Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan presidents unveil plans for closer economic, transport links

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow have agreed to expand their countries’ strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent.

Meeting at the Kuksaroy presidential residence, the leaders delivered a joint statement outlining priority areas for deeper cooperation, Caliber.Az reports per Uzbek media.

Both sides described the Turkmen president’s state visit as an important step towards strengthening bilateral ties and elevating relations to a new level.

The talks focused on political dialogue, trade and economic relations, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian exchange.

Trade featured prominently. Bilateral turnover has doubled in recent years, surpassing $1 billion. The two countries aim to raise this to $2 billion by broadening the range of goods and increasing supplies. The joint border trade zone “Shavat–Dashoguz” is expected to play a key role, with both governments considering similar arrangements along other stretches of the frontier.

The presidents instructed their governments to accelerate work on transport linkages — including road, rail and maritime routes — and discussed joint use of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

In the energy sector, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation on electricity supplies, transit and joint energy projects. Environmental issues and the sustainable use of water resources in the region also featured in the discussions.

Interregional cooperation will continue as well. Following successful regional forums in Bukhara and Turkmenabat, the next gathering is due to take place in Khiva, bringing together representatives from all regions of both countries.

Cultural exchanges are set to expand, with the sides praising the Turkmenistan Culture Days recently held in Urgench and Tashkent. They agreed to regularly organise cultural events, touring performances, youth and academic forums, and sports competitions.

Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedow also noted progress within the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. They expressed confidence that the outcomes of the seventh meeting, held in Tashkent, would further strengthen regional unity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev