In Tashkent, the International Institute of Central Asia hosted a conference on the topic “Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Prospects for development at a new historical stage of interaction”, ORIENT reported.
The forum was opened by MITSA Director Anvar Nasirov and Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev. The event was attended by heads of state institutions and analytical structures, universities of the two countries. Turkmenistan was also represented by the Center for Strategic Studies at the IMO Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International University of Humanities, the Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts named after Makhtumkuli ANT, the National Cultural Center. The experts reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation, ways to expand it, as well as interaction within the framework of Consultative Meetings of the heads of Central Asian states.
It was noted that the firm political will of the heads of states and new approaches to building relationships contributed to a significant intensification of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, transport, communication, cultural and humanitarian ties, the formation of conditions for maintaining stability, peaceful and sustainable development of the entire Central Asian region.
As it was emphasized, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan need to coordinate their efforts in developing their transport and transit capabilities and take practical measures to turn Central Asia into a hub for the intersection of main routes between Asia and Europe. In this regard, Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the development of the regional transport and logistics sector are of particular relevance. The development of the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Pacific corridors, the port of Turkmenbashi, coordination of efforts in promoting the multimodal transport corridor “Asia-Pacific – China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Turkey – Europe” are also in demand. The proximity of approaches to the implementation of large-scale and long-term strategies, concepts and programs adopted by the international community in the person of the United Nations, readiness to provide all possible assistance in the speedy achievement of civil peace and harmony in neighboring Afghanistan plays an important role in Uzbek-Turkmen relations. – Kabar