Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 24 April, high-level talks took place between the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The meeting, held at the Congress Center of the Silk Road Samarkand complex, began in a narrow format and was later expanded to include official delegations from both countries.

At the outset of the talks, the Turkmen leader conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The two sides discussed key issues related to further deepening Uzbek-Turkmen ties of friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership. They noted the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, from political dialogue to cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing trade and economic relations. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$1.1 billion, with a goal to raise this figure to US$2 billion in the coming years. Trade houses are operating in both capitals, and cargo transport volumes are growing. A joint border trade zone project, Shavat–Dashoguz, is being implemented.

The two leaders also agreed to hold the third Regional Forum and the Days of Turkmen Culture in Uzbekistan in the historic city of Khiva.

The meeting also covered the agenda of upcoming regional summits, including the “Central Asia Plus” format and the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, which is to be held in Tashkent.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of the upcoming Forum in Ashgabat, being held within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust—an initiative proclaimed by the UN General Assembly at the behest of Turkmenistan.

At the conclusion of the talks, the Uzbek leader presented Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a copy of his book “Pearl of Wisdom”, newly published in the Uzbek language.