President Gurbanguy Berdimuhamedov left for working visit to Republic of Uzbekistan for participation as honoured guest in the session of the Council of the Heads of the States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The officials saw off the Leader of the Nation in the International airport of Ashgabat.
After one and half hour, the president plane landed in “Tashkent-1” airport of Uzbek capital where state flags of the countries taking part in the Summit of SCO were raised. Guard of honor was lined up along the carpet path running from the gangway of the plane. At the airport, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was met by Prime Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyev and other officials. High-ranking Turkmen guest was presented with flowers.
From the airport, motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to “Kuksaroy” State residence.
Today, on the threshold of the Summit of SCO that would take place on June 24, the Head of the State held number of bilateral meetings with his foreign colleagyes.
Here, in “Kuksaroy” state residence, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Chairman of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.
The meeting was forestalled by joint photographing of the Leaders of both countries on the background of State Flags of Turkmenistan and China.
Having warmly greeted each other and expressed their satisfaction of opportunity for new personal meeting held in the field of Tashkent Summit of SCO, the Leaders of both states emphasized high level of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation, its fruitfulness and large perspectives of development.
The Heads of Turkmenistan and China exchanged views on key directions of strategic cooperation, having confirmed mutual willingness to further consolidation of economic partnership taking into accout its colossal potential, national interests and common vision of the future of Asian region.
During state visit of Chairman Xi Jinping to Turkmenistan in September 2013, the level of interstate relations was raised until strategic partnership what gave ground for signing of the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between two countries in May 2014 during state visit of Turkmen Leader to Pekin. Thus, solid political and legal foundation for comprehensive development of Turkmen - Chinese cooperation was laid presently.
Regular meetings of the Heads of both countries where large-scale, most topical subjects related to further expansion and intensification of bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters presenting mutual interests are the key element of this multi-level and systematic political dialog.
In the context of further consolidation of interstate relations, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of bilateral interparty and interpraliament connections. In response to high-ranking delegation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sent to Ashgabat, the Head of the State expressed his willingness to organize the visit of top-level delegation of Democratic Party of Turkmenistan to China, having offered to hold the meetings of parliamentarians of both countries during 2016 – 2017.
In the aspect of cooperation in international political arena, the willingness for continuation of joint activity within the framework of the United Nations Organization on such subjects as reformation of of the UN Security Council, realization of sustainable development goals, counteract to modern challenges and threats was expressed. For provision of coordinated activities on these and other actual directions of international politics, the Head of Turkmenistan offered to establish Turkmen – Chinese high-level Contact Group.
As it was mentioned during the meeting, trade and economic cooperation is most important component of the relation between both countries. Today, China occupies the first place in total foreign trade of Turkmenistan.
The fact of opening of representative office of the Union of Industrialsts and Entrepreneurs in Pekin in October 2015 indicating activisation of bilateral business contacts is very remarkable.
At present, multi-level mechanism of coordination including meetings on different levels as from negotiations between the heads of the states to business contacts of Turkmen – Chinese businesss circles is developed.
At the same time, the interlocutors were of the same opinion that both countries have large opportunities for consolidation of economic relations. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to analyse thoroughly status of bilateral trade and economic relations and draft special programme for expansion of partnership paying special attention to coordination in energy, transport, high technology spheres within the framework of Turkmen – Chinese Cooperation Committee.
Thus, cooperation in gas industry was called as main component of cooperation in energy sphere. The successful realization of the grandiose project of the XXI century – construction of Turkmenistan – China gas pipeline, currently providing long-term supplies of Turkmen “blue fuel” to PRC is bright symbol of mutual beneficial relations.
Chairman of PRC Xi Jinping emphasized the China is main parner of Turkmenistan today in energy sphere, having highly valued the achieved level of long-term cooperation in gas industry. He also noted that considerable potential for cooperation in transport sector, having said that new railroad route Turkmenistan – Kazakhstan – China is very perspective.
Taking into account broad opportunities for cooperation in transport and communication sphere, Turkmenistan considers China as very important partner in Asian – Pacific region. Currently, our country together with partners creates large-scale, combined transit transport and logistics infrastructure connecting Asia with Europe. In perspective, this system will include transit corridors entering the regions of the Caspian and Black seas, Baltic counties. As a result, convenient route from Asian – Pacific region via territory of Central Asia toward the European and Middle East markets will be created. Thus, huge potential for efficient cooperation is present in this priority direction.
