The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Russia discussed priority issues of Turkmen-Russian cooperation during a telephone conversation today.

According to the State news Agency of Turkmenistan, at the beginning of the conversation, the Turkmen leader cordially congratulated his Russian counterpart on his birthday and wished him good health, prosperity, and new success in all his endeavors and aspirations for the benefit of the people of the friendly state.

The head of Turkmenistan stressed that at present, bilateral relations based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust and strategic partnership are becoming more dynamic and progressive, and they are distinguished by equality and openness.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed His sincere gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for the personal attention and full support provided to the Turkmen-Russian cooperation, which plays a special Role in its success and further development.

Thanking for the congratulations and warm words, the Russian President noted with satisfaction the constructive nature of the interstate dialogue, which is based on the unwavering goodwill of the parties and has a solid multi-faceted potential.

Thus, trade and economic relations show positive dynamics, which is largely facilitated by the activities of the joint intergovernmental Commission.

At the same time, the expediency of encouraging any contacts between various departments and private structures of Turkmenistan and Russia for further expansion of mutually beneficial partnership was noted.

It was also stressed that traditional cooperation in the humanitarian field is actively developing, including in the field of science, education and culture, which is an important factor in bringing the peoples of the two States closer together, strengthening the ties of friendship and mutual understanding between them.

At the same time, there are great opportunities for increasing cooperation in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. As the Turkmen leader noted, our country welcomes the latest achievements of Russian scientists in creating a vaccine against coronavirus infection and looks forward to cooperation with Russia in this area.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that Turkmenistan intends to further strengthen the time-tested interstate political, economic, spiritual and cultural ties. In this context, they expressed confidence that through joint efforts, strategic Turkmen-Russian relations will continue to develop dynamically and deepen for the common good.

During the exchange of views on topical issues of regional and international issues, such an important topic of cooperation as interaction in the format of the five-party political dialogue of the Caspian countries was touched upon. It is worth noting that in August 2018, the leaders of the coastal States agreed to hold the next – sixth Caspian Summit in Turkmenistan.

In this regard, it was emphasized that the foreign ministries have been working on its preparation for two years. A solid package of documents to be signed at the end of the Caspian summit is being Discussed. The expert level also considers the possibility of creating effective practical mechanisms aimed at ensuring the implementation of previously signed agreements.

During the conversation, the Turkmen leader invited his Russian counterpart to visit Turkmenistan at any time convenient for him.

At the end of the telephone conversation, Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Vladimir Putin wished each other good health and success in responsible state activities, and peace and prosperity to the friendly peoples of both countries.