TOKYO, December 20 | ORIENT. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. The high-level talks reaffirmed the parties' commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi thanked the Turkmen leader for his visit, expressing confidence that the meeting would strengthen the principles of mutual respect and equality. In turn, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed warm greetings from National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the effectiveness of political and diplomatic cooperation, including within the UN. Particular attention was paid to interparliamentary relations, noting in particular the role of friendship groups in strengthening interstate dialogue and trade and economic partnership. Joint projects in the oil and gas, energy, and transport sectors were cited as successful examples. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of the package of documents signed during the current visit.

The parties reaffirmed their long-term interest in cooperation in science, education, sports, and cultural exchange.

The Japanese side highly praised Turkmenistan's peace-loving policy, based on its status of permanent neutrality. Sanae Takaichi emphasized that Japan views Turkmenistan as a reliable partner playing a key role in ensuring the prosperity of Central Asia.

The talks resulted in the adoption of a Joint Press Statement outlining the key priorities for future cooperation between the two countries.