Lavrov invites Turkmen president to visit Russia
ASHGABAT. April 4 (Interfax) - Moscow values Ashgabat's determination to develop bilateral cooperation with Russia in all areas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the opening of negotiations with his Turkmen counterpart Rasit Meredow.
"Our schedules are really very packed, but we will always find time to maintain regular partner-like relations," Lavrov said. "I expect to see you in Russia next time," he said.
Lavrov said he was satisfied with his meeting with Turkmen President Gurbangyly Berdimuhamedow earlier on Thursday. He mentioned the Turkmen leader's determination to promote partnership with Russia based on agreements reached earlier at the top level.
"This is determination not only to step up interaction in the political and trade-economic areas but also expand humanitarian, cultural, and scientific-educational cooperation in any way we can," he said.
"We value the Turkmen leadership's firm determination to follow this way and resolve issues that inevitably arise in relations between two countries with such a busy agenda," he said.
Lavrov said he was sure that the Thursday talks and the signing of a program of cooperation between the foreign ministries will make a good contribution to the development of relations between the two countries.
Meredow agreed that the meeting was important, adding that it would add an essential contribution to the development of traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.
