Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on June 22, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the friendly and brotherly relations between the two nations. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for President Berdimuhamedov's state visit to Azerbaijan and highlighted the wide-ranging discussions that took place, covering all areas of mutual cooperation.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev noted the significance of the documents to be signed between the two countries, describing them as an indicator of the broad scope of bilateral relations. He also extended thanks to Turkmenistan for the decision to gift a mosque to the city of Fuzuli, highlighting this gesture as a manifestation of the sincere brotherly relations.
The Azerbaijani leader appreciated the hospitality shown during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan and emphasized the dynamic cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, driven by a shared history. He pointed out the crucial roles both countries play in transport and energy security on a global scale, emphasizing that this cooperation will influence the development of geopolitical processes across Eurasia.
President Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and underscored the close ties between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan across multiple spheres such as political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors. He recalled previous high-level visits that paved the way for advancing political dialogue and economic partnerships, and he valued Azerbaijan's support for Turkmenistan's neutral foreign policy.
The Turkmen President highlighted cooperation in international forums, including the UN and various regional organizations. He expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan's support for Turkmenistan's initiatives and reciprocated the commitment to support Azerbaijan's international efforts.
On the Caspian Sea cooperation, President Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of joint activities in security, economy, and environmental protection. He proposed holding a high-level meeting on Caspian Sea issues and sought Azerbaijan's support for a Caspian environmental initiative.
President Berdimuhamedov recognized trade and economic cooperation as pivotal, suggesting enhanced efforts by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. He acknowledged the strategic importance of transport and proposed initiatives to boost the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Transport, Transit, and Logistics, citing the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Trkiye transport corridor as a success.
Further, President Berdimuhamedov discussed the potential for cooperation in various sectors, including oil and gas, chemical, and textile industries. He noted active cultural exchanges through mutual Culture Days and other events, which strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Concluding his remarks, President Berdimuhamedov highlighted the symbolic construction of a mosque in Fuzuli as a testament to the friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. He expressed confidence that his visit would further solidify the relationship, extending wishes for success and prosperity to Azerbaijan and its people.