Turkmen, Uzbek presidents to hold talks in Avaza

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will hold talks with Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who will be on a working visit in Turkmenistan's Avaza, on May 19-20.

The progress in preparations for the Turkmen-Uzbek talks at the highest level was reported at a government meeting.

Berdimuhamedov stressed that the regular nature of the meetings demonstrates the mutual commitment to and interest of both countries in expanding effective cooperation, established on the traditions of friendship and good-neighborliness and on an equal, constructive and long-term basis.

The Turkmen leader pointed out the existence of a solid potential and prospects for further development of interstate cooperation.

The agenda of the talks will include a wide range of issues related to development of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership.

A number of intergovernmental, interdepartmental and other documents aimed at further development of cooperation in various fields are expected to be signed following the high-level meeting.

During the visit, the two countries’ business circles are also expected to conclude several mutually beneficial commercial contracts and agreements.

In 2015, the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to about $320 million, in January-August of 2016 - $177 million.

Uzbekistan exports fertilizers, construction materials, fruits and vegetables, electrical and mechanical equipment, vehicles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, services to Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan supplies oil products, propylene polymers, sulfuric acid to Uzbekistan.

In Uzbekistan, 7 enterprises operate with the participation of the Turkmen side. In Turkmenistan, there are 6 enterprises with participation of residents of Uzbekistan.