The opening ceremony of the II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum and the National Exhibition of Uzbek Goods took place in the "Türkmeniň ak öýi" building, located in the administrative center of Lebap velayat, the city of Turkmenabat.

The event, enriched by the performances of musical and song ensembles, was attended by leaders and representatives of ministries and departments, regional administrations, public organizations, media representatives of Turkmenistan, and members of the delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Expanding cooperation with Central Asian countries based on the principle of good neighborliness is among the priorities of the foreign policy strategy successfully pursued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Special attention is paid to relations with the Republic of Uzbekistan, which are built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. The steadily growing interaction between the regions of the two countries is clearly evidenced by the II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum and the National Exhibition of Uzbek Goods.

Trade and economic partnership occupies a special place within the multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. This partnership also shows active dynamics in the fuel and energy sector, agriculture, culture, science, and education, fostering the convergence and strengthening of the centuries-old ties of friendship between the two brotherly peoples.

Today, cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan is gaining new momentum thanks to the targeted efforts of the leaders of the two states. This is clearly reflected in the successful implementation of agreements reached during mutual high-level visits.

Forum participants explored the Uzbek-made goods displayed at the exhibition.

As highlighted at the exhibition's opening ceremony, the event fully demonstrates the progress in enhancing relations between the regions of the two countries in various fields. Both countries are currently significantly strengthening cooperation in priority areas of socio-economic development and their respective national interests. Achievements in implementing major joint projects were noted in this context.

The exhibition showcases products and services from major state structures and private companies of Uzbekistan, reflecting the interest of Uzbek manufacturers in long-term interaction with Turkmen partners.

The exhibition area includes pavilions of companies engaged in mining, metallurgy, oil and gas, energy, chemical industries, engineering, the production of construction materials, household appliances, food products, medical supplies, and trade.

This exhibition plays a crucial role in expanding bilateral business partnerships, increasing the volume of mutual trade, and establishing new contacts with companies and investors. Additionally, it will significantly expand and establish direct communication lines between business communities of the two countries.

In the afternoon, meetings were held between business representatives of the two friendly states.

It was noted that the priorities of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation include enhancing business contacts, creating joint ventures, and exchanging practical knowledge in applying modern technological developments and creating an innovative economy.

It was emphasized that ongoing reforms, the immense economic and export potential of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, both of which possess vast natural resources, open prospects for constructive dialogue development in various fields. The event highlighted these aspects in the context of strengthening bilateral partnerships.

The forum's work continued in a "round table" format.

At the conference titled "Developing Cooperation in Trade: Creating Favorable Conditions and Supporting Entrepreneurship," Uzbekistan was identified as a key economic partner for Turkmenistan. Promising areas of cooperation mentioned include the agricultural sector, energy, chemical and petrochemical industries, engineering, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors. The vast opportunities for bilateral business contacts were emphasized in this context.

During the conference "Cooperation in the Cultural and Humanitarian Sphere: Sharing Experiences in Cultural and Humanitarian Areas, Interaction in Science and Education, and Prospects for Developing the Tourism Industry," partnership-related topics were discussed.

Humanitarian cooperation, rooted in the spiritual and cultural values traditionally uniting the two peoples, serves as a key factor in the accelerated development of interstate relations, which have gained steady momentum in recent years. Positive experience has been accumulated in this area, significantly strengthening bilateral dialogue.

On the same day, a joint concert of art masters from Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan took place at the State Music and Drama Theater of Lebap velayat, named after Seyitnazar Seydi.

The II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum and the National Exhibition of Uzbek Goods continue their work.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan