The negotiations between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Kuksaroy residence continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both countries. At the beginning of the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the visit of the head of the neighboring state is a vivid confirmation of the strength of the centuries-old bonds of friendship and good neighborliness between the two peoples.
The negotiations thoroughly discussed issues of further expanding the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. High praise was given to the work carried out in key areas such as trade, transport, energy, and water management. President Mirziyoyev noted the significant contribution of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the achievements reached between the two states in recent years.
It was emphasized that the mutual trade volume has doubled in recent years, exceeding $1 billion. It was stated that by expanding the product range and effectively using free trade mechanisms, based on existing opportunities, this figure can be brought to $2 billion. It was also noted that the launch of the "Shovot-Toshhovuz" border trade zone is accelerating the exchange of goods. The parties agreed to implement this experience in the "Alat-Farab" area as well.
In order to expand industrial cooperation, it was stated that it is necessary to actively involve businesses in new joint projects for the production of construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food products, and other high-demand goods. It was reported that cooperation in the energy sector is successfully continuing, and plans are being made to transition to major projects for the joint development of promising fields.
Important agreements were also reached in the transport sector. The growth in cargo transportation volumes and the simplification of customs-logistics processes were emphasized. The parties agreed to jointly develop the Turkmenbashi port and restore direct air traffic between Tashkent and Ashgabat.
The negotiations also paid special attention to cooperation in the humanitarian direction. It was mentioned that the recent Days of Turkmen Culture and film screenings held in Urgench and Tashkent served to further strengthen cultural ties between the two peoples. The parties agreed to organize mutual concerts, creative tours of theater groups, hold a Youth Forum in Khiva, and continue the production of joint films.
In the healthcare sector, plans to intensify exchanges and share the experience of medical specialists were discussed.
At the end of the negotiations, the leaders of the two states gave relevant instructions to the responsible persons regarding the development of a comprehensive "roadmap" for the implementation of all reached agreements and ensuring their execution.
