Turkmen parliament speaker: Cooperation with Turkey key factor of logistical partnership in Eurasia

ASHGABAT. March 12 (Interfax) - Turkmen-Turkish cooperation is a key factor in building sustainable energy and transport corridors along the East-West route and setting up a new logistical partnership in Eurasia, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, chairman of the Turkmen People's Council, said in an interview with Turkey's TRT Haber television channel.

"Our relations are exemplary, and both parties seek to bolster political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian ties," Berdimuhamedow said on the occasion of the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States held in Ashgabat on March 11-13.

Turkmenistan and Turkey "are cooperating actively and constructively in the foreign policy field and support each other within international organizations," he said.

"Our countries are convinced champions of a global peace and security policy and make a huge contribution to the constructive development of regional processes," Berdimuhamedow said.

Turkmenistan and Turkey are rapidly stepping up their bilateral trade and economic ties, he said.

"Our mutual trade topped $2.236 billion in 2023. Turkish companies have been effectively working for a long time in our country's construction, energy, transport, and industrial sectors," he said.

Berdimuhamedow paid a working visit to Turkey on March 1-2 to take part in the 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum. While Berdimuhamedow was meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two reviewed exports of Turkmen electricity and swap shipments of Turkmen natural gas via Iran to Turkey.