Discussing this subject, the Parties highlighted gained experience of joint work in railroad transport sphere. At present, railroad passenger fleet of Turkmenistan is almost fully completed with Chinese locomotives and carriages. Along with this, the necessity for strengthening of coordination in transport logistics to improve the efficiency of transit corridors connecting China with Europe, Middle East and Meditteranian regions via Turkmenistan territory was underlined.
In this relation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put forward the proposal to held government level negotiations for expansion of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation in transport sphere in July – August of the current year. The Leaders of both countries noted that important role in development of bilateral partnership is given to the contacts in high technology, innovative industries such as tele – and communication.
With participation of Chinese companies, city and country telephone networks were modernized, powerfull infrastructure of cellular communication was put into exploitation. Hundreds of kilometres of fiber optics communication lines were laid based on Chinese technologies as well. But, as it was mentioned during discussion by both the President of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of PRC, there are big reserves for bilateral cooperation in the sphere of high technologies and first of all, in space industry.
The Leaders of both countries spoke about resumption of negotiations between interested departments of Turkmenistan and China on this subject and organization of meetings of relative Turkmen and Chinese representatives. Possibilities of training of highly professional specialists in this sphere, realization of large joint projects for development of space industry were also reviewed during the meeting.
Recently, bilateral relations in cultural and humanitarian spheres especially in educational area are being developed intensively. Hundreds of students from Turkmenistan receive high education decrees in China today.
As it was mentioned, consolidation of direct relations between the regions of both countries is one of the important components of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation. Week of Culture of Chinese Xi'an city in administration centre of Mary velayat held in October 2015 is an example of fruitful coordination.
The Heads of the States mentioned the importance of activation of contacts between the institutions and research centres of both countries, having considered possibility of organization of Turkmen – Chinese acientific forum.
Along with this, fruitful Turkmen – Chinese contacts in sport area were established. Turkmenistan is keen for exploring successful expeience of Chinese partners in development of sport of highest achievements, conduct of prestige international sport competitions taking to account active preparation for upcoming V Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games in Ahgabat in 2017.
During the meeting, the parties shared their opinions on number of actual topics of regional and international problems presenting mutual concern.
The Leaders of both countries confirmed mutual intention of Turkmenistan and China to consolidate and expand efficient cooperation both in bilateral and multilateral formats within the frameworks of competent international and regional organizations and departments.
Taking the opportunity, Presidetn Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited Chairman XI Jinping to participate in first Global Conference for Sustainable Transport System uner the UN aegis as wellas to visit our country at any convenient time.
Having thanked for the invitation, the Leader of PRC emphasized that China supports completely the constructive foreign policy course of neutral turkmenistab and its creative initiatives aimed at optimization of international cooperation and meeting the interests of universal peace and prosperity.
In conclusion of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of People Republic of China Xi Jinping again confirmed true commitment of the parties to the relations of friendship and fruitful cooperation and emphasized one more time mutual urge towards further consolidation of constructive partnership for the sake of peoples of not only two countries but the whole region.
Further, the meeting of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov took place.
After the ceremony of official photographing on the background of State Flags of both countries, the Head of Uzbekistan invited Turkmen Leader to meeting hall of “Kuksaroy” state residence.
Having expressed gratitude to his Uzbek for initation to visit Tashkent for participation in anniversary Summit of the Heads of states members of SCO, the Leader of the Nation expressed his confidence in successful conduct of this important event under Uzbekistan chairing.
In his turn, the Head of Republic of Uzbekisatn, having noted his sincere delight to receive the Turkmen leader in Tashkent, expressed his satisfaction for opportunity to discuss with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the perspectives of further accumulation of interstate relations, which are consecutively consolidated and filled with new content.
During the meeting, the interlocutors shared their views on priority directions of Turkmen – Uzbek cooperation, which succesfuly develops in both bilateral and regional formats. President Gurbanguly Beridmuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan highly esteems the relations with republic of Uzbekistan and pays big attention to the development of mutualy beneficial connections with its close neighbour and reliable partner.
