President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit, held talks in Ashgabat.
This top-level meeting opened a new important chapter in the history of traditionally friendly bilateral relations, illustrating the willingness of the two countries to further enhance and strengthen fruitful cooperation through implementing its potential, which meets mutual interests.
In the morning, the motorcade of the distinguished guest headed for the Independence Square, located in the centre of Ashgabat, where President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cordially greeted Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The official ceremony of meeting the distinguished guest took place on the Independence Square. The commander of the Guard of Honour reported in a solemn atmosphere. The national anthems of the State of Qatar and Turkmenistan were performed. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov introduced the members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan to the distinguished guest. The Emir of Qatar greeted the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Turkmenistan. The distinguished guest introduced the members of the governmental delegation of the State of Qatar to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Then the Turkmen leader and the Emir of the State of Qatar, accompanied by an honorary mounted escort, headed for the Oguzhan palace complex.
After the official photography had been taken against the background of the national flags of the two countries, the Turkmen leader invited the Emir of Qatar to enter the Golden Hall, where the one-to-one talks were held.
Cordially greeting the honorary guest in the Turkmen land, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the Emir of the State of Qatar for accepting the invitation to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Turkmen leader emphasized the friendly, fraternal nature of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue that was successfully developing in the political, trade, economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres.
Focusing on the similarity or coincidence of views of Turkmenistan and Qatar on key aspects of global issues, including the maintenance of international peace and prosperity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called for continued constructive cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two states.
Dwelling upon the prospects of Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, the Turkmen leader emphasized that the two countries had tremendous reserves of hydrocarbon resources. In this regard, the Turkmen leader noted the importance of such a topic under discussion as interaction in the oil and gas, oil refining and chemical industries as well as the transport and communication sectors and other areas.
Underlining the important role of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that its activities had contributed to signing a number of documents on bilateral cooperation in many areas during the Ashgabat talks.
The Turkmen leader said that ample opportunities existed to intensify humanitarian contacts, including in the spheres of science and education, culture and art, sports and tourism. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan rejoiced in the achievements of the State of Qatar in staging the XV Asian Games in Doha in 2006 and the choice of Qatar as the host for the 2022 World Cup.
The Turkmen leader said that our country was interested in sharing experiences in the sport sector and promotion of partnership in this area was of immediate relevance for Turkmenistan given that Ashgabat would host the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017.
Underscoring the existing tremendous potential for building up bilateral cooperation, the Turkmen leader emphasized that great importance was attached in our country to the visit of the Emir of Qatar as an a historic event. Expressing belief that the Ashgabat talks would contribute to further strengthening and promoting traditionally friendly Turkmen-Qatari partnerships, the President wished every success in his important work to the distinguished guest and welfare, peace and prosperity to the people of the State of Qatar.
Expressing sincere gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for inviting to pay an official visit to our country and extending the heartfelt welcome, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that he was very glad to be visiting Turkmenistan and the beautiful city of Ashgabat. The distinguished guest expressed firm belief that the Ashgabat talks would conclude with fruitful outcomes and contribute to strengthening Turkmen-Qatari relations and bringing them to a qualitatively new level.
Underscoring the dynamic development of interstate relations, the Emir of Qatar emphasized the similarity of views of the sides on key issues of international politics, such as the achievement of security and prosperity on regional and global scales.
Expressing support for the opinion of the President of Turkmenistan on the existence of the broad prospects to promote mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, including through using the tremendous energy potential of the two countries, the distinguished guest reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to cooperate with Turkmen partners in this area.
Noting that great attention paid to the sport sector in the State of Qatar and Turkmenistan opened up ample opportunities to establish effective interstate relations in this area, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that Qatar stood ready to share its expertise in the staging of major international competitions with our country.
Once again expressing deep gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and hospitality, the distinguished guest once again said that he was happy to be in Turkmenistan and its wonderful capital.
The sides exchanged views on topical issues of regional and international politics of mutual interest.
The talks continued with the participation of the official delegations of the two countries in Sultan Sanjar Hall.
