Turkmen, Turkish leaders discuss regional situation

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

Presidents of Turkmenistan and Turkey, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on a number of topical issues on the regional and global agenda during a telephone conversation.

The commitment of Turkmenistan and Turkey to consolidate efforts to ensure universal peace, security and prosperity was confirmed, the Turkmen government reported on July 6.

Berdymuhamedov noted that traditional Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, based on the unvaried goodwill of the sides, is developing successfully.

Both leaders emphasized the interstate dialogue’s strategic, constructive character, clear evidence of which are also regular top-level meetings and contacts. 

The heads of state exchanged views on prospects for partnership in key areas.

Underlining the importance of human-cultural component of the Turkmen-Turkish relations, the sides called for the deepening of contacts in this area, as well as in tourism and sport.

Turkish companies in Turkmenistan implement large-scale projects in sectors such as transport, fuel and energy, communication, agriculture, construction, trade, water resources management. Currently, Turkmenistan has registered about 600 companies with Turkish capital.

Turkey is Turkmenistan's top import partner; Turkish goods — mostly electronic equipment, machinery, processed metals and furniture — make up over 25 percent of Turkmenistan's imports. 

In its turn, Turkey purchases electricity, polymers, propylene, oil and oil products, cotton yarn and textiles.

Apart from the construction sector, the textile and tourism sectors are other areas with active Turkish private involvement.

Turkmenistan's vast energy resources are  also important for Anakaa –Ashgabat relations. The Central Asian country holds the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves.