On March 5, a telephone conversation took place between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

At the beginning of the conversation, the interlocutors exchanged heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the beginning of the holy month of Oraza, addressing each other and the peoples of both countries with wishes for the Almighty to accept the prayers offered during this blessed period.

The President of Turkmenistan noted the fruitful nature of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, equality and trust, expressing the best wishes of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The head of state also conveyed greetings to the President of the Republic of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, in turn, assured that Iraq highly values ​​relations with Turkmenistan, which are currently developing dynamically in a wide range of areas. It was noted that Turkmenistan and Iraq are consistently expanding cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and other areas.

The head of state expressed gratitude to the Republic of Iraq for its continued support of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the legal status of permanent neutrality, and international initiatives put forward at the UN and other authoritative international organizations.

Stressing the importance of intensifying bilateral diplomatic contacts, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed the Turkmen side's readiness to assist in creating optimal conditions for the opening of a diplomatic mission of the Republic of Iraq in Ashgabat and its successful operation.

Attention was focused on the fact that Turkmenistan is steadily adhering to the policy of diversifying export routes for its energy supplies to world markets. In this context, the positive dynamics of joint work with Iraq in the gas sector was noted, which began two years ago with the agreement on annual supplies of 10 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas to the Republic of Iraq under a swap scheme, through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, confirming the commitment of the Iraqi side to further cooperation in this area, reported on the work being carried out in Iraq to ensure the implementation of these plans.

Continuing the conversation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that on December 12, Ashgabat will host an International Forum dedicated to the proclamation by the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, and invited Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to take part in this representative international forum.

The head of the friendly country's government accepted the invitation with gratitude, noting that it would be a great honor for him to participate in the upcoming celebrations, and also highly appreciated the importance of Turkmenistan's international initiatives aimed at ensuring global peace and sustainable development, TDH reports.

ORIENT