President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had a telephone conversation with Governor of Astrakhan Region of Russian Federation Alexander Zhilkin. The Head of Russian region warmly congratulated Turkmen leader on coming New Year as well as on the adoption of the UN Resolution on Sustainable Transport initiated by Turkmenistan, having addressed the wishes of peace, happiness and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan. Having expressed the gratitude for the congratulations and warm words, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his turn also congratulated Alexander Zhilkin on coming New Year 2018, having wished him strong health, unexhausted energy and further success in his work. The Head of the State noted traditionally friendly and fruitful relations with Astrakhan region today experienced new raise in all directions of beneficial partnership, having highlighted the importance of the expansion of direct efficient contacts with the regions and leading industrial, educational and cultural centres of Russia. It was mentioned that both sides has common objectives in the expansion of the stock-list of trade turnover, development of tourism including the involvement of Avaza National tourist zone, for instance by organization of cruise trips. Special attention was paid the subjects of expansion of humanitarian relations including in educational sphere and training of maritime industry personnel. Alexander Zhilkin expressed deep gratitude for the construction of school for 240 pupils in Funtovo village, Privolzhskiy area, Astrakhan region by Turkmen side. As is known, this project was initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The construction of the school has been already completed. This educational facility will be Turkmenistan present on 300-year anniversary of Astrakhan region and will have the name of Turkmen poet, the classics of the world literature Magtumguly Fragi. The date of ceremonial opening of new education facility with the participation of Turkmenistan delegations will be coordinated by diplomatic channels. This social project sponsored by Turkmenistan will be the beginning of new stage in cooperation of our nations and will open the ways for spiritual convergence and communication, new humanitarian contacts and join good deeds, the Head of the State said. At the end of the conversation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Alexander Zhilkin reaffirmed the willingness for the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Astrakhan region of Russian Federation. Taking the opportunity, the Head of the State conveyed sincere New Year greetings and wishes of health, prosperity and success to the leaders of Russian Federation and further prosperity to the nation of friendly country.