Russian PM, Turkmen president discuss bilateral trade, economic cooperation

MOSCOW. May 22 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov have discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda, the Russian government's press service said in a statement.

Mishustin and Berdimuhamedov met in Ashgabat, where the Russian prime minister arrived on Friday to attend a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government.

Priority attention has been given to trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan and to further enhancing mutual trade, Mishustin said. The two countries have good capabilities for expanding bilateral cooperation, including, above all, in industry, energy and transport infrastructure, he said.

Transport and logistics are the most promising areas of Russian-Turkmen relations, Mishustin said. Russia and Turkmenistan have extensive transit potential in the Caspian Sea region and Eurasia, he said.

Cooperation between the two countries' regions is growing, including new initiatives being developed at the regional level involving small and medium-sized businesses, Mishustin said, reaffirming support for the priorities of Turkmenistan's CIS presidency in 2026.

Mishustin also thanked Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmen counterparts for the warm reception given to the Russian delegation in Ashgabat. He also passed on greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prompt implementation of decisions adopted by the Russian and Turkmen leaders is ensured with the Turkmen counterparts at the governmental level, Mishustin said.