Once again emphasizing that the Ashgabat top-level talks were viewed in our country as a milestone in the modern history of traditionally friendly and fraternal Turkmen-Qatari relations, the leader of Turkmenistan said that they would initiate a new stage of bilateral cooperation and bring it to a qualitatively new and higher level.
Noting with satisfaction the effectiveness of the one-to-one talks, during which the sides had exchanged views on the prospects of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underscored the similarity of approaches taken by Turkmenistan and Qatar to address topical international issues, particularly including consolidated efforts to ensure peace and sustainable development. The Turkmen leader said that constructive cooperation in this area complied with the universally recognized principles and our national interests.
Taking the opportunity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed sincere gratitude to the State of Qatar and its leadership for the respect and support of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan and the foreign policy of our country and expressed belief that the agreements reached during the Ashgabat talks would be implemented in practice in the near future.
November 2016 will mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the events marking this remarkable date would also add new pages to the history of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue.
Turkmenistan pays special attention to promoting international cooperation, particularly joint work within the United Nations that met the interests of the international community. In this regard, the Turkmen leader thanked the Emir of Qatar for supporting the international initiatives of our neutral state.
The Turkmen leader expressed the keen interest in expanding equal and mutually beneficial economic relations with the State of Qatar for the long term, calling for the more active use of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission as an effective mechanism to open up new horizons to effective partnerships.
Noting that Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar had abundant energy resources, in particular natural gas, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed belief that the development of the gas industry of the two countries had great prospects.
The Turkmen leader mentioned promotion of cooperation in selling the products of Turkmenistan’s textile industry among the key areas for Turkmen-Qatari economic relations. Turkmenistan’s textile industry has a number of modern enterprises that manufacture the products meeting international standards – from raw materials to the finished high-quality products that are exported to world markets.
Noting that Turkmenistan and Qatar paid particular attention to developing the industrial and technological sectors, the Turkmen leader called for the development of new forms of partnership in this area.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the transport sector was viewed as a quite promising area for bilateral relations, emphasizing that transnational transport corridors were of crucial, strategic importance for our countries.
Touching upon humanitarian and cultural cooperation, the Turkmen leader called for the intensification of Turkmen-Qatari cultural relations in such important spheres as science and education, art and crafts.
The Turkmen leader identified the sport sector as a key vector of bilateral cooperation, noting that special attention was paid at the state level to promoting sports and strengthening the principles of a healthy lifestyle in Turkmenistan and Qatar. In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed support for the involvement of athletes in sports competitions, held in Turkmenistan and Qatar, as well as the exchange of experience in staging major international sports events and promotion of cooperation in training athletes.
In conclusion, addressing the Emir of Qatar and the members of the official delegation of the friendly country, the Turkmen leader expressed belief that fruitful Turkmen-Qatari relations would continue to be strengthened and expanded and wished peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Qatar.
The Emir of the State of Qatar addressed all those present.
Once again cordially thanking the Turkmen leader for the heartfelt welcome and hospitality, the distinguished guest said that he was very glad to have the opportunity to pay an official visit to our country and meet with the Turkmen leader. In this regard, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that the top-level talks in Ashgabat would add a new chapter to the history of traditionally friendly relations between the two states and peoples.
The Emir of Qatar expressed his sincere wishes for the success of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which will be held in Ashgabat in 2017.
Touching upon bilateral diplomatic relations, the distinguished guest underlined the similarity of views of the sides on the importance of addressing global, international and interregional issues exclusively by peaceful means.
The Emir of Qatar expressed belief that his visit and the top-level meeting in Ashgabat would give a powerful impetus to strengthen and promote fruitful Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, including in the economic sector, and facilitate bilateral trade. It was emphasized that the constructive policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had enabled Turkmenistan to achieve great progress in all spheres of life.
Noting that the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation was established a few years ago, the distinguished guest expressed belief that its activities would further contribute to enhancing bilateral partnership and achieving the common objectives, including in such promising areas as the industrial sector and transport. In this context, the Emir of Qatar said that consistent measures to establish air services between the two countries would be taken.
