The state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan was marked not only by a reaffirmation of strategic partnership but also by the presentation of a number of initiatives setting a new direction for the development of regional cooperation. During high-level talks in Astana, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined his vision of key priorities aimed at strengthening multifaceted connectivity.

The President of Turkmenistan confirmed his readiness to further strengthen the partnership within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the "CA+" formats. This concerns the inclusion of Azerbaijan as a full participant in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. According to Ashgabat, this step aims to strengthen the role of the regional format and enhance the connectivity of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized, environmental cooperation should be strengthened on waste recycling projects, green construction, and the protection of the Aral and Caspian Sea ecosystems.

The President of Turkmenistan noted the stable positive dynamics of trade turnover and reaffirmed his readiness for cooperation in the energy sector (including the exchange of experience in improving production efficiency and environmental safety). He also placed emphasis on industrial diversification.

The importance of expanding partnerships in strategically important and knowledge-intensive sectors was emphasized, including: chemicals and petrochemicals; electric power and gas processing; metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and textiles; and urban development (green construction, Arkadag).

The statement by the President of Turkmenistan clearly defines the priority: the transition to high-tech industrial cooperation and high added value.

Transport and logistics were confirmed as strategic areas. In the current geopolitical and geoeconomic context, the task of activating existing transport and transit corridors in the East-West and North-South directions was once again identified as particularly urgent.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that our country not only declares its logistical ambitions but also ensures their implementation through its own efforts, creating the physical infrastructure to service regional transit. Specific steps in this regard include the commissioning of the automobile bridge across Garabogaz Bay earlier this month; and the continued construction of a high-quality highway from Turkmenbashi to the Turkmen-Kazakh border.

IT development and digitalization were identified as strategic priorities for Turkmenistan, based on specific projects such as the city of Arkadag (a "smart city" concept). This underscores that cooperation is based on an already established national legal and technological framework.

The importance of strengthening cooperation on protecting the ecosystems of the Aral and Caspian Seas, as well as on green construction and waste recycling projects, was emphasized.

The rational use of water resources was also mentioned among the pressing issues on the bilateral and regional agenda.

During his visit to Astana, the head of Turkmenistan visited the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center.

Furthermore, during the meetings held at the departmental level during the visit, the following were signed:

— A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports and the Kazakh Academy of Sports and Tourism;

— A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkmen State Institute of Culture and the International University of Tourism and Hospitality, a non-profit joint-stock company;

— A Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan and the National Museum of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

— A Memorandum of Intent between the Turkmentelecom telecommunications company and TNS-Plus Limited Liability Partnership on the construction of a cable border crossing and the connection of backbone telecommunications networks on the Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan border.

ORIENT