Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The first state visit to Uzbekistan of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which is taking place these days at the highest level, is a clear evidence of the further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two fraternal countries and will undoubtedly open a new chapter in the history of the Uzbek-Turkmen multifaceted relations.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan today can be safely called the standard of interstate relations and real strategic partnership, which, becoming a vivid example, make a worthy contribution to strengthening the bonds of good neighborliness in the Central Asian region.

It should be noted that the solid foundation of the highest level of Uzbek-Turkmen relations was laid by the leaders of the two countries Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The new President of Turkmenistan adequately continues this trend.

The stable dynamics of bilateral relations, set by the heads of state, are eloquently reflected by intensive contacts at the highest and high levels, the agreements reached and, most importantly, their practical implementation.

Tashkent and Ashgabat, as reliable partners, are actively cooperating on foreign policy platforms. Countries support each other’s initiatives within the framework of various international and regional organizations.

Separately, it is necessary to note the good trend in the development of trade and economic cooperation. Last year, trade between our countries grew by almost 70%, approaching one billion US dollars. Such indicators in the mutual trade turnover have never been observed before.

It is planned to implement projects for the assembly of cars, household appliances, the production of building materials based on Turkmen raw materials, the organization of joint production of textile, pharmaceutical and leather products, and much more.

The regions are active. On the eve of the state visit of Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan, the city of Bukhara hosted the participants of the first Forum of Regions and the Business Council. An exhibition of industrial goods was held. Agreements and firm contracts worth almost half a billion US dollars have been signed.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues is functioning fruitfully. Thanks to its activities, there are practically no issues in the water sector today.

Most experts define the historic Agreement signed during the visit as a significant event on the use of water resources of the Amudarya River.

This agreement defines all areas of interaction between the two countries related to the transboundary river.

An important area is cooperation in the transport and logistics sector with Turkmenistan, which is located at the crossroads of the North-South and East-West transcontinental corridors.

Closer cooperation with a neighboring country in this area can help expand the possibilities of multimodal transit cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian route, using the potential of the port of Turkmenbashi.

The issues of developing cultural and humanitarian ties are traditionally at the center of the entire spectrum of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation, since the fraternal relations of our peoples are based on deep historical and family ties, common religion, language, customs and traditions.

The current meeting of the heads of our states was no exception in this matter. The presidents agreed to strengthen the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations.

First of all, the leaders of the countries noted the need for active development of scientific and academic exchanges, support for programs in the field of innovation.

We decided to continue to hold the Days of Culture and Cinema of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a reciprocal basis, to promote joint projects in the field of tourism. To do this, use the conditions created in our countries and the rich experience of holding festivals, concerts and forums.

In general, relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are characterized by a growing intensification in all areas of cooperation, primarily in industrial cooperation, trade, transport and energy. To achieve these goals, our states have a huge potential.

The desire of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two fraternal countries, of course, meets the interests of the Uzbek and Turkmen peoples, serves to maintain peace and stability in the region, and is a good example that affects the sustainable development of the entire Central Asian region.

Zafar Nurmatov

Head of Department, International Institute of Central Asia