Karimov accepted the invitation. The terms of the visit will be coordinated through diplomatic channels, the governmental said. Turkmenistan initiated the conversation, Trend reported.

The large multinational energy project connects two neighboring countries. The Turkmenistan-China pipeline project, which will pass through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, close to completion, Berdimuhamedov said. With this regards, Karimov was invited to take part in the opening ceremony.

Under the project, design capacity of the new pipeline will be 40 billion cubic meters of gas and its opening is scheduled for early 2009. "Gas pipeline is a bright symbol of friendship and cooperation between the neighboring nations," Karimov said. Heads of States emphasized that the transnational project is intended to become an effective factor in the socio-economic development of project participant-countries.

Turkmen President congratulated Karimov with the forthcoming 18th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan and wished Uzbek people happiness, prosperity and new significant achievements in realizing all plans and intentions of state development, the same source said.

At present, the Turkmen-Uzbek intergovernmental relations are experiencing a qualitatively new stage in the broadening and deepening in good-neighborly relations, Karimov added.

The sides noted the importance of joint large-scale projects designed to not only utilize the existing, but also to create new opportunities to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.