF Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Focusing on the high dynamics of the intergovernmental relations and Russia’s profound interest in further enhancing and advancing full-scale co-operation with Turkmenistan Viktor Zubkov noted that the National Exhibition of the Russian Federation Economic Growth and Mutually Advantageous Partnership opened in Ashgabat on these days could evidence that. The guest expressed belief that the new meetings in the Turkmen land would create incentives to enhance the bilateral business contacts in the whole spectrum of fields. Viktor Zubkov said that he was very glad to visit Turkmenistan again where the rapid pace and rhythm of the progressive reforms that the country was living with could be felt.

Cordially greeting the guest Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan considered Russia its good friend and strategic partner that it intended to maintain the fruitful dialogue with. The President expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Russian Federation for active support of co-operation that was brought up to a higher level nowadays. Touching upon versatility of Turkmen-Russian co-operation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated with satisfaction that along with the sphere of trade and economy the humanitarian ties had been considerably enhanced. Hundreds of Turkmen young people studied at the educational establishments in Russia and the branch of I.M. Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas would be opened in Ashgabat the following week, the Turkmen said and expressed gratitude to Russia’s leadership for the constructive approach to co-operation.

The high dynamics of Turkmen-Russian partnership was conditioned by the effective work of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said. This work deserved appreciating: it could be said that the optimum mechanism of co-operation enabling to employ its profound potential in the interests of both peoples had been formed.

n this context Viktor Zubkov focused on the huge potential of co-operation among the regions of Russia and Turkmenistan. That was proved by the representation of the Russian delegation visiting Ashgabat on these days.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan was always ready for collaborating with the Russian partners. The Turkmen leader said that the regions of both countries had accumulated the positive experience of co-operation and provided the examples of co-operation with Sverdlovsk and Astrakhan Oblast, the Republic of Tatarstan and other regions of the Russian Federation.

Viktor Zubkov informed the President of the agenda of the third meeting of the intergovernmental commission and the concrete proposals the Russian partners intended to put forward during the meeting in Ashgabat.

The sides exchanged views on the key aspects of bilateral co-operation at the current stage. The President and his guest considered the progress of the agreements as well as the new prospects of concerting efforts. Co-operation in the fuel and energy sector as a priority field of Turkmen-Russian partnership was a focus of the talks. The sides put emphasis on mutual adherence to diversification of trade and economic co-operation, enhancement of trade turnover between the countries through involving other sectors of the national industries. The big plans of joint actions were developed for agriculture, particularly seed farming. Transport and communication were mentioned among the very attractive field of partnership. The sides focused on the intensification of a business dialogue between Turkmenistan and Russia. Viktor Zubkov informed that more Russian companies expressed the willingness to operate on the very promising Turkmen market.

The sides paid special attention to expansion of humanitarian partnership, particularly in the sphere of education. The President and his guest were unanimous that Turkmen-Russian co-operation in this important sphere had the splendid opportunities and should be intensified. The branch of I. M. Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas would be opened in Ashgabat on the eve of the new academic year and a group of the Turkmen students would be sent to study at the higher schools in Russia. Viktor Zubkov informed that he would take part in the ceremony of bidding farewell to the young envoys from Turkmenistan. The ceremony would be held Magtymguly Turkmen State University.

Thanking the Russian partners for assisting in training highly qualified personnel for various sectors of Turkmen economy Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called for enhancing the cultural and sport contacts.

Upon concluding the meeting Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished his guest and the members of the intergovernmental commission success and fruitful work and expressed belief that these talks in Ashgabat would broaden mutually advantageous co-operation between two friendly countries.

RF Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Igor Blatov attended the meeting.