Emphasizing that Qatar paid great attention to promoting bilateral relations in the spheres of science, education and culture as well, the distinguished guest reaffirmed the interest in promoting mutually beneficial exchange of experiences with Turkmenistan.
Taking the opportunity, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed special gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for supporting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In conclusion, the distinguished guest expressed belief that Turkmen-Qatari relations would continue to be strengthened and filled with new concrete content.
After the talks had been concluded, the ceremony of signing bilateral documents took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries in Seljuk Han Hall.
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the financial sphere between the Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the sport sector between the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan and the Qatar Olympic Committee; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sports between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the transport sector between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in tourism between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in education between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Agreement on cooperation in culture between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmenhowayollary State National Service and the Civil Aviation Authority of the State of Qatar and the Agreement on air services between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar were signed.
The Joint Communique of Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar on the outcomes of the official visit of the Emir of Qatar to Turkmenistan was signed.
The leaders of the two countries held a press conference in Magtymguly Hall.
Commenting on the outcomes of the top-level meeting, the President of Turkmenistan once again expressed heartfelt gratitude to Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for accepting the invitation to pay an official visit to our country and hold the talks in an atmosphere of sincerity and friendship, mutual respect and trust.
Highly evaluating the outcomes of the official visit of the Emir of Qatar to Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the Turkmen-Qatari top-level talks would lay the groundwork for further bilateral cooperation and fill it with special content.
The Turkmen leader also emphasized that 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar, and this significant date inspired the two countries to continue to expand cooperation between the two countries.
Noting that bilateral relations had the profound potential, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put emphasis on the creation of conditions conducive to the implementation of large-scale mutually beneficial projects.
Addressing the press conference, the Turkmen leader said that during the meeting the sides had exchanged views and reached agreement to promote interstate trade and economic partnership and widen the spectrum of cooperation in various fields. A package of documents that would give a powerful impetus to strengthen the regulatory and legal frameworks for Turkmen-Qatari cooperation and contribute to fostering the interstate dialogue was signed.
The Turkmen leader also noted that the substantial exchange of views on the development of the mechanism for increasing the volume of bilateral trade and creating an enabling environment for mutual investment had taken place during the meeting. Given the existing potential to achieve this goal, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the significant role of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation. In this context, the sides agreed on the regular and more effective involvement of the Commission to foster the intergovernmental dialogue.
Identifying the spheres of culture, science and education as the promising fields of Turkmen-Qatari relations, the Turkmen leader emphasized that these links based on centuries-old traditions and customs contributed to bringing the two peoples closer together and promote mutual spiritual and cultural enrichment. In this context, the President noted that the talks had resulted in an agreement to continue to promote interstate cooperation in the spheres of culture and art, science and education.
The Turkmen leader said that the key vectors of bilateral cooperation include the sport sector. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that our countries had the broad opportunities and profound potential to promote cooperation in this field.
In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan once again sincerely thanked the distinguished guest for accepting the invitation to arrive in our country on an official visit and holding fruitful talks and expressed the best wishes to the brotherly people of Qatar.
Dwelling upon the outcomes of the Ashgabat top-level talks, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani sincerely thanked the Turkmen leader on behalf of the delegation of his country and on his behalf for the heartfelt welcome and hospitality.
Underlining the fruitfulness and productiveness of the Ashgabat talks, the distinguished guest said that they had resulted in signing a number of documents designed to build up mutually beneficial Turkmen-Qatari partnership in various fields.
The Emir of Qatar said that the two states were building their relations on the basis of mutual support. The distinguished guest also noted that the sides had agreed to intensify the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries. In this context, the distinguished guest expressed belief that the Intergovernmental Commission would continue to contribute to strengthening and diversifying fruitful mutually beneficial partnership.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that his country paid great attention to cooperation with Turkmenistan as one of the hydrocarbon-rich countries in the oil and gas industry. Along with trade and economic relations, humanitarian contacts, including in the spheres of education, science, culture and sports, are strengthened.
