Russian PM notes importance of larger trade with Turkmenistan, search for new cooperation areas

ASHGABAT. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has said he prioritizes the enlargement of Russian-Turkmen trade and has promised that the Russian government will find a way to broaden trade and economic cooperation with Ashgabat.

"I think it's of paramount importance to enlarge our trade and economic cooperation, the trade turnover. It currently stands at about $1 billion, which does not correspond to the potential of our countries and, of course, we will be looking for new areas [of cooperation] in every field," Mishustin said at one-on-one negotiations with Turkmen President, Prime Minister Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

He conveyed "the most cordial, sincere wishes" from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Berdimuhamedov and noted that the two presidents discussed bilateral issues in a recent phone call.

Mishustin also said it was his first visit to Turkmenistan as the Russian head of government.

Russia and Turkmenistan are actively cooperating in such areas as machine building, energy, oil and gas, agriculture and digital economy, he said.

Russian businessmen have a keen interest in cooperation with Turkmen partners, Mishustin said. The idea to set up a Russian-Turkmen business forum has received a broad response in Russia, he said. Over 400 Russian businessmen came to the first business forum in Ashgabat and have been actively working with Turkmen colleagues for the past two days, he said.