According to the mutual opinion of the parties, the equality in rights, mutual respect, openness and trust, understanding of importance of further consolidation of friendship and partnership between two brother peoples and countries are distinctive features of interstate dialog. It rests upon centuries-old traditions of good neighbourhood, historical and cultural community, realizing of modern realities requiring close cooperation and coordination of efforts.
The perspectives of expansion of Turkmen – Uzbek cooperation in the context of implementation of the agreements achived earlier became the main subject of the meeting. Having stated with delight the present considerable potential for intencification of productive partnership, the interlocutors confirmed the willingness to provide its efficient realization. Mentioning the importance of consolidation of trade and economic relations built on long-term basis, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov made special accent on the role of joint Turkmen – Uzbek intergovernemt commission in identifications of new ways for strengthening of business contacts.
Energy sphere was refered as strategy direction of bilateral partnership. In this context, possibilities of implementation of joint projects in this sphere, summoned to promote the provision of stability and reliability of energy supplies in the east directions, cration of necessary conditions for more active integration of of both countries into the system of continental economic relations were discussed.
Having confirmed mutual interest in efficient use of wide transport and communication potential of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the interlocutors exchanged their opinions on the matters of practical realization of Ashgabat agreement for creation of transport route Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Oman that would allow to considerably increase international transit cargo traffics and to provide new communication corridor to world markets.
Having underlined the importance of traditional interrelation in humanitarian field, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov spoke about further expansion of educational and scientific contacts as well as cultural dialog between two countries.
The agenda of current Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization became the subject of interested opinion’s exchange. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov mentioned that the activity of SCO aimed at consolidation of regional cooperation in the efforts for achievement of sustainable peace and security, development of international economic collaboration and support of humanitarian connections brings concrete results.
Response to the modern challenges and solution of complex tasks require focused attention of the world community, - said the Turkmen Leade, having stressed that our counties realize peace oving foreign policy and paly important role in support of sustainable development and harmony in the Central Asia. It has great importance in the light of rapidly changing situation in the region and beyond its boundaris, - the Head of the State announced, having confirmed the willingness of Turkmenistan to support political and economic initiatives of world society within neutral status of the country.
In his turn, President Islam Karimov emphasized that Republic of Uzbekistan highly values creative foreign policy course and constructive offers of brother Turkmenistan for provision of security, development of reliable, divercified and economically reasonable transport communication systems and energy corridors. The Uzbek Leader noted the active role of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in promotion of comprehensive interstate cooperation, intensification of trustfull political dialog as extremely important factor for creation of atmosphere of mutual understanding and support on bilateral level and in the whole region.
At the end of the meeting, the Heads of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan having expressed the confidence in further utmost consolidation of traditionally friendly interstate relations, addressed their wishes of peace, prosperity and wellbeing to the people of both countries.
In the afternoon, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in “Kuksaroy” state residence.
Having warmly greeted each other, the Leaders of two countries expressed their delights for opportunity to meet during the Summit of SCO and discuss the condition and priority directions of interstate relations, which traditional have friendly, good neighbourhood character and currently entering new level.
Highly appreciationg Turkmen – Afghan dialog, succesfuly developing both in bilateral and multilateral formats in competent regional and international organizations, the interlocutors confirmed mutual urge neighbouring countries for further activiation of mutualy beneficial cooperation in the context of earlier agreements and new perspectives.
Noting the presence of great potential for consolidation of Turkmen – Afghan coordination in different spheres including trade and economic, fuel and energy sectors, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave as example the realization of the project for construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline having importance not only for membering countries but also for the whole region. The cooperation in transport and communication spheres is being consecutively developed; good opportunities for expansion of productive contacts in agriculture, livestock farming and food industry are present. At the same time, the Leader of the Nation also noted the importance of water and ecological sphere not only for two countries but also for the whole region. The Head of Turkmenistan highlighted that the provision of food security, efficient use of natural reserves and environment protection, requiring cooperation of Turkmen and Afghan specialists, are the important issues of today.
In return, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expreesd his cordial gratitude President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for real support rendered in social and economic revival of Afghanistan by consistent realization of important initiatives and projects in different fields, construction of new educational and medical facilities, supply of electric energy and liquefied gas at reduced price, assistance in trainng of personnel.
