Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan talk prospects for trade, economic co-op

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan Akmaljon Kuchkarov, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views on the development of trade and economic cooperation took place during the meeting. The parties noted the role of the joint commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

A range of issues related to the development of bilateral relations was reviewed and the consistent strengthening of cooperation between the two countries was noted, the source said.

The sides noted the importance of intensifying the political dialogue based on the principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect, Meredov said.

Bilateral relations of the two neighboring countries have noticeably intensified in recent years. According to the Uzbek side, the total volume of trade increased from $177 million in 2017 to $302 million in 2018.

The two countries signed contracts and memorandums providing for joint projects worth over $250 million in April 2018.

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which have impressive hydrocarbon reserves, are in favor of diversifying energy flows. A good example is the implementation of the project for building the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline, which was commissioned in 2009.

Ashgabat is ready to intensify cooperation as part of the project on the supply of electricity from Central Asia to South Asia, along the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route.

At this stage, a project on the creation of an Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman transport route is also being discussed. This will significantly increase international transit freight traffic and provide a new communication corridor to global markets.