Oriented on making people closer

Stanislav Chepurnoy, whom Alexander Lukashenko appointed on Monday as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan, emphasized in an interview with journalists that Belarus and Turkmenistan are bound by a long-standing friendship, and bilateral relations have always been based on the principles of mutual respect and partnership, according to BELTA.

"Today, our countries interact quite effectively within the framework of international organizations. After a forced pause in the post-pandemic period, cooperation in education, culture, and sports has resumed. An intergovernmental commission on science and technology is operating", the diplomat said. "The head of state especially emphasized the need to develop trade and economic relations with Turkmenistan. The economies of our countries are largely complementary. There are a number of areas for cooperation that are of mutual interest. These are primarily the industrial, agricultural, and transport sectors. Currently, the parties are agreeing on the timing of the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, during which it is planned to discuss in detail the prospects for developing cooperation".

In general, the Belarusian side is ready to develop comprehensive cooperation with Turkmenistan and is focused on a constructive and productive dialogue. The trade turnover at the end of last year amounted to about $30 million, but in previous years this figure was at least twice as high. In this direction, there is also something to work on, the new ambassador is confident.

Stanislav Chepurnoy drew attention to the existence of direct air communication between the countries. True, not between the capitals: "Belavia" operates regular flights from Minsk to the city of Turkmenbashy. "We will work in this direction as well, because direct communication is good, but it is necessary to make it more frequent and regular. This also brings us closer, including in the humanitarian sphere", the diplomat noted.

As for humanitarian cooperation, Belarusian education has traditionally been in demand among citizens of Turkmenistan. Before the pandemic, the number of Turkmen students in Belarusian universities reached 10,000. Now this number is more modest - about 4,000. "But it is increasing every year. We will work in this direction as well", said Stanislav Chepurnoy.

Before his current appointment, Stanislav Chepurnoy held the position of Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Trade of the Office of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus.

ORIENT

Photo: belta.by