Following fruitful high-level talks at the Kuksaroy residence, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made statements for the media.
The Uzbek leader expressed deep confidence that the current historic state visit of the Turkmen leader will not only strengthen the strategic partnership between the two fraternal countries but also take it to entirely new heights.
During the talks, a clear plan for joint work was outlined in all key areas: political, trade and economic, transport, water and energy, and cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Expanding trade, economic, and cooperative ties was identified as a key development area. The goal was set to increase trade turnover, which has almost doubled in recent years (over $1 billion), to $2 billion by increasing mutual supplies. In this regard, a special role is given to the jointly launched Shavat-Dashoguz border trade zone.
To achieve these goals, the governments of the two countries have been instructed to develop specific proposals for the development of road, rail, and maritime transport, as well as for the joint use of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.
Particular attention was paid to energy issues: a commitment to deepening cooperation in the supply and transit of electricity and the implementation of new joint projects in both countries was reaffirmed. The parties will also develop cooperation in environmental protection and rational water use.
The heads of state noted significant progress in deepening interregional cooperation. In addition to the successful Forums of Regions in Bukhara and Turkmenabat, a third forum will soon be held in Khiva with the participation of all regions of the two countries.
It was emphasized that the successful Turkmenistan Culture Days in Urgench and Tashkent laid the foundation for further humanitarian rapprochement. Agreements on regularly holding concerts, theater tours, and youth forums, as well as developing practical cooperation in healthcare were reached.
In conclusion, it was noted that significant progress had been made in deepening regional cooperation within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The leaders expressed confidence that the results of the seventh meeting in Tashkent would contribute to integration processes and strengthen unity in the region, which is fully consistent with Turkmenistan's constructive policy.
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to dynamically developing cooperation and achieving breakthrough results for the sake of progress and prosperity of their fraternal countries.
ORIENT
