On February 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a videoconference meeting with Secretary General of the Road Transport Union (IRU) Umberto de Pretto.

The meeting focused on a broad spectrum of issues of cooperation aimed at developing transport transit corridors through enhanced logistics and digitization. The sides emphasized the importance of the First Global Sustainable Transport Conference held in Ashgabat in 2016 on the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Umberto de Pretto has noted that the IRU applauds Turkmenistan’s massive efforts not only to build well-developed modern infrastructure but also to ensure its more effective operation by adhering to international conventions and agreements.

Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, the parties explored the possibilities of working together to implement President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s initiatives seeking to ensure stable international transport operations during the emergency period.

The IRU Secretary General expressed his commitment to cooperation with Turkmenistan in making the best use of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor as well as the North-South and East-West Transport Corridors.

The parties also considered preparations for the International Ministerial Transport Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries to be held in Turkmenistan in 2021.