On March 27, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the regular meeting of the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian states and the European Union.
Foreign Minister expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the time spent and the warm welcome. He conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from President Emomali Rahmon to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Foreign Minister congratulated the President on the International Day of Novruz and noted Tajikistan’s interest in strengthening its partnership with Turkmenistan, with which it shares common historical and cultural roots.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov welcomed the Foreign Minister to Turkmenistan and reciprocated the best wishes to the leader of Tajikistan. He emphasized that the results of the Minister’s visit and participation in the 20th ministerial meeting of representatives of the European Union and Central Asian countries, which is dedicated to preparations for the first summit “Central Asia-European Union”, would contribute to strengthening interstate relations.
During the exchange of views on the current state and prospects of the partnership, both leaders noted with satisfaction that the friendly and good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are long-term and strategic.
The countries cooperate bilaterally and within authoritative regional and international organizations, including the UN, OIC, CIS, SCO, and ECO. The trusting relationship between the leaders of the two states and the regular high-level meetings and negotiations are significant factors in the development of this partnership.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of Turkmenistan’s international legal status of permanent neutrality, the 30th anniversary of which is being celebrated this year. He congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the third Resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. Tajikistan, a co-sponsor of these resolutions, confirmed its readiness to participate in the international events scheduled for this year and to continue supporting Turkmenistan’s constructive initiatives.
The discussion also included trade and economic relations. The leaders discussed the existing opportunities, particularly in implementing major projects in trade, the fuel and energy sector, and transport and communications.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation, especially in education, healthcare, science, and culture, was also a key area of discussion. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the significance of the grand opening of the comprehensive secondary school named after Magtymguly in the Dusti district of the Khatlon region of Tajikistan, as a symbol of friendship. He also emphasized the importance of President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy.
At the end of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the interstate cooperation, based on strong ties of friendship and mutual goodwill, would continue to strengthen, and wished progress and prosperity to the peoples of both countries.