Noting that Turkmenistan would host the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in the following year, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that our country would stage the 2017 Asian Games at the highest level. The distinguished guest emphasized that Qatar stood ready to share its expertise with Turkmen partners and actively assist in staging major international events.
Noting that in Qatar and Turkmenistan great importance was attached to a healthy lifestyle, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani shared his impressions of the staging of various sporting events involving adults and children to mark World Health Day in our country.
In conclusion, once again emphasizing the importance of the Ashgabat talks, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that the top-level meeting in Ashgabat would contribute to fostering the friendly intergovernmental dialogue.
The two leaders visited the Ahalteke Horse Breeding Complex under the President of Turkmenistan, located at the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains.
On behalf of the Turkmen people, the Turkmen leader presented a magnificent horse Meledag to the people of Qatar. This became one of the brightest symbols of unshakable relations of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and peoples.
The distinguished guest visited the Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Than paid tribute of respect to the sacred symbol of independence of our country and planted a young tree on the Alley of Guests of Honour as a sign of friendship between the two countries and peoples.
The distinguished guest visited the Ashgabat Olympic Village, where he had the opportunity to see the largest super-modern sports complex. An exhibition of textile products manufactured in Turkmenistan was arranged in the lobby of the Olimp Hotel. The leader of the friendly state could see a wide range of high quality products manufactured by Turkmen textile enterprises and exported to different countries of the world. The exhibition also included a fashion show of children’s clothing collections.
In the evening, the President of Turkmenistan gave an official dinner in honour of the Emir of Qatar, during which the two leaders exchanged the speeches.
After the official dinner had been concluded, the leaders of the two countries cordially bade farewell to each other and once again confirmed the commitment of Turkmenistan and Qatar to relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani headed for the international airport in the capital of Turkmenistan and left Ashgabat.
This top-level meeting opened a new important chapter in the history of traditionally friendly bilateral relations, illustrating the willingness of the two countries to further enhance and strengthen fruitful cooperation through implementing its potential, which meets mutual interests.
In the morning, the motorcade of the distinguished guest headed for the Independence Square, located in the centre of Ashgabat, where President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cordially greeted Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The official ceremony of meeting the distinguished guest took place on the Independence Square. The commander of the Guard of Honour reported in a solemn atmosphere. The national anthems of the State of Qatar and Turkmenistan were performed. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov introduced the members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan to the distinguished guest. The Emir of Qatar greeted the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Turkmenistan. The distinguished guest introduced the members of the governmental delegation of the State of Qatar to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Then the Turkmen leader and the Emir of the State of Qatar, accompanied by an honorary mounted escort, headed for the Oguzhan palace complex.
After the official photography had been taken against the background of the national flags of the two countries, the Turkmen leader invited the Emir of Qatar to enter the Golden Hall, where the one-to-one talks were held.
Cordially greeting the honorary guest in the Turkmen land, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the Emir of the State of Qatar for accepting the invitation to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Turkmen leader emphasized the friendly, fraternal nature of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue that was successfully developing in the political, trade, economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres.
Focusing on the similarity or coincidence of views of Turkmenistan and Qatar on key aspects of global issues, including the maintenance of international peace and prosperity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called for continued constructive cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two states.
Dwelling upon the prospects of Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, the Turkmen leader emphasized that the two countries had tremendous reserves of hydrocarbon resources. In this regard, the Turkmen leader noted the importance of such a topic under discussion as interaction in the oil and gas, oil refining and chemical industries as well as the transport and communication sectors and other areas.
Underlining the important role of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that its activities had contributed to signing a number of documents on bilateral cooperation in many areas during the Ashgabat talks.
The Turkmen leader said that ample opportunities existed to intensify humanitarian contacts, including in the spheres of science and education, culture and art, sports and tourism. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan rejoiced in the achievements of the State of Qatar in staging the XV Asian Games in Doha in 2006 and the choice of Qatar as the host for the 2022 World Cup.
