Ashgabat, December 12 | ORIENT. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the International Forum for Peace and Trust. The talks, held in an atmosphere of traditional friendship and trust, confirmed the strategic nature of Turkmen-Russian relations and their high significance for regional stability.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to his Russian counterpart for his personal participation in the Forum, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This, as noted, is clear evidence of the Russian Federation's support for Ashgabat's foreign policy.

In turn, President Vladimir Putin praised Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on positive neutrality. The Russian leader emphasized that this policy is fully justified, as it contributes to stabilizing the situation in the region and creates favorable conditions for the development of bilateral relations with many countries, including Russia.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov confirmed that developing strategic cooperation with the Russian Federation remains a priority of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The traditionally friendly relations between Ashgabat and Moscow are based on long-standing bonds of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding.

The development of trade and economic ties, which, as President Putin noted, are "developing successfully, in the spirit of friendship and good-neighborliness," and are becoming increasingly diversified, held a special place on the agenda.

The leaders also praised the trusting relations in political interaction and effective joint work on international platforms.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was identified as an important part of interstate cooperation. The parties placed considerable emphasis on partnerships in science, education, healthcare, and culture, emphasizing the need to further deepen these ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

At the end of the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan reaffirmed his readiness for further comprehensive, multifaceted cooperation with the Russian Federation and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Russian relations. For his part, President Putin announced that he expects the President of Turkmenistan to meet in St. Petersburg to continue the dialogue at the end of this month, as previously agreed.