Baku: On June 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to President Berdimuhamedov for his state visit, emphasizing the importance of the visit in strengthening the friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The meeting covered a broad agenda of mutual cooperation, with discussions on various issues and plans for continued talks with delegation members from both countries. President Aliyev noted the significance of the documents to be signed, highlighting the broad scope of bilateral relations.
President Aliyev also thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, for Turkmenistan's decision to gift a mosque to the city of Fuzuli, a gesture initiated during Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's previous visit to Azerbaijan. Additionally, President Aliyev appreciated the hospitality shown to Azerbaijani creative teams during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchanges given the shared history of the two peoples.
The discussion also included topics of transport and energy security, with President Aliyev underscoring the key roles of both countries in regional and global contexts. He expressed optimism that geopolitical developments across Eurasia would benefit from close cooperation in these areas.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reciprocated the gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality in Azerbaijan, noting the strong ties and successful development of bilateral relations across various sectors. He recalled past visits that paved the way for enhanced political dialogue and economic partnership. Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of international cooperation, highlighting joint efforts within the UN, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and other international bodies, and praised Azerbaijan's support for Turkmenistan's neutral foreign policy.
Focusing on the Caspian Sea, President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of joint activities in security, economy, and environmental protection, proposing a high-level meeting on related issues and seeking Azerbaijan's support for the Caspian environmental initiative.
Trade and economic cooperation were highlighted as key areas, with President Berdimuhamedov commending the positive trade dynamics and advocating for enhanced efforts by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The transport and transit sector was identified as strategic, with proposals to enhance the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Transport, Transit, and Logistics, and support for the Caspian Sea-Black Sea transport corridor initiative.
President Berdimuhamedov also recognized opportunities for collaboration in various industries, including oil and gas, the chemical industry, and textiles. He emphasized ongoing interactions in education, science, culture, and the arts, highlighting that cultural events bolster relations between the two nations.
The construction of a mosque in Fuzuli was noted as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood, and President Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that his visit would strengthen ties, wishing success and prosperity to the Azerbaijani people.