The Turkmen leader said that our country was interested in sharing experiences in the sport sector and promotion of partnership in this area was of immediate relevance for Turkmenistan given that Ashgabat would host the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017.
Underscoring the existing tremendous potential for building up bilateral cooperation, the Turkmen leader emphasized that great importance was attached in our country to the visit of the Emir of Qatar as an a historic event. Expressing belief that the Ashgabat talks would contribute to further strengthening and promoting traditionally friendly Turkmen-Qatari partnerships, the President wished every success in his important work to the distinguished guest and welfare, peace and prosperity to the people of the State of Qatar.
Expressing sincere gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for inviting to pay an official visit to our country and extending the heartfelt welcome, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that he was very glad to be visiting Turkmenistan and the beautiful city of Ashgabat. The distinguished guest expressed firm belief that the Ashgabat talks would conclude with fruitful outcomes and contribute to strengthening Turkmen-Qatari relations and bringing them to a qualitatively new level.
Underscoring the dynamic development of interstate relations, the Emir of Qatar emphasized the similarity of views of the sides on key issues of international politics, such as the achievement of security and prosperity on regional and global scales.
Expressing support for the opinion of the President of Turkmenistan on the existence of the broad prospects to promote mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, including through using the tremendous energy potential of the two countries, the distinguished guest reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to cooperate with Turkmen partners in this area.
Noting that great attention paid to the sport sector in the State of Qatar and Turkmenistan opened up ample opportunities to establish effective interstate relations in this area, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that Qatar stood ready to share its expertise in the staging of major international competitions with our country.
Once again expressing deep gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and hospitality, the distinguished guest once again said that he was happy to be in Turkmenistan and its wonderful capital.
The sides exchanged views on topical issues of regional and international politics of mutual interest.
The talks continued with the participation of the official delegations of the two countries in Sultan Sanjar Hall.
Once again emphasizing that the Ashgabat top-level talks were viewed in our country as a milestone in the modern history of traditionally friendly and fraternal Turkmen-Qatari relations, the leader of Turkmenistan said that they would initiate a new stage of bilateral cooperation and bring it to a qualitatively new and higher level.
Noting with satisfaction the effectiveness of the one-to-one talks, during which the sides had exchanged views on the prospects of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underscored the similarity of approaches taken by Turkmenistan and Qatar to address topical international issues, particularly including consolidated efforts to ensure peace and sustainable development. The Turkmen leader said that constructive cooperation in this area complied with the universally recognized principles and our national interests.
Taking the opportunity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed sincere gratitude to the State of Qatar and its leadership for the respect and support of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan and the foreign policy of our country and expressed belief that the agreements reached during the Ashgabat talks would be implemented in practice in the near future.
November 2016 will mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the events marking this remarkable date would also add new pages to the history of the Turkmen-Qatari dialogue.
Turkmenistan pays special attention to promoting international cooperation, particularly joint work within the United Nations that met the interests of the international community. In this regard, the Turkmen leader thanked the Emir of Qatar for supporting the international initiatives of our neutral state.
The Turkmen leader expressed the keen interest in expanding equal and mutually beneficial economic relations with the State of Qatar for the long term, calling for the more active use of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission as an effective mechanism to open up new horizons to effective partnerships.
Noting that Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar had abundant energy resources, in particular natural gas, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed belief that the development of the gas industry of the two countries had great prospects.
The Turkmen leader mentioned promotion of cooperation in selling the products of Turkmenistan’s textile industry among the key areas for Turkmen-Qatari economic relations. Turkmenistan’s textile industry has a number of modern enterprises that manufacture the products meeting international standards – from raw materials to the finished high-quality products that are exported to world markets.
Noting that Turkmenistan and Qatar paid particular attention to developing the industrial and technological sectors, the Turkmen leader called for the development of new forms of partnership in this area.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the transport sector was viewed as a quite promising area for bilateral relations, emphasizing that transnational transport corridors were of crucial, strategic importance for our countries.
