​President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has left on a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the second meeting of the heads of Central Asian states with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Astana.

By successfully implementing the peacekeeping foreign policy strategy launched by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, and worthily continued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, neutral Turkmenistan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to constructive international dialogue that contributes to solving important tasks of global development and building trust-based cooperation in the common interests.

The participation of the Turkmen side in the current high–level meeting "Central Asia-Germany", the agenda of which covers a wide range of topical issues of our time, was another confirmation of this.

As you know, the first Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Germany in the 5+1 format, held in Berlin in September 2023, marked the beginning of close cooperation in this format, where five Central Asian countries expressed their readiness to establish a strategic partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany in the interests of peace and sustainable development.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who took part in that historic meeting, who stood at the origins of Turkmen-German cooperation, stressed that Turkmenistan welcomes the initiative to create a new multilateral format and is ready to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

As you know, today Germany is one of the main economic partners of Turkmenistan in Europe, as clearly evidenced by the established fruitful contacts with the largest German companies, business meetings and business forums held on a regular basis, the effective activities of the Joint Turkmen-German Working Group, etc.

World-famous companies from Germany, which were among the first to start exploring the promising Turkmen market, have been making a significant contribution to strengthening the Turkmen economy for many years through the implementation of joint projects in various fields.

However, healthcare has been and remains the flagship of interstate cooperation. It was Arkadag, the Hero who oversaw this socially significant area for many years, who laid the foundations for a long-term successful Turkmen-German partnership based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.

As part of the implementation of the multidimensional Saglyk State Program, super-modern scientific and clinical centers and medical institutions equipped with the latest technology have been built in Turkmenistan, a significant part of the advanced equipment of which is manufactured in Germany, a country that is rightfully a world leader in this field.

The Turkmen-German Forum on Healthcare is also successfully operating, close cooperation has been established with German partners in such important areas as the pharmaceutical industry, training of scientific personnel and highly qualified specialists, telemedicine, thanks to which new opportunities have been opened for studying advanced techniques and sharing experience with the world's leading experts in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

In general, all these years, the interstate dialogue has been actively developing and embracing all new directions, which is largely served by the summit meetings held both on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including in the Central Asia–Germany format.

There is no doubt that the next, already the second meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia with the Federal Chancellor of Germany will give a new powerful impetus to the strengthening of traditional political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between Germany and the countries of the region, will determine concrete steps to deepen partnership in the most promising areas, and will also contribute to the consolidation of efforts to ensure peace, stability and universal security.

The head of state was escorted by officials at the Ashgabat International Airport.

After flying to Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the presidential airliner landed at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, where the National flags of the countries participating in the Central Asia-Germany Summit were raised on flagpoles.

Prime Minister of the friendly neighboring State Olzhas Bektenov and other officials, as well as members of the government delegation of our country, warmly and cordially welcomed the distinguished guest at the plane ramp.

Soldiers of the Guard of Honor lined up on both sides of the carpet.

According to the established good tradition of hospitality, the head of Turkmenistan was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

From the air harbor, the motorcade of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov headed to the venue of the high–level meeting - the Palace of Independence.

In the foyer of the Palace, the Head of the Turkmen state was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

After the traditional ceremony of joint photographing against the background of the National flags of the countries participating in the Central Asia-Germany meeting, the heads of delegations were invited to the meeting room.

The Summit, chaired by the Head of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was also attended by German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude for the participation and support of regional cooperation. It was emphasized that the regular and confidential nature of the dialogue at the highest level is regarded as evidence of the interest and desire of the Central Asian States and Germany for the comprehensive development of regional strategic partnership.

– Our meeting is designed not only to summarize the results of joint work, but also to outline new ways to further deepen cooperation. I am sure that constructive discussions will lead to concrete solutions that will benefit all our countries," the Kazakh leader said, giving the floor to German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the heads of state of Central Asia.

Addressing the audience, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, first of all, expressed gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan for the hospitality and excellent working conditions.

–Today's meeting is a significant event, indicating that all participants understand the importance of developing relations, are ready to provide them with comprehensive state support, and strive to bring together strong partnership mechanisms," the head of state said, expressing confidence that the results of this Summit will mark a new important stage in strengthening our ties and reaching mutual understanding, reaching concrete agreements.

Describing in general the course and content of relations between the Central Asian states and Germany, especially in recent years, as consistent and constructive, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that experience and traditions of cooperation have been accumulated, mutually beneficial business partnerships have been established mainly at the bilateral level, intergovernmental channels of interaction in a number of areas are working.

As it was emphasized, Turkmenistan highlights the achievement and maintenance of regional peace, security and stability among the most important tasks of joint work.

"We believe that in the current conditions, closer political and diplomatic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Germany can have a noticeable constructive impact on the overall situation in the region and adjacent zones," President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, pointing to the need to involve the efforts of the world community in this, primarily through the United Nations, Based on the common thoughts of the leaders of our countries, we see Central Asia as a peaceful, calm, economically attractive region, a space of stability and predictability.

– For Turkmenistan, as a neutral, peace-loving state, this approach is of fundamental importance. And we are ready to provide comprehensive assistance to achieve this goal, including in the current format," the head of state said, pointing out the expediency in this regard to strengthen diplomatic contacts between the Central Asian states and Germany, placing special emphasis on such topics as the fight against international terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cross–border crime.

"We believe it is reasonable and useful to jointly determine the algorithms for working in these areas and in an international format, primarily with the UN and its relevant bodies," the head of state stressed.

Among the key issues of peace and security in the region, the President of Turkmenistan named the situation in Afghanistan, stressing that our assessment of the situation in this country is based on the fact that today the Afghan people have a chance and real opportunities to overcome a difficult long-term period and transition to creative, nationwide activities to restore state institutions, the economy and the social sphere, the achievement and affirmation of peace, harmony, unity.

The priority of cooperation between the Central Asian states and the Federal Republic of Germany, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the economy, which is designed to become the locomotive of our relations, to ensure strong and stable positions of German business in the countries of the region on the one hand, and on the other – the speedy and effective integration of Central Asia into global economic and investment processes, including through ties with German companies.

Source: State news agency