The Oguzhan Palace in Ashgabat hosted Turkmen-Kyrgyz summit talks. Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Sooronbay Jeenbekov first met one-on-one, then the talks continued in expanded format, with the members of the official delegations of the two countries. As mentioned during talks, both countries understand the importance of bilateral cooperation in the regional and international context. Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan pursue firm and clearly articulated approaches towards maintaining peace and security, counteracting challenges and threats, enhancing stability in Central Asia and contiguous regions. The sides defined as fruitful their cooperation within reputable international organizations: the UN, OSCE, OIC, CIS and others. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the Government of Kyrgyzstan for supporting our country’s candidacy at nominations for the UN elective bodies. Turkmenistan also supports Kyrgyzstan’s constructive proposals and initiatives in international structures. Such practice will be continued as it has proved its usefulness and conformity with mutual interests, said the Turkmen leader. It was also stated that the close Turkmen-Kyrgyz cooperation acts as a real and important factor of stability and development in Central Asia, with a positive impact on the situation in the region, promoting its active integration into the global economic space. Discussing various aspects of the regional agenda, we confirm our commitment to the closer and systematic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia in pentalateral format, said the President of Turkmenistan. Several years ago, it was Turkmenistan that officially raised the issue of feasibility of establishing a new format of political interaction in the Central Asian region. A three-step mode of cooperation including preparatory expert meetings, consultations between foreign ministers and summits of heads of Central Asian states was suggested. If such practice establishes itself as positive, we may consider founding the Advisory Council of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the future. According to the Turkmen leader, such form of regional dialog will enable effective and focused resolution of all arising issues, providing the necessary political platform and clear orientations for executive work. Dwelling on the situation in the region, the sides brought into focus the situation in Afghanistan. It is obvious today, that a military solution to the Afghan problem does not exist, and the need for a UN-led nationwide dialog with all responsible parties is unquestionable, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and reiterated our country’s commitment to provide necessary assistance. Turkmenistan also speaks in favor of broader targeted international economic assistance for Afghanistan, primarily through the country’s involvement in major infrastructure projects in energy and transport. The construction of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, laying of power lines and fiber-optic communication channels along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route, construction of railways from Turkmenistan towards Afghanistan are examples of that.