Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have discussed expanding cooperation in various fields.

The discussion was held during the visit of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to Tajikistan on May 5-6.

Turkmen president held talks in one-on-one format with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon.

The sides discussed the progress in implementing the agreements reached earlier and specified the priorities in future partnership.

The talks continued in an expanded format with participation of members of the official delegations of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

The sides discussed issues relating to development of political, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian partnership.

The sides paid special attention to the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. In this regard, both sides reiterated their positions on this issue, saying that all the problems and conflicts in Afghanistan should be resolved by peaceful and diplomatic means.

The sides also discussed the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan transnational railway, as well as projects in the energy sector, power engineering and agriculture.

Following the talks the sides signed a package of bilateral documents.

The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan also signed a Joint Communiqué.

After the talks, the sides also signed an agreement on construction of a secondary school named after Magtumguly in Dzhulikul district of Tajikistan, an agreement on cooperation in the field of transport, an agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism, a program of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation for 2014-2016, a program of cooperation in the field of culture and art for 2015-2016, a program of cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries for 2015, a memorandum on cooperation between the institute of state and law under the president of Turkmenistan and the National Center of Legislation under the president of Tajikistan, as well as an agreement on cooperation between the Turkmen State University named after Magtumguly and the Tajik National University.

After the signing ceremony, the two presidents held a press conference.

They noted the talks were held in a spirit of mutual trust and understanding that enabled them to discuss the important aspects of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The sides said the talks proved the willingness of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to support the positive processes and constructive cooperation in the region and to contribute to its progress and prosperity.

As part of the official visit, President Berdymukhamedov met with Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Lower House) of the Majlisi Oli (Supreme Assembly) of Tajikistan Shukurjon Zuhurov at the Government House.

During the meeting, the sides noted prospects for expansion of the Turkmen-Tajik cooperation, which is supported by the bilateral agreements signed during the visit. In this regard, the Turkmen President and Chairman of the Lower Chamber of Tajik National Parliament stressed the importance of further strengthening inter-parliamentary relations as an integral component of bilateral relations.

Later, the Tajik president hosted an official dinner in honor of the distinguished Turkmen guest, where the two leaders gave speeches.

The diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan were established in January 1993.

The total trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $119.3 million in 2013.

Tajikistan buys oil, refined cottonseed oil, cement from Turkmenistan, while Turkmenistan imports consumer goods, aluminum and other agricultural products from Tajikistan.

The main areas of cooperation between the two countries are energy, transport, agriculture and others.

The two countries have already signed over 50 documents for cooperation.