Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Talks were held at the Congress Center of the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, in a one-on-one format as well as with the participation of official delegations from both countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes to the Uzbek leader on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in turn, warmly congratulated the leadership of Turkmenistan and the brotherly Turkmen people on the successful hosting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in early August in Avaza.

The parties discussed pressing issues regarding the further expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen relations of friendship, good-neighborliness, and strategic partnership, including the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level.

It was noted that cooperation between the two countries is developing dynamically across all key areas. Since the beginning of this year, bilateral trade has reached 700 million USD. A free trade regime has been in effect since February, and trade houses have been opened in the capitals. Joint projects are underway in industry, energy, transport, agriculture, and water management. Preparations are being completed for the launch this year of the cross-border trade zone “Shavat – Dashoguz.”

In the context of preparing for upcoming high-level meetings, the leaders emphasized the importance of effective work by intergovernmental commissions, the Business Council, as well as the organization of various cultural events.

Special attention was given to the forthcoming Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States. In this regard, the practical significance of the three-party format “Azerbaijan – Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan” was highlighted, within which the current negotiations are also taking place.