Turkmen, Armenian diplomats discuss preparations for meeting of commission on intergovernmental economic cooperation

ASHGABAT. March 20 (Interfax) - Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Gurbanov and Armenian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ruben Kharazyan have discussed preparations for a regular meeting of the Turkmen-Armenian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

The diplomats exchanged opinions on promising areas of interaction and discussed the organization of the commission's meeting in 2024. The fuel and energy sector was mentioned as a priority field for development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, the ministry said.

The parties also spoke in favor of more intensive cooperation between the two countries' business entities and the arrangement of mutual visits by business delegations.

They also attached priority to cultural and humanitarian interaction, particularly Armenia's participation in international events in Turkmenistan marking the 300th anniversary of Turkmen thinker and poet Magtymguly Pyragy. They placed an emphasis on expanding contacts in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The previous meeting of the Turkmen-Armenian commission on economic cooperation was held in Ashgabat in September 2022.

Turkmenistan's Orient news agency said earlier that trade between the two countries amounted to $5.2 million in 2022.

Kharazyan told Turkmen media in October 2022 that trade between Armenia and Turkmenistan had nearly tripled to $14.2 million in 2021 compared to 2020.

Turkmen Ambassador to Armenia Muhammetgeldy Ayazov and Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Karen Ivanov met in January 2024 to discuss steps to increase bilateral trade and shared opinions on expanding transport and logistical infrastructure.

Ivanov said Armenia has been increasingly interested in buying Turkmen goods and expanding the range of imports and exports between the two countries. Armenia would also welcome the opening of a Turkmen trading house on its territory, he said.

Turkmenistan's exports to Armenia chiefly include ore mining and other raw commodities, plastic, rubber, and knitted products. Imports from Armenia to Turkmenistan include jewelry and prepared foodstuffs.

Armenia and Turkmenistan have now signed over 80 documents.