Touching upon humanitarian and cultural cooperation, the Turkmen leader called for the intensification of Turkmen-Qatari cultural relations in such important spheres as science and education, art and crafts.
The Turkmen leader identified the sport sector as a key vector of bilateral cooperation, noting that special attention was paid at the state level to promoting sports and strengthening the principles of a healthy lifestyle in Turkmenistan and Qatar. In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed support for the involvement of athletes in sports competitions, held in Turkmenistan and Qatar, as well as the exchange of experience in staging major international sports events and promotion of cooperation in training athletes.
In conclusion, addressing the Emir of Qatar and the members of the official delegation of the friendly country, the Turkmen leader expressed belief that fruitful Turkmen-Qatari relations would continue to be strengthened and expanded and wished peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Qatar.
The Emir of the State of Qatar addressed all those present.
Once again cordially thanking the Turkmen leader for the heartfelt welcome and hospitality, the distinguished guest said that he was very glad to have the opportunity to pay an official visit to our country and meet with the Turkmen leader. In this regard, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that the top-level talks in Ashgabat would add a new chapter to the history of traditionally friendly relations between the two states and peoples.
The Emir of Qatar expressed his sincere wishes for the success of the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which will be held in Ashgabat in 2017.
Touching upon bilateral diplomatic relations, the distinguished guest underlined the similarity of views of the sides on the importance of addressing global, international and interregional issues exclusively by peaceful means.
The Emir of Qatar expressed belief that his visit and the top-level meeting in Ashgabat would give a powerful impetus to strengthen and promote fruitful Turkmen-Qatari cooperation, including in the economic sector, and facilitate bilateral trade. It was emphasized that the constructive policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had enabled Turkmenistan to achieve great progress in all spheres of life.
Noting that the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation was established a few years ago, the distinguished guest expressed belief that its activities would further contribute to enhancing bilateral partnership and achieving the common objectives, including in such promising areas as the industrial sector and transport. In this context, the Emir of Qatar said that consistent measures to establish air services between the two countries would be taken.
Emphasizing that Qatar paid great attention to promoting bilateral relations in the spheres of science, education and culture as well, the distinguished guest reaffirmed the interest in promoting mutually beneficial exchange of experiences with Turkmenistan.
Taking the opportunity, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed special gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for supporting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In conclusion, the distinguished guest expressed belief that Turkmen-Qatari relations would continue to be strengthened and filled with new concrete content.
After the talks had been concluded, the ceremony of signing bilateral documents took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries in Seljuk Han Hall.
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the financial sphere between the Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the sport sector between the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan and the Qatar Olympic Committee; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sports between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the transport sector between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in tourism between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in education between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Agreement on cooperation in culture between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmenhowayollary State National Service and the Civil Aviation Authority of the State of Qatar and the Agreement on air services between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Qatar were signed.
The Joint Communique of Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar on the outcomes of the official visit of the Emir of Qatar to Turkmenistan was signed.
The leaders of the two countries held a press conference in Magtymguly Hall.
Commenting on the outcomes of the top-level meeting, the President of Turkmenistan once again expressed heartfelt gratitude to Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for accepting the invitation to pay an official visit to our country and hold the talks in an atmosphere of sincerity and friendship, mutual respect and trust.
Highly evaluating the outcomes of the official visit of the Emir of Qatar to Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the Turkmen-Qatari top-level talks would lay the groundwork for further bilateral cooperation and fill it with special content.
The Turkmen leader also emphasized that 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar, and this significant date inspired the two countries to continue to expand cooperation between the two countries.
Noting that bilateral relations had the profound potential, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put emphasis on the creation of conditions conducive to the implementation of large-scale mutually beneficial projects.
Addressing the press conference, the Turkmen leader said that during the meeting the sides had exchanged views and reached agreement to promote interstate trade and economic partnership and widen the spectrum of cooperation in various fields. A package of documents that would give a powerful impetus to strengthen the regulatory and legal frameworks for Turkmen-Qatari cooperation and contribute to fostering the interstate dialogue was signed.
