Today the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Governor of the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation, Igor Babushkin, who arrived in our country at the head of the Caspian Sea of Friendship motor rally.

Noting the relevance and demand of the activation and development of regional cooperation, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the Governor of the Astrakhan region a successful motorcycle race and the achievement of all the tasks set in making an important contribution to strengthening fruitful cooperation in the Caspian region.

Expressing gratitude for the good wishes, Igor Babushkin stressed that this international project is aimed at strengthening good neighborly relations with the Caspian countries, developing economic, cultural and educational ties, which is an important mission of the Astrakhan region as a border region of the Russian Federation.

In this context, it was emphasized that the initiative to hold a motorcycle race around the Caspian Sea back in 2021 was supported by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Today, traditionally friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, based on the principles of strategic partnership, long-standing ties of good neighborliness, trust and mutual understanding, are successfully developing in a wide range of areas, the head of state stated. This confirms the commitment of our country to the comprehensive strengthening of interstate dialogue with the regions of the Russian Federation. In this context, it was noted that there are great opportunities for developing a mutually beneficial partnership with the Astrakhan region, including in the trade and economic sphere.

During the meeting, interest was noted in expanding the range of goods in mutual trade turnover, establishing closer contacts between representatives of business circles.

The parties also noted that in the future, the maximum realization of the potential of the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi will be in high demand. In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the feasibility of opening a regular shipping line between the port of Turkmenbashi and the ports of the Astrakhan region, emphasizing that the Turkmen side is ready to consider constructive proposals to expand cooperation in various areas, taking into account the existing prospects.

Particular emphasis was placed on the availability of wide opportunities for cooperation in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

The subject of discussion was also the further development of traditional humanitarian contacts through education, science and culture, as well as tourism.

At the end of the meeting, having expressed confidence that traditionally friendly, good-neighborly interstate relations would continue to develop dynamically, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed warm words of greeting and best wishes to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.