ASHGABAT: Turkmenistan and the UK discussed further development of trade and economic cooperation, Trend reports.

According to an official source, this was discussed during a meeting in Ashgabat city between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the UK, David Cameron.

During the meeting, the sides stressed the expediency of making extensive use of the opportunities of the Turkmen-UK Trade and Industry Council in order to further develop economic cooperation.

The President stressed that Turkmenistan adheres to the legal status of permanent neutrality in its foreign policy, recognized twice by special resolutions of the UN General Assembly, and conducts extensive international cooperation in the interests of ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development throughout the world.

“We attach great importance to the development of relations with foreign countries based on friendship, equality, and mutual respec
t. We consider it necessary to use international law and only diplomatic instruments to resolve challenges and conflicts,” Berdimuhamedov said.

Speaking about trade and economic relations, the sides noted with satisfaction the development of bilateral trade and effective cooperation in such sectors as banking, finance, insurance, chemical industry, and trade.

Meanwhile, David Cameron visited Turkmenistan as part of a diplomatic mission to Central Asia.

One of the main points of the Foreign Minister’s visit is the announcement of the allocation of 50 million pounds for new financing for the development of Central Asia and Mongolia over the next three years.

These investments are aimed at stimulating regional growth, increasing economic sustainability, and developing trade and cooperation between the UK and the countries of Central Asia.

Source: Trend News Agency