TURKMEN LEADER MAKES STATEMENT TO THE PRESS

Upon the completion of the bilateral documents signing ceremony, the Leaders of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan made statement to the representatives of mass media.

Commenting on the outcomes of the high-level meeting in Ashgabat, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the talks, during which aspects of bilateral cooperation as well as wide range of issues of regional and international politics have been discusses, went in the atmosphere of understanding and trsut.

It was mentioned that the visions of current issues of the world politics either similar of close. In the world arena, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are the supporters of the principles of equal rights, justice, non-interference into internal affairs of sovereign states. The cooperation under the United Nations Organization as well as under the Islamic Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization will be continued.

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are the supporters of the formation of solid foundation of peace and security in the region. The sides confirmed the willingness to cooperation for turning of Central Asia into the zone of stability and sustainable development. It was highlighted in this regard, that implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorist Strategy and other documents on combating against the terrorism on the world and regional levels including the Ashgabat Declaration from 2011 is one of key directions of joint activity.

Speaking of the solution of Afghan problems, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that political stability could be achieved only by peaceful methods and by negotiations. Being a neutral state, Turkmenistan repeatedly said about the willingness to create all necessary conditions for organization of direct talks between the Government of Turkmenistan and all interested parties. This position of Turkmenistan was confirmed at current meeting.

Involvement of Afghanistan to major international and regional projects in economic sphere is an important condition for the achievement of peace and solidarity in this country. Following its commitment, Turkmenistan proposed numerous important projects with the participation of Afghanistan in energy, transport and communication sphere.

It includes the construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline. The orientation of this project to social targets is its important component. In addition, the transit of gas across the territory of the country would provide annual income of more than 1 billion US dollars to the budget of Afghanistan.

It was mentioned that fruitful cooperation is also in electrical energy sphere, more than 20 years, Turkmen power is supplied to the northern and western provinces of Afghanistan. Turkmen specialists built more than 400 kilometres of power lines on the territory of neighbouring country for these years.

Participation of two countries in the project of construction of multimodal transport corridor Lapis Lazuli has also been highlighted. The willingness to continue regular meetings with transport ministers of participating countries has been confirmed for the discussion of the issues related to the implementation of the project.

Mutual intent to improve trade and economic relations has been expressed during the talks. Relative assignments have been given to the heads of profile departments of both countries in this regard.

Turkmenistan would continue rendering humanitarian support to Afghan people, build social facilities in this country, Turkmen leader has said thereafter.

Cooperation in educational spheres is also successfully developed with Afghanistan. According to the request of Afghan side, Turkmenistan would continue rendering support in this direction, the Head of the State noted. Bilateral relations in cultural and scientific spheres will also be activated.

This meeting has proven stable character of the relations based on the principles of goodwill, fraternity, mutual respect and equal rights, - President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in the end and wished peace and prosperity to Afghan nation.