Specifying the priority directions of bilateral partnership, one of which is fuel and energy sphere, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani have paid special attention to the subject of practical realization of construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline (TAPI). It was mentioned that this transnational energy gas main, the works on which started in December of the last year, besides its functional purpose, would become original bridge of friendship and mutualy beneficial cooperation in the region and real input into provision of global energy security. The annual capcity of the gas pipeline will be 33 billion cubic meters. It is planned to put into exploitation, including the construction of auxiliary gorund infrastructure, in December of 2019. Owing to realization of this large-scale project, more 12 thousand of additional vacanicies will be created what will favour the rise of living conditions of population.
Transport and communication sector was mentioned as one of the vectors of Turkmen – Afghan cooperation. Here, the construction of railroad Turkmenistan - Afghanistan – Tajikistan, summoned to become considerable part of regional and in perspective – international transport infrastructure, to enhance the integration of contries-members to the system of world economy relations is visual example of good neighbourhood coordination. Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov mentioned that it is planned by the end of the current to open and put in exploitation the part of this steel line connected Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, particular its structural link Atamyrat – Ymamnazar – Akina. In this context, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani underlined high interest of Afghan part in firther development of efficient partnership in strategic transport sphere.
The interlocutors mentioned that considerable role in activation of Turkmen – Afghan cooperation is given to the activity of bilateral Intergovernmental Committee. The Afghan part also expressed high interest in procurement of oil and gas productions made in our country and highly demanded in Afghanistan. Along with development of trade and economic relations, cooperation in humanitarian sphere is integral part of interstate dialog.
During the conversation, the parties also shared the views on international and regional politics presented mutual interest. In this context, the Head of Afghanistan emphasized that his country entirely supports constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan, meeting the interests of universal peace, prosperity and flourishing.
In conclusion of the meeting, having epressed their confidence that traditionally friendly Turkmen – Afghan relations with high level of mutual understanding and trust would continue developing succesfuly and be filled up with new content, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani exchanged best wishes to each other and peoples of both countries.
At the evening of the same day, the President of Turkmenistan with the Heads of other countries and delegations, arrived to Tashkent for participation in the Summit of SCO, has visited the Palace of International Forums where concert of art masters and culture of Uzbekistan was performed for high-ranking guests.
The working visit of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to republic of Uzbekistan is continued.
After one and half hour, the president plane landed in “Tashkent-1” airport of Uzbek capital where state flags of the countries taking part in the Summit of SCO were raised. Guard of honor was lined up along the carpet path running from the gangway of the plane. At the airport, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was met by Prime Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyev and other officials. High-ranking Turkmen guest was presented with flowers.
From the airport, motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to “Kuksaroy” State residence.
Today, on the threshold of the Summit of SCO that would take place on June 24, the Head of the State held number of bilateral meetings with his foreign colleagyes.
Here, in “Kuksaroy” state residence, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Chairman of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.
The meeting was forestalled by joint photographing of the Leaders of both countries on the background of State Flags of Turkmenistan and China.
Having warmly greeted each other and expressed their satisfaction of opportunity for new personal meeting held in the field of Tashkent Summit of SCO, the Leaders of both states emphasized high level of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation, its fruitfulness and large perspectives of development.
The Heads of Turkmenistan and China exchanged views on key directions of strategic cooperation, having confirmed mutual willingness to further consolidation of economic partnership taking into accout its colossal potential, national interests and common vision of the future of Asian region.
During state visit of Chairman Xi Jinping to Turkmenistan in September 2013, the level of interstate relations was raised until strategic partnership what gave ground for signing of the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between two countries in May 2014 during state visit of Turkmen Leader to Pekin. Thus, solid political and legal foundation for comprehensive development of Turkmen - Chinese cooperation was laid presently.
Regular meetings of the Heads of both countries where large-scale, most topical subjects related to further expansion and intensification of bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters presenting mutual interests are the key element of this multi-level and systematic political dialog.
In the context of further consolidation of interstate relations, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of bilateral interparty and interpraliament connections. In response to high-ranking delegation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sent to Ashgabat, the Head of the State expressed his willingness to organize the visit of top-level delegation of Democratic Party of Turkmenistan to China, having offered to hold the meetings of parliamentarians of both countries during 2016 – 2017.