The Turkmen leader also noted that the substantial exchange of views on the development of the mechanism for increasing the volume of bilateral trade and creating an enabling environment for mutual investment had taken place during the meeting. Given the existing potential to achieve this goal, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the significant role of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation. In this context, the sides agreed on the regular and more effective involvement of the Commission to foster the intergovernmental dialogue.
Identifying the spheres of culture, science and education as the promising fields of Turkmen-Qatari relations, the Turkmen leader emphasized that these links based on centuries-old traditions and customs contributed to bringing the two peoples closer together and promote mutual spiritual and cultural enrichment. In this context, the President noted that the talks had resulted in an agreement to continue to promote interstate cooperation in the spheres of culture and art, science and education.
The Turkmen leader said that the key vectors of bilateral cooperation include the sport sector. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that our countries had the broad opportunities and profound potential to promote cooperation in this field.
In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan once again sincerely thanked the distinguished guest for accepting the invitation to arrive in our country on an official visit and holding fruitful talks and expressed the best wishes to the brotherly people of Qatar.
Dwelling upon the outcomes of the Ashgabat top-level talks, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani sincerely thanked the Turkmen leader on behalf of the delegation of his country and on his behalf for the heartfelt welcome and hospitality.
Underlining the fruitfulness and productiveness of the Ashgabat talks, the distinguished guest said that they had resulted in signing a number of documents designed to build up mutually beneficial Turkmen-Qatari partnership in various fields.
The Emir of Qatar said that the two states were building their relations on the basis of mutual support. The distinguished guest also noted that the sides had agreed to intensify the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmenistan-Qatar Commission on trade and economic cooperation chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries. In this context, the distinguished guest expressed belief that the Intergovernmental Commission would continue to contribute to strengthening and diversifying fruitful mutually beneficial partnership.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said that his country paid great attention to cooperation with Turkmenistan as one of the hydrocarbon-rich countries in the oil and gas industry. Along with trade and economic relations, humanitarian contacts, including in the spheres of education, science, culture and sports, are strengthened.
Noting that Turkmenistan would host the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in the following year, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that our country would stage the 2017 Asian Games at the highest level. The distinguished guest emphasized that Qatar stood ready to share its expertise with Turkmen partners and actively assist in staging major international events.
Noting that in Qatar and Turkmenistan great importance was attached to a healthy lifestyle, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani shared his impressions of the staging of various sporting events involving adults and children to mark World Health Day in our country.
In conclusion, once again emphasizing the importance of the Ashgabat talks, the Emir of Qatar expressed belief that the top-level meeting in Ashgabat would contribute to fostering the friendly intergovernmental dialogue.
The two leaders visited the Ahalteke Horse Breeding Complex under the President of Turkmenistan, located at the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains.
On behalf of the Turkmen people, the Turkmen leader presented a magnificent horse Meledag to the people of Qatar. This became one of the brightest symbols of unshakable relations of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and peoples.
The distinguished guest visited the Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Than paid tribute of respect to the sacred symbol of independence of our country and planted a young tree on the Alley of Guests of Honour as a sign of friendship between the two countries and peoples.
The distinguished guest visited the Ashgabat Olympic Village, where he had the opportunity to see the largest super-modern sports complex. An exhibition of textile products manufactured in Turkmenistan was arranged in the lobby of the Olimp Hotel. The leader of the friendly state could see a wide range of high quality products manufactured by Turkmen textile enterprises and exported to different countries of the world. The exhibition also included a fashion show of children’s clothing collections.
In the evening, the President of Turkmenistan gave an official dinner in honour of the Emir of Qatar, during which the two leaders exchanged the speeches.
After the official dinner had been concluded, the leaders of the two countries cordially bade farewell to each other and once again confirmed the commitment of Turkmenistan and Qatar to relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani headed for the international airport in the capital of Turkmenistan and left Ashgabat.