According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, during the negotiations with the Turkmen delegation held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergei Lavrov welcomed Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
“You have a very rich programme of the visit: you had meetings with Chairman of the Russian Government Mikhail Mishustin, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government A.L. Overchuk, who is your partner in the Intergovernmental Commission.
“The agenda of the visit proves the richness of our ties. We will be glad to discuss foreign policy coordination, taking into account the initiatives of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov regarding bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia noted.
“We appreciate the attention the President of Turkmenistan pays to the development of the Russian-Turkmen relations. On the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, the Strategic Partnership Agreement that stands as the basis of all our plans and concrete actions was signed in Ashgabat in 2017. In 2020, despite the pandemic, these plans were implemented”.
Speaking about economic cooperation, Sergei Lavrov noted that the trade turnover grew by almost 40%. “This is a great result. The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Promotion of Interregional Cooperation was signed on March 30, 2021 that will allow further enhancing the relevant ties".
“Our friendship and solidarity have proved themselves in the fight against coronavirus infection. We provided each other with help and support. I am convinced that by joint efforts we will be able to overcome the consequences of the pandemic.
“Cultural, humanitarian and educational cooperation stands as a priority for us. This is very important for our citizens. We hope that in 2021 we will be able to organize the days of culture, the week of Russian cinematography in Turkmenistan. The number of Turkmen students studying in Russia increase with every passing year.
“We will do our best so that they can continue their studies, including using the remote format.
In conclusion of his welcoming address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia focused on the upcoming 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, celebrated in 2022. “Just like on occasion of the 25th anniversary, we suggest to draft an action plan, including the exchange of messages, the publication of relevant studies, and round tables. I think it will be supported by our citizens”, Sergei Lavrov underlined.
The effectiveness of cooperation between the foreign-policy agencies of the two countries was emphasized during the talks. The issues of cooperation within the framework of regional and international structures, as well as partnership in the humanitarian sphere were discussed.
Meeting participants exchanged views on the Caspian Sea issues, including preparations for the VI Caspian Summit, scheduled to be held in Turkmenistan.
Upon completion of the meeting, the parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Russian Federation on biological safety issues.