In the aspect of cooperation in international political arena, the willingness for continuation of joint activity within the framework of the United Nations Organization on such subjects as reformation of of the UN Security Council, realization of sustainable development goals, counteract to modern challenges and threats was expressed. For provision of coordinated activities on these and other actual directions of international politics, the Head of Turkmenistan offered to establish Turkmen – Chinese high-level Contact Group.
As it was mentioned during the meeting, trade and economic cooperation is most important component of the relation between both countries. Today, China occupies the first place in total foreign trade of Turkmenistan.
The fact of opening of representative office of the Union of Industrialsts and Entrepreneurs in Pekin in October 2015 indicating activisation of bilateral business contacts is very remarkable.
At present, multi-level mechanism of coordination including meetings on different levels as from negotiations between the heads of the states to business contacts of Turkmen – Chinese businesss circles is developed.
At the same time, the interlocutors were of the same opinion that both countries have large opportunities for consolidation of economic relations. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to analyse thoroughly status of bilateral trade and economic relations and draft special programme for expansion of partnership paying special attention to coordination in energy, transport, high technology spheres within the framework of Turkmen – Chinese Cooperation Committee.
Thus, cooperation in gas industry was called as main component of cooperation in energy sphere. The successful realization of the grandiose project of the XXI century – construction of Turkmenistan – China gas pipeline, currently providing long-term supplies of Turkmen “blue fuel” to PRC is bright symbol of mutual beneficial relations.
Chairman of PRC Xi Jinping emphasized the China is main parner of Turkmenistan today in energy sphere, having highly valued the achieved level of long-term cooperation in gas industry. He also noted that considerable potential for cooperation in transport sector, having said that new railroad route Turkmenistan – Kazakhstan – China is very perspective.
Taking into account broad opportunities for cooperation in transport and communication sphere, Turkmenistan considers China as very important partner in Asian – Pacific region. Currently, our country together with partners creates large-scale, combined transit transport and logistics infrastructure connecting Asia with Europe. In perspective, this system will include transit corridors entering the regions of the Caspian and Black seas, Baltic counties. As a result, convenient route from Asian – Pacific region via territory of Central Asia toward the European and Middle East markets will be created. Thus, huge potential for efficient cooperation is present in this priority direction.
Discussing this subject, the Parties highlighted gained experience of joint work in railroad transport sphere. At present, railroad passenger fleet of Turkmenistan is almost fully completed with Chinese locomotives and carriages. Along with this, the necessity for strengthening of coordination in transport logistics to improve the efficiency of transit corridors connecting China with Europe, Middle East and Meditteranian regions via Turkmenistan territory was underlined.
In this relation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov put forward the proposal to held government level negotiations for expansion of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation in transport sphere in July – August of the current year. The Leaders of both countries noted that important role in development of bilateral partnership is given to the contacts in high technology, innovative industries such as tele – and communication.
With participation of Chinese companies, city and country telephone networks were modernized, powerfull infrastructure of cellular communication was put into exploitation. Hundreds of kilometres of fiber optics communication lines were laid based on Chinese technologies as well. But, as it was mentioned during discussion by both the President of Turkmenistan and the Chairman of PRC, there are big reserves for bilateral cooperation in the sphere of high technologies and first of all, in space industry.
The Leaders of both countries spoke about resumption of negotiations between interested departments of Turkmenistan and China on this subject and organization of meetings of relative Turkmen and Chinese representatives. Possibilities of training of highly professional specialists in this sphere, realization of large joint projects for development of space industry were also reviewed during the meeting.
Recently, bilateral relations in cultural and humanitarian spheres especially in educational area are being developed intensively. Hundreds of students from Turkmenistan receive high education decrees in China today.
As it was mentioned, consolidation of direct relations between the regions of both countries is one of the important components of Turkmen – Chinese cooperation. Week of Culture of Chinese Xi'an city in administration centre of Mary velayat held in October 2015 is an example of fruitful coordination.
The Heads of the States mentioned the importance of activation of contacts between the institutions and research centres of both countries, having considered possibility of organization of Turkmen – Chinese acientific forum.
Along with this, fruitful Turkmen – Chinese contacts in sport area were established. Turkmenistan is keen for exploring successful expeience of Chinese partners in development of sport of highest achievements, conduct of prestige international sport competitions taking to account active preparation for upcoming V Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games in Ahgabat in 2017.
