The state and prospects of the Turkmen-Austrian partnership were discussed today by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Michael Linhart, who arrived in Ashgabat as part of his tour of Central Asian countries.

According to the information program “Vatan” of the Turkmen television, during the meeting it was stated that there are great opportunities for diversification of effective cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. An important role is assigned to the activities of the Turkmen-Austrian joint Commission, as well as close contacts between business circles.

It was noted that representatives of Austrian and European businesses in general are striving to strengthen their presence in the promising Turkmen market, where a favorable investment climate has been created. This is clearly evidenced by the representative composition of the delegation accompanying the head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry during his visit to our country.

In this context, promising areas of partnership are the industrial sector, energy, transport, and other sectors of the economy.

At the same time, it was emphasized that the cultural and humanitarian sphere is an integral component of interstate relations. Illustrative examples of cooperation in this area are the active activities of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, which has an Internet site and publishes the “Galkynysh” magazine, cross-cultural Days regularly held in Ashgabat and Vienna, performances of the “Galkynysh” joint Symphony Orchestra, Viennese balls in the Turkmen capital, as well as other creative events.

As noted, such events and projects serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and peoples. Great importance is also attached to the deepening of cooperation in the fields of science and education, the introduction of innovations and advanced technologies.

During the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan and the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria spoke in favor of further strengthening the traditional political and diplomatic dialogue, continuing the practice of regular consultations between foreign ministries.

At the same time, the commitment of the two states to constructive partnership within the framework of reputable international organizations, coordination of efforts to ensure security and stability in the regional and global dimensions was confirmed.

The meeting was also attended by the head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society Neda Berger.

Michael Linhart assumed the duties of the Austrian Foreign Minister in early October. Prior to his trip to Turkmenistan, he visited Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as part of his tour.