Centuries-old bonds of friendship and good neighbourliness: development of Uzbek-Turkmen strategic partnership

Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov held negotiations in extended format with participation of delegations of the two countries. The head of our state noted with great satisfaction the consistent expansion and progress on all fronts of multifaceted and mutually beneficial Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation.

"Throughout millennia, the Uzbek and Turkmen peoples have lived side by side and have always supported each other," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The Uzbek-Turkmen border trade zone, the creation of which is set to be launched today by the heads of states, will further boost contacts between business circles, as well as create new jobs in the regions.

A particular emphasis has been placed on the development of cooperation projects. An agreement has been reached on intensifying the work on shaping and implementing new projects in such priority sectors as industry, energy, chemical and agriculture.

The transport sector has been identified as one of the strategic areas of interaction. Heads of state agreed to actively develop corridors along East-West and North-South routes, including through the port of Turkmenbashi.

Further enhancement of inter-regional relations and strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation are among the priorities. The presidents confirmed the need for greater interaction in science, education, art, cinema and tourism. Next year, joint Days of Culture and Cinema, youth festivals will be held with the wide involvement of all regions of our states.

The signing of a declaration on deepening strategic partnership will be an important factor in achieving these goals.

"We are convinced that our joint efforts will serve to strengthen friendship and good-neighborliness, prosperity of the two countries," leader of Uzbekistan said at the conclusion of the negotiations.