TASHKENT, Aug 5 (Alliance News): President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Turkmenistan’s National Leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in the port city of Turkmenbashi, marking another step toward bolstering bilateral ties and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), a major international forum addressing developmental challenges faced by nations without direct access to seaports.
President Mirziyoyev extended heartfelt congratulations to Berdimuhamedov on the successful organization of the global conference, which underscored vital themes such as sustainable development, regional connectivity, and inclusive economic growth for landlocked nations.
During their discussion, both leaders revisited the commitments made during their previous high-level meeting in Samarkand in April.
The two sides expressed deep satisfaction with the growing momentum of their strategic partnership, which continues to evolve based on long-standing principles of mutual respect, good neighborliness, and shared interests.
According to official sources, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has already reached $600 million in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong bilateral economic engagement.
Both sides welcomed this progress and emphasized the need to further accelerate cooperation across key sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, water resource management, and cross-border transportation.
One of the most significant developments in economic integration is the establishment of the joint border trade zone “Shavat – Dashoguz.”
This project aims to facilitate easier and more structured trade between the two countries, serving as a logistical hub and enhancing interregional economic connectivity. The leaders noted that both countries are actively working to operationalize the zone and expand trade infrastructure to support growing commercial flows.
In addition to economic cooperation, both nations are strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Active interregional exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy, and collaborative cultural events are helping to build deeper understanding between the citizens of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The leaders also expressed mutual appreciation for educational, scientific, and artistic cooperation that has enriched the bilateral relationship.
In the lead-up to forthcoming high-level meetings between the two governments, a series of significant events are being planned, including sessions of the intergovernmental commissions, a Business Council meeting, and a Regional Forum.
These gatherings will be complemented by cultural exhibitions and joint programs designed to celebrate the shared heritage and foster continued goodwill.
A major focus of the meeting was the agenda of the ongoing UN LLDCs Conference and the upcoming Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
The latter is scheduled to take place in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, this autumn and is expected to be a critical forum for discussing regional stability, economic integration, and cooperative responses to shared environmental and security challenges.
President Mirziyoyev and Chairman Berdimuhamedov engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views regarding both multilateral and bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among Central Asian states in navigating global uncertainties.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to developing practical solutions to overcome the geographic disadvantages of landlocked countries and enhance infrastructure development, transit corridors, and digital connectivity in the region.
This latest meeting is part of a broader trend of increasing diplomatic engagement and economic collaboration among Central Asian republics. Under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has significantly expanded its regional diplomacy, advocating for open borders, economic integration, and mutual cooperation.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan, traditionally known for its policy of neutrality, has also become more active in multilateral initiatives aimed at enhancing regional prosperity.
Both leaders concluded the meeting with a reaffirmation of their shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and interconnected Central Asia. They pledged to maintain the high tempo of interaction and implement previously agreed-upon projects and initiatives with dedication and speed.
The positive tone and strategic direction of the meeting suggest a continued deepening of the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan partnership in the years to come, with direct benefits not only for the two countries but also for the entire region.
With both governments aligned on major goals—regional integration, improved logistics, and sustainable development—the prospects for long-term collaboration remain strong.
