On January 4-5, the working visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the United Arab Emirates was held. On the first day of the visit, the head of the highest body of people's power of Turkmenistan was in Abu Dhabi, and on the second day he went to Dubai.
Documents signed during the visit:
- Memorandum of understanding between the state concern “Turkmengas” and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The purpose of the document is to attract strategic partners for the development of Stage III of the Galkynysh field and their possible participation in the implementation of energy projects related to the construction of gas pipeline infrastructure intended for the supply of Turkmen natural gas to the countries of the region and other states;
- Memorandum of cooperation between the state concern “Turkmengas” and ADNOC. The purpose of the document is to ensure the study of the potential opportunities for scientific, technical and economic mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere;
- Agreement on cooperation between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and First Abu Dhabi Bank;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the state concern “Turkmenneft” and the company Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd.;
- Memorandum of understanding between the “Turkmenhowayollary” Agency and Dubai Aviation Corporation.
High-level negotiations
The parties noted with satisfaction the productive nature of long-term bilateral cooperation and expressed their intention to develop close and mutually beneficial relations.
It was especially emphasized that the UAE is a reliable economic partner of Turkmenistan. Successful cooperation was noted in such areas as energy, transport, industry and high technology.
During the meeting, agreements were reached to further strengthen cooperation, including in the fields of science, culture and sports.
At the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Turkmenistan at any time convenient for him.
Meetings with UAE business representatives
While in Dubai, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dragon Oil, Syed Al Tayer.
The parties noted the long-term fruitful cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UAE, including within the framework of international organizations. The readiness to continue joint work on the implementation of large energy projects, including the construction of gas pipelines for the export of Turkmen hydrocarbons, was confirmed.
The activities of the Dragon Oil company in Turkmenistan for more than 20 years were especially noted. As a result of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the “Turkmenneft” state concern and Dragon Oil (Turkmenistan) Ltd.
Next, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the commercial director of “Dubai Aviation Corporation” (Flydubai) Hamad Obaidullah.
The parties confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in the transport sector. It was noted that since 2010, air communication has been established between Turkmenistan and the UAE, in particular, regular flights Ashgabat - Dubai - Ashgabat are operated.
The prospects for further partnership with Flydubai were discussed, including increasing the number of flights and cooperation in training aviation personnel. As a result of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the “Turkmenhowayollary” Agency and Dubai Aviation Corporation.
Meetings with officials
At Abu Dhabi International Airport, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was met by UAE Minister of Energy Suhail Al Mazrouei and other officials.
Then a meeting was held with the representative of the UAE President for Affairs with Turkmenistan Mohamed Said Mohamed Al-Ariki. During the negotiations, trade and economic, banking and financial, and fuel and energy areas of cooperation were identified as priorities.
Meeting with members of the Government
While in the UAE, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting with the participation of some members of the Turkmen Government.
The meeting discussed issues of further strengthening ties in the transport sector and using the transit potential of Turkmenistan, located at the intersection of key trade routes. It was noted that flights between Ashgabat and Dubai have already been established, and flights to Abu Dhabi will also resume.
In addition, the development of investment partnerships of Turkmenistan with foreign countries was emphasized. In particular, the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan actively cooperates with leading financial institutions of the UAE.