During the meeting, the parties shared their opinions on number of actual topics of regional and international problems presenting mutual concern.
The Leaders of both countries confirmed mutual intention of Turkmenistan and China to consolidate and expand efficient cooperation both in bilateral and multilateral formats within the frameworks of competent international and regional organizations and departments.
Taking the opportunity, Presidetn Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited Chairman XI Jinping to participate in first Global Conference for Sustainable Transport System uner the UN aegis as wellas to visit our country at any convenient time.
Having thanked for the invitation, the Leader of PRC emphasized that China supports completely the constructive foreign policy course of neutral turkmenistab and its creative initiatives aimed at optimization of international cooperation and meeting the interests of universal peace and prosperity.
In conclusion of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of People Republic of China Xi Jinping again confirmed true commitment of the parties to the relations of friendship and fruitful cooperation and emphasized one more time mutual urge towards further consolidation of constructive partnership for the sake of peoples of not only two countries but the whole region.
Further, the meeting of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov took place.
After the ceremony of official photographing on the background of State Flags of both countries, the Head of Uzbekistan invited Turkmen Leader to meeting hall of “Kuksaroy” state residence.
Having expressed gratitude to his Uzbek for initation to visit Tashkent for participation in anniversary Summit of the Heads of states members of SCO, the Leader of the Nation expressed his confidence in successful conduct of this important event under Uzbekistan chairing.
In his turn, the Head of Republic of Uzbekisatn, having noted his sincere delight to receive the Turkmen leader in Tashkent, expressed his satisfaction for opportunity to discuss with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov the perspectives of further accumulation of interstate relations, which are consecutively consolidated and filled with new content.
During the meeting, the interlocutors shared their views on priority directions of Turkmen – Uzbek cooperation, which succesfuly develops in both bilateral and regional formats. President Gurbanguly Beridmuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan highly esteems the relations with republic of Uzbekistan and pays big attention to the development of mutualy beneficial connections with its close neighbour and reliable partner.
According to the mutual opinion of the parties, the equality in rights, mutual respect, openness and trust, understanding of importance of further consolidation of friendship and partnership between two brother peoples and countries are distinctive features of interstate dialog. It rests upon centuries-old traditions of good neighbourhood, historical and cultural community, realizing of modern realities requiring close cooperation and coordination of efforts.
The perspectives of expansion of Turkmen – Uzbek cooperation in the context of implementation of the agreements achived earlier became the main subject of the meeting. Having stated with delight the present considerable potential for intencification of productive partnership, the interlocutors confirmed the willingness to provide its efficient realization. Mentioning the importance of consolidation of trade and economic relations built on long-term basis, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov made special accent on the role of joint Turkmen – Uzbek intergovernemt commission in identifications of new ways for strengthening of business contacts.
Energy sphere was refered as strategy direction of bilateral partnership. In this context, possibilities of implementation of joint projects in this sphere, summoned to promote the provision of stability and reliability of energy supplies in the east directions, cration of necessary conditions for more active integration of of both countries into the system of continental economic relations were discussed.
Having confirmed mutual interest in efficient use of wide transport and communication potential of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the interlocutors exchanged their opinions on the matters of practical realization of Ashgabat agreement for creation of transport route Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Oman that would allow to considerably increase international transit cargo traffics and to provide new communication corridor to world markets.
Having underlined the importance of traditional interrelation in humanitarian field, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov spoke about further expansion of educational and scientific contacts as well as cultural dialog between two countries.
The agenda of current Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization became the subject of interested opinion’s exchange. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov mentioned that the activity of SCO aimed at consolidation of regional cooperation in the efforts for achievement of sustainable peace and security, development of international economic collaboration and support of humanitarian connections brings concrete results.
Response to the modern challenges and solution of complex tasks require focused attention of the world community, - said the Turkmen Leade, having stressed that our counties realize peace oving foreign policy and paly important role in support of sustainable development and harmony in the Central Asia. It has great importance in the light of rapidly changing situation in the region and beyond its boundaris, - the Head of the State announced, having confirmed the willingness of Turkmenistan to support political and economic initiatives of world society within neutral status of the country.
