Turkmen, Tajik FMs hold consultations in Ashgabat

ASHGABAT. July 17 (Interfax) - Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov has held talks with a Tajik delegation led by Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, who arrived in Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry's website said on Sunday.

During the political consultations that took place on July 15, the parties discussed a broad range of topical issues related to the Turkmen-Tajik strategic partnership in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian areas, the ministry said.

The two ministers reaffirmed the importance attached to further bolstering the long-standing ties between the two countries based on the principles of friendship, mutual trust and understanding.

In this regard, it was noted that top-level visits were particularly important in fostering and expanding Turkmen-Tajik relations.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's state visit to Tajikistan in May 2023 gave a fresh impetus to the development of bilateral relations and is of great importance in enhancing cooperation, Meredov said.

At the meeting, the parties affirmed the effective partnership between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan not only in the bilateral format, but also consistent interaction on global and regional issues via multilateral diplomacy, in particular, in the United Nations.

Speaking of the rise in economic ties, the Turkmen side noted the important role of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

In this regard, it was emphasized that Tajikistan is one of the most significant foreign economic partners for Turkmenistan.

Highlighting the great capacity for cooperation, the parties discussed the priorities for further enhancing their partnership. In the light of promoting economic ties, the parties emphasized the role of the Turkmen-Tajik intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation.

The parties noted the active cultural and humanitarian interaction and reaffirmed the need to boost cooperation in cultural exchanges, education, science and sports.