On October 9, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the second "Central Asia–Russia" Summit as part of a working visit to Tajikistan.
At the beginning of his speech, Berdimuhamedov thanked President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan for the warm welcome and hospitality. The Turkmen leader noted that holding this second meeting between the heads of state of Central Asia and Russia demonstrates the transition of cooperation in this format to a systemic basis.
Identifying joint efforts to strengthen stability and security in Central Asia as the most important area of interstate partnership, President Berdimuhamedov noted that the countries of the region and Russia have accumulated considerable experience in this area. Consultations with representatives of foreign policy and other agencies are held regularly. Their scope is currently expanding, encompassing the coordination of actions to address new challenges and risks, including information and biological security, and ensuring sustainability and social harmony in our countries.
Turkmenistan prioritizes strengthening and energizing economic ties between Central Asia and Russia, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued, noting that in recent years, a number of significant projects involving our countries have been launched.
The transportation component is particularly important today. The goal of joint efforts in this area is to create a reliable, sustainable, and efficient logistics system running through the territories of Central Asian states and Russia.
Emphasizing the importance of energy partnership, President Berdimuhamedov noted that special attention is being paid to the electric power industry. In this context, the head of Turkmenistan proposed considering the alignment of interests in electricity supplies within the Summit participating states, as well as to neighboring countries and regions, primarily in the southern region.
"We also expect closer cooperation in the use of renewable energy. I am confident that we have much to offer each other based on our shared experience, new competencies, and scientific and technological achievements," said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Turkmenistan also advocated accelerating and refining partnerships in innovation, the head of state continued, emphasizing the importance of this aspect for domestic development and international competition.
Concluding his speech, President Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's readiness for cooperation and his conviction in the importance, necessity, and great potential of the "Central Asia–Russia" format of interaction.
