Baku: An expanded meeting was held between Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan on August 22 in the city of Turkmenbashi, APA’s correspondent dispatched to Turkmenistan reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov welcomed President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani delegation, expressing gratitude for the invitation’s acceptance and the hospitality shown during his July visit to Azerbaijan. Berdimuhamedov highlighted the historical roots and shared traditions between the two nations, which form the basis for political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian relations.
During the meeting, Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of developing trade and economic cooperation, noting the significant progress and potential in areas such as energy, transport, and the textile industry. He also underscored the priority of cultural and humanitarian ties, which include mutual cultural events and exchanges in education, tourism, and the arts.
President Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the invitation and hospitality, emphasizing the historical significance of their recent meetings. He noted the shared history, culture, and ethnic roots between the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, highlighting their successes as independent states. Aliyev praised the development of the city of Avaza and the infrastructure projects under Berdimuhamedov’s leadership.
Aliyev echoed the sentiment of cooperation in multiple areas, mentioning prospects in energy, transport, logistics, and cultural relations. He pointed out the potential of the East-West transport corridor passing through both countries, highlighting the benefits of coordinated efforts in this area.
The meeting also addressed the political relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, with both countries supporting each other in international organizations. Azerbaijan’s role as a co-author of the UN resolution on Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality was recognized as a testament to their friendship.
Aliyev congratulated Turkmenistan on hosting the UN conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, where Azerbaijan was represented by a high-level delegation. Berdimuhamedov congratulated Aliyev on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with discussions about a new transport corridor enhancing regional connectivity.
The meeting concluded with discussions on a potential transport corridor involving Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and the importance of the trilateral meeting held earlier. The joint participation of Turkmenistan’s ‘Akhal-Teke’ and Azerbaijan’s Karabakh horses in international festivals was also discussed, symbolizing cultural collaboration.