CENTRAL ASIAN STATES DEVELOP PARTNERSHIP IN TRANSPORT AND TRADE

Speaking at the briefing for media representatives on the outcomes of the summit, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov emphasized that during the third Consultative meeting held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, the heads of the Central Asia states had agreed to develop partnerships in the spheres of transport and trade.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan noted that all the presidents of the Central Asian states called for the necessity to develop transport and transit corridors passing through the territory of Central Asia. In particular, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underlined the importance to draw up specific plans for the formation of an integrated transport system of the Central Asian countries.

According to R. Meredov, it was proposed to create a five-sided working group at the government level to study the possibilities of forming new transport and communication routes in the directions of Central Asia - the Caspian and Black Sea regions, with access to Southern Europe, as well as Central Asia - the Middle East.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan underlined that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had confirmed Ashgabat's readiness to provide its port facilities in the Caspian Sea for their use in the interests of all Central Asian countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan said that specific projects planned for implementation were discussed at the summit.

The diplomat noted that summit participants underlined the necessity to build road and railroad sections connecting China, Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan, as well as the projects to connect Kazakhstan with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Moreover, R. Meredov said that in order to develop regional trade, the Turkmen side put forward the initiative to create a Business Council to promote economic and entrepreneurial activity in Central Asia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan noted that the initiative was supported by all the leaders. All those speaking during the summit called for the trade optimization, where investment, financial and technological components will play a priority role. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan emphasized that our presidents paid much attention to this topic today.

Central Asian states develop partnership in transport and trade (turkmenistan.gov.tm)