In his turn, President Islam Karimov emphasized that Republic of Uzbekistan highly values creative foreign policy course and constructive offers of brother Turkmenistan for provision of security, development of reliable, divercified and economically reasonable transport communication systems and energy corridors. The Uzbek Leader noted the active role of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in promotion of comprehensive interstate cooperation, intensification of trustfull political dialog as extremely important factor for creation of atmosphere of mutual understanding and support on bilateral level and in the whole region.
At the end of the meeting, the Heads of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan having expressed the confidence in further utmost consolidation of traditionally friendly interstate relations, addressed their wishes of peace, prosperity and wellbeing to the people of both countries.
In the afternoon, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in “Kuksaroy” state residence.
Having warmly greeted each other, the Leaders of two countries expressed their delights for opportunity to meet during the Summit of SCO and discuss the condition and priority directions of interstate relations, which traditional have friendly, good neighbourhood character and currently entering new level.
Highly appreciationg Turkmen – Afghan dialog, succesfuly developing both in bilateral and multilateral formats in competent regional and international organizations, the interlocutors confirmed mutual urge neighbouring countries for further activiation of mutualy beneficial cooperation in the context of earlier agreements and new perspectives.
Noting the presence of great potential for consolidation of Turkmen – Afghan coordination in different spheres including trade and economic, fuel and energy sectors, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave as example the realization of the project for construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline having importance not only for membering countries but also for the whole region. The cooperation in transport and communication spheres is being consecutively developed; good opportunities for expansion of productive contacts in agriculture, livestock farming and food industry are present. At the same time, the Leader of the Nation also noted the importance of water and ecological sphere not only for two countries but also for the whole region. The Head of Turkmenistan highlighted that the provision of food security, efficient use of natural reserves and environment protection, requiring cooperation of Turkmen and Afghan specialists, are the important issues of today.
In return, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expreesd his cordial gratitude President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for real support rendered in social and economic revival of Afghanistan by consistent realization of important initiatives and projects in different fields, construction of new educational and medical facilities, supply of electric energy and liquefied gas at reduced price, assistance in trainng of personnel.
Specifying the priority directions of bilateral partnership, one of which is fuel and energy sphere, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani have paid special attention to the subject of practical realization of construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline (TAPI). It was mentioned that this transnational energy gas main, the works on which started in December of the last year, besides its functional purpose, would become original bridge of friendship and mutualy beneficial cooperation in the region and real input into provision of global energy security. The annual capcity of the gas pipeline will be 33 billion cubic meters. It is planned to put into exploitation, including the construction of auxiliary gorund infrastructure, in December of 2019. Owing to realization of this large-scale project, more 12 thousand of additional vacanicies will be created what will favour the rise of living conditions of population.
Transport and communication sector was mentioned as one of the vectors of Turkmen – Afghan cooperation. Here, the construction of railroad Turkmenistan - Afghanistan – Tajikistan, summoned to become considerable part of regional and in perspective – international transport infrastructure, to enhance the integration of contries-members to the system of world economy relations is visual example of good neighbourhood coordination. Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov mentioned that it is planned by the end of the current to open and put in exploitation the part of this steel line connected Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, particular its structural link Atamyrat – Ymamnazar – Akina. In this context, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani underlined high interest of Afghan part in firther development of efficient partnership in strategic transport sphere.
The interlocutors mentioned that considerable role in activation of Turkmen – Afghan cooperation is given to the activity of bilateral Intergovernmental Committee. The Afghan part also expressed high interest in procurement of oil and gas productions made in our country and highly demanded in Afghanistan. Along with development of trade and economic relations, cooperation in humanitarian sphere is integral part of interstate dialog.
During the conversation, the parties also shared the views on international and regional politics presented mutual interest. In this context, the Head of Afghanistan emphasized that his country entirely supports constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan, meeting the interests of universal peace, prosperity and flourishing.
In conclusion of the meeting, having epressed their confidence that traditionally friendly Turkmen – Afghan relations with high level of mutual understanding and trust would continue developing succesfuly and be filled up with new content, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani exchanged best wishes to each other and peoples of both countries.
At the evening of the same day, the President of Turkmenistan with the Heads of other countries and delegations, arrived to Tashkent for participation in the Summit of SCO, has visited the Palace of International Forums where concert of art masters and culture of Uzbekistan was performed for high-ranking guests.
The working visit of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to republic of Uzbekistan is continued.