On November 27, at the International Airport of the capital, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who arrived in our country to participate in the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization.

The presidents of the two countries were photographed against the background of the State flags of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan.

After exchanging warm greetings, the heads of friendly states expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to meet again and in a personal conversation to discuss the prospects for bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of international organizations.

The Tajik leader thanked the head of the Turkmen state for the invitation to visit Ashgabat to participate in the ECO Summit, for the hospitality and warm welcome, and for the excellent organization of this important event under the chairmanship of Turkmenistan.

In this regard, the leader of the friendly country stressed that the results of the Summit will serve as a significant contribution to strengthening regional and international cooperation for the benefit of further progress and prosperity of the region.

Having exchanged views on the state and prospects of the Turkmen-Tajik dialogue in the context of the impressive potential and plans for the future, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Emomali Rahmon reaffirmed the parties' commitment to further strengthening a productive partnership that meets both mutual interests and prosperity goals in both regional and global dimensions.

Great importance in the Turkmen-Tajik political dialogue is attached to close interaction within the framework of such authoritative international and regional structures as the United Nations Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation.

Having identified the trade and economic sector as one of the key areas of cooperation, the leaders of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan noted the present impressive potential for building up productive contacts in this area and increasing the volume of bilateral trade.

Favorable prospects for this are opening up in connection with the comprehensive reforms being implemented in Turkmenistan aimed at industrializing the national economy, radically modernizing the relevant infrastructure, creating new high-tech industries focused on producing a wide range of high-quality competitive products.

It was emphasized that the priority of cooperation between the two states today lies in the transport and energy sectors. A significant role in this is assigned to the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Tajik Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which is designed to promote the intensification of the foreign economic dialogue between the two countries.

The heads of state also spoke for further development of contacts in the humanitarian sphere, strengthening scientific, educational and cultural ties, the creation of favorable conditions for establishing broad contacts between creative and scientific figures.

Taking this opportunity, President Emomali Rahmon invited President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to visit Tajikistan at any time convenient for him. The invitation was accepted with gratitude. The dates of the visit will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

At the end of the meeting, the interlocutors addressed wishes of peace, well-being and prosperity to the peoples of the two countries.

After singing the anthems of the two states, the head of Tajikistan departed for the residence allotted to him.