Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Irakli Kobakhidze summarize the outcomes of the Turkmen-Georgian highest-level Meetings
The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze addressed representatives of the press. Commenting on the outcomes of the held negotiations, the head of the Government of the friendly country noted that this is the second state visit of a head of Turkmenistan to Georgia, following the first visit in 2015 by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Expressing confidence that the current highest-level talks will become an important contribution to the further development of Georgian-Turkmen relations, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze noted that a Joint Statement as well as memorandums of cooperation in various fields were signed following the visit. The practical implementation of these documents is intended to facilitate the intensification of interstate interaction. As was emphasized, important issues of bilateral relations and the international agenda were discussed today during the meeting with the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Georgia views Turkmenistan as a friendly state and a reliable partner in Centralia Asia, the Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, noting that the interaction between our countries is based on the principles of long-term cooperation and mutual respect. In recent years, large-scale projects have been implemented in Turkmenistan, infrastructure is being modernized, and economic power is strengthening, the head of the Government of Georgia continued, expressing confidence that Turkmenistan will continue to follow the path of progress. In continuation, it was noted that issues regarding the development of trade and economic ties between both countries were reviewed during the negotiations. Along with this, the presence of great potential for building up mutual trade and exports was stated. Among the discussed topics, the strengthening of cooperation in the transport-logistics, tourism, and scientific-educational spheres was named. An exchange of views also took place on issues of interaction within the framework of international organizations and multilateral formats. As was noted, bilateral relations are currently based on the principles of mutual respect. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the fact that Georgia attaches particular importance to the development of constructive ties and productive cooperation with Turkmenistan. Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze once again thanked the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for accepting the invitation to visit Georgia on a state visit. Confidence was also expressed that today's negotiations and the signed documents will contribute to the further strengthening of economic cooperation for the benefit of the two friendly peoples. Speaking before the representatives of the media, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar noted that the negotiations with Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze took place in a businesslike atmosphere. At the same time, the fruitful nature of the meeting held the day before with the President of Georgia was stated. As was emphasized, the past negotiations confirmed the commitment of both countries to continue fruitful interaction. It was noted that agreements were reached on expanding political dialogue, creating a contractual legal framework, and consistently applying diplomatic efforts. Georgia is an important economic partner of our country, the head of state continued. Stating with satisfaction that Georgia supports Turkmenistan's policy of neutrality and its international initiatives in various directions, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze in this connection. During today's meeting, special attention was paid to creating concrete conditions for strengthening cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, noting the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and the Exhibition of Goods Produced in our country, which were held with great success. It was also emphasized that during the negotiations, the presence of huge opportunities for both states to increase trade turnover and develop new vectors of partnership was confirmed. As was noted, a special role in building up trade and economic ties is assigned to entrepreneurial structures. Along with this, it was said that an agreement was reached to develop mutual trade turnover through diversification. The transport sector was named among the strategic vectors. The South Caucasus is a part of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea transport and transit corridor, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar said, emphasizing that Georgia is viewed as a promising partner in this direction. In this context, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that at present, the joint «Transport and Logistics System» includes such promising projects as the «Lapis Lazuli» corridor with the participation of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Republic of Türkiýe, as well as the Caspian Sea–Black Sea corridor with the participation of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania.