President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Mansour Muhtar who arrived in turkmenistan for the participation in the ceremonies. Having expressed the gratitude for the opportunity of personal meeting, the guest congratulated the Head of the State on coming remarkable events – the launch of construction of new facilities of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas main, power and fibre optic lines Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan as well as the opening of Serhetabat – Turgundy railway. Having noted that the IDB is proud of the business partnership with our country in realization of important projects, Mansour Muhtar highlighted the significance of future gas main TAPI as a guarantor of further economic development of many countries and nations of Asian region and growth of the social wealth. Having expressed the gratitude for the support of the realization of this large-scale project by the Islamic Development Bank as well as for accepted invitation to participate in current events, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov briefly told to the guest why Mary was chosen for the events. In different historical periods, the city was referred to as Merv or Maru-Shahu-Jahan. One of the world civilizations appeared in this lands; the states prospered there in ancient times and the Middle Ages and Merv was outstanding centre of science and culture of entire East. This is indicated by archaeological monuments preserved next to modern Mary. In our days, this area is also famous by the largest land gas deposit on the planet – the Galkynysh Field, which is on the second place in the world by the volume of reserves in the list of all deposits on the planet including offshore ones. The Head of the State highly appreciated the activity of the IDB, achieved level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and this competent international financial institution and its deserving contribution to TAPI project as well as other important joint projects. It includes the railway Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran. Regular cargo traffic has been already arranged on this and other railroads and test trains from China to Iran have went along this route. Realization of another large-scale project with the IDB participation – the construction of TAPI gas pipeline, would be the guarantee of long-term cooperation, consolidation of peace and stability in the region, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, having highlighted that Turkmenistan is a supporter of strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank. Having noted that this is a mission of honour for him to participate in such historical events occurring these days in the lands of legendary Merv, Mansour Muhtar again expressed the gratitude for the invitation and stated the presence of great potential for the expansion of the relations. On behalf of Dr. Bandar Al Hajar, the President of the IDB, the guest conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Turkmen leader. Exchange of the opinions on the opportunities of beneficial partnership especially in the sphere of financing of promising programmes of regional importance took place during the meeting.