Italy and Turkmenistan: economic and cultural cooperation in the focus of bilateral relations
The Italian Embassy in Ashgabat recently celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the Italian Republic.
In his welcoming remarks, the Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Diego Ungaro spoke about the current agenda of the Turkmen-Italian relations.
“The European Union – of which Italy is a founding country and among the main supporters – remains strongly committed to the political dialogue, in support of the neutrality of Turkmenistan and the development of its energy and infrastructure policies for regional connectivity”, said Ambassador Ungaro, recalling the meetings of the EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini with the Turkmen delegation on the sidelines of regional forums in Samarkand and Baku this year.
Describing the state of economic partnership, the high-ranking diplomat said that a bilateral business forum is scheduled to be held in Ashgabat in November, which will be attended by delegations of Italian entrepreneurs interested in expanding commercial opportunities and industrial cooperation with Turkmenistan.
Currently, more than 70 Italian companies are operating in Turkmenistan. “Trade and industrial and technological collaboration distinguish and enrich our bilateral relations”, said Italian Plenipotentiary said.
Italy has traditionally been one of the main buyers of Turkmen fuel and energy industry products, and Turkmenistan, in turn, imports industrial products from Italy – especially, machinery and technological components - in demand in almost all sectors of the economy.
In recent years, humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Italy have been actively expanding.
As it was noted in the speech, among the events planned for the near future is the week of Italian gastronomy, which this time will be held in the national tourist zone of Avaza, and in the fall in the Museum of fine arts in Ashgabat will host an exhibition on the Silk Road.
In addition, according to Ambassador Ungaro, it is planned to organize an event in the field of archeology, taking into account that recently bilateral agreements on cooperation in this area were renewed.
Thus, Turkmenistan and Italy expect a rich program of cooperation, which will bring the peoples of the two countries even closer.
Republic Day in Italy is celebrated on 2 June. This day in 1946, the country held a national referendum, which resulted in transition from the monarchy to a new system of government – the Republic.
